Tag: staycation

Miramonte Resort and Spa : Desert Escape

“I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence, something throbs, and gleams…”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

We headed out to Indian Wells on a Saturday afternoon. It had been a hectic morning, and the sun was blazing, the traffic, late star, hectic morning made for a grumpy crew. The short 2-hour ride from OC felt longer.

When we arrived at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort and Spa, bathed in the familiar desert heat, we switched to vacation mode. Lying at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Miramonte immediately puts one in a relaxed state. All around the property are bougainvillea flowers, fragrant citrus trees, olive trees and… We stayed at one of the newly-renovated villas and found the accommodations absolutely perfect.

The resort has three swimming pools with cabanas, luxury lounge chairs, and daybeds. Since it was 114 degrees, we made sure we had a cabana. They even had a movie (E.T.) showing by the pool! It was part of their summer promo called “Starlight Sip and Swim,” which includes cabana rentals, a new poolside menu, and cocktails!

When the kids took a break from the movie and pool, they headed out to the lawn to play giant connect-four, Jenga, ladder ball and other outdoor lawn games.

Later they would discover a function room in the main building, near the reception, which has been converted into a game room. It was just some old school pinball machines and Pac-Man but my boys were all over it!

I met with Chef Paul Hancock, who showed me his garden and excitedly shared the dishes he made with the herbs and produce grown right there on the property. There are two restaurants at Miramonte: Citrus and Palm and The Tavern at Citrus and Palm.

THE WELL SPA
Perhaps the thing I looked forward to the most at Miramonte was a visit to their award-winning Well Spa.

The Well Spa is right next to the pool and has its own building. It has nine indoor treatment rooms and three outdoor relaxation spaces. It has a home-y feel that made me feel, well, at home. I experienced a Tailor Made massage that began with a stone that said “Trust.” My therapist was cool and very skilled. I was so relaxed.

Some of their signature treatments are the Himalayan Salt Stone Mineral Massage and Rain Massage. They also have an array of facial, waxing and nail services as well as other body treatments. One other thing I hope to experience in the future is a Body Canvas Party! Imagine painting you and your partner or girlfriends with therapeutic and colorful muds on the body, ending with a relaxing massage! Sounds like fun and definitely, a reason to come back.

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape to the desert, consider Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells. Learn more at miramonteresort.com Just under 2 hours from Orange County, Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells is an ideal staycation location for the family and it’s pet-friendly too!

DISCLOSURE:
I paid discounted media rates for my stay at Miramonte Resort and Spa.

August 13, 2018
#TravelTuesday: Weekend at Hyatt Regency Monterey

It’s not about the destination but the journey getting there. But when driving out to Monterey for the weekend, then the destination is everything. The last time we drove up the Central Coast to Carmel by the Sea, we took the scenic winding road up the Pacific Coast Highway. It was going very well until the kids started feeling queasy. So this time, we decided that we could try to get to Monterey from Huntington Beach under 6 hours, by driving up the 5 to the 101. It took slightly longer than 6 hours through not very scenic rural views. An exception was the drive through the pretty vineyards of Paso Robles.

Coming from our own beach town of Huntington Beach, the pine tree-filled landscape was a welcome change. The vista was so awe-inspiring that my son remarked it looked like we were driving into a computer screensaver!

Weekend at the Hyatt Monterey

We checked into the Hyatt Monterey and felt right at home. The hotel has a country club feel minus the snobbery. Maybe because it feels like a country club because it is located on Old Golf Course Road? (Right by the Del Monte Gold Course.) Or maybe because the staff makes you feel like you “belong.”

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel is set among 22 acres of Monterey Pines and is made up several buildings with 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, villas, and standard rooms. We had adjoining rooms, giving the kids their privacy, which they loved! (As you can imagine, so did we.) Between the rooms, there was a family room with a TV, sofa and coffee table. So it definitely felt like home. The understated décor was also tastefully done and very relaxing.

I met with Steve McNally, General Manager of the hotel and David Lambert, Director of Sales for drinks at the Fireplace Lounge before grabbing dinner with the family at the onsite TusCA Ristorante. Dinner was delicious and the service impeccable.

After dinner, we watched the live jazz band at the Fireplace Lounge. It was totally chill. I was told that the drummer was a local doctor, who gathered musicians to jam.

And now for some #jazz… #livemusic weekends @hyattmonterey Too cool! #music #athyattregency

A video posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Nov 20, 2015 at 8:27pm PST

Later, the kids enjoyed making s’mores by the fire pit at the hotel’s gazebo.

