Ancient wisdom and The Hamptons aren’t typically found in the same sentence. One is all about stillness and inner calm. The other, rosé and reservations. At Shou Sugi Ban House, however, the two identities co-exist, and beautifully. This luxury destination spa and wellness retreat in Water Mill is a soothing break from the usual summer-in-the-Hamptons high energy. It’s very serene, for one, and built around Japanese and nature-inspired design. The approach is influenced by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi—the beauty in imperfection and impermanence—placing solid emphasis on the psychological, physical, and emotional benefits of nature, says Kathy Rivard, Director of Spa and Wellness. There are thirteen standalone guest studios, a luxury spa, communal barn-like spaces for movement classes and meditation and just hanging out on the chic-comfy couches while reading one of the many available coffee-table art/design/food books, and a culinary program designed by famed Noma co-founder Mads Refslund. This place is super stylish, for sure. It is also genuine in its desire to use old traditional methods of wellbeing to bring some calm and clarity—which makes a lot of sense in a place so close to New York City (about two hours) and right smack in the middle of a buzzy summer hotspot. Feeling extremely pampered during your stay doesn’t hurt to take the edge off either. 

The experience really starts with the setting. The architecture is simple with indoor-outdoor spaces, so during nice weather you’re always in contact with the natural elements. The landscaping is all tall grasses, gravel paths, and fire bowls, which feels fitting for the beachy locale. My room had a gas fireplace, a deep soaking tub, and no TV. Instead, there were herbal teas and a rotating bath soak placed in the room each night. (Coffee-drinkers, don’t panic; there’s fresh brew in the main house, alongside wonderful fresh juices in the morning.

The spa offers a very thoughtful roster of facials with clean, botanical brands like Tata Harper, and massages, plus a real reach into cultural wellbeing with crystal healing, shamanic sessions, Reiki, shiatsu, Tok Sen (using wooden tool to tap along the body’s energetic meridian lines for fascia healing), sound therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, and more. There’s also yoga, meditation, workouts, and cold-to-warm-to-hot plunge pools. “The hotel and spa were conceived as a sanctuary for quiet transformation,” says Rivard. “Guests customize their itinerary to restore balance and promote overall well-being.”

The resort additionally is big on multi-day organized retreats, and has a robust schedule of resident experts leading breathwork, shamanic healing, Reiki, hypnotherapy, crystal healing, and other traditional, and fascinating, wellness arts.  At the same time, the programming doesn’t ignore modern wisdom, which creates a refreshing mix. I participated in a three-day program that circled around confidence taught by Lydia Fenet, a powerhouse auctioneer and author of Claim Your Confidence. The days included group coaching, smart sessions on mindset and communication, guest speakers, and even an art class. Our meals were joyful social events that reminded everyone of the real goal in ancient and modern wisdom: to enjoy life. We then used yoga class and meditation to help it all sink in.  

About those meals, the food is outstanding: Lots of local produce and herbs, organic meat and fish, all with a nod to Asian flavors. And yes, there’s wine. 

Shou Sugi Ban House draws on traditional healing practices, but it isn’t stuck in the past. The mix of ancient wellness tools with modern, real-world programming—like the confidence retreat I joined—makes the experience relevant and also restorative. And somehow, it all fits—even in the Hamptons.