The nature of gift purchasing has changed greatly since the advent of the internet. How has Absolutely Fabulous stayed above the fray and blossomed while the rest of the gift industry flounders? “That’s easy,” responds Diane Silverstein, owner of the iconic Huntington Beach-based Absolutely Fabulous gift boutique, “quality, selection, price range, and ease of shopping.” After many visits to her “absolutely fabulous” gift and décor shop, I would have to agree. “Plus – we ship world-wide, so you can mail your stuff right from here!”

While the internet excels at making home shopping the easiest experience, when you know exactly what you’re looking for, much of holiday gift-giving starts with “who is this for, and how much do I want to spend on them?” Absolutely Fabulous makes this type of shopping easy with their “you know the personality, we know the product” approach to holiday gift-giving. “You see,” Diane explains in her charming English accent, “we spend hours and hours searching for the best new products offered in the gift industry. When our customers come in with their lists, we walk them around and point out options that our customers would never have found in an internet search.”

Diane is not kidding on that last point. The variety and uniqueness of products at Absolutely Fabulous is astounding: hand-made jewelry, Miche Bag purses (the ones where you just drop the “insides” of your purse into a new shell, rather than having to dump all of your stuff out!), $10 silk scarves, old-school shaving kits for men, a “Daddy’s Tool Bag” that includes diaper changing equipment, and instructional DVD, face mask and other funny items, rare paintings by successful artists, large crystal chandeliers, crystal perfume bottles, stuffed animal baby bottle covers, piggy banks for kids, wedding party gifts, rare Disney art and collectibles, holiday-themed decor and gifts, Christmas decorations that range from very inexpensive bottle stoppers and tree decorations to 6-foot high collectible Santa dolls. Ab Fab really does cover the gamut of gifts for anyone: “from birth to death and everything in-between is our moniker” Diane proudly states. I tend to agree.

This holiday season, find out why Absolutely Fabulous is so appropriately-named. Connect with Diane and the crew at Absolutely Fabulous located at 6026 Warner Avenuein Huntington Beach, call (714) 842-1608 or visit www.absolutelyfabulous1.com

There is perhaps no more educational and entertaining way to experience the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (the protected part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park) than taking part in a kayak tour to explore the gorgeous sea cliffs and renowned Seven Sea Caves. Everyday California came highly recommended as “the” tour to take and it didn’t disappoint.

After getting geared up with helmets and life jackets, it’s was a quick stroll to the foot of Avenida de La Playa at the south end of La Jolla Shores. We kicked off our shoes at the “honor system” beach stand and headed to the water’s edge, where our guide, Trent, engaged the group a quick tutorial on the “do’s and don’ts” of paddling and we were off for the start of our two-hour tour.

I’ve been on many a tour - land and sea - in my life and as amazing as the scenery is, I’ve found that a key component to how much you’ll take away from the experience rests with the knowledge and personality of your guide. We lucked out with Trent - a seasoned enthusiast who has been with the company for six years - and who proved to be a wealth of information about the environs while ensuring our group a safe, fun and highly entertaining experience.

Along the way paddling out to the caves (including Sunny Jim’s Cave and the Arch Cave), we saw amazing sandstone and limestone formations, sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, caught sight of bright orange Garibaldi beneath the surface (our California State fish) and even learned a bit about the kelp beds outside the caves. The water wasn’t quite clear enough to see the leopard sharks that Trent assured us were swimming around by the scores beneath us.

When conditions permit, Everyday Callifornia guides help guests paddle inside Clams’ Cave - the only cave visible from land. Trent jumped into the water and literally guided our kayaks (two at a time) into the cave, keeping a running commentary on what to expect and introducing our kids to a giant sea lion inside that Trent surmised was the victor in a recent sea lion battle for this premium position.

On the way back to our starting off point, Trent stopped at the “perfect” spot to slide off the kayak for a quick swim in the 70-degree waters. Our 13-year-old son didn’t have to be asked twice and was the first one to jump in. Then it was back to the shoreline, where guides were waiting to help us “catch” a wave in. All in all ... a truly excellent adventure and one I’d highly recommend.

