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It's True, Montauk's Liars' Has a New Owner

Sam Gershowitz, an UpIsland recycling magnate who owns the Star Island Yacht Club in Montauk, is the new owner of Liars' Saloon and the Offshore Sports Marina at 408 West Lake Drive in Montauk.

Alexander Gershowitz, his grandson, confirmed in a call Tuesday evening that the purchase had taken place "recently, within the last few weeks," but couldn't say what his grandfather had paid for the Lake Montauk property.

Speculation had been swirling for months over the fate of the beloved locals' dive bar, famous for its dollar drafts, delicious mudslides, epic karaoke nights, and a diverse clientele of fishermen, surfers, and vacationers of all stripes.

Liars' had been reported sold, perhaps for as much as $6 million, in online posts speculating about its fate through the spring. The bar closed abruptly late last year and a chain-link fence was run across the entrance.

That fence is now on the ground and it appeared on Monday that there was some cleanup activity already taking place at what amounts to sacred land for thirsty local workers and landlubbing city folk alike.

The younger Mr. Gershowitz, who is the general manager of the Star Island Yacht Club, said he could not provide any details about the fate of the small but mighty saloon or its 40-to-50 slip marina, where a gas pump has been stuck at an inflation-beating $3.69 a gallon since the end of last season.

Sam Gershowitz, who has a house in Southhampton, opened Gershow Recycling in Medford in 1964. He operates numerous other recycling facilities on Long Island and in Brooklyn, and, in 2020, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington, D.C., Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries for his contributions to the industry.

It's anyone's guess at present whether he'll be recycling, reusing, or replacing those famous mudslide blenders located behind the Liars' bar.

The sale to Sam Gershowitz had of late become one of the best worst-kept secrets in town. Three well-placed sources in Montauk told Star reporters in recent days that Sam Gershowitz had, or would be, buying the legendary property, including one who said he believed it was a good deal for Montauk, "and far better than some hedge fund coming in and buying it."

The source added that he believed the purchase would free up dock space at Star Island for more big yachts -- and redeploy some of the charter boats now docked at Star Island to the marina at Liars'.

The younger Mr. Gershowitz said Star Island's solid reputation in town "speaks for itself and should speak well for what we're going to do with the place."

With Reporting by Christopher Walsh

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Star Island Yacht Club Owner Buys Liar's Saloon, Offshore Sports Marina In Montauk

The Offshore Sports Marina in Montauk, home of Liar's Saloon, has been dormant this year but was purchased by Sam Gershowitz, who also owns nearby Star Island Yacht Club, earlier this month.

Sam Gershowitz and his grandson Alex Gershowitz, who is the general manager of Star Island Yacht Club, at the offshore sports Marina in Montauk, which Gershowitz purchased earlier this month. MICHAEL WRIGHT

Sam Gershowitz, the metal recycling magnate and owner of Star Island Yacht Club, has purchased Offshore Sports Marina in Montauk — home of the locally famous, sometimes notorious, Liar’s Saloon.

Gershowitz confirmed the purchase this week and said he plans to remake the marina in the model of Star Island Yacht Club, which is just a yacht’s length across the harbor channel from the docks in front of Liar’s.

What will become of the bar perched above Offshore Sports Marina’s docks has yet to be decided, the new owner said.

Along with the waterfront saloon, the 2.3-acre property boasts about 40 boat slips, five cottages, a ships store, boat-hauling and maintenance facilities and a swath of open land for winter boat storage.

Gershowitz said that his crews have already started cleaning up the property and will be working quickly on renovations to the docks and buildings.

“We’re going to fix the slips up — the docks had been neglected, clean up the property, spruce things up and make it into a nice yacht club like we did with Star Island,” Gershowitz said. “I bought Star Island 35 years ago — it was a broken down marina when I bought it.”

The new marina will be named — like all of the many boats Gershowitz has owned over the years — after his wife. “It will be called Marlena’s Yacht Club,” he said on Tuesday.

He declined to say what the purchase price for the property was.

Others who have bought waterfront parcels on Lake Montauk in recent years have quickly sought to add residential development to them, but Gershowitz says that building condos or the like at the waterfront site is “not my cup of tea.”

“The marina business is a good, solid business,” he said. “More and more people are buying boats and looking for slips. This will be a wonderful marina.”

Gershowitz, who started Gershow Recycling in 1964 with a single dump truck and grew it into Long Island’s largest scrap metal recycling company by “mining” old cars out of landfills, said that he started coming to Montauk from his native East New York, Brooklyn neighborhood to go cod fishing on the Viking Fleet boats as soon as he got a driver’s license.

His 105-foot yellow-hulled sportfishing yacht sits in the end slip at Star Island Yacht Club now, affording a clear view of the once-lively scene at Offshore Sports Marina and Liar’s.

Gershowitz says he had known that the former owners, the Carillo family, had put the Liar’s property up for sale last year. But he’d been told when the bar closed last fall that a buyer had already snatched up the property. When he discovered that a previous deal had fallen through, he acted quickly.

“Everyone thought it was sold, including me,” he said. “We found out it was still for sale about two weeks ago. We bought it in two days.”

Marina Group Buys Montauk Yacht Club From Gurneys

The Montauk Yacht Club will again be known by its traditional name, after the international marina giant Safe Harbor purchased the property from Gurneys Resorts recently.

The new owners of the Montauk Yacht Club plan to dock two "floating suites" at the marina for those seeking more than just a view of Lake Montauk from their resort accommodations.

The Montauk Yacht Club, one of the easternmost hamlet’s oldest establishments, is once again a place.

A spokesperson for the giant marina company Safe Harbor confirmed this week that the group purchased the century-old yacht club from Gurney’s Resorts last July and will reestablish the name as the Montauk Yacht Club when they reopen in April 2023.

Since 2018, the yacht club had been known as Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, after the investors who purchased the former Gurney’s Inn in 2013 bought the 35-acre property and invested a reported $13 million in refurbishing the 107 hotel rooms.

With 219 slips capable of accommodating vessels up to 300 feet, the Montauk Yacht Club is the largest marina in the harbor.

Safe Harbor owns more than 130 marinas across the United States and in Puerto Rico — the largest dedicated marina owner and operator in the world, the company says.

“The Montauk Yacht Club will be about connecting people by water,” a spokesperson said. “Whether its paddleboarding across the harbor or chartering a boat or the concierge reservations for destinations, it will be about the connection to the water.”

For those who desire a visceral connection to the water, the new operators plan to offer a new amenity this summer: a “Safe Harbor Water Suite.” A luxury floating suite moored at a slip at the marina will give guests for whom a simple water view from their hotel room is not quite enough, a much more tangible connection.

Safe Harbor will offer electric boats for charter and will handle bookings of destination visits by boat to hot spots like the restaurants in Greenport and Shelter Island or sunset cruises to Duryea’s.

The company is making some minor changes at the property this winter, like installing a retractable roof over the yacht club’s indoor pool and converting some tennis courts to pickleball courts.

Other things are staying the same. The restaurants — Showfish, Il Forno and Pool Club — will remain for the 2023 summer season, the company says.

