The Hampton Maid owner Tara Poulakis.
From lavish suites and an outdoor pool to its renowned restaurant, R.AIRE, and unrivaled wedding venue, the Hampton Maid has rightfully earned its spot as an East End institution. We sat down with owner Tara Poulakis to talk family legacy, standout amenities and upcoming fall activities.
Talk to us about the history of The Hampton Maid.
In 1959, my grandparents, John and Marion Poulakis, came out to the East End looking to move their family and with the intention of purchasing a coffee shop in Southampton. They stumbled upon the Sail Inn, a strip motel with an attached cafe in Shinnecock Hills. They bought it, renamed it The Hampton Maid, and moved their family of five into two of the hotel rooms. My grandmother sketched the original logo on a napkin.
Sherry cheese plate
In 1982, they built cabins that are currently our standard rooms. My parents, Steven Poulakis and his wife, Sharon, took over the property in the 1990s. They added six more acres and that’s where our LEEDcertified luxury suites were built. I grew up on the grounds of the hotel and worked there as a little girl.
After college, I worked for a while as a bookkeeper, but came back to the hotel in 2019 and became proprietor. I want to maintain the family retreat vibe we’re known for as we continue to expand and offer guests a casual camp-style ‘quiet luxury’ experience. With my partner, chef Alex Bujoreanu, we opened R.AIRE, which offers dinner in addition to our popular country breakfast. We also expanded our private events and also do beautiful, intimate weddings for up to 70 guests.
What can guests expect when staying the resort?
Our property is spread out over 13 acres, which allows guests to experience quiet luxury in their own cottage, with a private outdoor area to enjoy the surrounding nature. Soak in the sun at our pool, just a few steps from your room; enjoy an in-room Red Flower aromatherapy massage; or take a yoga class overlooking the Shinnecock Bay. We have a playground for kids. You can shop in our gift shop and enjoy daily happy hour at R.AIRE, with craft cocktails; fresh, local oysters and fish; charcuterie boards; or delicious chorizo burgers. But most of all, you can just relax and… exhale!
exterior photo of the grounds.
How would you describe The Hampton Maid’s aesthetic?
First, there’s always an element of surprise when guests pull off Montauk Highway into our property and discover the beautiful grounds. It’s unexpected—and we love that we’re still considered a bit of a hidden gem. The resort has a very laid-back quiet-luxury vibe. We want to evoke peace and tranquility when guests arrive at our resort.
outdoor dining patio
Let’s talk food! What can you tell us about the on-site restaurant, R.AIRE?
We wanted to offer a dinner option for our guests, so in 2020, we opened R.AIRE. My partner, chef Alex Bujoreanu, who is from Spain, spent time cooking in some of the finest kitchens in Europe. We are embracing his heritage with a globally inspired menu, including authentic Spanish tapas, paellas, and innovative dishes and classics with a modern twist. Everything is as fresh as possible, and the Mediterranean-style cuisine is prepared in a healthful way, without any butter. We make our own stocks and sauces. We grow our own produce in our garden. We also introduced a new sherry and cheese flight this year, where guests can delve into the flavors of Spanish sherry in a unique way, and we have curated an exceptional selection of Spanish wines, including some from producers that Alex has personal relationships with.
Are there any new programs or amenities you are excited about for fall?
On Aug. 18 (rain date the 19th), we’ll be celebrating our 65th anniversary on our lawn with a pig roast, paella, pinchos and sangria. It’s going to be a casually elegant event, and guests will also enjoy grand cru Spanish wine tasting, sherry and cheese flights. There will be live music by Los Cintron, whose guitars, vocals and melodies evoke the traditional sounds of Spain and Andalusia. We have different ticket tiers: communal seating at either $175 with alcohol or $125 without, and VIP tables for four or six guests that start at $1,200 per table and will include full table service, unlimited food and drinks, a swag bag with a Hampton Maid gift card and a bottle of wine.
We’re also donating a portion of each ticket to East End Food, a great organization that supports and advocates for farmers and producers and works to ensure that the community can enjoy and be nourished by local food. And we’re offering a special hotel discount of 19.59% for anyone who wants to stay over the night of the event.
Anything else you would like to buzz?
In the fall, our cooking class series will pick up again. Students will learn to cook Spanish tapas and paella while sipping on chef-paired wines as they enjoy the fruits of their labor. We are also planning a few wine dinners with both local vineyards as well as well-known Spanish wineries.
Oct. 25 through 27, we will be hosting a murder mystery weekend where you’ll mingle, dine and dance with the Vanderbilts and their prominent guests. Everyone is a suspect in the murder, and it’s up to you to solve the mystery. We’re excited for guests to join us for a weekend full of riddles, clues and a ‘whodunit’ that will keep you guessing until the very end! We’re offering a package that includes weekend accommodations, breakfast and dinner for two daily. And there will be prizes for those who solve the mystery! Rates start at $585 per night for two guests. Costumes are encouraged but not required. 259 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays,hamptonmaid.com
Photography by: PHOTO BY BREAD & BEAST PHOTOGRAPHER
