Sunset Beach

In the late 1990s, hotelier André Balazs put his fashionable stamp on New York’s tranquil Shelter Island by turning a vintage motel into a buzz-worthy inn. More than 10 years later, the property has managed to retain its chic sensibility without disrupting the island’s laid-back vibe. What makes this hotel a worthy spot when compared to properties in the nearby Hamptons? Its location on Crescent Beach, one of the area’s top spots for watching the sunset. Inside, 20 white-on-white rooms are refreshing and simple, punctuated by cheery bursts of orange and yellow. All have spacious private decks that face the sea.