Everyday California
2261 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla
(858) 454-6195
EverydayCalifornia.com

I’ve lived in Orange County a long time. Without completely dating myself, I moved here for college and never left. As a then-single 20-something through the years to today as a married mom of two middle schoolers, one thing has remained unchanged: Southern California’s coastal cities were then and are now of singular beauty and amenity, recreation and attraction.

One of our family’s longstanding choices for day-trip and “staycation” destinations is nearby Newport Beach - a world-renowned stretch of surf and sand that attracts tourists from all points around the globe. But these days - and certainly in these unprecedented times - it is local families like ours that are rediscovering this scenic seaside locale for family-friendly fun and getaway from the everyday.

One of our new favorite finds is the Newport Beach Hotel - where we felt perfectly in tune with the beachfront town’s long and sandy history. The property was built in 1904, just a year before the Pacific Electric Railway connected Newport Beach to Los Angeles. The hotel itself has changed hands a number of times - Four Sisters Inn began managing the hotel in May 2009. Its charm reflects the city around it, much like the picturesque waters of the Pacific just outside its front doors.

Each of the property’s 15 guest rooms and five spacious suites (complete with a kitchen, one or two private bedrooms and a separate living area are spectacularly appointed, with no detail left unfinished. Cool blue and white tones ensure that the California coastal ambience and aesthetic follows you wherever you are, and truly feel like a home away from home. Ensuring your stay is as safe as possible during these uncertain times, the hotel has been certified under the California Hotel and Lodging Association’s new Clean + Safe Program. The most stringent requirements and a dedicated staff make it an easy choice when picking a getaway location as we head into long late-summer days, or, like us, you’re looking for a safe option to take the family this fall when the kids are still home from school.

A complimentary continental breakfast each day (temporarily suspended due to Covid-19), and a myriad of restaurants within walking distance make a morning, afternoon, or evening stroll a true delight. Our family of four booked the Sailor Suite with the two-bedroom layout with a fully equipped kitchen featuring a full sized fridge, four burner stove/oven, microwave, and all the cookware we needed blend, toast or brew to our’s heart content. It’s so easy to see why guests have been flocking here for almost a century, and after spending a few sumptuous beach days with the Newport Beach Hotel as our “home base,” it’s certainly no mystery why this waterfront inn is at the top of our family’s fall retreat list. Reinvented and elevated - two words that bless the beginning of every new luxury escape.

The Newport Beach Hotel
2306 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach
(949) 673-7030
www.thenewportbeachhotel.com

Southern California is well known for its gorgeous year-round weather. Truly though, there are few places with as mild and consistently lovely temperatures as La Jolla, a 7-mile oceanfront community jewel just 12 miles north of Downtown San Diego. Almost completely surrounded by beaches and bluffs, La Jolla boasts an everyday average of 70 degrees. Tide pools dot the coast, and the famous La Jolla Playhouse, founded by legendary Hollywood figure Gregory Peck, now lives on the University of California campus, just minutes from some of the best boutique shopping in the area.

A perfect escape from the normal humdrum, the seaside gem has leaned into the rapidly changing “new normal,” and established itself as the California Staycation capitol. At the gorgeous hacienda-style Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, you’ll find that the luxury and joy of being away from home and taking a moment to reconnect with the ones you love hasn’t changed one bit, even if the guidelines and operations have. Rest assured, in any of the Estancia’s many deluxe guestrooms or suites, that the resort is taking care of every ... well, care during your stay.

If you’ve been here before, your getaway may look a little different, but Estancia welcomes its guests to a “worry-free” experience (visit the web site for detailed information on the property’s rigorous hospitality and health protocols in place in accordance with government standards). For our part, it was a first-time visit for my husband, Tim, and I ... but after experiencing all that Estancia has to offer, most assuredly won’t be our last.

