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Surf & Sand Paradise

05.11.10

By Sheryll Alexander

Did you know the OC has its very own French Riviera? Oui oui! South Laguna Beach is known for capturing that earthy, yet fun-in-the-sun coastal European attitude. The two “rivieras” have much in common: sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, spectacular ocean views, white sandy beaches, golden cliffs and tiny romantic coves. South Laguna Beach also rivals any chic coastal French town with its sophisticated art galleries, stylish boutiques, gourmet eateries and hot night life.

The absolute gem of South Laguna Beach is Surf & Sand Resort. This slice of Orange Coast paradise sits so close to the water that waves hit the concrete foundation during high tide. Plus, Surf & Sand Resort has all the upscale amenities you need for girlfriends, families, couples, weddings, honeymoons and even sacred solitude getaways.

The property feels like it is built almost into the tall golden-colored cliff, which sits mid curve in one of South Laguna’s prettiest coves. Most of the impeccably-decorated guest rooms have an almost unbelievable ocean view and a private balcony. Rooms have a comfortable feel with stylish California décor, plush beds, cozy sofa, ergonomic desk, flat screen TVs and marble bathrooms.

At Surf & Sand Resort, you literally awaken to dolphin pods swimming just 50 feet from your terrasse. Look down and you smile wide as Laguna Beach walk their dogs along the shore, kids make sand castles and surfers catch a wave. The resort has excellent contemporary California food, cocktails and wine at its Splashes restaurant, which specializes in super fresh seafood. Had enough of the beach? You can lounge in the sun or under a large canopy at the resort’s ocean view pool.

Make sure to spend a morning or afternoon at the resort’s Aquaterra Spa. This spa has a highly organic feel. We enjoy the sun-drenched jacuzzi just outside the women’s lounge. The stimulating lilikoi lemongrass sugar scrub is followed by a warm Vichy shower and a blissful body massage.

And although you feel like a million miles from civilization here, busy Pacific Coast Highway and South Laguna’s multifaceted diversions are but a few steps away.

Surf and Sand Resort & Spa at 1555 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 949.497.4477

Temecula Wine Bliss

05.06.10

By Sheryll Alexander

Only an hour’s drive from Orange County, Temecula Wine Country truly feels like you have been transported to Napa or Paso Robles. Majestic mountains ring the scenic Temescal Valley, which has a grape-growing microclimate of a 1,500 ft. elevation, well-drained decomposed granite soils, sunny-filled breezy days and cool summer nights.

More than 30 wineries grow a variety of grapes here like Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting rooms at such well known wineries as South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Thornton Winery and Ponte Family Estate Winery are open daily and many have restaurants, delis, gift shops and picnic areas. Some say the patio at Mount Palomar Winery is an unbelievable place to view Temecula’s incredibly inspiring sunsets.

Because Temecula is so close to OC, it is possible to spontaneously plan a day trip or quick getaway. Take a peek at this Temecula Valley Calendar of Events for listings.

On a recent Saturday, for example, we left OC at 3 p.m. and arrived by 4 p.m. at Lorimar Vineyards & Winery’s annual Kansas City BBQ, Wine & Blues event. Lorimar Winery owner, music lover and Kansas City native Mark Manfield presided over the hickory wood grill while guests noshed on succulent barbeque, listened to hot live jazz and sipped lots of Lorimar’s best wines such as the lusciously red 2005 Lorimar Fusion.

Then, head to Old Town Temecula. These four lively blocks make you feel like you are back in the Old West and yet this historic village feels modern at the same time. Wine country revelers walk Old Town’s wooden boardwalk from wine tasting room to wine tasting room with stops at bars, restaurants, boutiques and hotels like the modestly-priced Ramada Temecula.

Lorimar Winery provided BBQ tickets.

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