The next day, we met up with the Hyatt’s Sales Manager David Lambert for a “secret hike.” He shared that it was something he liked to show hotel guests from time to time. We got up rather early for people on vacation and headed out to nearby Carmel. Let me tell you, this was a perfect way to start one’s day in Monterey Peninsula.

We drove just a few minutes from the hotel. Then, we parked our cars on the side of Hwy 1 and hiked up the Soberanes Trail, part of Garrapata State Park

It was breathtaking.

Amazing hike this morning at #SoberanesPoint in Carmel. Thank you so much to David Lambert of @hyattmonterey for sharing your secret trail with us. #Monterey #CarmelHighlands #nature #hike #beauty @seemonterey #california

A photo posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Nov 21, 2015 at 4:49pm PST

Back at the hotel, I visited the Marilyn Monroe Spa, where I experienced Marilyn’s Signature Massage. The facilities were clean and relaxing as one would expect from a hotel spa. But the splashes of red in the décor made the place playfully chic, as well. Some of the neat spa features included: walk-in rain showers, saunas, and a couples room too. The Marilyn Monroe Spa also offers salon services including hair, makeup, pedicures and manicures. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to avail of the spa’s services.

What’s a trip to Monterey without a visit to the Monterey Aquarium? This public aquarium located on the site of a former sardine cannery on historic Cannery Row is a destination on its own. Founded in 1984, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has permanent exhibits that represent more than 600 species including the Giant Pacific Octopus, Sea Otters, Kelp Forest. There are a lot of interactive exhibits for both young ones and the young at heart. We truly enjoyed the historic aspect of it all and of course, the up close and personal look at Life on the Bay.

After our visit to the Aquarium, we walked along Cannery Row. We talked about John Steinbeck, as my son, had just read some of his books for school. And we reflected on how inspiring all of Monterey is…how can you not write a novel or create art in such a place of beauty! We returned to the Hyatt and relaxed the rest of the evening. We went to Knuckles sports bar at the hotel for dinner and later listened to the jazz band again. Saturdays are busier at the hotel, because locals like to frequent the place too. Like I said, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa makes you feel like you’re part of a club. We look forward to visiting again soon.

January 5, 2016
#TravelTuesday: Twentynine Palms Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park

Heading east into the desert provides a quick escape for our family. The past two summers we’ve gone to Palm Springs and enjoyed the comfort of a resort hotel. This time, I thought, we ought to try something new. Located less than 140 miles from Orange County, CA, that’s about a 2.5 hour drive, the City of Twenty-Nine Palms is a literal oasis in the desert. I had never been nor did I know anyone who had but the brochures assured me there would be lots to do – it was after all, the Gateway to Joshua Tree National Park.

When you’re traveling with family, it is important to find a place that can “entertain” every member of the family. For us, with a teen and tween son, our challenge was to find a place that would provide enough interest even without digital devices. I was determined to make this weekend be an unplugged experience. We embarked on our excursion on the last Saturday before the last week of school. It was to be my older son’s last week of middle school. I had it in my mind to have an EPIC weekend.

The drive to the desert is calming. Twentynine Palms, here we come.

We drove down the familiar CA-60 E freeway and passed the windmills that often signaled how close we were to Palm Springs and just kept going. The sun shone bright and it got warmer as we headed to 29 Palms. Before long, we spotted the Joshua Trees, straight out of a Dr. Seuss book, along the highway. Then came the funky art pieces and curious shops along the road.

We stopped at a homey and kind of rundown diner called “Carousel Café.” The people were friendly and the serving portions were large. We were hungry and did not want to stop at some fast food joint. Our 29 Palms adventure began here.

Must’ve been so hungry that I didn’t take a photo of the round building that was the Carousel Café. But I did take this pic of fried chicken.

The City of Twentynine Palms, California, in the southern Mojave Desert, is the home of Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters and Oasis Visitor Center. The North Entrance to the park is located 3.25 just miles up the hill from the Headquarters. We were staying at the quaint 29 Palms Inn, not too far from that entrance.

After lunch, we headed to 29 Palms Inn, where we would be staying for the night.

29 Palms Inn

We stayed at the West End Cottage, a 1950s cottage with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a fireplace and a piano! It felt like the place one could spend time to paint or write a novel.

I was told the West End Cottage was always in demand. It’s perfect for families. 2 Bedrooms, a living room and kitchen. It’s dog-friendly too.

I’d forgotten that you could plat the piano, Mom, said my older son.

