While most of the world thinks of The Jersey Shore as the home of Snooki, Pauly D, hair gel, tanning salons and fist pumping… we’re here to give you the scoop on the best kept luxe secrets of the laid-back beachy communities lining the infamous strip of sand:
Shop:
Pier Village offers the epitomy of down home, small town, boutique shopping, and supporting your local business has never looked so good. Boutiques like my fave Jenna & Molly are accompanied by cafes, artisan pottery shops and essentials for the entire family (including the pup). [Pier Village Shopping: One Chelsea Avenue; Long Branch, NJ 07740 piervillage.com]
Stay:
Bungalow Hotel, located within Pier Village, is the Jersey Shore’s premiere boutique luxury hotel. So luxe, in fact, that it was listed as one of Elle’s 10 Top Chic Hotels. Need I say more? [Bungalow Hotel: 50 Laird Street; Long Branch, NJ 07740 bungalowhotel.net Toll Free (1-800) PV-Hotel or (732)-229-3700]
Eat:
Feeling frisky? Europa South is fantastic for those who want a real, down home meal filled with Filet Mignon, a 2lb lobster, stuffed with even more seafood & a wine list a mile long to accompany the separate Portuguese Specialty menu including dishes Gambas a Mocambique (African Prawns), and Leitao a Bairrada (Sucking Pig), which will run you $240 for a 13–15 lb oinker. Don’t need an entire animal? Stop in for authentic Portuguese tapas menu you’ll never forget. [Europa South 521 Arnold Ave; Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 (732) 295-1500 europasouth.com]
Relax:
Our gals over at Spa Week recommended some of their choice spots for DTS (or “Down the Shore” as the locals refer to it as). Spa Week’s happening October 10-16, but you can book your $50 treatments now. Yep, $50 for all that pampering jazz. See their two picks below (thanks Spa Week!)
1. Sea Spa & Salon at The White Sands Oceanfront Resort [1205 Ocean Avenue Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 (P): 732.714.1220]. Available treatments include, a 50 Min Swedish Massage, 50 Min Facial, Choice of Organically Yours or HydraFacial & 50 Min Gentle Crème Exfoliate Body Scrub
2. Red Door Spa at Seaview Resort [Seaview Resort & Fairway Villas 400 East Fairway Lane Galloway, NJ 08025 (P): 609.404.4100]. Available treatments include a 50 Min Spa Week Stress Melter Ritual with Exfoliation, Aroma Therapeutic Body Wrap and Relaxing Scalp Massage, a 50 Min Spa Week Renewal Facial for All Skin Types & 60 Min Spa Week Spiced Eden Pedicure with Pressure Point Massage and Warm Paraffin Treatment
