I can’t help but laugh every time someone asks me if I’m “heading out east for the weekend,” or invites me to a party in the Hamptons on a random Tuesday night, assuming that I’ll be in town to attend. I get it: the city I’ve called home for 15 years (New York), my job (Vogue editor), and some of my favorite things (beach days, seafood, and parties) place me squarely in the goes-to-the-Hamptons-often demographic. But while I’ve enjoyed a handful of trips there over the years (an incredible dinner party at Tanya Taylor’s house stands out), I find it hard to relax in a town known for celeb-studded events, $97 lobster salads, and being a playground for the who’s who of NYC; I prefer a more laid back scene (one that isn’t a scene at all, actually). I was, then, rather surprised when I spent a weekend at The Maidstone and left thinking: I would go back there.
Built in 1804 and originally used as a tannery and lodge, the white-shingled boutique hotel has been an East Hampton institution for over 150 years, notably situated on Main Street. In 2008, it was purchased by Swedish entrepreneur Jenny Ljungberg, who gave the interiors and grounds a Scandinavian makeover (complete with clogs in each guest room). Fast forward to the present day, and The Maidstone has been reimagined once more—this time by Irwin Simon and Mayank Dwivedi of ISMD, in partnership with LVD Hospitality founder and president John Meadow. (LDV is behind the wildly popular Scarpetta restaurants, with locations in NYC, Montauk, Rome, and Tokyo, among other cities.)
“It’s an iconic property,” Meadow tells Vogue. “I think everyone knew it was for sale for the past two or three years.” It was important to Meadow that he keep that history intact, while infusing the space with the trademark of his brand: la dolce vita. “We’ve never done anything branded as LDV, so our first hotel, LDV at The Maidstone, we weren’t going to come up with a name and call it Gigi Hotel,” Meadow says. “Who are we? What are we? We’re hospitality givers, so we’re stewards of this special place. It was here a long time before, and it’s going to be here a long time after me.”
The idyllic property features a main structure with 16 guest rooms, grassy front and back lawns, three cottage suites, a shaded pool, and a gift shop. The decor, courtesy of Unionworks designer Poonam Khanna, was largely inspired by the natural Hamptons landscape: earthy hues of sand, green, blue, and peach. The guest rooms are marked by plush beds made with Frette Linens and clawfoot tubs in the bathroom; cottages boast quaint living areas and private gardens. Tata Harper skincare fills the gift shop, alongside a selection of Giulivia Heritage pieces.
Even if you’re not looking for a place to stay in the Hamptons, The Maidstone’s Scarpetta-inspired restaurant is a major draw. Helmed by LDV partner Chef Jorge Espinoza, who helped open the first Scarpetta in 2008, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the hotel’s elevated but unfussy feel. “This is more personal and intimate because of the size,” Meadow says of the jewel box space, just off the hotel’s bar and lounge area. “People can really connect, and it feels like a home; it feels like a dinner party. For me, that’s the best type of hospitality, when you have real warmth and connectivity to people.” Signature LDV dishes that have landed on the menu at The Maidstone include wagyu strip, lobster ravioli, and a linguini nera topped with crabmeat, uni, Calabrian chili, and lemon.
Over the summer, on opening night, Chef Espinoza prepared a feast of tortellini, branzino, steak, and charred veggies—outside and amid the threat of rain because the kitchen wasn’t quite up and running yet. But the unconventional preparation was imperceptible to the lively group of guests—especially as martinis were ordered and musicians Francesco Conforti and Gabriele Mori played a rousing live set. The evening, Meadow says, was the epitome of la dolce vita: “nostalgic, communal, post-war Italy,” he explains. “A kind of hot-blooded fun.” Indeed, it was.