by June Miller Richards
Hollywood’s Hilltop Oasis is About to Become Your New Friday Obsession
Hill
Hollywood’s Hilltop Oasis is About to Become Your Friday Obsession
Prepare to replace your typical happy hour with something truly spectacular. Barnsdall Art Park Foundation’s beloved Barnsdall Fridays Wine Tasting fundraiser is back for its 16th season, transforming every Friday from June 6 through September 26 into an unforgettable evening of wine, art and pure Los Angeles magic.
Picture this: You’re perched on Olive Hill’s West Lawn, the iconic silhouette of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House rising behind you as the golden hour light illuminates LA’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. A perfectly curated glass of wine from longtime partner Silverlake Wine in hand, the sounds of a carefully selected DJ set floating through the air and food truck favorites satisfying every craving. It’s a sensory celebration of what makes LA extraordinary.
Running from 5:30 to 9 p.m. every Friday (except July 4), this year’s series carries extra significance as proceeds help sustain Barnsdall Art Park’s cultural programming amid proposed city budget cuts that threaten this artistic sanctuary.
Art Coalesces With Wine in Perfect Harmony
The experience extends beyond the lawn. While you’re there, explore compelling exhibitions at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG) and Barnsdall Junior Arts Center Gallery. June kicks off Friday Night Arts at LAMAG with an immersive installation by multimedia artist Bill Barminski, followed by the highly anticipated COLA 2025 exhibition showcasing new works by LA-based artists throughout July and August.
Your Ticket to Paradise
With Kaiser Permanente returning as lead supporter, this season promises to be bigger and better than ever. At $45 per ticket, you’re not just buying wine tastings; you’re investing in the cultural future of Los Angeles while enjoying one of the city’s most unique evenings. For those who want to enhance their visit, an upgrade to the $80 tier includes a guided tour of Wright’s architectural masterpiece, offering deeper insights and a more engaging experience. Designated driver tickets are also available to ensure everyone can join the fun safely. Just remember: parking is limited, so consider ridesharing or hopping on public transit.
Pack a blanket, bring your friends and prepare for Friday nights that will spoil you for ordinary happy hours forever.
Follow the fun and tag us: @BarnsdallPark
The Park is located at 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. To purchase tickets, visit: www.barnsdall.org
- This is a 21+ event – no kids or babies are allowed.
- No outside alcohol is allowed into the event.
- No wine is allowed outside of the private event area.
- NO DOGS [or any pets] are allowed inside the wine tasting event.
- No lawn furniture is allowed inside the event.
- Please note that restrooms will be available at Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
About Barnsdall Art Park Foundation
The Barnsdall Art Park Foundation was established in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in support of the City of Los Angeles’s comprehensive landscape, infrastructure, and program initiatives in Barnsdall Art Park. For more information, visit: www.barnsdall.org.
About Barnsdall Art Park
Hollyhock House (1921) is Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles commission and the City’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed for Aline Barnsdall, the house was intended to be the centerpiece of a 36-acre arts complex, which was only partially realized. Gifted to the City in 1927, Barnsdall Art Park has grown to include the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Barnsdall Art Center, Barnsdall Junior Art Center, and Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Operated by the Department of Cultural Affairs, these facilities and the 12-acre parkland have realized Aline Barnsdall’s vision for a dynamic arts park in Los Angeles.
by Randy Dunbar
Soundbath: is a meditative experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by various instruments, like gongs, chimes, bells, drums, bowls or voices.
Unlike a concert, it’s not about rhythm or melody—it’s more about vibration and resonance. You usually lie down or sit comfortably while the practitioner plays the instruments, guiding you into a relaxed, often trance-like state.
The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is a luxurious retreat nestled in the lush landscapes of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This 28-acre resort seamlessly blends modern design with the natural beauty of its surroundings, offering guests an immersive experience in the heart of the rainforest.
Summer approaches, and the idea of vacationing begins to take hold. Americans, in general, take 7–10 days off each year for international travel, and Mexico tops the list of favored destinations. Many Americans enjoy the concept of “bleisure” (where business and leisure are mixed), and it is growing in popularity.
Another trend gaining ground is experiential travel, where immersive experiences (e.g., food tours, adventure travel) are favored over traditional sightseeing.
From Los Angeles, Costa Rica is a five- to six-hour flight that passes over Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Costa Rica is a small country with no winter but many volcanoes. It is unique in that it has two coastlines—the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Remarkably, the country runs on more than 99% renewable energy, mainly from hydropower, wind, and solar sources.
It is a happy country. Its slogan is Pura Vida!, which means “pure life” and is used as a greeting, farewell, or expression of gratitude and positivity.
Nestled in the lush northwestern region is Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, a stunning 1,400-acre luxury eco-destination in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It is known for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class resorts. To get there, it’s best to fly into Liberia and drive along Highway 21 to the peninsula.
To be clear, this is a luxury destination with sweeping tropical forests, stunning views of Culebra Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and the occasional sighting of howler monkeys.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo is one of the resorts on the peninsula. It is a resort with heart—sustainability is a major focus. Experiential activities abound, such as Papagayo Explorers, who provide epic eco-adventures with an expert team of naturalist guides.
On our first day, we headed to the beach and took part in coral planting, a unique team-building activity. Coral reefs are not just beautiful and colorful underwater gardens—they are essential habitats for marine life. However, they are under threat from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
We are here to do our part.
A group of nine, we are tasked with taking recently uprooted coral, cleaning it, and adding it to an artificial reef. Once done, it’s back to the deep—hopefully to grow and thrive.
That night, a special dinner was prepared for us at the adjoining Four Seasons Resort. It’s a short drive. We arrive at sunset. Dinner will be held outside in the Nemare dining garden, but first, a mixologist gives us a lesson on how to pair herbs with drinks and invites us to “get creative.” Dinner is Latin America Asado, a live-fire culinary pop-up event. Cooking is Chef Enrique “Kike” Retana with Executive Chef Emiliano Rabia. That night, on the lawn, there is a stunning display of stars above.
The next day, we join our tour guide, Néstor Zeledón, for a cultural road trip. Along the way, we explore the Nicoya Peninsula, one of Costa Rica’s Blue Zones—regions known for longevity and happiness. Our journey takes us through villages and farmlands, offering a firsthand look at local life.
Our first stop is along the Río Tempisque, an 89-mile river that originates in the foothills of the Orosi Volcano in the northwest and flows southeast into the estuary at the northern end of the Nicoya Gulf. It is heavily silted with sand and gravel—sand that is surprisingly valuable. Men in boats dive for it, then bring it to waiting ox carts that carry it up hills to be deposited. It’s a rare look into a fascinating, archaic process. Along the way, we visit a local woman in Santa Cruz who creates papier-mâché puppets.
We are greeted by dancing puppets and introduced to a local group of young musicians.
Our next stop is a traditional Costa Rican coffee farm, where we gain a deeper understanding of one of the country’s most beloved exports. Coffee is an integral part of Costa Rican culture and daily life. We are welcomed by the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans and invited to see the process from bean to cup.
Our guide explains how Costa Rica’s unique climate and volcanic soil create ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. We learn about the meticulous hand-picking process, the drying and roasting techniques, and the importance of sustainable coffee farming.
We then sit for a coffee-tasting session, sampling different roasts and brewing methods—from traditional chorreador drip coffee to espresso-style brews. The flavors are vibrant, with notes of citrus, chocolate, and honey. As we sip, we hear stories of generations of farmers who have dedicated their lives to cultivating coffee.
After a day of adventure, it’s time to visit the Onda Spa at Andaz. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing herbal drink and a cool towel infused with essential oils. The spa’s treehouse-style treatment rooms offer stunning ocean and jungle views, creating a peaceful and immersive natural environment. But first, the masseur hands you a flower, which you carry to a bridge. There, you are asked to let your troubles go—and so they do—as the flower is dropped into a small pool with dozens of other lotus blossoms.
The word vacation comes from the Latin word vacātiō, meaning freedom, exemption, or being free from something—especially from duty or work.
Those vacation days allow us to enter a new world, taste unfamiliar foods, and experience different cultures in new and exciting ways.
Costa Rica and the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo are exactly that—a new and vibrant place to vacation.
Written and Photographed by Randy Dunbar
by Dennis Richardson
As we approach Lunar New Year, Downtown Disney is gearing up for a variety of ways to celebrate the occasion – as well as other reasons to visit the district with its new openings. With a new lineup of culinary attractions, this destination has all the more reason to stop by and celebrate the season.
A Grand Opening
On January 23, the grand opening of
Parkside Market took place. Parkside Market introduces Downtown Disney’s newest diverse food hall featuring four unique restaurants: GG’s Chicken Shop, Seoul Sister, Sip & Sonder, & Vista Parkside Market. The energetic event kicked off with opening remarks from Jason Smith, Vice President of Hotel Operations & Downtown Disney, and Andy Lansing, CEO of Levy Restaurants.
“To say that we’re excited to be here today might be the understatement of a lifetime,” said Lansing. “Today is a culmination of several years of work with Disney and all of our partners, and it’s remarkable for all of us to see it come to life.”
All photos credit of Maya Myers Photography.
Lansing introduced the three restaurant partners: Amanda-Jane and Shanita from Sip & Sonder, Chef Lee from GG’s Chicken Shop, and Chef Kelly from Seoul Sister. To welcome guests into the Parkside Market space, Mickey and Minnie Mouse then made their grand entrance, bringing their signature charm to the stage. Each key personality of Parkside Market joined together for an official ribbon cutting as confetti cannons erupted and music began, celebrating the official addition of Parkside Market to the Downtown Disney District.
Guests then perused Parkside Market, enjoying passed bites and beverages from each concept, chatting with the founders, and taking in views from Vista’s scenic rooftop patio.
On the Horizon: Black History Month & Lunar New Year
Just in time for Black History Month,
Sip & Sonder at Parkside Market, the proud
Black women-owned coffee shop, is joining Disneyland Resort’s
Celebrate Soulfully event all February, spotlighting
Black heritage with their signature
Nod to Nicaud coffee drink.
If you’re in need of a coffee fix, Sip & Sonder’s Nod to Nicaud features a signature cold brew with chicory and cane sugar. This inspiring spin on a delicious classic pays tribute to Rose Nicaud, a trailblazing entrepreneur and one of New Orleans’ first women of color vendors, whose legacy shaped the city’s coffee culture.
This significant celebration will overlap with the Downtown Disney District’s current Lunar New Year festivities, which can be enjoyed at Parkside Market’s scenic rooftop bar,
Vista Parkside Market.
For Lunar New Year at Vista, guests can look forward tocelebrating the Year of the Snake with the Serpentine Sour—a bold gin cocktail with yuzu juice, egg white, bitters, and an artistic foam topper. This special and limited time offer is now through February 16, only at Parkside Market’s rooftop bar, Vista Parkside Market, with incredible views of the Downtown Disney District.
by Dennis Richardson
(For a video tour of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells and an interview with Chef Angelo Sosa, watch here and here.)
At the end of 2024, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells kicked off their official up-brand with a grand re-opening party, complete with self-guided tours for invitees, a glitzy party, and vibrant performances and meals. The celebration saw decadent highlights of the property’s two signature restaurants led by celebrity chef Angelo Sosa, a showcase of their spacious and brand new villas & penthouse views, and ideal usage of the plentiful and massive spaces available for any occasion. In typical Hyatt fashion, this event included small businesses who helped add some flair to the evening, amping up the party even more!
