CHECKING OUT HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / AIRPORTS REVIEW STAY: WHERE TO... STOCKTON SEAVIEW HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB – ATLANTIC CITY, USA
BY STEVE HARTRIDGE THE BACKGROUND: Set in 670 wooded acres on New Jersey shore's environmentally-important Reed’s Bay, this is a resort with some serious history on its side. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2014, Seaview was where Grace Kelly (Iater Princess Grace of Monaco) spent her 16th birthday (1946) and where the Rolling Stones holed up for 10 days in 1989 during the band’s Steel Wheels tour. It is now owned by The Richard Stockton College and managed by Dolce Hotels. THE LOCATION: Seaview sits in quiet Galloway, a leafy village seemingly a world away from the high-rise hotels of Atlantic City. Yet the east coast’s premier entertainment city, with its casinos, celebrity-chef restaurants, boardwalk, shopping outlets and sea breezes is just a 10-minute taxi ride away. THE ROOM: I had a spacious premium suite, with a sitting area, separate bedroom, and bathroom with marble bath, jetted shower and vanity area.
STAY:
There were plenty of comfortable and useful furnishings including a divan, work station and desk, 27-inch fl at- screen TV and Lavazza Coffee machine. In a nod to its own rich history, there were framed black-and-white photos of classic cars from the 1930s. KEY FACILITIES: There are two highly- rated 18-hole championship courses. The Bay Course, which skirts the edge of a natural wetlands and offers supreme views of the Atlantic City skyline, has hosted the ShopRite LPGA
Classic (a tournament for women professionals) for the past three years. There’s an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, two pools, a jogging trail, fi tness centre, tennis and volleyball courts. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The main Oval Room dining room serves up sumptuous lunch and dinner options based around locally-sourced ingredients and generous breakfast buffets. The pub-style Grille Room, a rustic and lively venue between the lobby and the golf courses’ pro shop, has a range of generous, hearty burgers, bowls of nachos, pizzas, etc, along with a good selection of beers, including Yuengling, which, founded in 1829, claims to be the USA’s oldest brewery. The Lobby Lounge serves cocktails, and in summer the Bayview Terrace is used for post-golf or pre- dinner conversations.
Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, 401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey, USA; T: +1 609 652 1800;
stocktonseaview.com
FUSION MAIA SPA RESORT – DA NANG, VIETNAM
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND: This is a spa resort in Central Coast Vietnam. It claims to be Asia's only all-spa-inclusive resort. THE LOCATION: Set on Da Nang beach and nestled within extensive landscaped gardens, the resort is well positioned for those who want to combine time on the beach with historic sites such as Hoi An or connect onwards to Siem Reap, Cambodia. THE ROOM: This is an ‘all pool villa’ resort with 80 pool villas, four spa
villas and three direct beachfront villas. I stayed in a chic pool villa with a sunken bath and glass-walled shower overlooking the villa's pool and private garden. The room had a sleek, contemporary decor and included desk and relaxation area, large draped bed and large double-sink bathroom. KEY FACILITIES: The resort is imbued with a zen-like atmosphere to refl ect its dedication to 'the art of relaxation'. Its spa-inclusive concept entitles guests to a minimum of two guaranteed treatments a day, at no extra charge, in the extensive spa. Additional treatments can be accommodated, subject to availability, with no limit on maximum treatments. There are also 'lifestyle advisers', and an in-house 'Natural Living Program' of diet ideas, exercise and meditation classes all included in the price. RESTAURANTS/BARS: The large, bright and airy restaurant offers a wide range of freshly prepared
THE VERDICT
dishes created using local and seasonal ingredients. The hotel runs a 'breakfast anytime and anywhere' policy, including at its Fusion Lounge restaurant, by the river in Hoi An, and accessed by regular shuttle bus service.
Fusion Maia Spa Resort, Truong Sa Street, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City, Vietnam T: +84 511 3967 999 E: Reservation-dn@fusion-
resorts.com;
Fusionmaiadanang.com
A stunning, carefully thought out resort where the commitment to well-being is echoed throughout with considerable attention to detail. Perfect for both those who want to de-stress in a nurturing environment or in combination with a hectic touring programme. RATES: From £200 a night for a pool villa room, including food and even spa treatments.
THE VERDICT
There’s an old world charm, authenticity and past-era timeless grace to Seaview, and this is complemented by quality service, excellent cuisine and very welcoming staff. It’s a great choice if you want a quiet but classy retreat that is close to the action of Atlantic City. RATES: From around £90 a night for two adults, with breakfast, on a 'winter escape'
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
www.sellinglonghaul.com
December 2013 53
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