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Catalina across the Sea, an Island of Romance

05.14.14

By Sue Facter

It had the feel of Bermuda, but is much closer and more convenient to the O.C. There are few cars and no traffic lights in Avalon, Catalina. You get around by golf carts, bikes, boat or on foot. The Catalina Express picks you up in Dana Point (as well as Long Beach and San Pedro). If you’re fortunate to get a seat in the Commodore Lounge, you’ll get priority boarding with entre to a VIP lounge with snacks and either a great Bloody Mary, a glass of champers or soft drink. There are free rides on your birthday! The Express has year round service. Catalina is 22 miles away from the mainland and is an hour’s voyage.

On a windy day, we walked from the Pier to our boutique hotel, The Aurora Hotel & Spa. A king-sized Temperpedic awaited in Room 218, a junior suite on the second floor, no elevators needed. We had one of the largest bathrooms in the hotel with both a shower and one of the only tubs in the resort, this one a Jacuzzi. There was a living room area with a comfy couch and a kitchen area with Keurig coffee maker, as well as a microwave and frig with complimentary bottled water.

Guests dine on a continental buffet breakfast consisting of oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, toast, bagels, English muffins, Danishes, more Keurig, tea and OJ. You can eat in lobby, your room or to the place de resistance, the Aurora rooftop on the third floor. This is a treat and feels like another world with a circular bed, lounge chairs, couches and a shaded area.

And what a view! While listening to the chirps of Allen’s Hummingbird and California Towhees, you see the famed Casino, an array of boats in the bay, as well as hilltop homes you wish were yours.Oddly enough, there is no gambling at the Casino. It is mainly a ballroom and theatre, owned by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr’s family. Take the Backstage Casino Tour. You’ll get not only a history of Catalina’s most recognized building, but also a history of the island. On one side is the esteemed Yacht Club. On the other side is the Descanso Beach Club where we had cocktails overlooking the bay. I tasted my first Buffalo Bill, an island signature drink, much like a Kahlua and milk but frothier.

Imagine elegant white beach lounges with the feel of a Greek island at your feet. We were fortunate to score an invite to the Presidential suite cabana with flowing white curtains protecting us from the wind. We could see the sweeping view of the hills and beach. Cost of this suite: $400.

And then there is the cuisine! Steve’s Steakhouse, voted the best restaurant in Avalon, and is a second floor eatery with an aquatic view. With white tablecloths and a formal fine dining look, it serves fresh seafood and rack of lamb. Can’t beat those cuisine presentations!

Downstairs and the newest of the island’s restaurant is Maggie’s Blue Rose, a Mexican fine-dining experience. Have a Maggie at Maggie’s. I chose the Skinny brand, but there’s a variety. It was lunch time and the place was hopping. Had the best cheese enchiladas I’ve had in my travels in a while. Other enchiladas: lobster, skirt steak and mole raised duck. (Pictured above Maggie and her husband Steve Bray.)

You can’t miss the Bluewater Avalon with fresh seafood, an oyster bar, sushi bar, patio dining, and large bar area. There are plenty of heat lamps if you choose to dine outdoors (and who wouldn’t?).

The Avalon Grille is a more casual restaurant, but the menu is mostly fine dining choices. I chose the quail. I wasn’t going to do dessert, but went with the key lime pie.

Travel

Catalina across the Sea, an Island of Romance

05.14.14

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