Next door to the cottage is the 29 Palms Creative Center and Gallery. You can drop in to paint pottery or take an art class.

With some time to kill before heading out to Joshua Tree National Park, my kids opted to paint a ceramic dog and a ceramic snake.

The artist-owner of the gallery, Gretchen, is the daughter of 29 Palm Inn proprietor Jane Smith. Gretchen was cool. We chatted about the vibrant art scene in 29 Palms and she handed me 2 literary journals! A literary journal, wow I hadn’t seen one of those since college.

We hit the pool to cool off – it was a blazing 104 degrees by then, and we decided on an early dinner at the inn’s restaurant.

After dinner, we headed out to Joshua Tree National Park around 6pm, as suggested by Ms. Pat Flanagan, the resident naturalist guide at 29 Palms Inn.

Ms. Pat was right! It was the perfect time to visit – as the sun slowly set on the Mojave Dessert.

As twilight turned to night, we headed out and stopped at Sky’s the Limit Observatory. They were having a special event unveiling new sculptures and there was a band performing in the middle of the desert, as we awaited nightfall. The sky just seemed endless and it wasn’t too long before we peered through the volunteers’ telescopes carefully set up in different places so that we could view the stars. We saw Saturn and its moons, and Jupiter. It was amazing.

Sky's the limit. Non-profit Observatory in the middle of the #desert #29palms @29palmsinn

A photo posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Jun 14, 2015 at 8:15am PDT

We did it – packed an entire unplugged adventure in one day. We slept soundly at the West End Cottage and got up early enough to partake of the complimentary breakfast at the 29 Palms Inn library/office. We then met with Ms. Pat, who would take us on a guided nature walk around the premises. It was an informative morning and a great way to learn more about the Inn and Twentynine Palms.

Naturalist Pat Flanagan told us all about fault lines, geography and history.

This boathouse is part of 29 Palms history. Jane’s family actually lived in it for a time.

All too soon it was time to leave. Our unplugged weekend was a success. We cannot wait to go back and stay at the 29 Palms Inn again. Maybe I’ll even get started on that great American novel…

The stillness of the desert. That is until @timoteo5000 calls the boys #joshuatree

A video posted by Marcie Taylor (@marcietaylor) on Jun 14, 2015 at 5:46am PDT

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29 Palms Inn is at 73950 Inn Avenue, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277. For more information, visit 29palmsinn.com

You can learn more about visiting Joshua Tree National Park here.

June 30, 2015
Staycation Destination: Carlsbad

There’s more to Carlsbad than Legoland. Don’t get me wrong, Legoland is definitely a family favorite, but for this little weekend getaway, we wanted something else. Something low key and relaxing. Only an hour away from Huntington Beach, Carlsbad is an ideal staycation destination. Though it is a beach town like our Surf City, it has a different vibe.

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa was an ideal place to spend the night. It has comfy accommodations and is conveniently located to many points of interest, yes, including Legoland. But as I mentioned, we didn’t even visit the amusement park.

Before checking into the Sheraton, we had lunch at a hip new restaurant in Oceanside, Boulevard Chinese Kitchen.

Then we headed to Carlsbad Lagoon for an afternoon spent kayaking. We always see the lagoon from the freeway but it was our first time there and it was splendid. The Carlsbad Lagoon is a privately owned watersports center, offering rentals for boats, wave runners, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and aqua cycles. There are decks available for picnics and parties. And they also have a wakeboard and water ski shop. Did I mention that the rates are quite affordable? Kayak rentals range from $15/hour (single) to$25/hour (double); wave runners range from $70/half an hour to $175/2 hours.

Next stop: our hotel!

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort is located on Grand Pacific Drive off of Cannon Road in Carlsbad. Yup, it’s the same exit you’d take if you were headed to Legoland.

In our room, we were surprised to find cookies and oranges by our bedside. It’s the little things like this that make a difference in hospitality.

We had dinner at Twenty/20 Restaurant and the food was delicious. It was Happy Hour too, which they have 7 days a week!

The next day, we hit the gym as a family. This is a rare treat since back home we all have different schedules and my younger son is not allowed at the gym yet. I was told that all Starwood hotels are on a health kick. Let me tell ya, this Sheraton was at the top of its game. The equipment was state-of-the-art and there were even practical guides for exercise for travelers, vacationers, business people etc. My husband and sons then proceeded to the pool, while I went to the Ocean Pearl Spa.

