Montauk - Eighty-five years ago Gurney's Inn carved its footprint into what we call the Hamptons, a footprint as indelible as the famous Montauk Lighthouse itself, and a resort that dates back to the era of "The Great Gatsby."

The Sea Grille Dining Room at Gurney's Inn.

Founded in 1926 by W.J. and Maude Gurney just west of the village of Montauk, in 1955 NYC restaurateur Nick Monte (Nicholas Montemarano), after an afternoon lunch with no wine available in the "dry" restaurant, offered to buy the inn from Mrs. Gurney, a Christian Scientist who did not serve alcohol on the premises. By 1956 it was his and has remained in the Montemarano family ever since, with Nick's nephew Paul Monte now serving as chief executive, Angelo Monte, Jr. as executive chef and Candice Monte as director of spa operations.

Boasting one of the most exquisite oceanfront beaches in the Hamptons, Gurney's Inn has 125 elegant guest rooms and suites, all of which, remarkably, have ocean views. The inn also has five oceanfront cottages with private terraces and fireplaces, four of which are actually at sea level, right on the 1,000 foot beachfront. The cottages have been long time favorites of some of the world's most famous celebrities from the arts, business and politics. In fact, President Richard M. Nixon wrote his 1968 Republican Convention acceptance speech while staying in the Skipper's Cottage.

Attendant Noberto Agudelo in Gurney's Fitness Center.

Along with tasteful accommodations that are decorated in a soothing, airy beach style that is pure Hamptons, the inn's cuisine is considered world class with water view dinning in both the Sea Grille Dining Room and the less formal Caffé Monte. The starters of crab cakes and the "Gurney's Salad" were excellent and the Chicken Francese, along with the Blackened Tuna special were both delicious. The cheesecake dessert was wonderful, but the carrot cake was, frankly, a disappointment. The service was stellar, as it should be, attentive but not intrusive. The dedication to hospitality is an infectious passion among the staff at Gurney's from top to bottom, with numerous staff members boasting decades of service at the inn.

The resort is, of course, no longer "dry" and the Port O'Call bar is open daily with a full compliment of liquors, beers and wines by the glass. Gurney's deserves particular kudos for its impressive selection of Long Island wines. Hosting special parties and events throughout the year, it is the site for the star studded opening night party of the Hamptons International Film Festival every October. This winter Gurney's is presenting live music every Saturday night.

Speaking of star studded, Gurney's also hosts marketing director Ingrid Lemme's "American Dream Show," which is virtually broadcast on the World Wide Web, on Hamptons TV in the tri-state area and available on demand by Time-Warner cable. Recent guests have included conservative talk show host Bill O'Reilly and actresses Tovah Feldshuh and Aida Turturro of the "Sopranos."

Chef Angelo Monte's Chicken Francese and Special Blackened Tuna.

For breakfast or lunch one can also partake of the selections at La Pasticceria just off the resort's lobby, which features, yes, Starbucks coffee in probably its most eastern location in New York State. After all, Montauk is "The End." Breathtaking alfresco dining is an option in season, weather permitting, including a great table near the sculpture depicting Botticelli's "Venus" bathed in the ocean air blowing in from what Gurney's calls the "Healing Sea." If you prefer private dining on the veranda of your room, the room service menu is particularly extensive.

The men's Roman Bath of the Sea Water Spa.

The healing sea is more than just a visual and recreational compliment at the resort; it is an integral part of Gurney's extensive spa services. As noted in the resort's brochure, the Sea Water Spa "built in the European tradition, is the only true Thalasso Center in the continental United States. Thalasso Therapy comes from the Greek word for sea and refers to a variety of treatments that use sea water and seaweed, each designed to tone, moisturize and revitalize the body and skin, and in many cases to improve circulation."

Along with the extensive Thalasso services such as Active Green Argilite Mud Therapy and Seaweed Wraps there are traditional spa treatments like Swedish massage, with couples massages and treatments available. The spa has both men's and women's Roman baths, steam rooms and saunas. There is also a special spa cuisine menu and hands on spa cuisine cooking classes throughout the year with the next scheduled for February 22. For the month of February the spa has special Valentine treatments like Chocolate Euphoria and Rose Bliss Massages.

Unique to Gurney's is the enormous indoor sea water pool with ocean views. Adjacent to the spa is the Ocean View Salon de Beauté for facials, manicures and other beauty related services. Gurney's fitness center is massive with dozens of machines, a full time trainer/attendant and, again, spectacular ocean views.

In season the beach services at the Barge beach pavilion include food and beverages and a full service bar for beach cocktails. Chaise lounges, umbrellas and towels are available at no charge to all registered guests and a New York State certified lifeguard is on the stand during swimming hours.

Unique to Gurney's is the indoor sea water pool with spectacular ocean views.

Gurney's Inn is open year-round and is a favorite destination for business conferences and retreats by corporations from across the nation and around the world with six event rooms in the conference center that can accommodate up to 250 guests. It is hard to imagine a more romantic location to tie the knot and Gurney's has created lifetime memories for thousands of wedding couples with a full line of bridal and reception services. On February 20, Gurney's will present its fifth annual Bridal showcase.

Gurney's Inn represents the best in resort hospitality for all seasons with fine dining, extraordinary spa services and amenities and breathtaking oceanfront vistas. Just a few hours from Manhattan, it is indeed a perfect "Hamptons Hotel Getaway."

For more information go to www.gurneysinn.com, or call 631-668-2345.