VUE

Motels, crowded beaches, and loud bars — much of the Jersey Shore isn't the escape we're looking for. But let's face it, we're not always going to endure the hassle of flying just for a weekend in Palm Beach; the Jersey Shore is, after all, in our backyard, and getting there is no more difficult than the morning commute. Fortunately, there's a caché of warm, quiet luxury down the shore, and we know where to find it. The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a 37- room boutique hotel tucked along the bay in downtown Stone Harbor, NJ. Just north of Wildwood, and isolated from it by two miles of inlet, Stone Harbor is a quaint coastal refuge adored for its small-town etiquette and pristine beaches. Located in Stone Harbor's quaint town center, The Reeds' long facade of cedar shake and stacked stone is a natural fit; Stone Harbor's clean streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining. The Reeds borrows its name from its predecessor, The Shelter Haven Hotel. Built in 1912, this precursor epitomized coastal refinement — with a banquet room, yacht landing, and elegant coastal decor, it sought to establish itself as the Congress Hall of Stone Harbor. The Reeds at Shelter Haven, now in its fifth season, is doing just that. From personable staff who greet guests by name, to the eclectic Beach Butler service which chauffeurs guests in electric GEM carts, guests at The Reeds find a hotel tailored for quiet relaxation. The rooftop sundeck includes a plunge pool and two hot tubs, with complimentary yoga each morning. Guests can take full advantage of The Reeds' bayside location with complimentary rentals of kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards. Or, for those in need of a pleasant afternoon on the links, The Reeds has partnered with The Stone Harbor Golf Club so guests can enjoy the private course without a membership. Accomodations at The Reeds range from doubles to suites featuring bayside balconies, full kitchens and dining rooms. And while only the upper-level suites have their own soaking tubs, every room at The Reeds has Dutch, white oak floors, 100 percent Egyptian cotton bed linens, and coastal chic decor that is both comforting and graceful. The Reeds' capstone is the sprawling Skye Suite which, for $1,600 a night, gives guests private balconies, a powder room, and two spacious living rooms. During the summer months, the Skye Suite is known locally as the Celebrity Suite — though, we're not able to disclose who frequents this penultimate penthouse. VUE ON TRAVEL V U E N J . C O M 67

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