All photos courtesy of Grand Hyatt Indian Wells.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Trinity Investments are proud to announce the completed planned rebranding of Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa to Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas. The rebrand was timed to the culmination of a $64 million property-wide renovation and ushers in a new era of luxury for the iconic desert resort with redesigned guestrooms and luxury villas, an expanded lobby experience, elevated accommodations, refreshed meeting and event spaces, two new dining concepts and a reimagined pool complex with extended cabana offerings. A resort steeped in Indian Wells’ tennis history, the property is also a short drive away from the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which plays host to the BNP Paribas Open, the first of nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments each year.
“Grand Hyatt hotels showcase bold and vibrant design and architecture, creating captivating destinations within a destination. The newly renovated and rebranded Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas will introduce guests and members to an elevated level of hospitality,” said Susan Santiago, President, U.S. and Canada, Hyatt. “Located in a key destination for leisure and business travelers looking to experience the best of Coachella Valley, the refreshed resort will help guests celebrate magnificent moments and create memorable experiences throughout their stay.”
Elevated Guestrooms, Suites and Villas
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ refreshed design, overseen by the renowned Southern California firm, IndiDesign, will reflect the serene beauty of its locale and offer an upscale resort experience. Inspired by the dramatic geography and date farms that surround the property, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ new look and feel combines a neutral color palette and tasteful wood accents with mid-century modern design elements. The property’s newly enhanced 531 accommodations, including 39 spacious suites have completed renovations, while 43 one- and two-bedroom private villas, are set to debut by November 2024.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will provide large guestrooms, with 550 square feet of luxurious living space. Guests can choose from various configurations, including one king bed, two king beds, rooms with full-sized bunkbeds, and more. Each room features a multi-functional living space, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private patio or balcony. The resort’s newly renovated suites also offer spacious accommodations designed for families and groups. These suites include a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, a wet bar with a full-size refrigerator and microwave, and dual private balconies offering breathtaking views of the golf course, pool, resort grounds and surrounding mountain backdrop. Suites on the ground floor feature patios, offering convenient pool access.
As the premier offering at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, the resort’s luxury villas will be transformed to seamlessly blend into the desert locale with sophisticated interiors that layer artisanal details like natural tones and muted hues with new landscaping to provide an intimate sense of place. Hand-crafted furniture will be mixed with modern decor and artistic lighting fixtures to bring character into each living space. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ new villas will offer an array of exclusive features and premium amenities for guests, including a private backyard with a hot tub, plunge pool or firepit, kitchenette with refrigerators, access to an adults only spa, and golf cart escorts around the property. Guests will also have access to an exclusive arrival experience and dedicated villa concierge to provide effortless service throughout their stay.
Inventive Dining Concepts
Aheads of its grand opening this fall, the property will offer a late summer preview introducing two new restaurant concepts – Tía Carmen and Carmocha – in collaboration with the acclaimed Chef Angelo Sosa. Renowned for his bold cooking, Chef Sosa brings over 25 years of experience that has taken him from three-star kitchens in Europe and beyond. A protege of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Chef Sosa has worked with some of the industry’s most renowned restaurateurs, including Alain Ducasse, Stephen Starr and Masaharu Morimoto. He has opened several restaurants in New York City, San Diego, and most recently Phoenix, with Kembara, as well as the first location of Tía Carmen. Like the original location, Tía Carmen at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will pay homage to Chef Sosa’s aunt (tía) Carmen, and celebrate the local landscape, farmers and community of the Southwest reflecting a mix of tradition and modernity, this time with modern Californian flair.
Carmocha is a new concept that reimagines global small plates from the perspective of Angelo’s tía Carmen if she had traveled around the world and came back from her journeys to put her own spin on some of the dazzling array of international flavors she experienced. For a casual dining option, the resort also enhanced its lobby marketplace, providing several all-day culinary offerings for either grab-and-go or sit-down settings with a coffee bar and selection of teas, sandwiches, and treats as well as wine, beer and more.
Destination-Driven Pool Experience
The anchor of the resort guest journey is its popular pool experience, and the new Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will unveil enhancements to the spacious outdoor recreation area with expanded cabanas fit for large groups and families, as well as new dining options including a food truck, Palmadoro’s, serving pizza and signature Italian bites, and a refreshed café, offering poolside favorites. Grand Hyatt Indian Wells’ pool experience also features the largest waterpark in the Greater Palm Springs desert, HyTides, which includes nine expansive pools, a set of 30-foot high (150-feet in length) dueling waterslides, a 450-foot lazy river and family-friendly favorites, such as an expansive splash pad.
Grand Gatherings
A top destination for events in Greater Palm Springs, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will offer 88,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Recently revitalized ballroom, meeting rooms and boardrooms will give way to terraces and lawns with breathtaking views, ideal for weddings, special events and corporate retreats. With offerings that are nothing short of grand, the resort’s renovated Mezzanine level includes meeting and events space, allowing guests to create memorable gatherings for any moment or milestone.
Unparalleled Wellbeing Offerings
As a hospitality company focused on care, Hyatt takes pride in setting a new standard of wellbeing for travel, making sure every touch point is crafted to support all facets of wellbeing. Therefore, the property will introduce new programming and offerings to care for guests.
For a relaxing wellbeing retreat, the 30,000-square-foot Agua Serena Spa will unveil new enhancements this Fall. The property also recently collaborated with Kalologie MedSpa to open their newest location on property in Indian Wells. Situated adjacent to Agua Serena Spa, the new facility includes four private treatment rooms and an IV lounge with a variety of renewing services, including IV hydration therapy, B12 energy boosts, and more.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells will also offer tennis and pickleball courts and two adjacent world-class golf courses. The resort is a short drive from the Palm Springs International Airport, placing guests just minutes from the best shopping, culture, and entertainment offerings in the Coachella Valley area.
