A Luxurious Thanksgiving at The Mayor’s Table

This Thanksgiving, The Mayor’s Table invites guests to celebrate with an elegant, family-style feast. On Thursday, Nov. 27, from 2 to 7 p.m., Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston and his culinary team will present a multi-course menu inspired by seasonal abundance and coastal California flavors.

The meal begins with starters such as Indian Fry Bread with nut butters and dried fruits, the Garden of Eden Salad with farmer’s apples, cheese, and a cranberry-walnut vinaigrette, and the Mayor’s Table Seafood Chowder, made with seasonal vegetables in a smoky bacon broth.

Entrées include Heritage Heirloom Turkey prepared three ways—smoked leg, confit thigh, and roasted breast with truffle gravy—and Grilled Maine Lobster Halves with spicy persimmon butter and herbs. Sides include Root Vegetable Wild Rice, Roasted Sunchokes and Sweet Potatoes with late-harvest tomato tahini and feta, and Mayor’s Table Creamless Corn.

For dessert, guests can enjoy Heirloom Pumpkin Pie topped with tableside whipped cream and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream.

The Thanksgiving menu is priced at $95 per adult and $40 per child (12 and under), with children six and under dining free. A special kids’ menu features favorites such as Grilled Chicken Breast with Mac & Cheese and Mini Apple Pie.

Reservations are available online or by calling (949) 524-8500.
The Mayor’s Table
3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach

Wellness That Works: Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness

Vida by VTL Boutique Spas + Wellness opened in 2008 and is raising the bar in beauty and body care with a holistic approach that blends advanced skincare, modern wellness and a touch of home from its founders’ Brazilian roots. Created by mother and daughter team Rosana Oliveira and Julia Sackis Breaux, Vida is a sanctuary for real results and deep relaxation. Personalized treatments are rooted in Ayurvedic principles and elevated through leading technology.

One of their most in demand offerings is their unique approach to traditional lymphatic drainage style of massage with time-honored Ayurvedic body and mind techniques that bring real results.

This technique is known for supporting detoxification, reducing inflammation and boosting circulation, helping guests feel lighter, less bloated and more energized. Brazil has long embraced a culture of caring for the body inside and out, and Rosana and Julia are passionate about bringing that same care and expertise to their spa locations in Seal Beach and Dana Point with their own Wellness for Modern Living philosophy.

During my recent visit, I experienced the VTL Advanced Lymph and Fascia Method – body
Signature treatment and a signature facial. Both were tailored to my needs and left me feeling lighter, brighter and noticeably rejuvenated.

Guests can also enjoy facial treatments that target everything from sun damage to dullness with advanced enhancements available for even better results. They work exclusively with medical grade high quality skincare lines such as SkinCeuticals and HydroPeptide.

They also offer infrared sauna with red light and salt therapy, detox therapies, and wellness enhancements such as ionic toxin cleansing and raindrop therapy.

Julia has developed a collection of 17 VTL Adaptogen Elixirs, including Collagen, Glow, Calm, Hormone, Detox, Immunity and more, each created to support balance and wellness in daily life.

Vida also offers VIP memberships for consistent self care with exclusive savings and flexible credits that can be used at both spa locations. Credits roll over for six months and members always receive VIP pricing. Members can share their rates with a guest on the same day.

$105 VIP Member
Monthly credit may be redeemed for:
• 60 minute massage
• 45 minute facial options
• 30 minute lymphatic face methods
• Body sculpting therapies such as ultrasonic cavitation or radio frequency
• Lash and brow treatments
• Teen facial or back care

135 VIP Member
Monthly credit may be redeemed for:
• 90 minute massage
• 60 minute signature facial
• 60 minute Glow Dermaplane Facial

199 VIP Member
Monthly credit may be redeemed for advanced skin and body services, including:
• 60 minute VTL Lymph Body
• 60 minute Buccal Method
• Hydro facial
• Oxygen infusion facial
• Collagen RF facial
• Microdermabrasion or micro current facials

Additional VIP Perks:
• Early booking access
• 10 percent off merchandise
• Ability to request your preferred provider
• Invitations to member only events
A one time $55 enrollment fee and a three month minimum commitment apply.

