Sometimes, the best getaway is the one you don’t have to board a plane for. No packing stress, no airport chaos, just pure, uninterrupted bliss. I live in the Hamptons, less than two miles from Shou Sugi Ban House, a 13-room luxury destination spa retreat set on five serene acres tucked behind a private gate in Water Mill. I cruise past “SSBH” all the time on my way into Southampton Village, but on this particular morning I pulled in — and just like that, the course of my day, and my entire mindset, shifted. What started as a quick escape became the perfect reset, a way to shake off the lingering chill of winter and open my mind to the welcome transition into spring. It was exactly what I didn’t know I needed…a staycation. Check out my vlog HERE.

Arrival: Stepping Into Zen

From the moment I passed through the gates, I felt any stress start to melt. One of the most enchanting aspects of SSBH is its thoughtfully designed landscape — a full sensory experience crafted by Lily Kwong. It’s a true sanctuary surrounded by towering cypress, swaying grasses, winding pathways, reflective pools, and a peaceful, enveloping quiet that makes you feel instantly relaxed. You can hear the wind rustling through the trees, the occasional chirp of a bird, and nothing else. Time slows down in the best way possible and you are transported into an entirely different realm of calm where the outside buzz of the Hamptons simply does not exist.

Serenity By Design: A Masterclass In Minimalism

The architectural design of the property is a perfect blend of Japanese Zen aesthetics and Scandinavian sensibility — that perfectly hushed, meditative atmosphere that makes you want to whisper, even when no one’s around. Stepping into my minimalist guest studio felt like exhaling a deep breath. The space is designed with a tranquil “stone and biscuit” color palette with wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and organic fabrics and materials. Every detail is intentional, from the artisan-crafted furniture to the private garden patio. And waiting for me in the bathroom? A stunning cedar Hinoki soaking tub, a serene invitation that I knew I would take full advantage of later.

Magic Morning:  A Sacred Sound Journey

First up, I entered the Healing Arts Barn for a Sacred Sound Journey, an immersive session which weaves together tuning forks, gongs, and Himalayan crystal bowls, creating a vibrational frequency that moves throughout your body.  It was the kind of relaxation where you stop keeping track of time, and before I knew it, I had dozed off for a bit (a bonus, really). When the session ended, I felt lighter, clearer, and recalibrated. If you visit Shou Sugi Ban House, this is definitely something worth experiencing.

Afternoon Delight: The Hydrotherapy and Thermal Suite Ritual

Next was the hydrotherapy and thermal suite ritual. This experience is a full sensory journey designed to detoxify, invigorate, and simply chill out. It starts with a warm infrared sauna, followed by a dry sauna, and eucalyptus steam room that breathing in pure wellness. Then comes the water circuit: plunge pools (yes, a COLD plunge), followed by an immediate jump into a warm plunge, then a hot jacuzzi that feels like a hug.

Evening: Fireside, Wine, and the Perfect Pairing

Post-hydrotherapy, I made my way back to my room to cozy up by the fire. No screens, no distractions, just the glow of the flames and the kind of peaceful stillness that’s hard to come by in everyday life. Eventually, I wandered over to the main barn, where my husband, Dr. Kot, met me for a fireside dinner which is not just a meal, it’s an experience. The plant-forward menu, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Mads Refslund is beautifully prepared, flavorful, and deeply nourishing — proof that healthy food can also be equally indulgent. The curated wine selection is all biodynamic, organic, and natural, making every sip as intentional as the meal itself.  

A stroll by the glowing fire pit back to my studio led me to my final indulgence, a long soak in that beautiful Hinoki cedar tub was calling my name…

The Beauty of a Staycation: 

I woke from a deep sleep to soft morning light filtering through the windows. Breakfast was a beautifully prepared spread of homemade porridge, granola, jams, and farm fresh eggs — a reminder that simplicity, when done right, is the ultimate indulgence. As I stepped out into the crisp Water Mill air for my five minute drive home, I felt refreshed, re-centered, and completely recharged. That’s the magic of Shou Sugi Ban House. One night, one spa day, and suddenly life feels a little lighter.

Location: 337 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
For a list of NEW 2025 offerings visit HERE or more information visit shousugibanhouse.com