Finding a place to stay out in the Hamptons usually feels like a choice between two extremes. You either end up in a sterile, overpriced hotel that could be anywhere in the world, or you’re navigating the high-stakes drama of a short-term luxury rental where the "amenities" depend entirely on whether the homeowner remembered to stock the toilet paper. Then there is Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett. It occupies this weird, wonderful middle ground. It’s a cooperative—technically a resort-style residence—that sits right on that prestigious stretch of sand along the Napeague Strip.
Most people driving down Montauk Highway blink and miss it.
Honestly, it’s not flashy. If you are looking for the "see and be seen" vibe of a Sunset Beach or the ultra-modern glass architecture of the newer builds in Sagaponack, you’re going to be disappointed. This place is about the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about the fact that you can walk out of your unit and have your toes in the sand in roughly thirty seconds. That is the actual luxury here.
The Napeague Reality: Location is Everything
Amagansett is funny. It’s tucked between East Hampton and Montauk, and it often gets treated like a pass-through. But Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett sits on a specific geography called the Napeague Strip. This is where the island gets skinny. You have the ocean on one side and the Gardiners Bay on the other.
Why does this matter? Because the wind is different here. The light is different.
When you stay at Ocean Colony, you aren't just "near" the water. The property is designed so the dunes are your backyard. You’ll hear the surf hitting the shore at 2:00 AM. For some people, that’s a lullaby; for others, it’s a roar. But it’s authentic. You’re staying in a spot that feels like the Hamptons before the influencers arrived—weathered wood, salt-sprayed windows, and a total lack of pretension.
What the Units are Actually Like
Don't expect a standard hotel room layout. Because Ocean Colony is a co-op, the units (often referred to as apartments or studios) are individually owned. This means the decor can vary wildly. One unit might have that classic, crisp white-and-navy nautical look that looks like a Ralph Lauren ad. The next one might still have the wicker furniture and floral prints of 1994.
Basically, you’re staying in someone’s beach house.
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Most units come with kitchenettes or full kitchens. This is a game-changer. If you’ve ever tried to get a dinner reservation in Amagansett on a Saturday night in July, you know it’s a nightmare. Being able to buy some fresh striped bass at a local market and sear it in your own kitchen while the sun sets is, quite frankly, a better experience than fighting for a table at a crowded bistro.
The Tennis Culture at Ocean Colony
The name isn't just a marketing gimmick. They take the "Tennis" part of Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett seriously. There are ten courts. Ten. For a property of this size, that is a massive ratio.
It’s a clay court enthusiast’s dream.
Even if you aren't a pro, the atmosphere around the courts is great. It’s social. It’s active. It gives the place a "country club lite" feel without the stuffy dress codes or the five-figure initiation fees. You’ll see families playing doubles or kids getting their first lessons. It’s one of the few places in the area where the amenities actually encourage you to move your body instead of just lounging with a cocktail—though there is plenty of room for that too.
The Pool vs. The Ocean
It’s a classic debate. Ocean Colony has a heated pool, which is usually the hub for families with younger kids. It’s well-maintained and provides a break from the salt and sand.
But let’s be real. You’re there for the beach.
The beach service is one of those things that makes the price tag make sense. They set up the umbrellas. They set up the chairs. If you’ve ever tried to lug a cooler, three chairs, an umbrella, and a bag of toys across a hot dune, you know that having someone else do it is worth its weight in gold. The beach here is wide, clean, and surprisingly private compared to the public access points further down the road.
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Navigating the Seasonal Madness
If you are planning to visit during the peak of summer, you need to prepare for the traffic. Montauk Highway is a single lane in each direction. On a Friday afternoon, it can take an hour to go five miles.
Staying at Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett gives you a bit of a "cheat code" for this. Once you’re there, you don't really have to leave. You have the beach, the tennis, the pool, and your own kitchen. If you need supplies, you’re just a short drive from the Amagansett Farmers Market or the IGA.
- Pro Tip: Do your grocery shopping on Thursday or Friday morning before the "city crowd" arrives.