About Grand Hyatt
Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations, and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt hotels boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centres, and business and meeting facilities. For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit grandhyatt.com. Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #GrandHyatt.
by Dennis Richardson
Earlier this year, we featured Hyatt Regency Irvine and showcased the property’s $55 million transformation, then most recently we followed up on the completion of the renovation. The opening of Warehouse 72, the pool and cabanas, lawn, pavilion, and Regency Club have set the stage for a staycation destination that is complete with all that guests could need.
These new additions have propelled Hyatt Regency Irvine into a powerful position, and now the hotel is taking on seasonal celebrations to really immerse guests during their getaways. To learn more about the overall experience, rooms & suites, amenities and features, check out our initial coverage here. To read about the completion of the newest amenities and features, click here.
All Photos Credit of Kimberley Motos
Throughout Summer and Fall, Hyatt Regency Irvine took to throwing special events centered around different events, like the Super Bowl, 2024 Olympics, and Halloween. These events often took place in the fairly recently opened additions outside of the hotel, taking advantage of the large spaces at the pool, fire pits, and lawn & pavilion.
Now, the hotel is upping the ante by bringing the holiday cheer into the suites!
Available as a bookable package, the Holiday Magic Suite is fully outfitted with Christmas lights, wreaths, an in-suite Christmas tree, cozy plaid blankets and other seasonal decor to create a warm, festive atmosphere. The suite, spacious enough for families and groups, includes a large living room and kitchen, a primary bedroom, a bunkbed room, two bathrooms and a private balcony.
To make the experience extra memorable, guests will also receive a cookie welcome amenity, perfect for a “Night Before Christmas” celebration ahead of Santa’s anticipated arrival on Christmas morning. To complete the experience, Holiday Magic Suite guests will enjoy a complimentary one-hour private S’mores experience at Hyatt Regency Irvine’s outdoor firepit and patio. How’s that for getting into holiday cheer?
Package Dates are available from December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025 and pricing starts at $459 and up.
To book this holiday deal, use Special Offer Code:
HS24 when booking a stay or use the following
link and click “Book” at the top right corner.
Reservation is subject to availability.
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony Stafford
(Watch a video tour, here.)
Rated #1 by Thrillist (and rightfully so!), California is home to an often overlooked city where natural AC blows nearly year-round, an expansive shoreline and the sound of crashing waves are within earshot, and laidback seaside town vibes are endless. That city, left out of many destination conversations, is Oxnard. Sure, there are vineyards and farmlands not too far away, and many people from the area don’t have a ton of praise for the place. However Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach – part of Curio Collection by Hilton – as unfamiliar as it may sound to some, is looking to turn a new page for Oxnard’s future, reputation, and reception in the world.
Courtesy of Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
The Golden State is no stranger to stellar resorts and hotels with plentiful views consisting of deserts, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean, but it is rare to come across an all-suite resort right on the beach. And when it comes to activities– whether in the urban sprawl of endless energy or nestled in the valley of a rural town– travelers rest assure. Zachari Dunes checks both the boxes for a unique seaside, extended vacation feel, and access to everything outdoors (and indoors!) that California is known for.
A sister property to The Pierside in Santa Monica, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is about an hour north of Los Angeles and just south of Santa Barbara. The resort underwent a renovation and rebranding, turning a new leaf for itself and the local community. Incredibly, Zachari Dunes captures the very essence of an adults-only resort, yet successfully caters to children with its plentiful amenities and dining offerings. During our weekend visit, we met with Zachari Dunes’ Director of Marketing, Ali Fedrau, who provided a guided tour. She gave us deep insight into the area’s and resort’s history, newest amenities and offerings, its geological significance, and why Oxnard deserves to be included in travel destination conversations moving forward.
Amenities, Activities, Accolades, and Accommodations
After its October 2022 debut, this coastal resort offers a true taste of the California lifestyle, blending spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, and immersive adventures from the beach to the mountains. The resort features 250 expansive suites – most with ocean views – a grand beachfront lobby, and modern public spaces. And space – or rather a lack of it – is one thing you will never complain about no matter where you are on the property!
Photo courtesy of Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Surprisingly, Zachari Dunes is Southern California’s only all-suite oceanfront resort. It offers guests a luxurious blend of comfort and coastal charm, with more than 600 square feet of living space, and view options ranging from oceanfront and beach views to garden and pool views. Accommodations vary from one king or two queen suites, featuring a separate bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a living area with a sofa bed, a dining space, wet bar, and a second bathroom. Most suites also offer outdoor balconies or patios, ideal for taking in the stunning surroundings or sunbathing with a little privacy. For larger groups, the presidential suites can host up to six guests, boasting two bedrooms, spacious living areas, and ample outdoor space, all thoughtfully designed to mirror the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. During our visit, we learned that even during the busy season, the resort is never uncomfortably cramped – and that’s all thanks to the amount of space Zachari Dunes allows visitors to throughout the resort.
Beyond its stunning suites, Zachari Dunes offers relaxation and adventure in various forms. Tropical pathways that wind through the resort’s central courtyard plaza snake their way to the beach where there is virtually endless space to play, run, or just soak up sun. Active guests can enjoy the fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, or take advantage of the spa, Float Mandalay Beach, where rejuvenating treatments like sea stone massages and hydrating coconut milk rituals take place. For adventure seekers, Henry’s Sundries and Gear Rental provides everything from bikes and surfboards to hoverboards and GoPros, ensuring guests can fully experience the resort’s nine-acre coastal paradise however they choose. In addition to all of this, the resort is the closest in the state with access to the channel islands, making for incredibly unique escapades that you don’t have to travel much further for. On top of expeditions to the islands, sometimes it’s nice to watch them in the distance. Every inch of the property sits photogenically on display, making weddings, birthdays, business meetings, and the like that much more memorable.