Beautifully appointed accommodations feature private balconies with picturesque views and patios tucked among lush landscaping for delightful views of Estancia’s gardens, water fountains, stone paths or tranquil pool area. With award-winning botanical gardens defined by nine sprawling acres of bouganvillea, olive trees and impeccably manicured greenery, it’s easy to see why the property has long been a favorite for weddings.

If you’re looking for the chance to slow down, try an “Aroma Flow” yoga class in the garden, splurge on an outdoor massage or simply soak in the sun-drenched saltwater pool for a few hours. Out with the family? Try one of the property’s many garden activities, or explore local La Jolla’s beach coves, tide pools and dining options. When available to operate, a fully equipped fitness center is ready and waiting for the early morning stretch or a late night jog.

Named one of the “World’s Hottest Hotels” and a 2019 Readers’ Choice Award winner by Condé Nast Traveler, the resort’s distinguished dining venues trace its roots to both Napa Valley to the north and Mexico to the south to serve an array of authentic West Coast cuisine. Sip wines from Trinitas Cellars at Estancia’s wine bar, savor decadent breakfast favorites with Southwest flair at Adobe El Restaurante, or sample Baja coastal-inspired cuisine in a hacienda setting at the resort’s signature restaurant - Mustangs & Burros.

As a seafood aficionado, I was in seventh heaven with the menu offerings at Mustangs & Burros. From the Baja Shrimp bacon-wrapped and enhanced with tamarind BBQ to the shrimp ceviche and pan-seared salmon which arrives with roasted potato, street corn salsa, charred lemon and arugula, there were no shortage of options to tempt my palate. A straight meat-and-potatoes man, Tim opted for the grilled-to-perfection hanger steak with wild mushrooms and onions. Fan of chips and salsa as a starter? Not-to-be missed is the eatery’s charred verde salsa and a house-made guacamole.

Sip the night away from a seat at Estancia’s wine bar, savor a cup of coffee and a good read in the garden, take a refreshing dip or bask in the sun poolside with fruity cocktail or fruit-infused water in hand. Al fresco, all luxury, all day.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
9700 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla
www.EstanciaLaJolla.com

By the time my friend’s grandmother passed away at 92, she had fallen six times. Two of those falls resulted in broken bones - once, her hip. Horrifying, to find oneself in that position. Tripped up by your walker or the corner of a rug. Often, a wet bathroom or kitchen floor. She was in a home for five out of the six falls, and still, it took some time to respond, get her stabilized, diagnosed, and fully recovered. Falls, my friend and her family quickly learned, are the leading cause of injury related deaths in Americans aged 65 and older. She didn’t end up passing because of a slip up directly, but her bones certainly didn’t give her a pass either, in those last days.

Home Safety Advisor’s President Dave Riggle has a similar story, as do so many around the country. His mother passed from a fall in her bathroom, and was the direct impetus for his business beginnings. “None of us five kids had any idea she struggled, or we would have fixed it immediately. I have skin in this game - I don’t want anyone else to suffer like my mother did.” While other home improvement companies may include walk-in tubs as a part of their overall offerings, safe bathrooms are the entire focus and area of specialization for Dave and his team of professionals. So much so that Dave personally interviewed over 400 seniors about the difficulties they were experiencing in order to provide the best possible product to meet their needs.

While the business formally began in Indiana, the team at Home Safety Advisors expanded their operation into the Southern California market a year ago and are thrilled to have met with such a positive response and feedback to their scope of services. Many clients come to them via word-of-mouth. And it’s not hard to see why. Installing something that could literally mean the difference between serious injury or not is no small feat. And something that Dave’s team takes extremely seriously. All of their walk-in tubs and showers are made in the U.S.A., come with a lifetime warranty, are great for health and easy to clean. But perhaps a lesser known perk is the luxurious spa experience available in the privacy of your home.

“Their (occupational therapists) confidence in referring us speaks volumes about our capability and their trust in us,” says Dave. “This is rarely done in our industry, and certainly not by any big company.” The showers and baths are crafted right here in California, providing clients a spa-like experience with a side door. Once inside, just relax. Ergonomic faucets, a hand shower, and marine grade fiberglass combine to make your bathing experience relaxing, instead of stressful.

“Their (occupational therapists) confidence in referring us speaks volumes about our capability and their trust in us,” says Dave. “This is rarely done in our industry, and certainly not by any big company.” The showers and baths are crafted right here in California, providing clients a spa-like experience with a side door. Once inside, just relax. Ergonomic faucets, a hand shower, and marine grade fiberglass combine to make your bathing experience relaxing, instead of stressful.

While most steps into a walk-in shower or bath are still 6-9” tall, Home Safety Advisors boast just a 2” threshold, low enough to greatly decrease - if not eliminate - your chances of spilling over the edge accidentally. Offering bench seats, grab bars, and shower wands, Dave can even customize the threshold or seat to fit the client specifically.

As Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), Dave and his team understand the unique needs of older adults and will do everything they can to provide their clients and their families with a sense of confidence and safety in their own home. “We don’t want any slip ups: from the initial consultation to our single-day installation; we’re here to walk you through the unique experience of finding solutions to carry out your aging-in-place modifications.”

(949) 456-4717
www.HomeSafetyAdvisors.net

Complete Coastal Comfort at a Hidden Gem on the Los Angeles Coast

Just last summer, my husband and I had plans for almost every weekend with the kids. We camped, hiked, went boogie boarding, crossed off a couple of states on our family’s “50 State” adventure. Another life, it seems like now. It has been one of the most wild years on record, from start until now: heading into month nine. These past few months, we limited our travels to much-needed local “staycations” for a change of scenery when possible. Gratefully, we live in a region with an abundance of spectacular destinations within an easy driving distance. So as summer stretched into fall and the specter of distance learning in the weeks ahead loomed, we discovered the ideal retreat at Terranea Resort.

Over the years, we’ve been blessed to experience a number of beautiful hotel properties that dot our coastline. But the images and descriptions available online didn’t do justice to the Mediterranean-inspired haven that debuted in June 2009 as the “only luxury destination resort on the Los Angeles coast.” Poised on the edge of a gorgeous California cliffside with its south-facing panoramic views of the Pacific, the 102-acre property welcomes each of its guests into an entirely new world of rejuvenation and adventure. The land itself used to be part of the Channel Island, and boasts a unique mix of geology and flora. Purchased in 1913 by a group of investors led by Frank A. Vanderlip, the peninsula became a completed coastal vision of a balmy Mediterranean aesthetic with a property meticulously designed to heighten and preserve the natural beauty of its oceanfront backdrop and elements sensitive to the area’s natural environment.

Each of the resort’s 582 beautifully appointed guest retreats overlook the property and the ocean below. Take your pick between a romantic suite for two, a sprawling two-bedroom, adults-only bungalow, an accommodation for the entire family like the three-bedroom ocean view casita, or one of the 32 villas (ranging from 1,850 sq. ft. to 2,800 sq. ft. with spacious kitchens and living areas. If your pleasure is dining, look no further than California coastal cuisine at Terranea’s nine distinct dining experiences from casual to full service. Fresh fare and unbelievable views partner to make it a foodie getaway. For culinary enthusiasts, Terranea Resort’s chefs showcase their gourmet offerings with a Farm-to-Table program where they harvest Meyer lemons from on-site lemon trees, herbs and vegetables grown on-site and at nearby Catalina View Garden for their celebrated cuisine. The resort has more than 120,000 honeybees (the honey is used candies, rubs, pastries and salad dressings as well as paired with house-made cheeses), presses olive oil from local olives, gathers and produces sea salt with water from the Pacific Ocean in salt beds at Terranea’s Sea Salt Conservatory. Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra received his kelp harvester license, allowing the resort to harvest and process Giant Kelp and other edible seaweeds added to salads, sea salt, rubs and other seasoning mixes and preparations.

