Last Saturday, two major athletic achievements in New York: I did Pilates for the first time in the Southampton Porsche dealership showroom, and there was also (apparently) a pretty big basketball game.
East End Taste transformed the Porsche Southampton showroom from a temple of horsepower into a golden-hour wellness studio with a private Pilates session led by the founder of Just Sculpted, health and wellness activations from Organic Edge, and a recovery station from DRIFT Wellness.
The wellness experience was just what I needed to get the Summer started with the right energy and was a showcase of the Hamptons’ intersection of wellness and luxury.
Just Sculpted really did leave me feeling “sculpted,” which is much better than shredded or on the verge of passing out, considering I still had plenty of wellness exploring to do after the session. Sara Colletti Youmans was a fantastic leader, high energy but not over the top, offered plenty of modifications, but also encouraged us to push ourselves.
Sculpted understands what Hamptons fitness is really about: strength, tone, shape, and polish. Founded by Sara, who previously lived in Sag Harbor and ran the Wellness on Wheels portable studio, the brand brings a thoughtful, body-conscious approach to movement. Her newest studio is now located in Port Jefferson. As she puts it, “Our bodies are our canvas and movement is the medium.”
Yoga mats, usually not in the showroom, were provided by Gaiam
Organic Edge is the heart of the Hamptons wellness scene – “a wellness destination dedicated to helping people feel their best through a personalized, integrative approach to health.” Marissa Kerwin of Hamptons Reiki brought a restorative wellness element to the experience, offering Reiki sessions enhanced by a medical-grade red light therapy panel.
Vanessa always adds personal touches and few things are as personal as a handwritten note from an in-person calligrapher from Dream Design Co.
DRIFT Wellness brings an exciting offering to the Hamptons (and an even better local story). Drift offers a dry sauna and a cold plunge for Contrast Therapy, which helps the body recover from stress more quickly. Yes, it also works for hangovers!
Drift is available from Westhampton Beach to Montauk for private events and parties, athlete recovery, bachelor(ette) weekends, and will be on-site after many local runs throughout the Hamptons.
The Wellness Experience was co-hosted by Vanessa Gordon and Edberg Espinoza of East End Taste. Vanessa tells me, “This is the first time Porsche of Southampton has hosted an event of this kind. It was an honor to partner with the showroom to create a one-of-a-kind, intimate wellness-oriented experience.”
Of course, no East End Taste event would be complete without thoughtful hospitality. Guests enjoyed a beautiful spread from Graze Craze, and I’m happy to say I tried my first-ever non-alcoholic wine alternative from TÖST Rosé.
And, as always with East End Taste, guests left with a fantastic gift bag with brands including Dr. Kellyann, Calista, Fleurit Parfum, Elasten, Manuka Health, Aloh, Gymwrap, Kiki de Montparnasse, Karma and Luck, and more.
All in all, the evening was a fitting kickoff to summer: a little sweat, a little luxury, a little local storytelling, and the rare chance to say your first Pilates class happened next to a Porsche.