- The Lunch Situation: There isn't a full-scale five-star restaurant on-site, which surprises some people. You’re going to be doing a lot of light lunches or heading out to nearby spots like Lunch (The Lobster Roll) or Clam Bar.
- Parking: It can get tight. They have spaces, but if you’re bringing a fleet of SUVs, talk to the management first.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Hamptons are expensive. Let’s not pretend otherwise. You are paying for the zip code and the proximity to the Atlantic.
When you look at the rates for Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett, you have to compare it to the alternatives. A rental house for a week in Amagansett can easily run you $15,000 to $30,000 for something decent. A high-end hotel room will be $1,200 a night and you’ll be cramped in a single room.
Ocean Colony offers a middle path. You get the space of an apartment and the services of a resort. It’s not "cheap," but in the context of East End real estate, it’s a relatively rational value proposition.
The "vibe" is also a factor. It’s quiet. People here generally respect each other's space. It’s not a "party" resort. If you want to blast music and spray champagne, go to a beach club in Southampton. If you want to read a book and watch your kids play in the surf, this is your place.
Practical Realities and Nuance
It's important to mention that because these are co-op units, the experience can be inconsistent. Management does a great job with the grounds and the common areas, but the "soul" of your room depends on the owner. Some owners have invested heavily in renovations—think Sub-Zero fridges and Italian marble. Others are perfectly content with the 1980s aesthetic.
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Check the photos of the specific unit you are booking. Don't just look at the general resort photos.
Also, keep in mind that Napeague is a micro-climate. It can be sunny in East Hampton and foggy at Ocean Colony. It’s part of the charm of the "End of the World" (as people call the Montauk area), but it’s something to be aware of if you are planning your entire trip around a tan.
Getting Around Amagansett
You will probably want a car, though it's not strictly mandatory if you’re a fan of rideshares. Uber and Lyft operate out here, but wait times can be brutal during peak hours.
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the Hampton Jitney both stop in Amagansett. From the station, it’s a short cab ride to the colony. If you’re coming from the city and just want to park yourself on the beach for three days, the train is actually a very civilized way to do it. You avoid the "Trade Parade" traffic and start your vacation with a drink on the train instead of a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel.
Nearby Essentials
- Amagansett Square: A great spot for high-end shopping and coffee.
- Hither Hills State Park: Right down the road if you want some hiking or more rugged dunes.
- Stephen Talkhouse: The legendary intimate music venue is just a few miles away. You never know who will show up for a surprise set.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at Ocean Colony Beach and Tennis Amagansett, follow this checklist:
- Book Early: This isn't a "last-minute deal" kind of place. The best units go months in advance, especially for July and August.
- Inquire About the Kitchen: Ask exactly what’s in the kitchenette. If you’re a coffee snob, find out if it’s a Nespresso or a drip pot.
- Check the Court Schedule: If you’re a serious tennis player, call ahead to see if there are any tournaments or clinics happening during your stay.
- Pack for "Coastal Casual": You don't need heels or suits here. Think linen, high-quality cotton, and a good pair of sandals.
- Grocery Strategy: Stop at a larger supermarket in Riverhead or Southampton on your way out if you're coming from the west. The local markets are great but significantly more expensive.
The real draw of Ocean Colony isn't that it's the most expensive or the most famous place in the Hamptons. It's that it feels like a secret. It feels like a place where you can actually unplug. You aren't performatively vacationing; you're just... at the beach. In a world of curated Instagram feeds, that's becoming a rare commodity.
Stop overthinking the logistics. Choose a unit that looks comfortable, pack a few good books, and get ready for the sound of the ocean to be the only thing on your schedule.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Begin by checking the current availability on the official Ocean Colony website or through reputable local brokerages that handle co-op sublets. Once you have a unit number, search for specific reviews or photos of that exact apartment to ensure the interior matches your expectations. If you are traveling with a group, coordinate your bookings simultaneously, as units in the same building block can fill up fast during the "High Season" window between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Finally, secure your transportation—whether that's a rental car or a Jitney reservation—at least three weeks out to avoid price surges or sold-out routes.