WAVE RESORT

A Quick Getaway To Long Branch, NJ

By Stacey Zable

Driving to Wave Resort, located along the Atlantic Ocean in the Pier Village section of Long Branch, you’ll notice the exterior design looks like a cruise ship with its wavy curves and floor-to-ceiling windows. Once inside the property, that feel continues with clear railings on the terraces and pool deck blurring the lines between land and the phenomenal view of the ocean only steps away.

Location is one of Wave Resort’s prime features; not only because it is a beachfront property, but also because it is only a little over an hour’s drive (without traffic) or a 40-minute train ride on New Jersey Transit from Manhattan. (It is minutes from the train station to the resort.) Thus, it makes it an excellent spot for a short vacation trip to escape the city any time of year.

A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE
The property opened in May 2019 with 67 guest rooms and suites featuring private walk-out balconies to enjoy the seaside vistas. Wave Resort is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection. Offering a modern design throughout, the getaway feel begins upon entering the “living room-styled lobby,” where lounge areas buffer a free-to-use pool table. The large guest rooms carry over the modern feel, with 55-inch HD televisions, refrigerators, Nespresso machines, minibars, and oversized showers, plus floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that access the balconies. Luxury touches include robes, slippers, and Bamford organic toiletries. Room types include Deluxe and Superior Guest Rooms with king or double queen beds and Deluxe Junior Suites and Deluxe Multiroom Suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi is included.

The first stop for any guest any time of year is the expansive beach just steps from the resort. Guests receive a wristband that gives them free access to the vast, long sandy beach, as well as complimentary lounges and umbrellas during peak season. In addition, its boardwalk or promenade runs along the length of the beach, making it easy for long walks or runs.

An excellent alternative to time at the beach is lounging at the relaxing heated pool on the property’s second floor. It overlooks the beach, ensuring that cruise ships feel once again. The pool has a swim-up bar, plus a pool deck with fire pits. You can also order drinks and bites if you prefer. Seasonally, though the pool closes at 8 pm, the pool deck is open until 10 pm.

STAY FIT
If you’ve taken a morning run along the beach, finish it off at Wave Resort’s well-equipped fitness center. SoulShine Studios offers a variety of morning classes including yoga. Bicycles are available for rent and a great way to explore the surrounding area and the boardwalk. Kids will like the onsite playroom with games for parents to play with them.

To soothe the body and mind, make an appointment at the Wave Spa. A full menu of treatments is available including massages, scrubs, wraps, and facials services. It also has a relaxation room available pre-and post-treatment.

WINE & DINE
Beyond the pool deck, there are plenty of indoor-outdoor dining options available at the Wave Resort. The Patio offers guests an outdoor experience for brunch, craft cocktails, and shared plates including tapas. At 100 Ocean look for a dinner menu of surf & turf specialties as well as beer and wine pairings. Branch Cantina is the resort’s restaurant featuring tacos, fajitas, margaritas, and frozen cocktails, and more. And for those looking for a quick bite, head to Boardwalk Coffee offering sandwiches, sweet treats, and Starbucks coffee and tea.

For more information on Wave Resort, visit waveresort.com