A LATE IN THE SEASON TRIP TO DIAMOND BEACH’S ICONA HOTEL & Chef Al Paris’ COASTALBLUE RESTAURANT

 

 

Located on the white sands of Diamond Beach, tucked between Wildwood
Crest and historic Cape May, Hotel Icona is just minutes from Wildwood,
NJ. Bask in the sun and take in the splendor of the ocean at our private
beach club and they have a lovely pool just steps away from the beach, which features a kids pool.

 Chef Al Paris, who also helms the kitchens of Chestnut Hill’s Heirloom Restaurant and the upcoming as well as the upcoming Paris Bistro in the Chestnut Hill Hotel, creates a specialty of the house Crab Benedict for breakfast!

 At Coastalblue you can dine indoors or outdoors.

 The waffles were huge.

I loved that all the rooms were suites, which included a kitchen and a bedroom

Many of them have views of the ocean from the balcony. I loved having a balcony as I’m not much of a pool or beach guy. I was really able to tackle my 3 weeks of mail and still get my vitamin d from the sun.

 I really enjoyed my stay here, and wish I had discovered it earlier in the season. Because it’s at the end of the island, it’s much more quieter here.  Although Miss B Where and I did have a fantastic time on the Boardwalk, which was only a 5 minute drive from the Icona at Diamond Beach. Did I mention they have free parking too.

Coastal Blue is closing at the end of September, but opening for
Christmas, New Years, President’s Weekend and Easter. That’d be a great getaway during the off season, which is when I really love going to the beach. Next year book your stay at Icona  if you want something different, quiet, spacious and a view. But definitely make it a point to stop by Coastalblue and enjoy Chef Al Paris down the shore. Up next for Chef Paris is the
incredible Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe, opening at 8229 Germantown
Avenue later this fall.

(PS a few of these photos were provided by CoastalBlue as my camera decided to take an unplanned vacation.)