Ocean Side Retreat

I had an amazing stay! Ocean Side Retreat is the perfect place to unwind. The combination of great service, peaceful views, and attention to detail made the experience so special. Meals were great fresh fruits and veggies, delicious pancakes for breakfast and tasty chicken dish for dinner. I would highly recommend this retreat. The employees and owners do a fabulous job in making sure the accommodations are what we need and more.

Really nice respite and wonderful host family. Rooms are adequate and very clean, food was excellent, view was beautiful.

Ocean Side Retreat is THE BEST! I was there for a women’s retreat and everything was PERFECT! The beds were very comfortable, the food, delicious, the location has the most BEAUTIFUL VIEWS of the ocean, and our hosts were so very kind, caring, helpful, and just wonderful people! I highly recommend Ocean Side Retreat and I can’t wait to go back! 😊

Pros - Owners are super kind and friendly, the views are very calming and relaxing. The vibe is chill and a much needed getaway from the city.

Cons - A bit outdated and unnecessary items in rooms that should be removed. There were a couple stains on the bedding. And the ceiling seemed to be unstable. The food was pretty basic but overall good experience. Probably wouldn’t come back but did enjoy the serenity while there.

Not here to bash but honesty is important because this area has a lot of potential. Just a few adjustments.

Please see photos!

I’ve had such a lovely experience at the Ocean Side Retreat Center—twice now! My first visit was in March for a women’s group retreat, and it was such a meaningful and refreshing time. So when I saw there was another retreat happening (the Millennial Women’s Retreat), I jumped at the chance and even invited a few friends to join. I'm so glad I did.

From both visits, a few things really stood out:
- Kim, our group leader, is fantastic—fun, outgoing, wise, and deeply committed to making sure everyone feels welcome and has a great time.
- The retreat content was thoughtful and helpful, with a great balance of meaningful sessions, downtime, and time for connection and reflection.
- Hospitality was great—plenty of food, and coffee. The beds were comfy, and while the rooms could use a few updates (some paint here and there), it's a charming old house literally across from the water. They’re clearly working on renovations, and the character of the place makes up for it. Each floor has a deck with outdoor seating, which is such a nice touch—perfect for relaxing and taking in the ocean air.
- The location is unbeatable—right across from the beach and just a short walk to Asbury Park and Ocean Grove. During my second (warmer!) trip, I enjoyed strolling through Ocean Grove, grabbing coffee at Odyssey Coffee, and admiring all the beautiful Victorian houses.
- Safety & serenity: We even went for an early morning boardwalk run and felt totally safe and at peace.

Overall, this retreat center offers the perfect combination of guided sessions, fellowship, quiet time, and space to explore. If you’re looking to unplug and spend a weekend at the shore surrounded by good people and good energy, this place is a gem. I’m already looking forward to my next visit—and I highly recommend you book yours. I’m praying for the continued growth of this beautiful and powerful mission. Hope to see you at a future retreat!