The company says it is also dedicated to improving employee housing, supporting local charities and events throughout the hamlet and steering its guests and customers to other local businesses and wares.

Return of Montauk Yacht Club

In July of 2022, Safe Harbor Marinas acquired Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina in Montauk, NY. After nine months of investment and preparation, the company announces the official return of the storied Montauk Yacht Club.

The reimagined landmark on a peninsula in the middle of Lake Montauk has begun welcoming guests to world-class waterfront hospitality that combines luxury, adventure, and connection to the water.

“The history of Montauk Yacht Club is as rich as the location is stunning. Our teammates in Montauk and throughout the country have been working to prepare for this moment. It is our great honor and joy to bring the Montauk Yacht Club back to Long Island, to her many patrons, and to our tens of thousands of boating families in the region,” said Baxter Underwood, CEO of Safe Harbor Marinas.

First introduced in 1928, the storied destination has received extensive renovations to breathe new life into its extraordinary spaces. On its 35 acres, the property has 107 stylish guest rooms, 3 pools, 2 exquisite restaurants, indoor and outdoor bars, tennis & pickleball courts, a private beach, and more than 200 wet slips that can accommodate boats up to 300 feet in length. This irreplaceable location is the ultimate getaway to the islands and cultural icons that flourish at the eastern end of Long Island.

“We are eager to introduce luxury waterfront hospitality to the world at this incredible property.” said Regional Managing Director, Alton Chun. “It’s about world class cuisine and music next to private, sandy beaches on still and glistening waters; and limitless adventures just beyond.”

About Montauk Yacht Club

Montauk Yacht Club is an iconic luxury waterfront resort and marina. For more, please visit: https://montaukyachtclub.com .

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Developer Redefining Montauk, N.Y. for Year-Round Luxury

By Rob Thomas | July 25, 2019

George Filopoulos, owner and president of Metrovest Equities, began changing the feel of the hamlet at the eastern end of Long Island with his purchase of Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa in 2013. He has since expanded with Gurney´s Star Island Resort & Marina (a takeover and redesign of the Montauk Yacht Club) and Gurney’s Newport (R.I.) Resort & Marina. In addition to providing luxurious amenities, Filopoulos has focused on integrating local brands and uplifting local business.

Montauk started out as a small fishing village on the East End of Long Island, in New York’s Suffolk County, a two-to-three hour drive from Manhattan. But it has evolved into one of the most sought-after destinations in the northeastern United States—with a reputation that extends far beyond its humble beginnings, the travel website Skift reported.

When it comes to a destination’s evolution from cool to something more luxurious, the question becomes how to maintain its original allure while providing the rooms, dining, and service expected by a higher-end clientele, Skift reported.

Is being a magical place—not to mention stylish and hip—enough, or do the amenities have to match Manhattan standards for Montauk to make it as a year-long luxury destination? What is considered luxury in a destination once known more for being a laid-back and relaxed surfer’s haven rather than a posh enclave? How do you manage the crowds while maintaining a sense of calm?

Few are confronting this conundrum head-on quite like George Filopoulos, owner and president of Metrovest Equities, which bought the controlling interest in Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa with his partner in 2013, Skift reported. Filopoulos has since grown the collection beyond its original property to include Gurney´s Star Island Resort & Marina, which opened this Memorial Day, and Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina.

Its second Montauk property is a takeover and redesign of the Montauk Yacht Club, Skift reported. At least one previous member remarked during the opening weekend that it had grown tired and outdated in the changing landscape of the East End.

Filopoulos is designing spaces that include all the necessities of a luxury property—rooms with sea views, restaurants whose reputations and waitlists exceed their menus, seawater spas, green grounds, and thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor space for weddings and events, Skift reported.

Filopoulos was a veteran vacationer in Montauk before purchasing its first storied property, and he understood the nuances of doing business in a small town that swelled during the season, Skift reported. Faced with the same challenges as the likes of hospitality leaders in other U.S. beach villages and Mexico’s Tulum, Filopoulos focused on community engagement from the start.

“I’ve got to see [the evolution] firsthand, and it’s really interesting,” Filopoulos told Skift .

He recognized that integrating local brands, uplifting local business, and providing a platform to further engagement with sister businesses were a critical element to keeping the Gurney’s brand welcome and celebrated throughout its expansion, Skift reported.

Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina’s four restaurants and bars are led by Hamptons native and chef Jeremy Blutstein who built the menus around the local and seasonal produce from land and sea, Skift reported. Seafood is caught daily by local fishermen and delivered directly to the docks at Gurney’s Star Island—a surprisingly rarity in this fishing town—and most produce is sourced from farms located within 20 miles of the property. This focus on sustainability and localism creates a positive feedback loop with the surrounding community despite drawing visitors from far beyond Long Island.

“The concept was conceived when thinking about how few fish restaurants remain in Montauk,” Filopoulos told Skift .

“It’s hard to say without cracking up a little bit, but there’s been a lot of interesting places opening up over the last 10 years, and most of them are offshoots of a place that doesn’t really have any beach or any water around it. We started to look at that and say, ‘Well, that doesn’t make sense. Why don’t we go and do something that’s focused on bringing the freshest approach to that?’”

Gurney’s Montauk properties also partner with other brands that have a local presence to offer morning workouts, wellness events, and retail pop-ups, Skift reported.

“One of the first things we did prior to even starting work at Gurney’s was reach out to brands that we thought hit the same demographic as Gurney’s to come in and use this amazing setting. Wellness brings guests out, and we’ve had great success through partnerships. You’re doing it where your whole demographic is residing for that time period, and you get the opportunity to co-market together. It has to just feel right and, when it does, it works really well,” said Filopoulos.

Gurney’s properties stand out in Montauk not only for their size—with more than 100 rooms each—but for creating a complete luxury experience from design to dining in a single location, Skift reported. The hotels continue to see a rise in new guests as well as more visits from repeat customers. There are more guests coming from beyond the Northeast with a marked rise in Europeans and more people using the hotel as a seasonal rental rather than renting a home. Luxury amenities and the ability to book shorter repeats stays throughout the summer are part of the draw.

Gurney’s beachfront location hits close to 70 percent occupancy throughout the year, with more than 90 percent occupancy in June through September and 50 percent occupancy even in January, Skift reported. Weddings and corporate events drive business in shoulder months and the off-season.

Gurney’s is not the only hotel brand reestablishing itself for the evolving clientele headed to the East End, Skift reported. Other veteran luxury hotels in the Hamptons have also renovated for the increasingly younger and wealthier customer base. The Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton completed a renovation in May 2017. With 19 rooms, the renovation focused on a fresher design and more environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton was originally built in 1843 and recently renovated with rates often going for around $2,000 per night, Skift reported.

“The Hamptons are a collection of beachside villages with a lot of history but a very seasonal crowd. As a result, luxury has been reserved for the extremely wealthy with their second homes out here. We are starting to see a shift where less-monied travelers can still enjoy the beautiful landscape,” said Joseph Montag, general manager at the property.

“New renovations such as ours have put all the details into place regarding a luxury experience. We certainly strive to have luxury service in terms of the personable nature with which we welcome guests.

