Seapointe Village Resort

With six condo towers and acres of rental homes, Seapointe Village feels more like a gated community than a typical beach resort. Instead of a central lobby, a realty office with a gift shop serves as the check-in point for guests. Despite much of the resort dating back to 1986, the 17-acre property feels almost new. The grounds are dotted with fountains, manicured gardens, and shaded sitting areas, but the four large pools are the biggest draw. The complex includes a total of three children’s pools, a waterslide, splash area, and waterfall -- giving children plenty to do -- while a quieter Garden Pool and six heated whirlpools offer welcome retreats for adults.Located on its own private beach within the tiny community of Diamond Beach (the only place on the island not considered part of The Wildwoods), Seapointe Village has one of the nicer beachfronts in the area. Guests have access to umbrellas, beach chairs, boogie boards, and two volleyball nets. The resort’s only eatery, Beach Grill, is located in a small hut on the beach and serves breakfast, lunch, snacks, and occasional dinners in season.

Seapointe Village’s official address is in Wildwood Crest, but the resort is technically located in Diamond Beach -- a tiny community on the southern tip of the barrier island that is home to The Wildwoods. The resort is situated on a private beach in a mostly residential neighborhood, and there’s not much within walking distance. The bulk of the action (and the restaurants) can be found a 10-minute drive up the coast in Wildwood.- 10-minute drive from the Wildwood Boardwalk

• 13-minute drive from shops and restaurants in historic Cape May

The 200-plus condos, townhouses, and single-family homes at Seapointe Village are all privately owned, which means every unit is unique in terms of decor and renovations. During our visit, we saw everything from 1980s-style apartments to beautiful, modern units that looked straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine. Fortunately, the resort’s website allows guests to view each rental online, so there shouldn’t be many surprises. Each condo includes at least one bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, two TVs, DVD player, and a balcony or patio. Some rentals are closer to the beach than others, so choose wisely.

The resort’s most impressive features are its four pools and private beach, but it has plenty of other amenities too. A basketball court, two tennis courts, beach volleyball nets, and (somewhat dated) fitness center offer ample opportunity for physical activity, while a playground, game room, and three kiddy pools help keep children entertained. A kids camp (open weekdays in season) also organizes activities for kids. Adults can take advantage of a small sauna, steam room, and fitness classes like Yogalates and Aqua Zumba. Other features include barbecue grills, a beach cafe, fire pit, large sundeck, convenience store, and beach equipment rentals.

A large Centre Court pool features a waterslide, children’s splash area, two-foot shallow pool, and a hot tub surrounded by greenery. The only indoor pool (open year-round) is the Ibis pool, and guests can swim between an indoor and outdoor portion. It features an indoor hot tub, outdoor children’s wading pool, and splash area. A large oceanfront pool offers plenty of open swimming space, a shallow children’s pool, three hot tubs, and a waterfall. Poolside massages are also available here in season. The smallest and quietest pool is the Garden Pool, which goes up to 5.5 feet and has its own hot tub.

The private beach at Seapointe Village is among the nicer beaches on the island. It’s relatively shallow compared to the beaches farther up the coast (meaning no five-minute walks over scalding sand to reach the water’s edge), and it has its own volleyball nets, straw umbrellas, outdoor showers, beach cafe, and live music two nights a week. The Beach Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and occasionally dinner, but offers no alcohol. Umbrellas, beach chairs, and boogie boards are available for rental.