Welcome to the next feature in my series of ESCAPE travel articles. This time, we are going to the beach!

So many of my travel stories begin and end with food, with a soft bed and great sights in between.

This feature is going to stay along that similar vein, as when you travel to ICONA Avalon, you don’t need to do much else except settle in and relax.

Upon arrival, we were shown to the best room in the house, an oceanfront suite. But let’s be real, ANY room in this resort is the best room in the house.

Enjoy fabulous views, soft beds, great amenities in the bathroom, great water pressure in fully appointed showers, and the scent of salt-filled breezes in the air.

ICONA goes out of its way to adhere to all safety guidelines, so your room will be as fresh and safe as can be, ready to welcome you for fun and a good night’s sleep.

As someone who loves the beach at any time, it’s a true treat when the weather starts warming up (let’s not speak of winter, shall, we?) and I can get myself into an outdoor pool.

ICONA had their pool and hot tub open, and they were heated, and I was happy as a clam.

The pool is perfect for any ages, even kids, as there are a few steps in, then a sloping deck under the water that mimes a baby pool, then goes down a few more steps into a deeper end of five feet. There’s no lifeguard on duty, so be sure everyone knows pool and safety rules. Enjoy the Sundeck with luxury cabana rentals, chaises, daybeds and umbrellas.

When the weather really starts heating up, the Beach bar and private cabanas are the place to be. Set oceanside in front of the dunes, you’ll enjoy ocean breezes while sipping a cocktail with your feet in the sand.

Need a quick bite? Shimmers Bistro offers coffee plus grab-and-go breakfast in the mornings. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere in the evenings with cocktails, wines and beer.

If you’ve got time, step inside the Avalon Brew Pub for indoor or al fresco dining year-round for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with artisan pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos, scallops, fish & chips, New York Strip Steak. and more.

I was impressed by this brew pub. The service was great, all safety guidelines were in place, the atmosphere was elegant and sporty, with true pub décor, and the food was fantastic.

We haven’t had many cocktails in the last year, and the cocktails from the Avalon Brew Pub were top-notch.

From the Bitter End, made with jalapeño vodka and grapefruit juice and bitters to a smooth espresso martini, to the Monday morning Bloody Mary with my omelet, these cocktails were fantastic. Plus, they have a huge selection of local and in-house beers.

The Sandbar Village beach bar at ICONA Avalon features fun live music each summer from MDW onward!

Guests can also rent cabanas or fire pits to ensure they’ll have a spot to enjoy since the Sandbar fills up quickly during the summer season.

Enjoy food, cocktails, fire pits and live music at the Beach Bar & Lounge. Private cabana rentals are available, too with poolside service.

Plus, you can step across the street to the Windrift to dine in any of their fabulous restaurants on Level 1 or 2 or out by the bar offer amazing views plus great food, even to-go cocktails from casual to quiet and romantic. 

Finally, looking for a truly amazing way to experience the Jersey shore and the serenity of the bay? Book the ICONA yacht for a spin.

The ICONA yacht is available to charters from May through October and perfect for corporate afternoons, bachelor/bachelorette parties, milestone birthdays, or an amazing date night.

ICONA also has resorts in Diamond Beach and in Cape May.

Your vacation starts now at ICONA Avalon!

ICONA Avalon Resort is located at 7849 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202

Tel: +(609) 961-9853 or Avalon@ICONA.com.

Special Thanks to the ICONA marketing team.