“We see a wider and wider range of profile for our guests. Guests continue to get younger as wealth is developed at a younger age and travel is certainly trendy for those under 45, however, we have a lot of families with children that come out for the summer as well as more established annual guests.”

Montag expects that visitation will continue to boom in the next five to 10 years, with more people taking advantage of the ability to work remotely while on vacation, Skift reported. Although this has already impacted development in cities, he believes its impact on the economy in smaller destinations such as the Hamptons will skyrocket over the next decade.

These are clear examples of historic villages transforming as their popularity booms, but there are always locals looking to maintain the status quo, Skift reported. There are numerous groups throughout the East End that work hard to ensure the impact of new properties do not overburden the fragile environment or price out long-term residents. In addition to hotels, the rise in second homes and Airbnb rentals put pressure on the local infrastructure and economy.

A New York Times article published on Memorial Day chronicled the impact of growing visitation through the lens of bathroom lines at Montauk’s Surf Lodge, Skift reported.

In an almost comical piece, council members and leaders of groups such as the Concerned Citizens of Montauk fought to preserve the cleanliness of their waters impacted by overburdened septic systems—a clear example of how the increasing popularity of the destination put the environment at risk, Skift reported.

What’s happening in Montauk and the Hamptons is nothing new, but the hoteliers building their brands based on the humble values of a fishing community with the backing of newly monied Manhattanites will continue to juggle the demands of all parties for the future, Skift reported.

About The Author

Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief, is based in Cleveland, Ohio. He's a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and a long-time golf course rater. Married with three children, Rob enjoys golf when not participating in activities with his family. Follow him on Twitter (@AmGolferBlog) and listen to him on the Club + Resort Talks podcast.

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The Montauk Yacht Club Makes Its Return

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The iconic Montauk Yacht Club is marking an official return this Memorial Day weekend.

Safe Harbor Marinas, which owns and operates the world’s largest boating network, bought what had most recently been Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina in July 2022 and has just completed “nine months of investment and preparation,” according to a statement.

“The history of Montauk Yacht Club is as rich as the location is stunning,” said Baxter Underwood, CEO of Safe Harbor Marinas in a statement. “Our teammates in Montauk and throughout the country have been working to prepare for this moment. It is our great honor and joy to bring the Montauk Yacht Club back to Long Island, to her many patrons, and to our tens of thousands of boating families in the region.”

The Montauk Yacht Club was created on Star Island in 1928 by Carl Fisher, who developed much of Montauk . Fisher built a replica of the Montauk Lighthouse and the 60-foot-tall lighthouse remains today.

Situated on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Montauk, the property boasts 107 guest rooms and villas, three pools, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor bars, tennis and pickleball courts, a private beach and more than 200 boat slips.

“We are eager to introduce luxury waterfront hospitality to the world at this incredible property,” said Alton Chun, the regional managing director. “It’s about world-class cuisine and music next to private, sandy beaches on still and glistening waters; and limitless adventures just beyond.”

The marina can accommodate boats up to 300 feet in length with a maximum draft of 12 feet and a maximum beam of 45 feet. There are shore power hookups, fresh water hookups, pump-out services and complimentary WiFi.

Safe Harbor Marinas owns more than 130 marinas across the United States and in Puerto Rico. On Long Island, it also has a location in Greenport, as well as Port Washington and Glen Cove.

Gurney’s purchased the Montauk Yacht Club in 2018 and reportedly invested $13 million into refurbishing the property.

Once an exclusive private club, it counted the Astors, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts among its original members. Charles Lindbergh was a guest, landing his seaplane in Lake Montauk and tying up at the club.

Email [email protected] with further comments, questions, or tips. Follow Behind The Hedges on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .

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Owner George Filopoulos On The Evolution Of Gurney’s Hotels

Photo Credit: Gurneys

George Filopoulos is the mastermind behind some of the most beloved resorts in America with the haute hotel brand, Gurney’s. The company was first formed in 2013 when George led an investor group to purchase the original Gurney’s Inn, located in Montauk, New York. Several phases of renovation have transformed the property into Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.

In 2015 the adjacent property was acquired launching the Residences at Gurney’s Montauk. In 2018 the company purchased the Montauk Yacht Club and added 107 rooms and 232 Marina slips to its portfolio, and in 2019, added Gurney’s Star Island. In 2021 Gurney’s made its debut in the southwest acquiring Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona Prior to his hospitality investments, George through his company Metrovest Equities, was involved in the acquisition and redevelopment of over 2,000 apartments in mixed use projects and public/private partnerships encompassing three million square feet.

Here, he talks to us about how he built some of the hottest hotels in America.

How did the brand come to be a Hamptons hot spot? What strategies have you employed to make it so? How have you evolved from an East Coast hotspot to a bicoastal brand?

We’ve evolved a lot from our beginnings as a local Hamptons brand. By growing with our customer base and adapting to their changing preferences, while also continuing to reach new audiences for both our destinations and properties, we’ve grown from a group of boutique hotels in seasonal destinations into a growing bicoastal hospitality brand. Our dedicated network of returning guests have helped us build our brand image, and in the last few years we’ve gone from a brand that’s synonymous with summer at the beach to an overall expert in the luxury travel space. Some of our key strategies have been listening to our guests, working in close partnership with our local communities, and building a network of like-minded brand partners.

What specifically sets Gurney’s apart from other hospitality companies?

At Gurney’s Resorts we are taking a fresh approach to luxury hospitality and tapping into the evolving needs of our clientele by providing a resort experience that is both classic and contemporary. All of our properties feature impeccably designed accommodations, elevated dining offerings, and dedicated property and events teams that are fully committed to making every stay and event truly memorable for our guests. In many of our destinations, we have also been the first to offer state of the art services and facilities, along with creative amenities and bespoke programming in the wellness, entertainment and lifestyle categories. We also deeply care about our local communities and preserving our local environments. This can be seen through some of our specialty designed programming that not only gives guests a unique experience but also helps them support our mission of directly giving back. For example, our children’s programming at Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina—Camp Gurney’s—is hosted in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program and offers our youngest guests the chance to explore Montauk’s marine ecosystem, learning valuable lessons about conservation while also having summer fun. We always try to be a responsible and supportive player in our communities, and are involved in local causes, organizations, and more.

With the recent addition of a property in Scottsdale, can you share more on the Gurney’s philosophy behind expansion? What has been the major factors guiding you when deciding where to go next?

Expansion has always been one of our top priorities. When choosing a new location, we are always guided by our brand pillars and seek out properties or destinations that organically align with our ethos and signature resort experience.

Given the recent acquisition of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, why did the brand feel it was an opportune time for the westward expansion?

We had been looking in a few specific markets since our last acquisition of Gurney’s Star Island that took place in 2018, and the Sanctuary transaction originally began almost two years ago. Our decision to move west was very asset specific. We ultimately decided on Sanctuary as the property encompassed many of the same attributes we’ve cultivated at our previous projects. Our brand has always been guided by the mission to provide world-class amenities in exclusive resort destinations, and adding the Sanctuary into our portfolio felt like a natural extension of this.