Guests can enjoy the heated pool, massive hot tub, cabanas, and fire pits, as well as locally inspired dining options, including the Ox & Ocean signature restaurant, Sugar Beats, the outdoor airstream for quick bites, and DIVE offers a sports bar and gaming lounge mashup. Plus, if you’re the type that needs a bit of scheduling for motivation, the resort has a weekly calendar of activities, including yoga, beach volleyball, scavenger hunts, sand sculptures, movies, and so much more. Additional amenities include a gear rental shop for almost every imaginable outdoor activity, the luxury Float Mandalay Beach spa, and versatile event spaces for meetings and gatherings. Notably, Zachari Dunes was recognized by USA Today’s “Readers’ Choice Awards 2024” as the “#1 Best New Hotel in the U.S.,” and even more recently in the “Top 10 Resorts in Southern California” by Condé Nast.
The Joy in Dining (and Playing) at the Dunes
In celebration of these accomplishments, the resort recently launched a new dining club membership, “Dining at the Dunes.” This membership offers exclusive deals on its sustainable and locally-sourced seasonal cuisine, as well as discounts and offers on other amenities and experiences. For a $229 annual fee, the membership benefits include:
- 15% off regularly priced food and beverage at Ox & Ocean, Sugar Beats and DIVE, excluding specialty dinners
- 15% off nightly best available suite rates
- Four (4) single day pool access passes per membership
- 15% off private pool cabana rental rates
- 15% off spa services an on-site Float Luxury Spa Mandalay Beach
The entrance to signature restaurant Ox and Ocean.
Ox and Ocean offers an elevated dining experience that seamlessly brings together land and sea. Its spaces transition from indoors to outdoors, and we were even treated to live music during the summer nights. Under the leadership of Director of Food & Beverage and level three Sommelier Ricardo Cubias, the menu highlights the wide ranging and diverse bounty of California.
Ox and Ocean’s menu features local produce and seafood sourced directly from Oxnard’s plains and coast. The cuisine celebrates American, Hispanic, and Asian influences, adding playful twists to classic dishes, and standouts include beer-battered fish tacos with chipotle aioli, a Mission-style burrito, and more inventive offerings like delicata squash with kale pesto and turmeric yogurt. In tribute to Oxnard’s famous strawberry season, the dessert menu includes an incredibly delicious signature strawberry hand pie, made with locally sourced berries, McConnell’s vanilla bean ice cream, and dulce de leche. The restaurant’s expansive indoor-outdoor bar complements the dining experience with a thoughtfully curated selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and regional wines.
For a more casual, yet quintessentially Californian experience, Sugar Beats, the resort’s outdoor Airstream trailer, serves locally roasted coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh pastries in the morning to fuel the day’s adventures. Afternoons are dedicated to the venue morphing into a seafood shack, offering beachside vibes with local beers, canned wines, cocktails, adult popsicles, fresh-caught seafood, and even classic kid favorites. Guests can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sampling California-inspired handheld dishes.
The DIVE lounge provides an ideal space for those seeking either entertainment or relaxation. The lounge features a fully stocked game room with a pool table, shuffleboard, and vintage arcade games, along with comfortable seating and multiple televisions broadcasting live sports. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails, making DIVE a lively gathering spot for friendly competition and unwinding in style. Plentiful seating means there are likely many fun and eventful occasions in store for families to connect in meaningful and engaging ways. A great place for socializing and decorated beautifully, we wanted to spend even more time at DIVE just for the atmosphere alone.
A New Chapter in History
Stepping foot onto this spectacular property immediately transports guests to a time and place from long ago, with glimpses of the past. From the property’s architecture with its grand bell tower, to the story-telling photos on display in the lobby, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach has a story to share with anyone willing to listen or look.
The history of the region is deeply woven into the lifestyle, design, and aesthetics of Zachari Dunes, including the origin of its name. The resort pays homage to Henry Oxnard, who was a prominent sugar mogul from the early 1900s. Oxnard, who had ambitious plans to cultivate and process sugar beets along California’s Central Coast, intended to name the settlement after the Greek word for sugar, “Zachari.” In recognition of his vision, the resort adopts this name, honoring the area’s rich agricultural heritage and its connection to the sugar industry.
Just as time has given way to the very dunes along Mandalay Beach and the property’s transformation over the years, a long legacy has now connected to a new and modern vision. The resort will continue its marathon of page turning to traverse an endless journey of change. While a place can undergo a massive renovation, the completion date of that work is merely a checkpoint along the path toward an even brighter future and continued improvements. Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach speaks up for a city that has remained overlooked for far too long, and its team has taken all the right steps to modernize, recalibrate, and refocus on what so many have missed out on.
Oxnard is one of California’s hidden gems, and with Zachari Dunes’ recent accolades, it’s only a matter of time until the city receives the attention it’s due. Travelers from near and far are discovering Zachari Dunes’ natural beauty, whimsical charm, and endless potential as a key destination worth exploring. Its incredible land and sea options at Ox and Ocean, Sugar Beats, and DIVE provide a familiarity that we all look for, yet a uniqueness that can’t be found just anywhere. The resort’s surplus of space garners feelings of luxury, exclusivity, and privacy in California’s only all-suite oceanfront property. And a world of activities and exploration that only California is famous for await, tucked away at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach.
Learn more and book your stay here. Follow Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach on Instagram here. For a roundup of all events taking place through December, read on.
Bonus: Scheduled Events for the End of The Year
Along with the weekly calendar activities, here are the special events guests can look forward to participating in from October through December:
October 7th – October 13th: Wine & Dine Week
A week-long celebration of wine pairings and gourmet dishes, this event takes place at Ox and Ocean. Highlights will include wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma county, with specially crafted wine pairing menus each evening.
Every Thursday in October: Paella Night (5 pm – 9 pm)
Join Ox and Ocean every Thursday evening in October for a special Paella Night. Enjoy a variety of delicious paella dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This weekly event will offer guests a taste of authentic Spanish cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Let me know if there are any additional details or adjustments needed!