Outdoor Endeavors

If you’re into the outdoors, you can hit The Links at Terranea (a 9-hole par 3 course) or the beach - the spa, four heated pools (more on that in a minute), or one of many “Terranea Adventures,” including a chartered fishing boat or art classes (such as Mandalas and Margaritas, conducted on the patio at Nelsons and led by a spiritual wellness coach). There are even activities for the younger crowd at Tide Pool Kids Club and Adventure Camp (currently suspended due to government mandates), freeing up your day to lounge in one of the resort’s many cabanas or set off on an adventure of your own through the Experience Center.

While we like to explore the environs when traveling to a new region, this time we intended our visit to be a true “staycation,”remaining on property the entire time. A highlight of our experience was an dream day spent poolside (the resort features four sparkling pools with stunning ocean views) at the main resort pool where the kids (and admittedly their mom) couldn’t get enough of the family-friendly private cabana and poolside games. We dined poolside, noshing on classic favorites and light bites from The Grill, sipping craft cocktails and fun juice/soda combinations the kids concocted.

It felt like we’d frozen the best parts of summer over our stay, and knowing that it is just over 40 miles from the center of Orange County, I’ll be clear about one thing: we’ll be headed back to the peninsula whenever possible to dip our toes in the many luxuries offered at Terranea Resort.

Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes
(866) 547-3066
www.terranea.com

I don’t use the word “jewel” lightly, when it comes to California resort properties. It’s a hard word to capture with descriptions of tree-lined estates, or themed accommodations. And yet there are a few properties tucked away into the state boundaries that encapsulate the multi-faceted beauty of a cut gem. One of the most seductive is the Alisal Guest Ranch, which leans into the old west, like a charming cowboy tipping his hat: to history. To the future. The 10,000-acre property is just 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara, and boasts two golf courses, tennis courts, a pool, spa, and a spring-fed lake.

A perfect diamond reveals unlimited dimensions, and can catch the fiery glow of even the lowest candlelight. It is illuminating, clarifying. Such are the endless ways to spend one’s time (alone, with your partner on a romantic getaway, as a family retreat) at the Ranch. California’s temperate year-round clime and a rotating offering of seasonal activities ensure that every visitor finds something to keep them entertained. Indeed, though the times have changed drastically in recent months, Alisal’s spirit of exploration and dedication to the finest service hasn’t wavered.

Outdoor Endeavors

A recreation center unto itself, the 100-acre spring fed Alisal Lake, filled with bass; trout; and bluegill, offers “catch-and-release” fishing. You can rent a boat or fish off the dock – our son caught his first fish here (a Bigmouth Bass) by casting from the dock. This sportsman’s paradise attracts bird watchers and water enthusiasts with Bass Boat Pro rentals, canoes, rowboats, peddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

For those seeking to hit the links, Alisal showcases two 18-hole championship golf courses – the par 72, 6,500-yard Ranch Course and the par 72, 6,800-yard River Course with four lakes - provide impeccably manicured fairways and greens with spectacular views of the Santa Ynez River and nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. A full range of facilities and services are offered at both courses including a clubhouse, driving range, putting green and pro shop. Private and group lessons by PGA and LPGA professionals are also available.

A full-service Tennis Center with a well-equipped pro tennis shop is situated on a scenic area of the Ranch. Tennis buffs can choose from seven hard courts. Tennis professionals, one of whom is nationally ranked, offer both clinics and private lessons by appointment.

Visitors rarely leave the property during their stay and for good reason. Leaving at dawn, guests enjoy more than 50 miles of equestrian trails on horseback circling the magnificent hills and sycamore groves. Twice daily group rides, private rides and breakfast rides to the historic Adobe Camp (on horseback or in a wagon) round out a stay.