LOCATIONS
Vida by VTL Seal Beach
320 Main St., Suite C
562.596.7755

Vida by VTL Dana Point
32585 Golden Lantern, Suite J
949.396.4877

Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, more travelers are trading kitchen prep for festive getaways that blend great dining, relaxation, and holiday tradition. From the sun-drenched desert to the Pacific coastline, these standout California hotels and resorts offer memorable ways to gather and give thanks.

Whether you want a glamorous celebration in the city, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, or a classic coastal Thanksgiving with ocean views, here are holiday escapes worth considering.

Desert Thanksgiving

La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta

Framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains, La Quinta Resort & Club pairs Hollywood legacy with modern luxury for a sun-soaked Thanksgiving retreat. Guests can choose from three special holiday dining experiences.

Adobe Grill adds a Mexican twist with dishes including turkey roulade, lamb stew, apple salad, and bread pudding. Twenty6 offers a festive menu featuring elevated takes on Thanksgiving classics. Morgan’s in the Desert serves a refined holiday dinner with herb-crusted turkey breast, sweet potato cheesecake, and seasonal sides. Signature cocktails make the celebration even more special.

Reservations: Visit the resort online to book.

City Thanksgiving

Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles

In the heart of Century City, Fairmont Century Plaza creates a polished and effortless Thanksgiving celebration. Lumière features a prix-fixe holiday dinner with seasonal soup or garden salad, herb-roasted turkey breast roulade with traditional sides, and a choice of pumpkin crème caramel or Bahibe-spiced shortbread with brown sugar cream. Elegant service and a sophisticated setting make this a standout Los Angeles holiday dining experience.

Reservations: Available through the hotel’s website.

Hideaway Thanksgiving

Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai

For a peaceful getaway, Ojai Valley Inn offers a serene holiday surrounded by rolling hills and golden sunsets. The Farmhouse hosts a Thanksgiving Grand Buffet celebrating local produce, seasonal entrees, desserts, and sparkling beverages. Families can enjoy a classic buffet at The Oak, while Olivella offers a three-course menu inspired by the flavors of the season. Whether dining fireside or outdoors, this is a warm and intimate way to celebrate.

Reservations: Book online.

Coastal Thanksgiving

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Huntington Beach

Celebrate with ocean breezes and endless views at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. The Huntington Ballroom hosts a Thanksgiving buffet from noon to 4 p.m. with roasted turkey, prime rib, honey-glazed ham, pumpkin maple bisque, roasted root vegetables, and fall-inspired salads. Pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, s’mores bars, and other sweet treats complete the feast. Guests can also choose a three-course Thanksgiving menu at Watertable, a traditional turkey special at Pete’s Sunset Grille, or in-room dining.

Reservations: Visit hyattregencyhuntingtonbeach.com.

Oceanfront Thanksgiving

Shore Hotel, Santa Monica

Shore Hotel invites guests to gather at Shoreside Restaurant & Bar for a Thanksgiving feast overlooking the Pacific. Served Thursday, Nov. 27, from noon to 10 p.m., the holiday menu includes roasted turkey with housemade cranberry sauce, aromatic stuffing, whipped potatoes, sautéed green beans, roasted acorn squash soup, and pumpkin pie with vanilla bourbon whipped cream. Thanksgiving specials are offered alongside the full Shoreside menu. It is the restaurant’s first Thanksgiving celebration and a beautiful new beachfront tradition.

Reservations: Book online through the restaurant.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, San Diego

Marina Kitchen & Bar hosts a waterfront Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thursday, Nov. 27, from 4 to 9 p.m. The menu features citrus-brined smoked Diestel turkey breast, slow-roasted prime rib, seafood cioppino, Moroccan lamb chops, and a vegan meatloaf option. Classic sides include Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, candy yams, and mac and cheese. Dessert highlights include pumpkin cheesecake, sweet potato crème brûlée, pecan pie, and apple cobbler. Pricing begins at $95 per adult and $39 per child, plus tax and service charge.

Reservations: Available on the hotel’s website.

Image Courtesy Fairmont Century Plaza