October 31st: Halloween Party (7 pm – 11 pm)
Bring yourself and your kids in costume to receive a 15% discount on your food bill (not including alcohol). Guests can expect specially themed cocktails and appetizers at Ox and Ocean with live music and entertainment.
Every Saturday in October: Pumpkin Carving Contest @ Sugar Beats (10 am – 12 pm)
Festive, interactive, and perfect for families and friends, join the Zachari Dunes team at Sugar Beats every Saturday morning in October for a fun pumpkin carving contest. Guests can show off their creative skills and compete for a chance to win exciting prizes. Everyone is invited to enjoy breakfast and lunch while participating in the contest.
November 10th: Fall Harvest Dinner (6 pm – 9 pm)
Guests can visit Ox and Ocean for a special dinner menu featuring seasonal ingredients and dishes, including a three-course meal with optional wine pairings. Reservations are required for the Fall Harvest Dinner.
November 28th: Thanksgiving Feast (1 pm – 5 pm)
Guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, taking place in The Plaza. The menu includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. With reservations required, this Thanksgiving feast can’t be missed!
November 28th – December 31: Hot Chocolate Nights
Enjoy a cozy Hot Chocolate Night in the Zachari Dunes lobby starting on Thanksgiving and continuing until December 31st. Savor a variety of gourmet hot chocolate flavors and toppings in a festive atmosphere. Available from 6 pm – 8 pm.
December 7th: Free Holiday Wine Tasting (4 pm – 6 pm)
The event will allow guests to sample a selection of festive wines perfect for the holiday season. The selection features wines from California and beyond, taking place at Ox and Ocean.
December 14th: Gingerbread House Workshop (2 pm – 4 pm)
This fun, family-friendly event will let guests decorate their own gingerbread houses, with all supplies and festive treats included! Taking place at the Zachari Dunes Plaza, this event requires reservations and is sure to be a festive cherry on top that everyone can enjoy creating (and eating)!
December 24th: Christmas Eve Dinner (6 pm – 9 pm)
Guests are invited to Celebrate Christmas Eve with a special gourmet dinner at Ox and Ocean. This dinner features a multi-course menu with holiday favorites. Reservations are required.
December 31st New Year’s Eve Gala (8 pm – 1 am)
Ring in the New Year with a grand gala event! Guests are invited to the Zachari Dunes Plaza for a lavish dinner, live music, and a midnight champagne toast to kick off 2025. Reservations are required for this exciting evening event that can’t be missed.
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
When most travelers visit Southern California, and especially the LA area, it’s easy to assume all the things they want to see and do: beaches, food, and the countless famous landmarks, sights, and activities that the region is known for. And more often than not, a hotel that’s situated where most of these things and the “typical LA” experience are is where these travelers will end up.
The Pierside Hotel happens to be that hotel, located in Historic Santa Monica—right next to the pier—and it’s the ultimate destination for travelers from near or afar. Its history and artful influence on the area, alongside the neighboring iconic buildings, make it a memorable experience, complete with ocean views, beach walks, parks, shopping, museums, and some of the finest dining LA has to offer. On top of that, no experience is complete without the people who call Santa Monica home, making for interesting interactions and showing you what life is like as a local. The Pierside Hotel is outstanding in all of these areas, from its devoted team to its prime location, and it couldn’t be a better place to stay for the ultimate LA experience.
Courtesy: The Pierside Hotel
We were welcomed by the hotel’s team for a weekend stay. We experienced all that they had to offer and, of course, live like locals, taking in the nearby sights, activities, and delectable cuisine.
Laidback Oceanside Hospitality
Anchored at the corner of historic Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue, The Pierside embraces bespoke designs that welcome seaside-style lounging and beach-y themes, decorated with plentiful seating, a fireplace, and an aesthetic surf shop. Just opened in January 2023, The Pierside Hotel is one of the newest hotels on Ocean Avenue in 11 years, and it delivers one of the coziest experiences while just steps from the Santa Monica Pier. Boasting 132 guest rooms and suites, coastal views, and a bright, lively lobby, guests are spoiled with some of the finest amenities and features, including an elevated pool experience with food and beverage service, full-service gear rental (surfboards, bikes, and more), a state-of-the-art 24/7 fitness center, and the incredible Surfing Fox signature restaurant with its expansive outdoor patio.
The Pierside pronounces its iconic status as beach-side passersby and guests take in a custom mural commissioned by renowned contemporary artist Shepard Fairey, his largest installation in the area to date. The artwork covers the entire ocean-facing side of the hotel and represents the people of Santa Monica, further echoing an authentic connection to the very best of the city. The Pierside features various local partnerships with small businesses and artists, further showing a devotion to the community. These include Yada Yoga wellness services, Santa Monica Picnic Co. for custom, enchanting beachside picnics, and Santa Monica Surf School.
Upon entering, the hotel’s team is incredibly kind, going above and beyond to ensure their guests’ stays are pleasant, and even offering recommendations for all the things they can do and see in the area or across the city.
Like Visiting a Beach Home
While the guest rooms at The Pierside Hotel are on the cozy side, they feature fusion seating that doubles as a couch or lounge (and a bed! ), making for the perfect place to take in the scenic landscapes, ocean views, people watch, or simply snooze during your down time. Laidback coastal living is the theme, and it flows seamlessly from the lobby and into the suites.
Accommodations include partial coastal views, with configurations ranging from king rooms featuring a queen-size sofa sleeper to rooms with two queen beds. Multi-functional, stylish furnishings that incorporate woven, nautical-like materials and floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the vibrant scenery of Santa Monica, while design elements include accented wallpaper in designated closet areas, plush Boca Terry bathrobes, and bath amenities by Sachajuan. The Coastal and Park View Suites offer additional luxury with oversized showers, dual vanities, Helsinki Bluetooth speakers, and eco-friendly wool throws by The Tartan Blanket Co.