Beyond expansion, what new things that visitors can expect to see at the existing properties this year?

At Sanctuary, we will officially start a full renovation later this year which will focus on enhancements to the rooms, pools and restaurants. Our vision behind this renovation is to execute a design that is inspired by and works in harmony with the property’s surrounding environment. One of the reasons the area is so popular is its stunning natural elements, so we are considering these attributes through every part of the design process. This past high-season in Montauk, guests have enjoyed a robust calendar of partnerships and activations, along with the signature Gurney’s experiences and amenities they know and love. From outdoor fitness classes to new cocktail experiences, the properties have had a groundbreaking summer season.

Noting that Gurney’s Montauk will be unveiling a completely renovated spa, what was the motivation behind revamping this experience?

The spa has always been a part of our resort’s history, and this renovation project has been a priority for us for the last several years. We were originally inspired to embark on this endeavor as we’ve continued to evolve with our guests’ priorities as they travel. We’ve seen an increased emphasis placed on wellness amongst our clientele and realized there was a real need for bespoke offerings and state of the art facilities out east. We wanted to make sure we were providing the very best experience possible for our guests, and ensure it was one that really pulled inspiration from the resort’s unique location. Thus our plans for the renovation were born. This spa has been very positively received by our guests this summer, with many of our guests taking advantage of this new oasis to fully reset.

What are some key things visitors to the Hamptons experienced this summer in Montauk?

This summer was one of our most successful seasons yet. A major moment out east was of course our Seawater Spa. Guests this summer were some of the first to see the revamped spa with a completely new look and feel, and the feedback so far has been that they are totally blown away by the new experience. One of the most striking features of the spa is of course our pool, which is the only ocean-fed seawater pool in North America. We’ve expanded and rebuilt the pool, adding on to its original foundations to create a more luxurious space. We’ve added full bathhouse experience to the spa offerings, including a caldarium, thermae baths, sauna and steam rooms, and a salt room. For treatments, we’ve also added a collection of indoor-outdoor suites with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. And for fitness enthusiasts, the spa space now includes state of the art cardio and weight equipment, a movement studio, and areas for activations and activities. Aside from the spa, both our properties in Montauk unveiled events, amenities, and special offerings that took place all season long. One of the most exciting of course was through our partnership. The summer the brand launched their Dioriviera pop up boutique on property. Dior took over the East Deck and created what we called the “Dior Deck,” which was a special hangout haven featuring a dedicated F&B menu and finished with Dioriviera umbrellas and lounge chairs all available for purchase on location. In addition to the pop-up, Dior also debuted a special spa activation in Seawater Spa, marking the first time that the Dior art of beauty and well-being has traveled to the Hamptons. Taking over one of the four premier indoor-outdoor treatment rooms, Dior is offered an exclusive treatment menu curated especially for gurney’s seawater spa. Something we’ve also announced within the last year is our Gurney’s Memberships program. Consisting of Resort, Spa and All Access memberships, this program offers exclusive access to world class amenities, concierge services and spa services available at Gurney’s Montauk. Special access includes exclusive beach service to bespoke beauty treatments, and much more.

Be honest: Which property is your favorite?

All of our properties have that special Gurney’s feel but are of course unique in their own way. Our offerings at Gurney’s Montauk are what helped us build such great momentum, but the exciting growth at Gurney’s Star Island has been so fun to watch. And we are of course excited to continue to add more Gurney’s touches to Sanctuary!

Beyond expansion into new markets, how has the brand expanded its footprint in other sectors—especially wellness and culinary?

The new Seawater Spa is a major move forward in the world of wellness for our brand, and we plan to use the expertise of our new highly trained spa staff when expanding our offerings in this space across the portfolio. As wellness becomes more and more ingrained into everyday life, we are continuing to tap partners and offer amenities that make keeping a wellness routine while traveling possible, beyond allowing guests to totally reset in our world-class spa. As far as culinary goes, we’ve continued to expand our offerings and work with our food & beverage teams to create restaurant spaces that become their own culinary hot spots, meant to be enjoyed by hotel guests, visitors and locals alike.

How do you see Gurney’s continuing to grow in the next few years, what are you most excited about when it comes to the future of travel?

Something that has been really exciting to watch is the transformation of typical resort areas into more year-round destinations. We’ve now been able to curate off-season programming and activities that really showcase new sides of our destinations to our guests that they may not have previously seen. We also continue to keep our finger on the pulse of industry trends and find waves to weave these through our experiences. One thing that we believe will continue is flexibility of work life balance, and for a brand like Gurney’s with properties near so many major hubs, we continue to format our offerings to meet the needs of digital nomads, extended stay guests and new year-round residents to the areas our property’s call home.

Where will you open next? Any plans in the works?

Additional acquisitions and new openings are both things that our brand is considering as we continue to look toward expansion. But as the Gurney’s brand has built a specific look, feel, and identity, we will continue to be mindful when looking to add further properties. Our top consideration when exploring options in the future will continue to be identifying similar characteristics that have made our previous projects so successful.

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In epic feud, Great Neck family seeks to hold 96-year old patriarch in contempt

Montauk Yacht Club sale most expensive ever in Hamptons

Safe Harbor Marinas spent $149M to buy hotel from Gurney’s

32 Star Island Road in Montauk, LI with Safe Harbor Marinas CEO Baxter Underwood (Google Maps, LinkedIn)

Hospitality property sales have not been setting many price records since a certain virus spread across the world in 2020, but one did in Montauk.

Safe Harbor Marinas spent $149 million to buy the Montauk Yacht Club from Gurney’s, Behind the Hedges reported . The acquisition was last year, but the price had not been previously revealed.

It’s a record in numerous ways. The highest price for a Hamptons hotel sale had been another deal last year, for the 96-room Marram Montauk . That property traded for barely half as much as the Montauk Yacht Club, which regained its former name after operating as Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina in recent years.

The $149 million was the most lucrative commercial Hamptons sale last year and might have been the most ever paid for a property on the East End. Barry Rosenstein paid $147 million for an East Hampton estate in 2014.

Gurney’s recouped its Montauk Yacht Club investment and then some. It purchased the property in 2018 for $56.7 million and put another $13 million in the property, which had sold in 2007 for $34 million.

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The transaction involves more than the 35-acre Montauk Yacht Club. It includes four Star Island Drive lots and three attached piers, along with the motel property at 88 South Elmwood Avenue.

The peninsula that stretches out onto Lake Montauk includes 107 guest rooms and villas, three pools, a pair of restaurants, several bars, tennis and pickleball courts and a private beach. There are also more than 200 boat slips.

Three years ago, real estate investment trust Sun Communities, the largest marina owner in the country, acquired Safe Harbor Marinas. Rising boat sales in the pandemic have led to consolidation in the sector .

— Holden Walter-Warner

Is Guerneys Star Island The Old Montauk Yacht Club?

Table of Contents:

In July 2022, Safe Harbor Marinas acquired the historic Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, NY, after nine months of investment and preparation. The resort, which was previously known as Gurneys Star Island Resort Marina, will debut following a 13 million renovation to its 107 guest rooms, restaurants, lobby, ballroom, meeting spaces, and Gurneys Montauk Resort Luxury Beach Hotel Spa. The property’s beautiful location has attracted many visitors who appreciate its barefoot luxury and waterfront adventure.

