A day of restorative luxury at Shou Sugi Ban House
By Kristen Oliveri
On a crisp fall morning, my friend and I arrived at Shou Sugi Ban House, tucked quietly away in the Hamptons in Water Mill, Long Island, a sanctuary of calm where wellness is approached not as a treatment, but as a philosophy. We came to celebrate a milestone in her life, and from the moment we stepped onto the grounds, it was clear this was no ordinary spa day.
Our experience began in the hydrotherapy and thermal suite, a serene circuit that alternated between warmth and coolness, stillness and movement. We floated between the plunge pools, eucalyptus steam room, and the dry and infrared saunas, feeling layers of tension melt away. By the time we reached our massage therapy session, my body was ready to surrender. My specialist, gifted and intuitive, seemed to understand exactly what my body needed.
Afterward, we were gently encouraged to dine in our robes, a liberating gesture that underscored the spa’s seamless blend of comfort and refinement. The culinary offerings, curated by the in-house team and inspired by a philosophy of sustainability and seasonality, mirrored the serenity of the space.
We sipped herbal tea while savoring nourishing noodle bowls and the unforgettable nori egg salad on sourdough, a dish that delivered pure umami joy. Though we intended to keep the day light and detoxifying, a chilled glass of rosé found its way to our table because some moments are simply meant to be toasted.
Beyond the spa’s physical beauty lies a deeper purpose. Shou Sugi Ban House is built upon principles of community and stewardship. The team partners with local cultural institutions such as the Parrish Art Museum and The Watermill Center, and actively participates in sustainability efforts through beach and trail cleanups. It also supports nearby farms that share its commitment to organic, ethical practices, ensuring every ingredient, every leaf of greens, and every piece of fruit is part of a larger ecosystem of care.
The chef’s table: A culinary journey awaits
This season, the property invites guests to an intimate dining experience at The Chef’s Table, where food becomes both art and meditation. On November 7 and 8, Chef Priyanka Naik, a celebrated plant-based innovator, will lead a multi-course tasting that transforms dinner into something elemental. Each menu is unique, shaped by the land, the moment, and the chef behind the counter.
As we left, the crisp air felt a little softer. The day was more than a retreat; it was a reconnection. At Shou Sugi Ban House, everything from the architecture to the food to the faint scent of cedar in the air, invites you to return to what truly matters: presence, balance, and gratitude.
(It’s important to note that the culinary program is reserved exclusively for overnight guests or day visitors who have booked spa, wellness or services.)