A woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a guest room at the Shou Sugi Ban House, a Japan-inspired wellness retreat in Water Mill. The victim’s name and cause of death were not immediately available, pending results from an autopsy. Southampton town police were the first to respond to the scene and called in the county for assistance when they suspected foul play. A Suffolk County police mobile crime lab was on the property for hours, and Suffolk police stated that the victim met a violent end. The spa did not provide any immediate comment on the incident, and anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.
The Shou Sugi Ban House, founded in 2019 by Amy Cherry-Abitbol, was the Hamptons’ first high-end wellness retreat, inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which embraces nature and finds beauty in imperfection. The 13 villas on the property and the luxurious amenities are highly rated, and the retreat offers a serene and rejuvenating experience. The spa’s website describes the partnership with Noma co-founder and Michelin-starred chef Mads Refslund for the food offerings. The retreat’s philosophy is summed up with a quote by Japanese samurai poet Mizuta Masahide about finding beauty and hope in the face of tragedy.
The death at the Shou Sugi Ban House has sparked an investigation by authorities, with the Suffolk County Homicide Squad looking for information on the case. The victim was discovered by a staff member, leading to suspicions of foul play. The county police were called in to assist and spent several hours at the property conducting investigations. The details of the case were limited, as the victim’s name and cause of death were pending results from an autopsy. This incident has raised concerns among guests and staff at the high-end wellness retreat.
The incident at the Shou Sugi Ban House has brought attention to the tragic events that can occur even in luxurious and serene settings. The retreat, known for its beautiful surroundings and top-rated amenities, is now under scrutiny as investigations continue. The high cost of staying at the retreat, with rooms priced at upwards of $1,000 a night, adds to the shock of the incident. The partnership with a renowned chef and the inspiration from Japanese culture add layers of complexity to the retreat’s image.
The police presence at the Shou Sugi Ban House has raised questions about safety and security at luxury wellness retreats. The secluded property in Water Mill, located about 95 miles from New York City, was supposed to provide a peaceful and rejuvenating experience for its guests. The involvement of law enforcement and the mobile crime lab at the property have disrupted the tranquility and highlighted the need for proper security measures at such establishments. Guests and staff are left shaken by the tragic events that unfolded at the retreat.
The investigation into the death at the Shou Sugi Ban House continues, with authorities asking for information from the public. The victim’s violent end has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about safety and security. The spa’s founders are yet to comment on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered. As the case unfolds, the authorities are working to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death at the Japan-inspired wellness retreat.
