Gurney's Montauk Resort's luxurious waterfront spa in Long Island, US, is being reimagined by architect Ignacio Alonso of Alonso Designs.

The year-round 158-room resort in New York’s affluent Hamptons area dates back to 1926. It consists of a two-story building that sits on top of an oceanfront promontory with a large saltwater pool at the upper level and treatment rooms at the lower level.

Currently, the resort’s 30,000sq ft Seawater Spa is closed for comprehensive renovations. Set to debut in December 2021, new spa highlights will include co-ed relaxation areas and eucalyptus oil-infused aromatherapy steamrooms.

The resort’s existing saltwater swimming pool fed directly by the North Atlantic ocean is being renovated and will be complemented with four new thermal experiences – a large caldarium, thermae and a dual frigidarium – all with direct ocean views.

Newly designed treatment rooms, featuring indoor/outdoor space will offer chromotherapy, hydrotherapy and full-body treatments. The spa’s locker rooms, reception and retail space are also being reimagined.

Once complete, the spa will include a medical spa, Scottish sauna, infrared sauna, gym, strength and cardio rooms, plus a multi-function fitness studio for classes.

Alonso is the lead designer – including interior design and FF&E – and project coordinator for the spa upgrade.

He told Spa Business his broad professional experience as a designer in the wellness field – including realising Tribeca's Aire Ancient Baths among others – led him to the Gurney’s project.

Besides being an architect, Alonso is also a keen marathon runner and is a big supporter of wellness facilities and their benefits.

“This helps me to translate the real needs of visitors into wellness design”, he explained.

One of Alonso’s main objectives is to open the building to its picturesque waterfront location, by introducing new treatment rooms with direct ocean views and dedicated outdoor space for treatments and relaxation.

He’s also passionate about incorporating sustainable practices into the spa and has opted to install environmentally friendly and energy-efficient mechanical and water treatment systems.

Alonso said interior design will be inspired by the luxury resort’s personality and its natural beachfront surroundings. Materials have been specifically chosen to help drive attention to the stunning views the building offers.

To this end, all bodies of water will also have a custom-designed infinity drain that blurs the edge between the ocean and pool water.

The recent renovation follows upgrades completed by WTS International in 2015, read more here.