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| Long
Island, New York - USA receives |
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Merrit - Extraordinary
February - 2006 |
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4 Stars
& 5 Stripes
Hotel & Service |
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The Ultimate
Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes™ |
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| Nestled among the dunes of Montauk, New York at the
very tip of Long Island, Gurney's Inn Resort, Spa and Conference Center has for
years been a place for stressed New Yorkers to escape the pressures of the city
since many years. Gurney's Inn is located only 110 miles form New York City and
may easily be reached by car, bus, Long Island Railroad, or by private
aircraft. Montauk is the very last gem on the string of the famous Hampton's
pearls. Montauk has been referred to as "The Land of many Winds," it gets
breezy at times. That's because it's enclosed on three sides by water. To the
south and east the Atlantic, with its long, large swells, crashes along the
shore. The usually calmer waters north of Montauk lap along the coast, and
nestled in between is lots of wildlife reserve and this ever-so-charming,
little country town Montauk, American Dream Town USA 2003. The first town ever
receiving the American Dream Town award for most pristine, patriotic and
prettiest in the US. |
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| Check-inn was quick, warm and
friendly. We were residing at the Crows Nest, a small one bedroom cottage build
right into the sand with unparalleled, breathtaking ocean views. The interiors
were most charming. Soon after we‘d unpacked we were on the way to
discover the famous Sea Water Spa everyone is talking about. The spa
receptionist smiled as though she just emerged from a relaxation therapy
herself. The spa director, looking as if she just jumped out of the latest
Vogue fashion magazine, welcomes us personally. |
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| Ladies and men spa pavilions are separate, two
identical spas. We sank into fluffy white terry robes, received additional
towels, shower slippers, and lockers. All we had to bring was our swimsuits,
exercise clothing and our Nike’s. The king-sized, ocean view seawater pool
has windows from ceiling to floor that enhance the relaxing and healthy
ambiance. The crystal clear turquoise seawater is drawn from Gurney's own deep
sea water wells. There is no comparison to swimming in a regular fresh water
pool. We were floating, while the healthy seawater minerals were penetrating
our skin to the soul. The spa is worth alone the trip. |
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We were starving and ready for
our dinner at the Sea Grille, overlooking the mesmerizing Atlantic Ocean.
Simone looked marvelous in her black Ralph Lauren dress; little did we know
that the master de couture owns since an estate right next to Gurney’s
Inn. Zelco the Maitre d’ welcomed us. A romantic table for two. The newly
renovated Sea Grille’s ambiance conveys a sense of tranquility presented
with the uncompromising hospitality of the Monte family, keeper of the inn.
They are celebrating this year their 80th anniversary. Eclectic decor
emphasized the presence of the past combined with today's gourmet dining
expectations. |
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| Montauk is renowned for its fishing, a fact reflected
on the menus of the busy Sea Grille. Offering international selections with an
emphasis on morning-caught fish, locally harvested shellfish; local
farmer’s organic produce and regional specialties such as the famous Long
Island Duck. Spa guests may choose from a spa cuisine menu featuring
preparations of the freshest ingredients in calorie counted portions, low in
fat, cholesterol and sodium. Light, romantic piano music filled the high
caeiling dining room; though the deep carpets swallowed all other sounds. Our
dinner was superb and this dramatic ocean view 'one-of-a-kind'. |
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| Asking GM Paul Monte about his success: “My
family defines hospitality as a tradition, passed on from one generation to
another in order to establish and reinforce a strong sense of identity. More
specifically, our family tradition offers a unique opportunity for employees,
friends and guests to develop & strengthen the ties that bind. Our family
traditions differ from general traditions in that they bring intimacy and a
special closeness not only to loved ones.” |
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“Paul Monte and the internationally recognized Hotel Design Firm
Di Leonardo had carefully planned a
multi-million dollar renovation with
the intention of preserving the old world style and beauty
of the famous,
historic inn. Paul is in preparation for the 80th anniversary party,
and NY
State Governor Pataki is invited.” ~ TB |
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| by
Thorsten & Simone Buehrmann |
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| © 2006 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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