Jayma Cardoso: The Visionary Who Turned Montauk Into a Global Stage
- Devon Blanchè
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Long before Montauk became synonymous with world-renowned DJs, celebrity performances, and summer’s most coveted guest lists, it was a quiet surf town at the eastern edge of Long Island. Few individuals have influenced its modern cultural identity more than Jayma Cardoso.
As the founder and creative force behind The Surf Lodge, Jayma didn’t simply open another hospitality venue—she created a destination that redefined what luxury experiences could look and feel like. Since opening its doors in 2008, The Surf Lodge has evolved into one of the world’s most recognizable lifestyle destinations, seamlessly blending hospitality, live music, art, wellness, fashion, and culture into a singular experience that has become synonymous with the Hamptons summer season.
Today, securing a performance at The Surf Lodge has become a milestone for artists and one of the music industry’s most anticipated summer stages. From legendary performers including John Legend, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, and Wyclef Jean to internationally acclaimed electronic artists such as RÜFÜS DU SOL and many of today’s most celebrated DJs, the venue has become an essential stop on the global summer circuit. What began as an intimate waterfront escape has grown into one of the most influential cultural platforms in hospitality.
Born in Curitiba, Brazil, Jayma arrived in New York at just 17 years old to attend Fordham University, working her way through school while immersing herself in the city’s competitive nightlife and hospitality industries. Before launching The Surf Lodge, she helped shape New York’s nightlife landscape through iconic venues including Cain, GoldBar, and Lavo—experiences that would later influence her own distinctive approach to experiential hospitality. Hotel Room Suite
Her vision has never been limited to a single destination. In 2019, she expanded the brand with The Snow Lodge in Aspen, bringing the same philosophy of music, design, wellness, and community to one of the world’s premier winter destinations. The evolution demonstrated that the concept was never simply about a place—it was about creating a cultural gathering point where exceptional experiences naturally bring together creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, and tastemakers.
Nearly two decades after opening The Surf Lodge, Jayma continues to redefine hospitality through thoughtful collaborations with global brands, celebrated chefs, musicians, designers, and cultural leaders. Each season introduces new programming that reflects the brand’s continued evolution while remaining rooted in its original spirit of connection and creativity.
Among this summer’s newest additions is Sunset Supper Club, an invitation-only weekly dining experience debuting for Summer 2026. Set directly on the sand every Thursday evening, the series brings acclaimed chefs from New York City and beyond together with live music, curated cocktails, and an intimate beachfront setting designed to foster conversation and community. More than a dinner series, it represents another chapter in Jayma’s belief that extraordinary hospitality is ultimately about creating meaningful moments between people.
In an industry often focused on trends, Jayma Cardoso has consistently stayed several steps ahead—anticipating cultural shifts rather than following them. The result is a brand that has become far more than a destination; it has become an institution. Through creativity, instinct, and an unwavering commitment to authentic experiences, she has transformed The Surf Lodge into one of the most influential hospitality concepts of its generation and helped redefine what summer in Montauk means to the world.
The Surf Lodge
183 Edgemere Street
Montauk, New York 11954
P | 631.483.5045
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