Frontier fare

Capturing the essence of California cuisine with the depth of flavor and heartiness of Western ranch cooking, Chef Anthony Endy (a Santa Ynez Valley native) serves up delicious culinary offerings from casual meals to fine dining dishes. Because Governor Newsom mandated special guidelines for dining at restaurants, guests can keep the outdoors theme going by dining al fresco (the Lake BBQs have been relocated to the Grassy Oval - an expansive green space surrounded by sycamore trees. All food can also be packaged for takeaway (think picnic lunch) or delivered to your room.

The Ranch Room, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves American and western style favorites. Guests enjoy a choice of a hearty a la carte American breakfast menu items that include Linguisa scrambled eggs over a Grilled Portobello Mushroom, savory Huevos Rancheros and the Alisal’s own Buttermilk Pancakes (which no surprise, were our kids’ favorite). A lavish Ranch Room breakfast buffet of Eggs Benedict and Corn Beef Hash is also served with freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade baked muffins, pastries and breads.

Dinner here is a formal affair (collared shirts and sportcoats are required for men over the age of 16) and “dinner dressy” for the ladies. Since opening the ranch in 1946, it’s been customary to “dress up” for dinner - and keeping the “country-formal” tradition alive is part of the property’s charm. Entree options include frontier-size portions of juicy barbecued steaks, tender prime rib of beef and the fresh catch of the day including swordfish, John Dory and Seabass. Specialty dishes such as Osso Bucco, Hickory Smoked Briskett and slow roasted Farm Raised Wild Boar are prepared with the freshest ingredients for the guests’ dining pleasure.

Not to be missed (and reservations highly recommended) is the horseback or Hay Wagon ride to the breakfast buffet at the Old Adobe Camp where the resort treats guests to a full ranch breakfast including buttermilk flapjacks, scramble eggs, bacon, sausage, ham and more. The highlight of the morning meal is the live entertainment in the form of a western crooner and a cowboy poet.

Accommodations

Alisal’s 73 pastoral suites and studios blends the charm of a gracious bygone era, decorated in authentic Western decor. Each guest unit, designed for maximum privacy and comfort, includes a wood-burning fireplace with complimentary firewood; high-beamed ceilings; Western art; refrigerator; coffee maker (coffee and tea supplied in rooms), and filtered water dispenser. In keeping with the resort’s timeless ambiance, there are no in-room televisions or telephones; however, complimentary wireless Internet is available throughout the ranch.

With such close proximity to Los Angeles and Orange Counties, it is a wonder that such a treasure would remain as secluded and satisfying as it is. And yet there is something so pleasurable and refreshing in stepping away from the beaten path for a few stolen moments of luxury. Finding time with the family to create new traditions in the world of endless screens may seem impossible, but that’s just the beginning when you step away, and get back to what really matters. Some jewelers judge a gem by its “presence.” By that meter, Alisal Guest Ranch is a flawless cut above.

Alisal Guest Ranch
1054 Alisal Road
Solvang
(800) 425-4725
www.alisal.com

By the time my friend’s grandmother passed away at 92, she had fallen six times. Two of those falls resulted in broken bones - once, her hip. Horrifying, to find oneself in that position. Tripped up by your walker or the corner of a rug. Often, a wet bathroom or kitchen floor. She was in a home for five out of the six falls, and still, it took some time to respond, get her stabilized, diagnosed, and fully recovered. Falls, my friend and her family quickly learned, are the leading cause of injury related deaths in Americans aged 65 and older. She didn’t end up passing because of a slip up directly, but her bones certainly didn’t give her a pass either, in those last days.

Home Safety Advisor’s President Dave Riggle has a similar story, as do so many around the country. His mother passed from a fall in her bathroom, and was the direct impetus for his business beginnings. “None of us five kids had any idea she struggled, or we would have fixed it immediately. I have skin in this game - I don’t want anyone else to suffer like my mother did.” While other home improvement companies may include walk-in tubs as a part of their overall offerings, safe bathrooms are the entire focus and area of specialization for Dave and his team of professionals. So much so that Dave personally interviewed over 400 seniors about the difficulties they were experiencing in order to provide the best possible product to meet their needs.