The Montauk Yacht Club, once an exclusive private resort, now spans 16 acres of waterfront expanse, untouched natural beauty, and endless views. The resort has been known as Gurneys Star Island Resort Marina since 2018, after investors who purchased the former Gurneys Inn in 2013 bought the 35-acre property and invested 13 million into the eight-lot compound. After the sale last year, Safe Harbor Marinas changed the name back to Montauk Yacht Club.

Gurneys purchased the Montauk Yacht Club in 2018 and reportedly invested 13 million into refurbishing the property. The resort is now a spectacular resort destination for summer getaways and private events, with its glamorous ambiance and stunning seaside setting. The resort’s name was changed from “Montauk Yacht Club” to “Guarneys Star Island Resort Marina” after the sale last year.

In summary, the Montauk Yacht Club Resort, once known as “The Montauk Yacht Club,” has undergone a significant renovation by Safe Harbor Marinas, transforming it into a luxurious resort destination for summer getaways and private events.

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Is Guerneys Star Island The Old Montauk Yacht Club?

Where do celebrities stay in Montauk?

If you’re plotting a visit this summer, here’s everything to know about the legendary, Page Six-approved Hamptons hot spot.

Jessica Stam and Nicky Hilton at Surf Lodge on July 13, 2013(Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Samsung)

Keep your eyes peeled for political progenies, reality starlets, Leo’s model exes and indie songstresses all in one place.

Where do celebrities eat in Montauk?

The Crow’s Nest is famous for its food, which draws in celebs like actress Stephanie March and SNL’s Lorne Michaels. Hang with other A-listers around the outdoor fire pit with a drink and a waterview before dining.

Montauk is more than drinks, music and food — even for celebs. Last summer Bill Clinton was spotted at Montauk’s Puff ‘N’ Putt mini golf — so keep your eyes peeled wherever you go.

Where is the oldest yacht club in the United States?

Oldest North American clubs. The oldest yacht clubs are: 1837 Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1839 Detroit Boat Club in Detroit, Michigan.

A yacht club is a boat club specifically related to yachting.

Yacht clubs are mostly located by the sea, although there some that have been established at a lake or riverside locations. Yacht or sailing clubs have either a marina or a delimited section of the beach or shoreline with buoys marking the areas off-limits for swimmers as well as safe offshore anchorages. On shore they also include a perimeter reserved for the exclusive use of the members of the club as well as a clubhouse with attached bar, café or restaurant where members socialize in a pleasant and informal setting.

Although the terms Yacht Club and Sailing Club tend to be synonymous, some general differences regarding the recreational use of boats can be broadly outlined. Historically a Yacht Club tended to focus on a membership composed of yacht owners, including motorboats. This type of club often was extremely exclusive, attracting the aristocracy or the high class and leaving small boat owners out of the circle. On the other hand, a Sailing Club tended to focus on a membership composed exclusively of owners of sailboats, including smaller boats such as dinghies. These became very popular towards the end of the 19th century when small boats began to be produced on an industrial scale.

What celebrities are at Gurney’s Montauk?

Hamptons retreat: The private beach at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa. Then there is the throng of celebrities who converge here: Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, Beyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert de Niro, Naomi Watts and Hugh Jackman among them.

You’ve seen the Hamptons in all its glory in the TV hit show Revenge, Ellen Connolly explores what really goes on in this super cool, summer destination.

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It is America’s most celebrated summer getaway, a small and exclusive area which boasts a very big reputation.

What happened to Montauk Yacht Club?

Montauk Yacht Club, the 107-key Star Island seaside resort and marina, is open following a multi-million renovation and addition of the Ocean Club Montauk. The property is now under the management of Proper Hospitality within The Collective – a portfolio of independent, design-driven hotels.

Built in 1928, the resort enters a new chapter this year following extensive capital improvements. Now open is Ocean Club Montauk, a dining experience helmed by acclaimed South African Chef Jarad McCarroll. Chef McCarroll’s St. Barths location inspires this East End masterpiece that features justcaught seafood, local produce, a raw bar, and selected dishes of the Braai – a traditional method of South African grilling. The 220-seat restaurant features the most-expansive open kitchen in the Hamptons and provides sweeping waterfront vistas of Montauk’s landscape, yachting culture, and seaside lifestyle.

The hotel’s common spaces, outdoor facilities, rooms and suites have also been refreshed. Within the spacious rooms, and throughout the resort, guests can enjoy curated Aesop amenities for an elevated experience. An all-new, 24-hour gym gives Montauk Water Club members and hotel guests the ability to focus on wellness with state-of-the art strength training equipment, Woodway Treadmills, Octane ADX air bike, RO rowing machine, TRX equipment and weekly fitness and health classes.

Whose houses are on Star Island?

Notable residentsSean Combs, rapper and record producer.Emilio and Gloria Estefan, musicians.Phillip Frost, entrepreneur and philanthropist.Edward Howland Robinson Green, businessman and politician.Enrique Iglesias, musician.Don Johnson, actor.

Star Island is a neighborhood in the city of Miami Beach on a man-made island in Biscayne Bay, Florida, United States. The island is south of the Venetian Islands and just east of Palm and Hibiscus islands.

The name Star Island is thought to have originated from the fact that many of the homes on the island were once owned by famous celebrities and high-profile individuals, giving the island a “star-studded” reputation. Completed in 1922 by the Army Corps of Engineers by dredging sand, the land was initially owned by developer Carl Fisher, who purchased several land parcels of what would become the city of Miami Beach. It is accessible by land and barrier islands via the MacArthur Causeway. According to Bloomberg L.P., it is the most expensive neighborhood in the United States.

Students from Star Island are served by the following schools of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools:

Is Star Island a private island?

While Star Island is a gated community, with only two access points for its residents via boat or the Bridge Road, it’s technically a public island.

In fact, many guided tours go through the neighborhood to see the celebrity mansions within the area and boat tours that circle the island.

Private individuals can also gain entry to Star Island Drive, where they can view the homes (with the guard’s permission, of course), as long as they don’t loiter or cause harm to the residents.

The island values its residents’ privacy, as what you’d expect to be the main draw for famous people and celebrities.

What is the history of the Montauk Yacht Club?

A part of the Montauk community for over 80 years, The Montauk Yacht Club was built in 1928 by Carl Fisher when he dreamed his dream of Montauk becoming a seaside resort for the rich and famous. A few of the original members included the Astors, Whitneys and Vanderbuilts. Lindenburgh visited via his sea plane, and the Villas were once part of an estate owned by Ziegfield. Today the property includes: 106 Guest Rooms including 23 Villas and 2 Suites, as well as an Award Winning Marina, two restaurants and lounges, meeting and event Facilities, a Spa and fitness center, Tennis Courts, a heated indoor and two outdoor pools, Sail Montauk Sailing School, Charter Fishing, Surf and Paddleboard instruction as well as other watersports and games courts, a children’s Playground and game room, and complimentary bicycles or a shuttle to explore Montauk.

