By JoAnn Greco By JoAnn Greco | July 10, 2019 | Lifestyle, Travel, National,
Choose your own adventure with these four distinctive Shore retreats, from sick seaside suites to luxe farm cabins.
WHERE YOU’LL SUN Galloway Township, a short drive from Atlantic City
WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP Founded in 1914, the resort hosted Grace Kelly’s Sweet 16 party—and has a tradition of accommodating famous rockers, golfers and presidents. Today’s visitors can enjoy 36 holes of golf or the Red Door spa, strolling through acres of pine forests or dining at several acclaimed eateries.
WHAT’S NEW A top-to-bottom redo of all 296 guest rooms and public spaces offers art deco touches expertly melded with coastal design cues. Book the Girls’ Night package ($350) for the ultimate R&R, which includes a spa credit for extra pampering. 401 S. New York Road, 609.652.1800, seaviewdolcehotel.com
WHERE YOU’LL SUN Cape May, America’s oldest seaside resort
WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP Choices include the dog-friendly casual vibe of Beach Shack, the stately grace of The Virginia and the unparalleled grandness of Congress Hall, known to host Oprah Winfrey.
WHAT’S NEW Several restored historic cottages and newly built Amish barns are available for weekly group rentals on the wooded grounds of the 62-acre Beach Plum Farm, which provides produce, flowers and meat to Cape Resorts’ many restaurants. Three cottages and two barns feature cooks’ kitchens (which come stocked with farm-fresh eggs and breakfast meats on arrival), screened porches, wood-burning stoves, and comfy rooms. Weekly rates from $5,000, multiple locations, caperesorts.com
WHERE YOU’LL SUN Brant Beach, Long Beach Island
WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP The hotel’s rollicking spirit is evident everywhere from its 22 brightly accented rooms to its endless supply of complimentary chocolate cookies. This summer, Daddy O’s Luxury on the Beach Package (weekdays $749, weekend $949) promises a rooftop king suite; a gift at check-in that includes Champagne, roses, and chocolates; the Taste of LBI deluxe shellfish platter while you get settled; plus a signature 51-ounce Champagne rum punch Fishbowl cocktail.
WHAT’S NEW Recent updates to sister properties on the island include a new tropical vibe at Plantation Restaurant and a happening rooftop bar at Tucker’s Tavern. 4401 Long Beach Blvd., 609.494.1300, fearlessrestaurants.com
WHERE YOU’LL SUN Stone Harbor, one of the Shore’s priciest ZIP codes
WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP One of 58 luxurious rooms tinted in sandy neutrals with hints of sea and sky, including 21 new additions in the just-opened spa wing. For the ultimate overnight, book the Sky Suite ($1,879 per night) with two bay-view balconies, plenty of space for entertaining—there’s a living room, dining room and den area, and a fully appointed chef’s kitchen where a private dinner can be prepared tableside.
WHAT’S NEW The two-story Salt Spa brings a new level of hedonism to the region with six treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, a hair, and makeup studio, and a fully equipped fitness center. Wellness activities include rooftop yoga and complimentary paddleboarding and kayaking. 9601 Third Ave., 609.368.0100, reedsatshelterhaven.com
Photography by: From top to bottom: Photo courtesy of Seaview, a Dolce Hotel, Photography by Paul Bartholomew, Photography by Ann Cohen/courtesy of of Fearless Restaurants, Photo courtesy of The Reeds at Shelter Haven