Finding a happy medium that toddlers and parents love at a beach resort is no small feat, but at ICONA Diamond Beach in Wildwood Crest, it’s a win-win for all: luxe amenities with condo-style suite rooms paired with a chill vibe where families can splash in the pool and hang out on a private beach. We spent a few days at ICONA Diamond Beach, and it was just the laid-back beach vacation we needed, where my kids enjoyed having unscheduled free time playing in the sand and pool, and we were able to actually sit back on a lounge chair with a cool drink in hand. And when we wanted more action, we headed to Wildwood, just a few minutes from the hotel. Read on for how our weekend at ICONA Diamond Beach helped us recharge for the week ahead. (feature photo credit: NJ MOM)
ICONA Diamond Beach in NJ
Stay in spacious family suites
Unlike many beachside hotels, ICONA Diamond Beach has huge condo-style suites that have separate living and sleeping areas, making it feel like we had our own place on the beach. Furnished with plush accents, comfy couches, a flat-screen, and a kitchenette, we found it so convenient for breakfast and snacks, and for a movie night while the kids slept. The private balconies are a great spot to sit and watch the sunset or drink your morning coffee before heading to the beach. NJMOM tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor for the best beach and pool views.
Spend the day at the private beach
Relax at the heated pool
Our kids loved the pool and kiddie pool (which was on the smaller side, but they had the best time in it), and it was just the thing when we wanted a break from the ocean. The pool is heated (which helps on the cool days), and the pool deck has lounge chairs and umbrellas, adding to the resort-like feel of the spot. You can also order food and drinks while you lounge by the pool, so you can relax and put your feet up while the kids swim and play.
Enjoy dinner with a view
One part of the experience at ICONA Diamond Beach is the two on-site restaurants, which make it easy to grab a delicious meal without leaving the property. Plan at least one dinner at the Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill – the seafood is excellent, and it’s super convenient after a beach day to walk down and have dinner at the resort. We loved to grab lunch or a frozen drink at The Star Beach Bar, where you can sit right on the sand and soak in the atmosphere while kids build sandcastles. Look for nights with live music at the beach bar, which makes the whole resort feel like an island vacation.
Have fun in Wildwood
When we were craving boardwalk time, we took a short drive to the iconic Wildwood Boardwalk and Morey’s Piers with 38 blocks of family fun, including rides, arcades, shops, and boardwalk food. But our favorite mode of transportation was biking all around Diamond Beach and Wildwood Crest. We brought our bikes from home and biked each day, even stopping at a festival in Wildwood Crest during our stay. Another place to go is Cape May, a short 10-minute drive, making it a good choice for a dinner one night or a zoo day when the weather is iffy.
FAQ’s About ICONA Diamond Beach
How much does it cost to stay?
Rates range from $569 and up in season (June, July, and August). During the off-season, rates fluctuate and start at $149.
What amenities and services are included?
Amenities at ICONA Diamond Beach include access to the private beach club and beach setup, WIFI, and valet parking. Services on site include a pantry for grab-and-go drinks and snacks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a coin laundry.
What about parking?
Valet parking is included with your stay during the season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is also a self-parking lot off-site.
What else is there to do while you visit?
There are always events happening at the resort for everyone to enjoy. The towns of Wildwood Crest and Wildwood are full of fun things to do with your family, including restaurants, the boardwalk, shopping, and more. Cape May is also not far from the resort, and you can go for a day trip there during your visit.
For more information about ICONA Diamond Beach, check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
ICONA Diamond Beach
9701 Atlantic Avenue
Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
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