While the business formally began in Indiana, the team at Home Safety Advisors expanded their operation into the Southern California market a year ago and are thrilled to have met with such a positive response and feedback to their scope of services. Many clients come to them via word-of-mouth. And it’s not hard to see why. Installing something that could literally mean the difference between serious injury or not is no small feat. And something that Dave’s team takes extremely seriously. All of their walk-in tubs and showers are made in the U.S.A., come with a lifetime warranty, are great for health and easy to clean. But perhaps a lesser known perk is the luxurious spa experience available in the privacy of your home.

“Their (occupational therapists) confidence in referring us speaks volumes about our capability and their trust in us,” says Dave. “This is rarely done in our industry, and certainly not by any big company.” The showers and baths are crafted right here in California, providing clients a spa-like experience with a side door. Once inside, just relax. Ergonomic faucets, a hand shower, and marine grade fiberglass combine to make your bathing experience relaxing, instead of stressful.

While most steps into a walk-in shower or bath are still 6-9” tall, Home Safety Advisors boast just a 2” threshold, low enough to greatly decrease - if not eliminate - your chances of spilling over the edge accidentally. Offering bench seats, grab bars, and shower wands, Dave can even customize the threshold or seat to fit the client specifically.

As Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), Dave and his team understand the unique needs of older adults and will do everything they can to provide their clients and their families with a sense of confidence and safety in their own home. “We don’t want any slip ups: from the initial consultation to our single-day installation; we’re here to walk you through the unique experience of finding solutions to carry out your aging-in-place modifications.”

(949) 456-4717
www.HomeSafetyAdvisors.net

A Spectacular Summer Stay-cation Destination for Family Fun

The world has changed over the past few months. I’m sure, if you’re like me and most of my mom friends, you’ve already had to adjust, reschedule or even cancel some of your family’s much-anticipated travel plans during these unprecedented times of shelter-in-place, and safer-at-home.

Before we know it school will be back in session and our family didn’t want to let the entire summer fly by without some semblance of a “vacation.” We had our reservations about traveling too far away, but were definitely looking for a change of scenery. So when things started opening back up, we made a beeline for family fun at the Balboa Bay Resort in nearby Newport Beach.

The resort features newly appointed guest rooms and suites, fresh, modern, contemporary furnishings and amenity-rich luxury including a full-service spa complete with nine treatment rooms and a premier blow-dry bar for moms who want a little extra pampering. The 24-hour fitness center and array of fun and energizing outdoor endeavors are designed to keep every member of the pack happily occupied. From the perfect pool day (think lounge chairs, daybeds, private cabanas and Pool Bar for drinks and lunch) to on-property recreation rentals including electric Duffy boats, kayaks, paddle boards and bikes, our family was able to create our own customized experience that combined the best of both - relaxation and recreation.

Upon arrival, we stocked up on snacks and beverages at Blend Cafe and boarded a Duffy boat for a meandering self-guided tour of the picturesque waterways of Newport Harbor. Dinner at the resort’s seafood-focused waterfront restaurant A&O Kitchen+Bar showcased expertly crafted cocktails, local brews and shareable plates for even the most discriminating palate (by that I mean there is something on the menu for every member of our family, including finicky eaters). I opted for a flavorful tuna poke, my husband went with a grilled-to-perfection signature burger made from grass-fed beef, caramelized onion and white cheddar on brioche and the kids both cleaned their plates of fish and chips before diving into a sweet treat of peanut butter s’mores for dessert.

Grab a gourmet coffee at Blend Cafe to start your day, paddle board the afternoon away, and come back home for a relaxing waterfront dinner at A&O Kitchen+Bar (casual indoor and outdoor seating, including fire pits and live weekend entertainment). The Resort is implementing safety measures, and offering a flexible cancellation policy (stays through September 30th can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance), in accordance with CDC guidelines, to ensure its guests are brought the highest level of service, no matter the changing landscape.

Balboa Bay Resort
1221 West Coast Hwy.
Newport Beach
(877) 587-5983
www.balboabayresort.com