The Ocean Pearl Spa was heavenly. I do not give compliments lightly. You see, I am kind of a spa junkie and I didn’t expect to experience what could be the best massage I’ve had to date at Ocean Pearl! I had the signature massage therapy, featuring a heated herbal poultice that is applied to the body. My massage therapist Mary has magic hands. It was like a relaxing massage and chiropractic adjustment in one session. I cannot wait to go back.

In the end, our weekend in Carlsbad, just an hour away from home, was exactly what we needed. We unplugged, unwound and spent time together as a family.

March 10, 2015
Hot Staycation Idea: Palm Springs!

It was one of those spur of the moment trips to escape routine, especially upon realizing summer vacation’s almost over and you haven’t taken a vacation with the family yet. Living in Southern California, we are fortunate that we enjoy an “endless summer” at least weather-wise and can enjoy a “staycation” when we choose.

There is something about packing your bags even for just an overnighter and staying in a hotel. So that’s what we did. The choice was between Vegas (reasonable hotel rates) or Palm Springs (shorter drive)and we chose the latter.

The drive from Orange County is under 2 hours and as soon as we see the windmills, we know we are close.

I always marvel at these giants, especially after seeing a documentary about wind farming. As it turns out, there are now more than 15,000 wind turbines in California producing enough power to meet the needs of about one million people. (fun fact!)

We have an hour to kill before we can check into Omni Rancho Las Palmas so we head to downtown Palm Springs for lunch. It is a quaint town with its own celebrity star walk. Knowing that the Rat Pack and other stars of yesteryear used to relax in this desert town makes me wonder how they could always look so elegant in the scorching heat.

The 26 foot tall sculpture of the actress is called “Forever Marilyn” by artist Seward Johnson. It is located at Palm Canyon & Tahquitz Canyon Way in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

After a nice lunch at of nachos and street tacos at Maracas Cantina on Palm Canyon Drive, we head out to Omni Rancho Las Palmas – the best family-friendly resort in the desert (actually, its in Rancho Mirage).

Best cure for a heat wave? A cold drink and the Lazy River. I read a book while my boys hit the water slides and go around the lazy river multiple times. Now THIS is a vacation. No agendas, no plans. Just living in the moment.

The next day, after a morning at the Lazy River, we head back to the OC. It is way over 100 degrees and we’re wondering what were we thinking? But over a satisfying lunch at another retro diner “Elmer’s,” we talk about the fun one-day vacation we just had.

September 8, 2013
A Weekend In San Diego

You can always rely on a warm cookie to greet you at any Hilton property. So the night we arrived at the Doubletree Hilton Mission Valley in San Diego, my kids asked for one thing: yes, the cookie. As frequent Hilton hotel-goers, the cookie has become old reliable. There are other things of course like great service and sweet hotel amenities like in this case, a 24 hour indoor pool. Not that we used it when we got there, but still, good to have it. I can imagine this is great for international travelers whose body clocks are out of sync.

The best part about staying at the DoubleTree Hilton Mission Valley is that not only is it family-friendly but it is also centrally located to numerous San Diego tourist destinations. It is also steps away from the Hazard Station of the San Diego Trolley. For only $5 per day, you can go to various destinations in San Diego. What’s more, kids ride free all weekend! SCORE!

Take a look at our fun weekend in San Diego, where we spent an entire day at the San Diego Zoo; dined and strolled one evening in Little Italy, and visited Historic Old Town. Incidentally, for the whole month of October, kids get to eat, stay and play free in various San Diego destinations, including the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. Visit www.sandiego.org to see the full list of deal’s for October’s Kidvasion.

Visit the DoubleTree Mission Valley website for more information. Here is the link to their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/doubletreesandiegomissionvalley

Read “Weekend in San Diego by Marcie Taylor” by Marcie Taylor at Britely!

Downtown on Dwellable

October 9, 2012
Weekend Getaway Bliss at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

I’m sitting on our balcony looking out to Dana Point Harbor. It is an especially quiet morning, not because the world is asleep, but because we’ve come here without our children. A rare weekend getaway thanks to the kindness of friends returning a favor, who watched our kids overnight. The ironic thing is, we are reminded of our children at every turn. Laguna Cliffs Marriott is very family friendly, so we vow to return with our kids next time.

But sometimes you just need time alone, time for two, unplugged and relaxed. Except for typing this article on my computer, we’ve been unplugged and off the grid. It is refreshing.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is nestled high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, not directly the Pacific Ocean but across the State Park and into Dana Point Harbor actually.

With 378 guest rooms and suites set amidst lush gardens and sweeping lawns of astroturf, it is remarkable, that despite its size, the hotel staff and the interiors still make the place feel cozy and intimate. It is also very laid back.