The guest rooms are stocked with some of the latest and greatest industry-standard amenities and features, like multi-dial shower heads, bright lighting, and plentiful natural light. An added bonus is a stack of postcards available for guests to deliver at the front desk so that they can be mailed off free of charge. Send those “Wish you were here!” notes off to friends and family!
Given the location and its history, it’s also fitting that the rooms are on the smaller side when compared to newer hotels, and every square inch of each space is used with intention. Even still, we found plentiful outlets for device charging and more than enough space for luggage, sprawling out and lounging around.
But who will really spend all their time locked away in the guest room when there’s so much out there to see and do!?
A Classic LA Experience
It can’t be understated just how perfect the Pierside Hotel’s location is, mere steps from the Santa Monica Pier, famous for its vendors, ferris wheel, and carnival aesthetic. The historic Ocean Avenue area brings plentiful sun, a cool ocean breeze, endless crowds, attractions, entertainment, and shopping within walkable distance. Not to mention the endless comparisons amongst gamers to the visuals in the “Grand Theft Auto V” video game, notoriously designed to represent the region. For adventurers, a drive up PCH is always scenic, while Griffith Observatory, LA Live, and even the Getty Museum are minutes away.
If you’re not too keen on dealing with traffic, just steps away from the hotel is Santa Monica Place, an outdoor shopping center located next to the Third Street Promenade. Some of the finest stores and dining can be found in these areas, including Louis Vuitton, Coach, Vinfast, Nike, Uniqlo, True Food Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, and more, with additional stores and restaurants on the way. Beloved Din Tai Fung is coming soon to Santa Monica Place, which is sure to be a hit with travelers and locals alike.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to where to eat, with the spectacular Mon Ami just around the corner from the hotel. The Mediterranean restaurant is tucked away in its own closed off perimeter, past other restaurants, but its neon heart logo can’t be missed. Mexican, Italian, seafood, and even fast food are within the vicinity, and if you’re taking a drive into Brentwood or Beverly Hills, consider stopping by Parakeet Café for some of California’s finest whole, ethically sourced, globally and culturally inspired foods and coffee beans.
For those looking for a slower pace, there are even museums at Santa Monica Place, like Cayton Children’s Museum, Arte Museum (coming soon), and Sci-Fi World across the street. The bottom line is that you don’t have to go too far to find the best that the city has to offer.
After those long days of exploration and activity—or even before—the Surfing Fox is always there to give you an astonishingly incredible meal.
Asian-Latin American Fusion
The Surfing Fox deserves every opportunity for hotel guests and locals to come in to dine, and even more so to connect with its team members, who play an integral role in making the experience a stellar one. On top of its excellent service, Surfing Fox dishes up some of the most exquisite meals to be found in hotel-restaurant duos. Passing on the uptight and exclusive luxury appeal most other hotel signature restaurants opt for, The Surfing Fox instead flows with an appropriate yet elevated, chill ocean-front dining style. The restaurant lives up to its name with plentiful sunlight during the day, open-air seating with high tables and booths, a patio with fireplaces to combat those chilly evening breezes, and beachside-style decor that flows seamlessly into the hotel’s lobby.
Upon being seated, guests are welcomed to choose from a range of signature cocktails, dubbed “Foxtails,” and other beverages. Some of their featured flavors include Passion Fruit, Thai Basil, Prickly Pear, Banana, and Yuzu, while wines and beers are also available to choose from. The menu’s breakfast, brunch, and dinner dishes feature coastal Californian cuisine with an Asian-Latin American-infused flair that blows tastebuds away. The vibrant meals are bold with flavor as the restaurant chefs lean into alluring, subtle, and striking pairings that were made for one another.
Our visit included the following highlights:
- Hot Chicken Sandwich with spicy Furikake Fries
- Portuguese bun, koji brined, Oaxacan spices, cabbage slaw
- Grilled Hangar Steak
- crispy sweet potatoes, Japanese chimichurri, cured egg yolk
- Lobster Roll
- brioche bun, lobster, miso aioli, crispy shallots, fries
- Crispy Sweet Potatoes
- ponzu, charred onion aioli, togarashi
- Ceviche
- hamachi, mandarin-coconut leche de tigre, fresno chile, red onion, charred orange
- Guacamole
- onion, cilantro, serrano, tortilla chips
- Michelada Mussels
- beer steamed, tomato confit, tajin, grilled sourdough
- Cripy Brussels Sprouts
- and Desserts
- Cookies and Ice Cream
- chocolate chip cookies, vanilla bean ice cream
- Matcha Crème Brûlée (vegan)
- oat milk, matcha, coconut cream
- Champurrado Pot De Cream
- Mexican chocolate, whipped cream, cocoa nibs
There simply aren’t enough good things that we could say about any of the dishes we tried. Portions are outstanding, and flavors dance throughout each dish harmoniously, with the potential for leftovers. It’s quite possible that guests will likely feel a strong urge to come back to Surfing Fox multiple times to take advantage of the menu’s many options or to revisit their favorites from initial dining experiences. As locals, we can’t wait to come back, but not just for the food. For us, it’s the devoted team that puts the cherry on top of our time at The Surfing Fox.
An All-Star Team to Remember
When it comes to the impact and connection of The Pierside Hotel‘s and The Surfing Fox’s teams, their kindness and knowledge can’t be overstated.
Receptionist Daniel, who checked us in, gave us a warm welcome while answering our questions about the hotel and the historic area, along with the Director of Rooms, Chris Smith. And somehow, receptionist Peyton Mentaberry raised the bar even higher, giving us insight into his time at the hotel and delivering a plethora of nearby recommendations to us and other guests, including Griffith Observatory, how to see The Hollywood Sign, local parks, his favorite dishes at The Surfing Fox, nearby restaurants, and so much more. Peyton actively explores all of the things that make Los Angeles an incredible city full of life and could not be recommended more for guests coming in blind and in need of recommendations across a spectrum of categories.