Need a little pampering? The full-service Montauk spa pampers guests with soothing massages and facials as well as body wraps and nail services. Ease tired muscles after a sailing excursion or a day on the beach with a deep tissue massage or treat yourself to a mani/pedi before a night on the town. Spa packages and gift cards are available, in addition to hosting private spa events and outcalls. To reserve an appointment at Spa MYC call 631.483.5555.

If you’re the adventurous type book a full or half day fishing trip on one of the many charter boats available at the Marina. Head out with the experienced, knowledgeable captain and try your skill at catching fluke, sea bass, striped bass…

Does Gurney’s still own Star Island?

The Montauk Yacht Club was created on Star Island in 1928 by Carl Fisher, who developed much of Montauk. Fisher built a replica of the Montauk Lighthouse and the 60-foot-tall lighthouse remains today.

Who bought Gurneys in Montauk?

Filopoulos’s company, Metrovest Equities, purchased Gurney’s for $25 million.

Many in the Montauk community were left in shock this week by word of the death of George Filopoulos, the president and face of Gurney’s Resorts — a man with the Midas touch who had become a ubiquitous and integral part of many corners of the local scene in the 10 years since his company bought the former Gurney’s Inn.

He died on August 18 of pancreatic cancer, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, his family said. He was 54.

After buying the former Gurney’s Inn in 2013, Filopoulos had quickly become a driving force in local business and one of Montauk’s largest employers, as he and his business partners spent over $150 million in the ensuing years acquiring and renovating some of the region’s marquee properties.

Does Gurney’s still own Montauk Yacht Club?

With 219 slips capable of accommodating vessels up to 300 feet, the Montauk Yacht Club is the largest marina in the harbor.

Who owns Star Island Montauk?

Sam Gershowitz, the metal recycling magnate and owner of Star Island Yacht Club, has purchased Offshore Sports Marina in Montauk — home of the locally famous, sometimes notorious, Liar’s Saloon.

What will become of the bar perched above Offshore Sports Marina’s docks has yet to be decided, the new owner said.

📹 Montauk, NY – Narrated Tour of Must-see Spots and Things to Do in Long Island’s Summer Paradise

This is an insider’s guide of must-see hot spots and things to do while in Montauk, New York – located in the Town of East …

Is Gurney’S Star Island The Old Montauk Yacht Club?
Was The Montauk Yacht Club Sold?
What To Do Near Montauk Yacht Club?
Where Is Montauk Yacht Club?
How Far Is Montauk Yacht Club From Town?
Who Owns The Montauk Yacht Club?

Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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Welcome to Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club and Marina

Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club attracts a wide variety of people year-round with a passion for cruising and fishing. Fishermen and boaters come from all over the Island and up and down the East Coast to enjoy the excitement of seasonal sport fishing and access to an extensive fleet of charter boats. Sam’s Star Island is also host to many cruising club rendezvous and catered events.

Check out Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club and Marina overview videos!

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What’s Happening at Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club and Marina

Sam’s Star Island News

The Fisherman August 26, 2024

Mike from Star Island Yacht Club let me know the bigger tuna moved south of the Ranger area. They have been weighing in some larger ones out that way to over 100 pounds with some smaller ones being caught closer on jigs and trolling spreads. Fluking also stepped up the game a bit in the last week with action and size. They weighed in a 12-pound fluke from the Pocketbook area. The best chance at some sea bass and porgies was closer to Block Island area by the windmills.

The Fisherman July 29, 2024

Alex from Star Island Yacht Club let me know of a good bluefin bite from 15 to 20 miles south of the point – a little further than the CIA grounds. The Little Marlena saw a bluefin tuna limit the other day. The inshore bite seems to be picking up a bit with solid fluking at Cartwright and Frisbees with good sea bass mixed in as well on most trips.

The Fisherman June 24, 2024

Mike from Star Island Yacht Club let me know bass fishing has been lights out on the incoming with fish to 40 pounds. Most have been jigging with a bucktails with a piece of pork rind. Two and 3-ounce diamond jigs have been another staple choice. If they come up top, poppers have been catching their fair share of fish as well. Chris Cercy and his crew on the Boobah reported in with a 202-pound bluefin. Gotta Go also had a 181-pound bigeye tuna A lot of other fish in the same range have been coming to the club as well and they heard of even bigger tuna out there. Fluking has improved and the better fishing has been in 100 feet of water or so as of recent. Plenty of porgies and sea bass are around on the rocky bottom as well.

The Fisherman May 28, 2024

Mike from Star Island Yacht Club let me know a 5-pound fluke came up over the weekend on the Sneaky Pete. The Montauk Star had 15 keeper fluke to 5 pounds on a weekend trip as well. John Levitt on the Gotta Go decked a 110-pound bluefin tuna as in some deeper water south of the point.

Alex Gershowitz Named 2023 Docks Young Leader Award Recipient for Outstanding Contributions to the Marina Community December 1, 2023

Sam’s Star Island Yacht Club & Marina has announced its General Manager, Alex Gershowitz, has been named as one of the recipients of the 2023 Docks Young Leader Award. This accolade celebrates Mr. Gershowitz’ remarkable contributions to the marina community, recognizing him as a rising star in the industry.

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Visit Us: 59 Star Island Rd., Montauk, NY 11954
Marina Hours: 7 Days Per Week: 7am – 7pm
Mailing Address: PO Box 2180, Montauk, NY 11954
Call Us: (631) 668-5052
Email Us: [email protected]

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Who Lives on 5 Star Island? The Billionaires and Celebrities Calling Miami‘s Exclusive Star Island Home

Miami‘s Star Island has been the pinnacle of luxury living from the time it was developed in the early 1920s. The man-made private island located just off shore from Miami Beach has attracted celebrities, business tycoons, and the global elite with its unparalleled amenities, security, exclusivity and prestige. But exactly who has lived and currently resides on this oasis for the rich and famous?

Star Island was meticulously constructed in 1922 by dredging sand from the bottom of Biscayne Bay to create an exclusive neighborhood inspired by the nearby man-made islands of Miami Beach. The island measures 82 acres and originally had 41 residential lots, though some have been combined over the years and it now hosts around 30 luxury estates. Only about 130 people reside full-time on the island, but its significance far outpaces its small size.

Let‘s take a look at some of the billionaires, celebrities, and other prominent residents who have called Star Island their home over the years.

Billionaires Flocking to Star Island

In recent years some of the world‘s richest billionaires have purchased lavish estates on Star Island:

In 2021, billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin bought a property for $75 million, setting a new record sale price for Star Island. His 18,000 square foot mansion was previously owned by Calvin Klein.

Phillip Frost , a pharmaceuticals billionaire, owns an extensive Star Island estate, hosting both intimate family gatherings and large non-profit fundraisers.

Billionaire entrepreneur John Jansheski‘s Mediterranean revival mansion is arguably the largest on the island at nearly 18,000 square feet with 2.5 acres of land.

Jeffrey Soffer , CEO of Fontainebleau Resorts, purchased and renovated an estate for around $16 million as a second vacation home.

