The Interview with Leslie Heaney

Episode: East Hampton and Beyond – feat. Sarah Wetenhall
Date: August 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this vibrant episode of The Interview, host Leslie Heaney sits down with Sarah Wetenhall, owner and CEO of the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and the newly revitalized Hedges Hotel in East Hampton. The conversation spans Sarah's journey from fashion industry professional to influential hotelier, the process of restoring two iconic properties, and her insider perspective on East Hampton’s best experiences—from food and shopping to summer traditions and kid-friendly outings. Perfect for anyone dreaming of or planning an East Hampton trip, or those interested in hospitality entrepreneurship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sarah Wetenhall's Unconventional Path to Hospitality

(03:45–09:24)

• Sarah shares her background in fashion, marketing, and PR—not hospitality—and recounts how she and her husband unexpectedly bought the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.
  • Family legacy: The hotel was previously owned by her father-in-law, making the purchase deeply personal.
  • The challenge: "We have no experience... and six months later, we owned a hotel.” (Sarah, 05:36)
  • The motivation was a blend of honoring family history, finding a flexible yet fulfilling career, and leveraging their own travel experiences to "do it better."
• “My husband and I are travelers... all of our years staying at the Colony, we're kind of juxtaposed against these great small luxury hotels in Europe and in Africa and in Australia. And it's like, wow, why is Florida... not have some of these great things that these other iconic destinations have?” (Sarah, 07:34)

2. The Creation & Philosophy Behind The Hedges Hotel

(09:57–16:51)

• The idea to acquire and revive the Hedges Hotel arose from Sarah's deep local roots and a community need for luxury hospitality in East Hampton.
• The acquisition was "organic and seamless," with previous owners wanting to entrust the property to someone integrated into the community.
• The Hedges is a boutique luxury property (14 rooms) modeled as “a tiny microcosm” of the Colony’s best offerings.
  • 24-hour front desk (“which seems crazy, but you actually don't get that in the Hamptons a lot”), full-service concierge, Volvo electric cars for guest use, and seamless beach services.
  • Swifty’s restaurant, a reincarnation of an NYC classic, is brought in with a Hamptons farm-to-table twist.

3. East Hampton Food & Dining Destinations

(16:51–19:58)

• Leslie and Sarah dish on their favorite restaurants and coffee spots:
  • Sant Ambroeus: “A tiny little jewel box... can’t miss.” (Sarah, 17:10)
  • Tutto Il Giorno Café: “Extraordinary cappuccino and the pastries are unparalleled.” (Sarah, 19:00)
  • Carissa's Bakery: Perfect for artisanal bread or pastries.
  • John Papas Café: “Traditional Greek diner...chocolate chip pancakes are my kids’ favorite. Very low key and delicious.” (Sarah, 19:00)
  • Bay favorites: La Belle Bouquet and Beacon in Sag Harbor for waterfront dining.

4. Best Beach Experiences

(20:20–25:22)

• Main Beach is the go-to for Hedges guests and families: “Long been one of my favorite beaches because it’s easy and it’s the closest beach ironically enough to the hedges. It’s been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in America.” (Sarah, 20:20)
• Georgica Beach: Quieter, more residential, but less in the way of amenities.
• Alewife Brook (Bay Beach): Great for paddleboarding and kayaking. “If you have paddle boards and water toys… it’s very sweet, off the beaten path.” (Sarah, 21:55)
• Hedges can organize paddleboard excursions with local triathlete Orion Mims.
  • “He’ll pick you up in his jeep with like 18 paddle boards attached… take you out on this paddle board excursion or take your kids out canoeing and crabbing.” (Sarah, 22:25)

5. Unique Activities: Outdoor and Family-Friendly

(24:33–29:54)

• Walking Dunes in Amagansett: “Almost feels like shooting a Star Wars movie… you would never think you were in the Hamptons.” (Sarah, 25:22)
• Bike rides down Lily Pond Lane: “If you like design and interiors and homes, it's a good ride worth doing, and it's not difficult.” (Sarah, 25:40)
• Duck Pond: Nature trail with wildlife, walkable or bike-able from the Hedges—“A sweet little path… my kids love it.” (Sarah, 26:40)
• Playgrounds & indoor options: Playground on Newtown Lane, and “The Clubhouse” with bowling, arcade, and outdoor mini-golf for rainy days.
  • “Even if you come…on a rainy day or a chillier day, never fear. We have a movie theater in town and there's bowling and an arcade.” (Sarah, 28:48)

6. Shopping in East Hampton

(30:16–32:52)

• Alongside global luxury brands, Sarah’s local picks:
  • Caron & Zabet: “Family owned...the curated selection and her eye is really unparalleled.” (Sarah, 30:50)
  • Henry Lehr: “More casual wear… great for fall layering.” (Sarah, 31:10)
  • Monogram Shop: “Embroider anything...great for hostess gifts with witty sayings.” (Sarah, 32:10)
  • White's Pharmacy: Classic chemist with luxury candles, cosmetics, and gifts.
• Many shops offer online ordering for out-of-town listeners.

