New Seawater Spa opens at Gurney's Resort Montauk 

The view commands your attention the minute you walk through the doors of the new Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Resort in Montauk. Everywhere you turn, a vast swathe of brilliant blue ocean catches your eye.

That was one of the major goals of the renovation, says general manager Jonathan Macioce, showing off highlights of the $20 million project that opened right before Memorial Day. You can see the beach and water everywhere — from the seawater pool, to the two-level gym, to several inviting indoor/outdoor treatment rooms.

But the spa, designed by architect Ignacio Alonso, known for the Aire Ancient Baths in Manhattan, offers more than million-dollar views. “We’re all about creating world-class experiences,” says Macioce. “People come here because they want us to take care of them.”

A prime example: The Bathhouse, a spacious area overlooking the pool that features the caldarium (a hot soaking pool kept at 104 degrees), the frigidarium (two cold soaking pools), and the thermae, a warm hydrotherapy pool, along with the requisite sauna and steam rooms. One level down is a two-floor gym with indoor and outdoor yoga rooms, and the seawater pool with its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, the same pool that’s been the spa’s major draw since it opened in 1980.

Back upstairs, Macioce opens a door to his favorite place in the spa — the salt room with a wall and heated massage bed made entirely of Himalayan sea salt. While breathing in the warm salt air, guests can indulge in a healing Salt Stone Massage (similar to a hot stone massage, but using salt stones) to help relieve muscle tension, starting at $230 for 60 minutes on weekdays.

Seawater Spa is still in its soft opening phase, meaning it’s open only to resort guests and members with limited facials, massages and body treatments, says assistant spa director Wanessa Miyagusuku. They hope to fully open by mid-July, and down the road, plan to expand treatments and food options. Miyagusuku describes an intriguing service in which guests can book one of the indoor/outdoor treatment rooms for an hour or so, along with the appropriate products, and enjoy a little DIY spa time.

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is located at 290 Old Montauk Highway in Montauk and the spa is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A 60-minute facial starts at $220 depending on day of week and products used; a 60-minute massage starts at $190; 631-668-1892; gurneysresorts.com.