Year	Buyer	Sale Price
2021	Ken Griffin	$75 million
2022	Anonymous	$60 million
2021	Anthony Hsieh	$30 million
2021	Ivanka Trump & Jared Kushner	$32 million (Indian Creek)

(Table data sourced from published reports on highest recent sales)

The allure of living on Star Island for these billionaires includes state-of-the-art security features, amenities like private boat docks, the ability to easily entertain guests and conduct business dealings on the island, as well as seclusion from mainland Miami. Based on the recent buying activity, expect Star Island‘s reputation as a haven for the ultra-wealthy to continue growing.

Big Name Celebrities in Residence

In addition to lucrative business tycoons, Star Island has attracted a number of big name celebrities over the past few decades:

Acclaimed musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan have owned a lavish Star Island compound since the 1980s. They often host celebrity guests and events on the island.

Hip hop icon Sean "Diddy" Combs bought a sprawling waterfront Star Island mansion in 2003 that once belonged to Madonna. His home has been the site of star-studded parties and celebrity gatherings.

Latin pop singer Enrique Iglesias owned a Star Island mansion for many years and was known to zip around the island on jet skis. The home sold for $30 million in 2022.

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal lived on Star Island for years in a home fit for his massive 7‘1" frame. He reportedly loved cruising the island on a custom tricycle.

Actress Rosie O’Donnell previously owned an island property. And pop star Jennifer Lopez currently co-owns a plush estate with former fiancé Alex Rodriguez.

In addition to the lush amenities, many celebrity residents over the years have cited Star Island‘s privacy, security teams, and ability to control media access as reasons why they chose to live there rather than on the mainland. It allows them to enjoy South Florida‘s tropical climate without sacrificing privacy.

History of a Man-Made Marvel

How exactly did Star Island come to be? In the early 20th century, developers were dredging sand from the bay bottom to construct the man-made islands that would become Miami Beach. Seeing this success, the Lummus Brothers partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to create a similar man-made island further out in the bay as an exclusive residential neighborhood for the elite.

The crescent-shaped island was dubbed Star Island and construction began in 1918. Strict building codes were implemented to ensure the island would be an architectural marvel. Homes reflected Mediterranean style with terra cotta roofing and stucco walls amid lush tropical landscaping.

By the opening in 1922, the island featured 41 residential lots, a waterfront golf course, streets lined with palm trees, and even an on-island farm to supply tropical fruits and vegetables. Homes could only be built on lots sold by the Lummus Corporation, and came with membership to the private Star Island Yacht Club.

Over the decades, as Miami grew into an international vacation hotspot and haven for the rich and famous, Star Island‘s reputation only became more sterling. With its picturesque location and amenities, the man-made island has attracted everyone from wealthy families and business tycoons to legendary celebrities.

Next time you‘re boating around Miami, look northeast across the turquoise waters and you may just spot a billionaire or celebrity living the life of luxury on exclusive Star Island.

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I tried a ship-within-a-ship cruise experience and it was worth it for the endless perks—here’s why

The MSC Yacht Club affords travelers a totally different cruising experience, but you’ll have to splurge.

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club , the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC.

I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded.

RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you

Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge.

You’re fast-tracked through everything

The Yacht Club’s exclusivity and impeccable service standard started from the moment I got dropped off at the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. There were hundreds of people waiting to board at 1pm on embarkation day. I saw in the distance a canopy that said MSC Yacht Club. My husband and I wheeled our carry-on luggage to the representative under the canopy. I gave her my name and within two seconds, she gave me a sticker to wear and up we ascended on the escalator to check in. Just five minutes later, I was directed to the dedicated check-in area for Yacht Club guests. To my right, I saw about 1,000 people serpentine through ropes to do general check-in. I felt a sense of relief; who wants to wait in that line? Five minutes later, a butler from the Yacht Club insisted on wheeling my luggage to board the ship and I was in my room in a total on 12 minutes from the time I stepped foot out of the car to my stateroom in the Yacht Club.

Relaxing and streamlined

In addition, Yacht Club guests have the freedom to get off the ship first for excursions. Your butler will happily escort you off the ship with a smile. Guests also can disembark on the last morning first, which is a big convenience. Your butler walks you right to the place you disembark, bypassing crowds and hassles. Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Orlando International Airport, and we took a 10 am flight home. We didn’t have to linger around until the afternoon for our flight home.

Another perk is that there’s a special seating area in the theater for shows. All the shows were excellent during my voyage. All other ship passengers have to make reservations in advance for shows but that’s not the case for the privileged Yacht Club passengers. As long as you arrive about 10 minutes before any show you choose, a crew member from the Club will allow you entry into a special roped-off section. Again, no rushing through dinner—you have the flexibility to plan your evenings your way.

Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value

The price tag may sound daunting, but there’s lots of value there. All Yacht Club cabins and suites include a premium drink package that covers beverages up to $15. You can use this perk both in the Yacht Club and throughout the ship. In addition, your package includes a two-device Wi-Fi package, which worked well during my sailing. Finally, you get access to the thermal spa suite, which is a place to indulge after a day in port or a sea day. Commonly, there’s a taboo regarding mini-bars, but not in the Yacht Club. It’s stocked each day with the beverages you want; just tell your butler and consider it done.

You get perks ashore too

If your sailing includes a call to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, Yacht Club guests get an elevated experience there too. Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my husband chose carne asada. In my opinion, one thing that could be improved was the tram service to the Yacht Club’s private area. We were told the last tram back was 3:30pm if we didn’t want to trek a 15-minute walk in the heat. Since we were docked in Ocean Cay for the evening and weren’t sailing, I was a bit dismayed by this logistical quirk. I felt like I was keeping an eye on my phone to make sure I didn’t miss the last tram.

You have private areas with curated food and drink and outdoor spaces

Within the Yacht Club complex, there’s the Yacht Club Restaurant, Top Sail Lounge and the One Pool Buffet, which are all exclusive to Yacht Club guests. Obviously, the food and service are steps above other dining venues of the ship, I can vouch for that. Although the food is delicious, if you don’t want to pay extra to dine at the specialty restaurants or fuss in the main buffet, eating three meals a day in the Yacht Club restaurant can get a bit monotonous. The breakfast is the same daily, and lunch and dinner offer a menu with daily specials plus a few standby selections like a hamburger or pasta each day. Although the Yacht Club Restaurant concept is desirable, I would strongly suggest dining in other venues on board, especially for dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed specialty dining in Ocean Cay Restaurant, Butcher’s Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. I also want to mention that late afternoon high tea is offered daily at the Yacht Club Restaurant. It was one of the nicest I have experienced at sea.

Also available exclusively to Yacht Club passengers is the Top Sail Lounge, which offers panoramic water views and has chef-curated selections from morning through late night. We enjoyed popping into the lounge at all hours to try finger foods and sweets. The One Pool Buffet offers a more casual option for breakfast and lunch by the pool. The buffet has grilled fish, sandwiches and lots of delicious options if you want to dine outside.