7. Takeout & Food for the Beach

(33:23–36:16)

• Round Swamp Farm: The go-to for prepared foods. “Their guacamole is stuff of legends...jalapeno cheese dip…it’s really something to remember.” (Sarah, 34:49)
• Pop Up Bagels: “They still have a waitlist...you have to preorder them.” (Sarah, 35:57)

8. East Hampton Events & Traditions

(36:50–39:15)

• Tuesdays at Main: Summer beach concerts and movies at Main Beach. “One of the things that makes you remember East Hampton Village is a small town.” (Sarah, 36:50)
• Ladies Village Improvement Society Carnival: Old-fashioned June carnival for kids.
• East Hampton Historical Society Antique Show: The “best antique show on Long Island.”
• Children’s Fair by the library, Author’s Night: Local events that highlight the town’s community spirit.

9. Year-Round Vision and What’s Next for the Hedges

(39:55–43:40)

• Upcoming focus on restoring guest rooms while respecting the landmark status:
  • “We'll be giving them the love and affection they deserve this fall and winter.” (Sarah, 40:00)
• Sarah’s vision includes expanding programming and events to the off-season, similar to the Colony's “Living Room Series.”
  • “It’s something that's important to us, to bring content, to bring programming, and to bring interest to this community year round, not just in the summer.” (Sarah, 43:25)
• Interest in making September and fall a “sneaky secret” for the best time to visit—“The best month of the year on Long Island is September.” (Sarah, 43:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On running a hotel as a family endeavor:
  “There was something very romantic about being able to fulfill that dream for him... But again, that wasn't enough for us to put our entire lives and livelihood on the line.” (Sarah, 06:00)

• On hospitality insight:
  “You don't get that in the Hamptons a lot… you come in after 11 o'clock and the key's under the mat. But we have a full time front desk, full time, you know, text-with-your-butler sort of service.” (Sarah, 15:00)

• On local activities:
  “It’s like staying in the home of a well connected friend—you’re plugged in.” (Sarah, 16:21)

• On summer in East Hampton:
  “A couple things happen here in the village that are really special that make you remember... East Hampton Village is a small town… they’ve reinvigorated these small town traditions.” (Sarah, 36:50)

• Ina Garten as hotel guest moment:
  “Our opening night at the Hedges, Ina and Jeffrey were guests of ours and I had to resist everything in my body to not fangirl all over.” (Sarah, 34:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro to Sarah & conversation setup – 00:05
• Sarah’s path into hospitality, buying Colony Hotel – 03:45
• Restoring the Colony and hospitality vision – 06:00
• Acquiring and reopening The Hedges – 09:57
• The Hedges amenities & Swifty’s restaurant – 13:46
• Favorite East Hampton restaurants – 17:10
• Best breakfast and coffee spots – 19:00
• Top beaches and bay experiences – 20:20
• Outdoor excursions, paddleboarding, biking, walking dunes – 22:09, 24:33
• Family/kids activities, rain plans – 28:48
• Shopping recommendations – 30:16
• Prepared food, Round Swamp Farm, bagels – 33:23
• Summer events, local traditions – 36:50
• The Hedges’ future, year-round programming – 39:55
• Best time to visit East Hampton – 44:03

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Sarah Wetenhall’s conversation with Leslie Heaney is a delightful blend of personal business journey, deep local knowledge, and practical tips for making the most of East Hampton and Sag Harbor. Her approach to hospitality—infusing tradition, creativity, and community connection—shines through, making this episode an inspiring resource for travelers and aspiring hoteliers alike.

Listen if you want:

• Authentic recommendations for East Hampton’s best hotels, beaches, shops, and eats
• A behind-the-scenes look at reviving historic hotels
• Inspiration for entrepreneurial ventures rooted in family, community, and passion