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RANCHO BERNARDO INN FOR RELAXING ROMANCE

02.05.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Want a totally relaxing getaway for Valentine’s Day weekend? Rancho Bernardo Inn, which is located just north of San Diego, is a secluded retreat with loads of luxury, nature, history, food, drink, golf and spa.

Through the end of February, you can indulge in the sensual Champagne and Caviar Package at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The romance begins with an indulgent couple’s caviar spa treatment at the inn’s award-winning spa, including a private cabana, champagne and dessert treats. After unwinding at the spa, guests move onto a poolside cocktail reception and wine-paired, seven-course shared tasting menu at the resort’s famed El Bizcocho restaurant. That package includes a one-night stay in a Spanish-inspired guest room and cap off their stay with breakfast in bed for two. Prices start at $595 per night, and the package is valid through February 28.

Located just an hour’s drive south of Orange County, Rancho Bernardo Inn sits in a tranquil valley and in the shadow of the San Pasqual Mountains. This historic inn is both unpretentious and sophisticated at the same time.

Rancho Bernardo Inn is a destination resort known for its authentic Spanish architecture, lush landscaping, three relaxing pools, world-class golf, award-winning spa and exceptional cuisine. A true destination for the entire family, the 265-acre property features 287 luxurious guestrooms.

Reminiscent of a Mediterranean estate, the resort’s early California design features a network of facilities connected through a series of landscaped walkways and lush patios. Beautiful gardens, outdoor sculptures and Mediterranean-inspired fountains, and perfectly placed benches and alcoves complete the surroundings. Inside, wood-beam ceilings, oriental rugs, fireplaces, a mix of custom furniture and a variety of hand-collected antiquities from the Americas and Europe create a warm and inviting environment for guests.

Ranch Bernardo Inn’s El Bizcocho restaurant is a gem. Chef Ryan Grant oversees the kitchen at the inn’s signature fine-dining restaurant, where he creates seasonally inspired menus featuring modern global cuisine.

Completely renovated in Spring 2010, the resort’s Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant is situated overlooking the 18th hole and features Mediterranean-inspired casual fare served with panoramic views of the resort’s championship course and the San Pasqual Mountains beyond. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Veranda features a lovely patio for al fresco dining, outdoor fireplaces and a firepit for cocktails over sunset, and an adjoining sports bar with pool tables and darts.

The 72-par course originally opened in 1962 and has undergone a renovation to ensure it continues to present a modern challenge for golfers. The challenging and beautifully-maintained course rolls right up to the inn’s pro shop and Veranda restaurant.

The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn is a tranquil oasis offering an extensive array of massages, facials and body treatments. The spa includes an outdoor spa garden and patio area with indoor-outdoor treatment casitas. The resort’s renowned culinary program is incorporated into the spa with special menu offers such as the “made fresh” daily body treatments, which utilize fresh herbs and locally-grown produce.

Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, 858.675.8500, [url=http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com]http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com[/url].

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

BEVERLY HILLS FOR SINGLE, COUPLE AND PARENT LOVE!

02.01.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Want to get away for Valentine’s Day, but not go too far from OC? Think Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills is always dedicated to romance with its lush landscaping, hot hotels, celebrated shopping, rocking restaurants and naughty nightlife. This Valentine’s Weekend, the top Beverly Hills hotels are offering packages for singles, couples, girlfriends and even parents.

Candlelit Cabana Dinner at Peninsula Beverly Hills
Peninsula Beverly Hills is creating a magical night for just 12 couples on each night of Valentine’s weekend. The hotel is pulling back the curtains of its exclusive rooftop pool cabanas with a private Valentine’s Day dinner served by a personal attendant. The five-course candlelit dinner is served inside cabanas outfitted with iPod stations—perfect for playing that special love song. Amidst this gorgeous setting, couples dine on such dishes as lobster and crab tortellini with pink champagne emulsion, grilled lamb chops glazed with lavender (from the hotel’s roof garden) and warm chocolate ganache pudding. Priced at $290 per couple, the evening comes complete with monogrammed napkins, one dozen red roses and valet parking.

Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.551.2888, [url=http://www.peninsula.com]http://www.peninsula.com[/url]

Mood-Setting Experiences at Montage Beverly Hills
Montage Beverly Hills is made for romance with its guestrooms overlooking lush urban gardens, a spa made for reconnecting and its hot new Italian restaurant, Scarpetta. The hotel sets the mood in its lobby lounge each night through the end of March with a menu of champagnes by the glass and live music daily. Select two glasses of bubbly and receive a rose and handcrafted chocolates made by executive pastry Chef Richard Ruskell. Or, splurge on an intimate meal for two at Scarpetta as the restaurant is offering a passionately-crafted Valentine’s Day menu of Italian specialties for $95 per person. Can’t get away because of the kids? For a limited time, reserve a couples’ massage at Spa Montage and receive the first two hours for free in the hotel’s children’s activity center, Paintbox.

Montage Beverly Hills, 225 North Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-7970, [url=http://www.montagebeverlyhills.com]http://www.montagebeverlyhills.com[/url]

Singles Party and Spa Packages at The Beverly Hilton
The Beverly Hilton is throwing a single’s bash on Saturday, Feb. 12 complete with half-priced appetizers (with qualified drink purchases) and a guest DJ. For girlfriends looking for pre-Valentine’s Day bonding, the hotel is offering a $99 Spa Brunch Package on Sunday, Feb. 13, that includes girl talk over a champagne brunch at Circa 55 and a 30-minute massage (or a 30-minute facial). Want to impress your honey? For $375 per couple, your special lady can enjoy a “diamond radiance facial” and then a four-course dinner for two at Circa 55. (Prices exclude tax and gratuity.)

The Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-274-7777, [url=http://www.beverlyhiltoncom]http://www.beverlyhiltoncom[/url]

Couples Getaway at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows is offering a Beverly Hills Escape Package, which includes a two-night stay in a deluxe guestroom, a welcome bottle of Perrier-Jouet Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, a 60-minute couples massage, breakfast for two, a $200 dining credit and two gifts from La Prairie Spa. The package is priced from $1,560 (with balcony) and $2,750 (garden suite).

The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-276-2251, [url=http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com]http://www.beverlyhillshotel.com[/url]

Love Me, Lavish Me Package at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel
The Rodeo Drive Hotel is offering a Love Me Lavish Me Package this love holiday. For $319, the package includes deluxe accommodations for two, sparkling rosé and strawberries upon arrival, a bathtub turndown, an in-room movie and in-room or in-restaurant breakfast for two, all for $319 (excluding tax and gratuity). To book, visit [url=http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com/accommodations.php]http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com/accommodations.php[/url] and enter the rate code: LOVE.

Rodeo Drive Hotel, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-273-0300, [url=http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com]http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com[/url]

Restaurant Rendezvous
Thinking about driving up to Beverly Hills for a romantic dinner? Beverly Hills restaurants are serving up specially priced meals à deux. Reserve through Open Table at: [url=http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=6&ref=2138&pid=102]http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?m=6&ref=2138&pid=102[/url]

For more information about Beverly Hills, visit [url=http://www.lovebeverlyhills.org]http://www.lovebeverlyhills.org[/url].

Sheryll Alexander is a freelance lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

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