# Shou Sugi Ban House: Japanese-Inspired Wellness in the Hamptons > Shou Sugi Ban House is a small wellness retreat and spa in Water Mill, in the Hamptons, about 90 miles from New York City. With just twelve guest studios, it suits New Yorkers and visitors who want a quiet, design-led reset built around movement, meditation, hydrotherapy and bodywork. Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/shou-sugi-ban-house/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Location: Water Mill, the Hamptons, New York, United States Type: wellness, spa, yoga, meditation Official website: https://shousugibanhouse.com/ Best for: Couples and solo travelers wanting a short, high-touch wellness escape from New York Setting: Private gated compound about three miles from the ocean Rooms: Twelve guest studios, each with a fireplace and deep soaking tub Included: Daily breakfast, morning movement, evening movement and meditation, hydrotherapy suite access Wellness menu: Yoga, sound journeys, Reiki, qi gong, Pilates, nutrition workshops, spa treatments Distance: About 90 miles from New York City As recommended in: - Forbes Australia, "Wellness destinations to visit in 2025" (2025-01-08) https://www.forbes.com.au/life/wellness/wellness-destinations-to-visit-in-2025/ - World Spa Awards, "World Spa Awards 2025 winners (announced 23 Sept 2025)" (2025-09-23) https://worldspaawards.com/winners/2025 ## What it's like Shou Sugi Ban House is a private, gated compound in Water Mill, on the South Fork of Long Island, about three miles from the ocean and roughly 90 miles from Manhattan. Evergreens and tall grasses screen it from the road, and the mood inside is hushed and minimal. The name comes from a Japanese technique for charring wood to preserve it, and Japanese ideas run through the design, along with the wabi-sabi appreciation of simple, imperfect things. It's a twelve-room retreat and spa, which keeps it intimate: you'll rarely feel like you're sharing it with a crowd. Forbes included it among its 2025 wellness destinations, and it was named New York's best wellness retreat at the 2025 World Spa Awards. ## Where you stay There are twelve guest studios, each for one or two people, with a king or queen bed, a gas fireplace and a deep soaking tub. Small touches add to the calm: organic bath products, a seasonal bath soak drawn each night and herbal teas. The property also has standalone residences for longer rentals. ## The wellness program Overnight stays include daily breakfast, a morning movement session and an evening movement and meditation session, plus shared use of the hydrotherapy suite and its thermal circuit. The open Movement Pavilion is yours to use, and private sessions in the Watsu pool can be booked. Beyond that, there's a long menu of private and small-group experiences: - **Healing arts:** sound journeys, crystal sessions, Reiki, energy balancing, craniosacral therapy and qi gong - **Meditation:** breathwork, tea meditation and seasonal floating meditation in aerial silk hammocks - **Yoga and fitness:** hatha, flow, deep release and prenatal yoga, mat Pilates and custom workouts - **Nutrition:** one-to-one consultations and hands-on workshops on fermented foods, juicing and blood sugar The spa adds massage, bodywork and skin care. ## Food Breakfast is included, and lunch and dinner can be reserved. The property describes its culinary program as a central part of the stay. ## Who it suits (and who it doesn't) It's ideal for New Yorkers who want a restorative weekend without flying, and for couples or solo travelers who value privacy, design and personal attention. It's less suited to anyone looking for a structured week-long retreat with a group, or for families wanting kid-friendly facilities. With only twelve studios, it also books up in summer. ## Getting there Water Mill is about 90 miles east of New York City, on Long Island's South Fork. Most guests drive, and the Hamptons are also served by train and bus from Manhattan. Ask the team for current transport suggestions. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I visit for the day? Yes. Day guests can book spa and wellness experiences as a package of at least two services. ### What's included with an overnight stay? Breakfast, daily morning and evening movement sessions, and access to the hydrotherapy suite. ### How far ahead should I book? In peak season, the retreat suggests booking at least three weeks ahead. ### How many rooms are there? Twelve guest studios. Plan a stay through the [official Shou Sugi Ban House website](https://shousugibanhouse.com/).