Alejandra Alonso Rojas’s Guide to Shelter Island
3 min readAlejandra Alonso Rojas keeps busy. As a designer and new mother of two, she splits her time between her studio and apartment in New York’s Soho neighborhood. When she’s not visiting family in her native Madrid, she’s likely unplugging on Shelter Island.
For the uninitiated, the sleepy town near the eastern end of Long Island is only accessible by ferry, making it feel both local and blissfully removed—a favorite escape for Manhattanites. There’s a reason Jonathan Adler, Rickie De Sole, and others spend part of their summers there.
“Shelter Island is best enjoyed by staying either at a waterfront resort, perfect for families looking for space and amenities, or at a charming boutique inn for a quieter, more intimate escape,” Rojas tells ELLE. She recommends The Pridwin, which strikes the perfect balance between the two. Below, her guide to the island.
TRAVEL
o Paddleboard — Around the calm northern shores.
o Bike — Exploring the island by bicycle is one of the best ways to discover Shelter Island.
o Hike — Through Mashomack Preserve in particular.
STAY
o The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages — A historic waterfront resort overlooking Crescent Beach, The Pridwin sits on 10 beautiful acres and offers both hotel rooms and charming cottages. It’s an ideal choice for families thanks to its expansive grounds, swimming pool, tennis courts, complimentary water sports, and activities for children. Don’t miss the fresh eggs from the property’s chickens, the weekend brunch, or the beloved Wednesday Night Barbecue—a wonderful tradition for gathering with family and friends. The spa has recently been beautifully renovated and is well worth booking during your stay.
o The Rams Head Inn — A classic and elegant waterfront inn with a more secluded feel. It’s one of my favorite places to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
o The Chequit — A beautifully restored boutique hotel in Shelter Island Heights with a lovely summer coffee shop and an excellent Italian restaurant.
EAT
o Vine Street Café — A longtime island favorite serving seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with exceptional local produce and seafood. Its curated gourmet market is also perfect for picking up specialty products.
o Sunset Beach — One of the island’s most famous destinations for lunch, dinner, cocktails, and music. We love coming back every summer and seeing the same wonderful staff year after year. I especially enjoy an early lunch after the beach or dinner at sunset overlooking Crescent Beach.
o Léon 1909 — A beautiful Provençal-inspired restaurant centered around its wood-burning fireplace. I highly recommend the roast chicken, burger, Caesar salad, and red shrimp tartare.
SHOP
o Purethread — A beautiful waterfront boutique featuring contemporary fashion and a thoughtfully curated selection of designers.
o RAM Design Home — Alongside its interior design studio, you’ll find a wonderful selection of home décor, gifts, and unique pieces.
o Marika’s — Secondhand furniture and décor store with discoverable finds.
EXPERIENCE
o The Pridwin Spa — The residency with Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care is not to be missed.
o Shelter Island Pilates and Barre — Pilates and barre classes in a welcoming studio.
o Moussa Drame Tennis Academy — Private lessons, clinics, and tennis programs for all levels.