Designed to Travel: An Inside Look at Sunset Beach
Interior design maven Christine Gachot and her fellow designer husband John open up their travel diaries
Sunset Beach is personal for me on so many levels. Shelter Island, a sleepy paradise tucked between the laid-back North Fork and the sceney Hamptons of eastern Long Island, holds a special place in our hearts. My husband, John, spent his childhood summers here—days filled with mischievous adventures, fishing, reading, and making art. He loved the sun-soaked afternoons with his parents, brothers, friends, and his ever-loyal Springer Spaniel. We carried on the Gachot family tradition, buying our first home here nearly 20 years ago. Just as John once did, our sons now embrace Shelter Island summers, which has been a true joy to see. It’s where we have the best time together as a family and with our friends.
Morning runs to the pharmacy for the most legendary bacon, egg, and cheese; lazy pool days, and backyard football; tag sale treasure hunts; music playing late into the night, and long dinners under the stars. Our friends are in and out of our house all day and our sons come with a crew—John and I love it. As does our own much-loved Springer Spaniel, Slim. Shelter Island became even more meaningful when my professional life found its way here, too.
Making an entrance…
Early in my tenure at André Balazs Properties, I found myself boots on the ground as Sunset Beach came to life each summer. Perched on Crescent Beach, just a stone’s throw from our first island home, the hotel and restaurant team quickly became a part of our family—the best ops crew of all time, an unstoppable group of talented people who power through in three short months what most teams tackle in years. They run Sunset Beach with grace, grit, and a great sense of humor. And they bring the party!
The short five-minute drive from our home to Sunset Beach is peaceful and scenic—with so many protected preserves on the island, we’re sure to see wildlife. The final bend in the road opens to Crescent Beach where the hotel and restaurant sit just across. The familiar orange and white flag waves in the breeze and, as we approach in my beloved 1989 BMW convertible, we can hear a buzz of animated conversation, music, and laughter.
The moment we step into the restaurant, I’m greeted with a hug from Buano, who runs the show, and hellos from all the hostesses waiting for her cue. Manolo Sorenson, the general manager and a dear old friend, is back this season—us regulars couldn’t be happier to see him on property. The buzz is palpable. The restaurant areas of Sunset Beach are a great balance of indoor and outdoor, spread across three treehouse-like levels: The first floor consists of a café, bar, and more casual “sandbox” space. The second floor has a bustling bar and lots of dinner service seating. The “top deck” is fully exposed; with tree branches wrapped in glittering twinkle lights, it’s simply enchanting. This is where John and I sit at our regular table with a waterfront view. We observe hotel guests dipping their toes in the water and children wrapped up in beach towels, snuggled up on Sunset’s signature orange beach chairs, their parents sipping rosé close by. The vibe is intoxicating—a taste of St. Tropez on the Long Island Sound.
I’m so happy to be back!
Come hungry, come thirsty…
Our first visit to Sunset Beach this season included a special surprise—guest chef Daniel Rose was in the kitchen, and he prepared a truly unforgettable meal for us. He immediately came over to say hello with our favorite Chef Edi. Before getting started on what was bound to be a delicious dinner, naturally, we kicked things off with some cocktails. I ordered a “Gimme Shelter,” a refreshing concoction of mezcal, ginger, lemon, and pineapple, and John ordered the “Tu Casa,” a zippy mix of Casa del Sol, Aperol, rosemary, and chili salt. When we’re here with friends, nothing beats a crisp bottle of Chablis to get things going.
For a world-famous chef to cook us dinner on this little island was a real treat. Chef sent out a selection of delicious bites, including local crudo and Peeko oysters from the Oyster Bar (a stand-alone experience on the lower level). As the resident vegetarian, I thoroughly enjoyed the summer baked veggies with a top layer of crispy, melted parmesan. It was the perfect portion for my main course, but could also be an easy shared plate. The lemon zucchini pasta was light and expertly cooked to the ideal al dente.
As restaurant regulars we have our go-to favorites, too. The burger is always ordered, sometimes sliced up and shared with the table. The french fries are thin and crispy, an absolute must—sometimes we order them to-go and enjoy them on the beach with a glass of wine. Of course, the coastal location means impossibly fresh seafood. The linguine alle vongole is just right—briny and buttery. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Rest your head…
On summer days like this, time is a mirage. Morning discreetly becomes afternoon and the next thing you know, the sun is setting. That’s when some of the real magic happens at Sunset Beach. At around 8 p.m., the bright sun transforms into an orange bulb, sinking behind the water, casting a warm glow over the entire property. It’s entirely mesmerizing and we’re all entranced–the crowd’s excited chatter dips into a low hum as everyone takes it in.
We’re here for the full experience tonight. After the sun slips behind the sea, John and I follow the lit pathway to our guest room, hearing laughter from the group holding court around the fire pit. The perfect respite from the lively buzz of the restaurant, the freshly renovated guest rooms are simple and chic. White linens cover the bed and sofa, while cheeky portraits of past beachgoers adorn the walls. The minibar is packed with the essentials. Tucked into the trees, it’s peacefully quiet in our room. After a night of delicious drinks, fabulous food, and captivating conversation, it’s not long before we’re snoozing soundly.
Make yourself at home…
Shelter Island is my second home. With its relaxed and friendly energy, I know most people who step foot off the ferry feel welcome here, too. The Sunset Beach experience is an extension of the island’s warmth. The team is hospitable and engaging—eager to make their guests feel like old friends. This season, the staff is young, fun, and more beautiful than ever. It’s hard not to be impressed.
The island is certainly one worth exploring, but it’s easy to spend a whole day at Sunset. Start with breakfast, then go lounge on the beach before easing into a long lunch followed by a relaxing nap. Roll into dinner, watch the sunset, and join the party.
That extra mile…
The hotel boutique’s razor-sharp edit of clothing and accessories has got you covered when it comes to a chic beach outfit. (A pair of sunglasses I had my eye on sold out overnight—lesson learned.) And the merch! Bold and clever, the branding team doesn’t miss a beat. A gorgeous set up of beach loungers and bright candy-colored umbrellas is ready for you to recline by the water. The team skips back and forth between the restaurant and the beach, ensuring your cocktail of choice is always in hand. And the party at Sunset Beach—wow! The music, the energy, the beautiful crowd—it all feels so genuine. I can assure you, it takes great effort to create an atmosphere that resonates like this one, but with this team, it’s the real thing. What you feel at Sunset isn’t manufactured, it’s magic.
The service, energy, and attention to detail is commendable. From the hand-painted glass olive oil bottles to the dreamy lavender block-print tablecloths, every element is considered. Each aspect of your experience is intentional, from the creamsicle-orange awnings flapping in the wind as you drive up, to the never-ending swirl of freshly whipped cream on the dessert strawberries. The thoughtfulness here is evident, making it hard to ever leave the property.
The takeaway…
Simply put, Sunset Beach is a must. Whenever we bring friends, everyone has a good time—and I don’t just mean our table. The energy is always high. People are smiling, laughing, hugging, table-hopping, and reconnecting with old friends. It feels like everyone knows the Sunset team by name and, by the end of the night, the servers and guests are even closer. Sunset Beach is where Andre’s mastery of hospitality is experienced in every detail. It is nothing short of genius!
Don’t miss…
The fun! Plan to stay longer than expected, even if you’re just stopping by for a meal. And be sure to visit on July 12 for a dazzling display—the town throws their famed-fireworks show on Crescent Beach, right over the water. It’s spectacular.
Next trip…
Well, I hear Patou is back in July. What a homecoming that will be!