Marriott Fairway Villas at the Jersey Shore

As it turned out, this year we each got a birthday trip. 

For Shannon’s birthday we went to Pittsburgh and Fallingwater. For my birthday, we went to the New Jersey Shore for an eating extravaganza weekend (of course).

Our friends who have a timeshare used their timeshare in Galloway, New Jersey for the beginning of the week, and let us use the timeshare for the latter half of the week. 

We stayed at Marriott’s Fairway Villas.

I must admit that we are getting a bit spoiled by these huge suites. 

We had two bedrooms/bathrooms, a large kitchen and eating area, and a cozy living room with a fireplace.

The bed was amazingly comfy.

There was also a nice little screened in porch, but being January, it was a bit too chilly to use.

The outdoor pool area looked like a fun time when it's not the middle of winter.

Fortunately for us, they also had an indoor pool area. 

Though it didn’t have the pzazz, the fruity drinks with umbrellas, or the always entertaining people watching of our favorite indoor pool at Harrah’s, we did enjoy a few peaceful, relaxing soaks in the hot tub.

There was a game room. We thought we would have some time to play a little pinball, but alas, that did not happen.

There were also games located outdoors. Again, just a bit too chilly. 

I bet in the summer, this place is hopping, but with the exception of some giddy cheerleaders who had a tournament that weekend, the place was quiet and fairly empty, just what we needed.

We soaked in the hot tub, went out for some fabulous dinners, and then loafed in front of the room’s fireplace. It was exactly what we needed in order to exhale all of the stress of a hectic holiday season, and inhale all of the anticipation of a new year of adventures.