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relaxing at the surf and sand resort

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

JCR_SS_188_Pool Eve_RM 2010


After all the work of previewing my collection was over, {the real debut isn't slated until February} it worked out that The Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, just minutes from where I live, had invited me to attend a luxe weekend retreat with a handful of lifestyle journalists. Recently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, it was a great chance to check out the new diggs, mingle with some writers, and actually have a bit of romantic down time.

Champagne cocktails



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We met up at 15FiftyFive, the outdoor lounge next to the lobby for a cocktail lesson with Executive Pastry Chef and resident mixologist, Ryan Velilla. It was actually more of a cocktail drinking event, but I'm not complaining. We then made our way to the Aquaterra Spa where we had custom mini‐scrubs/salts made for us and indulged in relaxing hand and chair massages on the patio while sampling warm vanilla chai tea lattes.


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Next we walked up to the Catalina Terrace where the Surf & Sand hosts beautiful ocean front weddings and private events. I chatted with some of the lovely Surf and Sand staff, met Chef Armstrong, and enjoyed champagne cocktails and appetizers.

Dining



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Our Sunset Dinner at Splashes was planned by Surf & Sand’s Executive Chef, Jeff Armstrong. It was delicious and we wrapped up the evening with after‐dinner drinks and a dessert bar on the newly renovated pool deck.


To live by the sea...



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Our room was literally right over the ocean--it was so nice to hear the waves so close by.


More pampering



Aquaterra Spa 2



The next day I enjoyed a much needed massage at the new Aquaterra Spa before we headed off with wonderful lunches that the hotel had packed for us, and spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach...


Glam history



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We went beach-hopping and ended up just down the road from my house


Living here, it's easy to forget about Laguna Beach's romantic history. In the 30s Hollywood stars like Bette Davis, Mary Pickford, Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Rooney maintained homes here. Tennessee Williams also stayed here in the 40s and wrote about it and Laguna became a creative getaway for John Steinbeck, Victor Mature and many other artists. Have I tempted you yet? Will you come visit?

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17 Comments:

Blogger pve design said...

Tempting! Last Winter, we headed down to the W hotel in Ft.Lauderdale and had a fun time. It is hip, fresh and setting is superb. Love that you were able to get away!
Designing a collection is intense!
pve

4:55 AM  
Blogger Bruce Barone said...

I wish I was there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5:42 AM  
Anonymous Cafe Fashionista said...

Ooh, a weekend retreat is such an intriguing concept - especially at this location! I absolutely adore these photographs. The problem is that I don't think I would ever want to leave this Resort if I visited!! :P

6:49 AM  
Anonymous Design Elements said...

yes, I'll come :-) sea...surf...the right place for me. wonderful post!

7:53 AM  
Blogger TERI REES WANG said...

Love Laguna!

It's a place where the water in the coves are still clear turquoise.
That is a rare find, these days.

Cheers!

10:00 AM  
Blogger vicki archer said...

Yes please......xv

12:24 PM  
Blogger Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Ohhhhh, you lucky, lucky girlie, you! I'm officially jealous now, but I'll try not to turn green as it's ever so unattractive and not one of my colors! ;) Sounds like a wonderful time, so glad you had the opportunity to relax a little! xo

12:41 PM  
Blogger Relyn said...

OK, you have SO made me want to switch jobs. Care to trade your spa time for 19 squirrelly second graders?

4:54 PM  
Blogger Christina said...

to sit there and have dinner... looks so peaceful.
xo

4:54 PM  
Anonymous samantha hahn said...

take me there!!!

6:10 PM  
Blogger Absolutely Ladylike said...

Well it looks like heaven dear Mary Jo and I'm happy you had some relaxing time in this fabulous place. When I'm going to California to photograph your collection I don't mind if we spend a day or two here :-)

Much love to you, cheers: Evi

12:35 AM  
Blogger Carla said...

Lucky you. What a lovely treat and what a lovely place. Laguna looks gorgeous. Carla

6:35 AM  
Blogger Pepe Broch said...

La primera imagen de este grupo me parece espectacular, muy relajante.

Un saludo.

8:02 AM  
Anonymous Morgan @ PepperDesignBlog.com said...

What a great get-away!

4:29 PM  
Anonymous Paris in Pink said...

I just found this lovely blog of yours, and it is infinitely inspiring... so many wonderful images and words. Off to read some more :) Paris in Pink

12:41 PM  
Blogger Holly said...

amazing!!!!! this sounds like heaven.

1:18 PM  
Blogger Death By Shoe said...

WOW! This looks amazing!!!

-Danielle
www.deathbyshoe.com

3:02 PM  

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