With the Manhattan summer heat overwhelming even the most committed New Yorkers, it is no surprise that many choose to head East of the city during summertime to the celeb-sprinkled enclaves of The Hamptons. Standing just 100 miles away on the eastern tip of Long Island, this stretch of idyllic beach towns boasts un-spoilt, clean beaches and memorably wild dunes. Our favourite sand spots are the rugged Ditch Plains (the surfers choice), Sagg Main Beach (for a younger crowd) and the easily accessible Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton. Both offer daily parking, a choice denied by many of the more exclusive beaches which are resident permit only. For those looking for a slice of St Tropez head to Gibson Beach, Sagaponack for designer tanning lotion and a heavy dose of A-Listers.

UJ’s Insider Tips

Taxis can be expensive and hard to find in the Hamptons so book well in advance. Make the most of the coastline’s myriad seafood markets and stock up on the Hamptons’ famous clams and fish caught fresh from the Atlantic. Our secret spot? The Fish Farm (38 South Etna Ave., Montauk; 631-668-9030), grubbily hidden at the end of a bumpy dirt road. Choose your lobster from a ramshackle hut, bring your own bottle, and eat at picnic tables overlooking the water. Clubs tend to fill up around midnight and tend to have rigorous guest list policies so phone ahead well in advance if you’re in the mood for a party. In contrast, restaurants tend to fill up early and many close well before midnight - definitely bear this in mind when dining out.

The Hamptons, Long Island, NY, USA