From the family Monopoly board to decades of beauty pageants, we always thought we knew all about Atlantic City – the beach, the boardwalk, the rolling chairs, the saltwater taffy, the crazy rides. But when it came to beaches, residents of the Southeast were more likely to strike out for the sunny sands closer by, and until recent times the New Jersey playground by the sea seemed to beckon only those bent on testing their luck at the gaming tables.
My, how things have changed. Since the 2,000-room Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa kicked off in 2003 (the first new casino to be built since 1990), upping the dining and entertainment ante with celebrity chefs launching eponymous restaurants and higher-wattage stars turning up on the stage, the destination has steadily veered from the archetypal Atlantic City experience of yesteryear, luring visitors past to return for another look and a new generation of affluent fun-seekers to check out the Jersey shore. Borgata, as they say, raised the bar.
Meanwhile, Atlantic City began casting an eye to its roots as a resort town, and in time – surprise! – non-gaming properties became the new big thing. Family-friendly is in. Spas are hot. Suddenly, it seems, there’s a sea change in tastes and style.
Take The Water Club. Linked to Borgata, the $400 million hotel opened its tony doors in 2008, signaling a sharp turn in Atlantic City’s evolution. Grabbing the spotlight as a non-gaming boutique hotel, the elegant 800-room property serves up a low-key alternative to the nonstop action of Borgata’s gaming, dining, shopping and nightlife – only a skip away but a lifestyle removed from the serene, sleekly-designed Water Club (christened after its abundance of sumptuous pool areas). You might dive happily into the adjacent Borgata excitement, soak up all you can stand, and then retreat to Water Club tranquility for a rest.
Serious therapy? Head straight to the Immersion Spa at The Water Club. Even in these days of impressive spa facilities, Immersion is a standout. Picture 36,000 square feet spread over the 32nd and 33rd floors, with giant windows gazing out over the Marina District and toward the ocean. Picture its own 80-foot infinity lap pool. Along with treatment rooms come couples’ suites with Japanese-style soaking tubs. There’s also a fitness center and, if you like, a spa butler to do your bidding. He might fetch a poolside snack from the spa menu crafted by New York chef Geoffrey Zakarian, or post-treatment chocolates and tea.
When you wish to make a splash nearer ground, you can choose among a quartet of infinity pools, indoors and out, complete with cabanas, lounge chairs, palm trees, and poolside food and drink service. Organic burger and peanut butter mousse, anyone?
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE ATLANTIC CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU