Designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas shares her favorite spots on Shelter Island, a sleepy town near the eastern end of Long Island.

Alejandra Alonso Rojas, a designer and new mother of two, often escapes to Shelter Island, a town near the eastern end of Long Island. The island is accessible by ferry and is a favorite among Manhattanites, including Jonathan Adler and Rickie De Sole.

Getting Around

Rojas recommends exploring the island by bicycle, which is one of the best ways to discover Shelter Island. She also suggests hiking through Mashomack Preserve.

Places to Stay

The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages is a historic waterfront resort that offers a balance between space and intimacy. The Rams Head Inn is a classic and elegant waterfront inn with a more secluded feel, while The Chequit is a beautifully restored boutique hotel with a summer coffee shop and Italian restaurant.

Dining and Shopping

Vine Street Café serves seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, while Sunset Beach is a famous destination for lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Léon 1909 is a Provençal-inspired restaurant with a wood-burning fireplace. Purethread is a waterfront boutique featuring contemporary fashion, and RAM Design Home offers a selection of home décor and gifts.

Wellness and Activities

The Pridwin Spa offers a residency with Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care, while Shelter Island Pilates and Barre provides pilates and barre classes. Moussa Drame Tennis Academy offers private lessons, clinics, and tennis programs for all levels.