For a chill weekend getaway, a couple can take in music and drinks at OverVue lounge; go whale watching, or engage in a water sport at the harbor; or do what we did — which was to bliss out at the Spa at Laguna Cliffs. The Spa, which by the way, is open to non-hotel guests, boasts a couples treatment room like no other. It is bright and spacious instead of dark and cavernous as most massage rooms for two are. And it opens up to a private courtyard, where one can chill, have a spa meal delivered and just decompress.

This year, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is turning 25. But there is no quarter life crisis for this hotel. Instead, she is blooming and remains one of the doyennes of hospitality in Southern California.

Dana Point on Dwellable

September 17, 2012
Summer Staycation Roundup: St. Regis Monarch Beach
Sometimes a 40 minute drive can take you a world away. And that’s what it’s like for me when I drive down to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Right now until December 31st, 2012, the 5-Star, AAA rated, Five-Diamond awarded hotel is offering what it calls a “Sunsational Savings’ Package.” The offer is for a fourth night free when you stay at the resort for 3 nights.

Reserve now for stays through December 30th, 2012 and receive the following:
- Complimentary 4th Night
- $100 food and beverage credit
- Complimentary upgrade at check-in, subject to availability
Reserve your stay online, call 866 716 8135, or contact your preferred travel professional. Please mention promotion code ZS4.

Photo courtesy of St. Regis Monarch Beach

*Complimentary night is applied at check out. Four night minimum stay is required.

For daytime guests, there are dining establishments Stonehill Tavern for dinner or Motif Restaurant, where I hear they have an excellent Sunday Brunch. And then of course, there are the luxury spa and salon services at Spa Gaucin.
July 26, 2012
Summer Staycation Roundup: Rancho Las Palmas

One of my absolute favorite family staycation getaways is Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. It’s a classic resort set amidst the Palm Springs Desert with something for everyone – golf and tennis, a luxurious spa and of course, for the kids, Splashtopia Water Park with its Lazy River and awesome water slides!

What’s more, Rancho Las Palmas offers special promotions and value-savings packages year round that take advantage of the desert’s unsettling beauty and natural wonders. They can be found here: http://www.rancholaspalmas.com/Specials-Packages

You can read all about the first time my family and I visited Rancho Las Palmas here.

Rancho Las Palmas on Dwellable

July 11, 2012
Summer Staycation Roundup: Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

When you think of Laguna Beach, you think of the laid back artsy vibe. So if this is the kind of staycation that appeals to you, then you’ll love the packages offered by the Pacific Edge Hotel.

Consider these options.

The “Occupation Vacation” Package is for those who need a mental health day. It includes a surf inspired indoor/outdoore cabana, a cozy hotel room to crazh in, bottomless Bloody Mary’s (from 12pm-2pm, and all drinks are doubles during this time), a copy of the movie Office Space for inspiration, and an actual list of the best excuses to give your boss concerning why you need to take the day off. Stay Thursday night and take Friday off to chill in the cabana OR stay Sunday night and develop a serious case of “The Mondays” and spend the day in your cabana remedying them. Rates start at $299. Package runs now through end of September, 2012. Contact our Sales and Events Team: 949-281-5704, PacificEdgeEvents@PacificEdgeHotel.com

The following Sawdust Packages prominently feature the popular Laguna Beach annual summer art festival and are good through end of September.

Paddle in the Arts
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Ocean Front Cabana
Stand-Up Paddle with Hobie Pro
Package Price = $799

GTL – Gym, Tan, Laguna Arts
Sawdust Art Class
Beach Bootcamp
Village Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $599

Sawdust and Sun Salutations
Sawdust Art Class
Yoga on the Beach
2-Night beachfront room = $699

Art and Ocean Salutations
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Yoga on the Beach
Beachfront Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $799

Living on the Edge
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Lunch for 2 at The Deck
Beachfront Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $839

B&B…&B – Bed and Breakfast…and Beauty
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Bed and Breakfast Package for Ocean Front (2-nights, includes breakfast at Beach House)
Package Total = $839

Arts and Cramps
Sawdust Art Class
Beach Bootcamp
Package Price = $99

Sawdust and Sun Salutations
Sawdust Art Class
Yoga on the Beach
Package = $99

To book any of these activities, contact Jill at 949.281.5705 or PacificEdgeEvents@PacificEdgeHotel.com Offer valid now through September 30, 2012. Rates subject to space availability and minimum night stay requirements. Taxes and gratuities not included.

June 23, 2012