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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.

RITZ-CARLTON LIVE!

04.18.14

Plan a luxe staycation at our favorite Downtown L.A. hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles that literally towers above the city’s fantastic L.A. LIVE entertainment complex. It’s a serene oasis where Staples Center, Nokia Theatre, Club Nokia, The Grammy Museum, Conga Room and Regal Cinemas are within steps from the property. It’s the best place in the city to escape for a luxurious retreat, while still being close to the action.

The LEED certified hotel boasts 123 sophisticated and modern guest rooms with high tech and comforting amenities such as concealed and vanishing TV’s in the bathroom mirrors, sumptuous beds, refreshment centers with coffee makers, iPod docking station, and walk-in showers with rain shower head and soaking tubs. There are also 14 suites, and you can go all out with a 3,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite.

We strongly recommend upgrading to the Club Lounge (a $100 charge for two guests per day), which grants you access to a sky high club lounge on the 23^rd floor from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will be your respite where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, hors d'oeuvres, cordials desserts (the chef likes to experiments with delicious macaroon flavors).

There’s even a state-of-the art espresso, coffee and latte maker, as well as mini-refrigerators stocked with juice, water, soda and even beer. The breakfast spread is especially noteworthy, with assorted bagels and housemade pastries; housemade granola yogurt parfait; smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, and red onion; selection of charcuterie such as ham, turkey, and cured meats; oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins; quiche; and a selection of fresh, sliced seasonal fruit.

The Club Lounge has beautiful views of the city, plus three flat-screen TVs, a business center with personal computers and printer, and a flat-screen-TV for private boardroom with conference seating.

At Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles you can even make a day of not leaving the hotel. Book a pampering treatment in the 8,000 sq. ft. sumptuous spa with a classic Hollywood vibe. And, enjoy the co-ed sanctuary, private men’s and women’s relaxation rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms and cold plunge showers. There’s also a stunning 26^th floor rooftop pool and bar with gorgeous panoramic views of the L.A. skyline.

You can even dine-in with plenty of options to choose from—order a casual lunch poolside, or enjoy award-winning cuisine at Wolfgang Puck’s WP24, a modern twist on Chinese cuisine. Other hotel eateries include Nest at WP24, a menu of Asian-inspired snacks, appetizers, sushi and large plates; LA Market, showcasing fresh and modern cuisine; Esspressamente Illy, an Italian-style café, Glance Lobby Bar, and the Mixing Room, cocktail lounge and small plates.

Treat your mom to a Mother’s Day Royal-Tea Treatment

Pamper her with a luxurious Mother’s Day fit for a queen with a Mother’s Day “Tea at the Top” in Wolfgang Puck’s WP24 followed by a 50-minute Signature Ritz-Carlton Massage and a Classic Manicure and Pedicure. Valet parking is also included.

Tea at the Top seatings at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m.
$310 per person plus tax and gratuity.

900 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles. 213.743.8800

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