There’s also an exclusive area with a private pool and two whirlpools for Yacht Club guests only. The sun deck loungers are very comfortable and I never had to worry about finding a lounger, there are ample. One issue I had was that there was almost no shade on the sun deck; there were shaded day beds for Royal Suite and Owners Suite guests, but beyond those, I couldn’t find any shade, which was disappointing.

You can justify the price at the end of your cruise

Overall, the best way to explain my enthusiasm for my MSC Yacht Club experience is this: it’s better to book an interior stateroom in the Yacht Club than a luxe cabin outside the Yacht Club. It’s worth the splurge and you return home feeling truly pampered and it’s money well-spent. And I make this prediction: Once you try a ship-within-a-ship concept like the MSC Yacht Club, you won’t want cruise any other way. Bon Voyage!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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IMAGES

Star Island Yacht Club Owner Buys Liar's Saloon, Offshore Sports Marina
Star Island Yacht Club Owner Buys Liar's Saloon, Offshore Sports Marina
Star Island Yacht Club and Marina (Montauk)
Star Island’s $40 Million Yacht Club Mansion is Still on the Market
Star Island Yacht Club and Marina (Montauk)
STAR ISLAND YACHT CLUB AND MARINA

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It's True, Montauk's Liars' Has a New Owner
Tom Gogola. August 4, 2022. Sam Gershowitz, an UpIsland recycling magnate who owns the Star Island Yacht Club in Montauk, is the new owner of Liars' Saloon and the Offshore Sports Marina at 408 ...
Star Island Yacht Club Owner Buys Liar's Saloon, Offshore Sports Marina
BY MICHAEL WRIGHT Sam Gershowitz, the metal recycling magnate and owner of Star Island Yacht Club, has purchased Offshore Sports Marina in Montauk — home of the locally famous, sometimes notorious, Liar's Saloon. Gershowitz confirmed the purchase thi
Star Island Yacht Club & Marina: Montauk's Top Sport Fishing
By December 31, 1986, Gershowitz officially owned what is now known as Star Island Yacht Club & Marina. Today, Star Island is the premier destination for sport fishermen and boaters alike. At Star Island you will find 170 slips, accommodating both seasonal and transient boaters. All slips are on floating docks, and provide each boater with ...
Star Island Yacht Club Owner Buys Liar's Saloon, Offshore ...
His 105-foot yellow-hulled sportfishing yacht sits in the end slip at Star Island Yacht Club now, affording a clear view of the once-lively scene at Offshore Sports Marina and Liar's.
Marina Group Buys Montauk Yacht Club From Gurneys
Since 2018, the yacht club had been known as Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina, after the investors who purchased the former Gurney's Inn in 2013 bought the 35-acre property and invested a ...
Return of Montauk Yacht Club
In July of 2022, Safe Harbor Marinas acquired Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina in Montauk, NY. After nine months of investment and preparation, the company announces the official return of the storied Montauk Yacht Club. The reimagined landmark on a peninsula in the middle of Lake Montauk has begun welcoming guests to world-class ...
Marlena's Yacht Club Open for Business
Offshore Sports Marina has reopened as Marlena's Yacht Club at 408 West Lake Drive in Montauk. Sam Gershowitz, who also owns the Star Island Yacht Club in Montauk, is the new owner. Under Gershowitz's discerning eye, the property has been undergoing an extensive cleanup. Marlena's boasts 40 slips with water and electrical on the docks ...
Montauk Yacht Club Opens Following Multi-million Dollar Renovation
MONTAUK, N.Y., June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Montauk Yacht Club, the 107-key Star Island seaside resort and marina, is open following a multi-million renovation and addition of the Ocean Club ...
Developer Redefining Montauk, N.Y. for Year-Round Luxury
Filopoulos has since grown the collection beyond its original property to include Gurney´s Star Island Resort & Marina, which opened this Memorial Day, and Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina. Its second Montauk property is a takeover and redesign of the Montauk Yacht Club, Skift reported. At least one previous member remarked during the ...
The Montauk Yacht Club Makes Its Return
The iconic Montauk Yacht Club is marking an official return this Memorial Day weekend. Safe Harbor Marinas, which owns and operates the world's largest boating network, bought what had most recently been Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina in July 2022 and has just completed "nine months of investment and preparation," according to a statement.
Montauk Yacht Club sells for a Hamptons record of $149.4M
The Yacht Club's final sale price represents a 157% increase from what the club commanded when it last sold, in 2018, for $56.7 million to Gurney's, according to the publication 27East. Before ...
Owner George Filopoulos On The Evolution Of Gurney's
Gurneys Star Island. ... In 2018 the company purchased the Montauk Yacht Club and added 107 rooms and 232 Marina slips to its portfolio, and in 2019, added Gurney's Star Island. In 2021 Gurney ...
Montauk Yacht Club sale most expensive ever in Hamptons
Barry Rosenstein paid $147 million for an East Hampton estate in 2014. Gurney's recouped its Montauk Yacht Club investment and then some. It purchased the property in 2018 for $56.7 million and ...
Is Guerneys Star Island The Old Montauk Yacht Club
In July 2022, Safe Harbor Marinas acquired the historic Montauk Yacht Club in Montauk, NY, after nine months of investment and preparation. The resort, which was previously known as Gurneys Star Island Resort Marina, will debut following a 13 million renovation to its 107 guest rooms, restaurants, lobby, ballroom, meeting spaces, and Gurneys Montauk Resort Luxury Beach Hotel Spa.
About Sam's Star Island Yacht Club and Marina
About Sam's Star Island Yacht Club and Marina. With its unique resemblance of a star floating on the ocean, Sam's Star Island Yacht Club has come a long way from the boat yard it once was. Sam Gershowitz and his team have turned it into a great destination for boaters on the East Coast. "It's a beautiful place," Gershowitz says with ...
Star Island Yacht Club Archives
59 Star Island Rd. Montauk, NY 11954. phone: 631-668-5052. Star Island Yacht Club attracts a wide variety of people with a passion for cruising and fishing year-round. Boaters and fishermen come from all over the Island and and the East Coast to enjoy the excitement of seasonal sport fishing and access to an extensive fleet of charter boats.
Star Island Yacht Club-East End
Mike from Star Island Yacht Club let me know it didn't change much from last week. Bluefish are still set…
Sam's Star Island Yacht Club & Marina
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Sam's Star Island Yacht Club & Marina
Welcome to Sam's Star Island Yacht Club and Marina. Sam's Star Island Yacht Club attracts a wide variety of people year-round with a passion for cruising and fishing. Fishermen and boaters come from all over the Island and up and down the East Coast to enjoy the excitement of seasonal sport fishing and access to an extensive fleet of ...
Who Lives on 5 Star Island? The Billionaires and Celebrities Calling
By the opening in 1922, the island featured 41 residential lots, a waterfront golf course, streets lined with palm trees, and even an on-island farm to supply tropical fruits and vegetables. Homes could only be built on lots sold by the Lummus Corporation, and came with membership to the private Star Island Yacht Club.
Your Yacht Club package is packed with remarkable value
Yacht Club guests enjoy a private area, and a dedicated restaurant called the Ocean House. While other ship guests were hosted to a buffet of predictable fare, I enjoyed a lobster roll, and my ...