The team at the Surfing Fox continued to raise the bar of excellence, as Sam, Marea, Isaac Munoz, and Gabriel Ruiz went above and beyond, recommending their favorite dishes and best pairings between them, giving us some background about the restaurant, and simply having incredibly fun and entertaining personalities. Isaac outshines Gabriel when making latte art, but they’re filled with love all the same, while Sam and Marea make you feel like family with their menu secrets and flavorful insights.
So often, we reminisce on all the things that make vacations and hotel stays great, but the people who are responsible for making those times so memorable are often forgotten. The Pierside Hotel and the Surfing Fox have a combined team of some of the best people you’ll meet, so we recommend talking to them, getting to know them, and even making a new friend.
Its easy access to world-class shopping, upscale nightlife, a renowned dining scene, abundant entertainment options, and unique outdoor and cultural experiences make The Pierside Hotel and its signature The Surfing Fox restaurant destinations for locals and travelers alike. As guests are enveloped in the hotel’s seaside flow, they are prepared for the laidback LA lifestyle, seeing some of the very best that the city has to offer, whether within walkable or drivable distance. From the team members who offer great insight into the hotel, its signature restaurant, and key attractions to the countless activities and landmarks for guests to get lost exploring, The Pierside Hotel is a hospitality lighthouse, beckoning to travelers near and far that it is best suited to deliver the incomparable and irresistible LA experience that so many fall in love with. It is the one place where experiences, people, food, and coastal living come together in a way that no other can offer.
Book your stay this summer.
by Randy Dunbar
Escape to Baja: A Press Junket to Cabo
Over lunch recently, a friend admitted he’d never left the U.S.—and had no real desire to. I nodded, surprised. I’ve always loved to travel. Airports, delays, cramped seats, overpriced snacks—sure, it’s a grind. But that feeling when the plane touches down somewhere new? Worth it. Every time.
So when an email arrived inviting me to a press junket in Cabo, I was in.
The term press junket might sound dated now, but it once meant serious business: red carpets, celebrity interviews, or a promotional stay to experience a hotel or destination. I’ve done several—Egypt, the Maldives—and now, Cabo San Lucas, on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. From Los Angeles, it’s a flight of less than three hours.
The Arrival
Cabo is known for its party scene, iconic rock arch at Land’s End, and steady stream of cruise ships. From the airport, it’s a quick 30-minute shuttle to town. As you hit Highway 1, the veil lifts: desert meets ocean. Cactus and coastline. San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas are linked by the 20-mile Tourist Corridor, with the Sea of Cortez glinting to the east.
We’re staying at Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts, one of three Velas properties lined up along the corridor. To the right: the Grand Velas Los Cabos, a cinematic, all-inclusive luxury resort. To the left: the new Grand Velas Boutique. Mar del Cabo sits between them—quiet, adults-only, pet-friendly, and effortlessly charming.
Designed by Ricardo Elias of Guadalajara’s Elias and Elias Architects, each hotel has a distinct personality. Mar del Cabo leans old-world, with white stucco walls, lush walkways, and a gentle slope down to the sea. It’s a boutique escape with just 46 suites, two penthouses, and thoughtful design touches throughout—rain showers, private terraces, kitchenettes, turndown service.
The restaurant, Encanto Farm & Sea, is seaside and elegant, less than 50 yards from the surf. The food is fresh, locally sourced, and refined without being fussy. Two bars, spa services, an oceanfront pool, and outdoor event space round it out.
Day Trip: Todos Santos
On day one, we pile into a van with our charismatic driver Marcello and head north on Highway 19 to Todos Santos, about 45 minutes away. He tells us, with a grin, that we’ll soon see the Hotel California—the one from the Eagles song. He brings up “colitas” (slang for cannabis flower) as a clue that the song is really about Mexico. There’s no proof the band ever stayed there, but the lore lives on.
Todos Santos itself is artsy, offbeat, and mysterious. We stop at the bazaar owned by designer Rouss Ramírez, filled with treasures collected from across Mexico and the world.
Camels and Whales
On our way back, we detour to Cabo Adventures’ Camel Ranch. Picture dromedaries (one-hump camels), tourists in shemaghs, and a desert-meets-ocean setting straight out of Lawrence of Arabia. Lunch is served outdoors with a view of the Pacific—and the occasional whale breaching in the distance.
That night, back at Encanto, we dine al fresco. It’s Valentine’s Day, and a singer croons love songs near the waves. Our last night. The trip has flown by.
Reflections
As we prepare to fly home, I think of my friend who’s never traveled. I grew up visiting Baja. As a teen, I saw bullfights and dog races in Tijuana, camped on beaches near Rosarito, drank too much at Hussong’s in Ensenada, and cracked lobster claws in Puerto Nuevo. More recently, I came to Cabo on a cruise tender and swam in its moody waters.
For Californians, Baja has always been close—geographically, culturally, spiritually. The mix of desert and sea, cactus and palm, is uniquely Baja. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. And maybe that’s what keeps pulling me back.
: The “famed” Hotel California in Todos Santos.
The locks—legend has it that if you write your names on the locks and leave them here at the
Bésame Mucho Bazaar, you will be together forever. Surreal artwork on display. The man who sweeps the Bazaar. Our guide, Marcello, gives us the heads up that its time to leave.
by Dennis Richardson
Immersive Education LLC Teams with Red Dot Digital Media to Create Immersive Viewing Experience in New Domed Theater on Catalina Island
If you didn’t know, there’s a small oasis off the California coast that makes for great weekends and day trips – Catalina Island. And every visitor to the island should be able to tell you that at the heart of it is a strong effort to highlight the environmental and ecological history, dangers, and fights that still go on today. Over the years, the island has faced and been subjected to whispers, rumors, and news of outlandish belief, such as the idea of opening an amusement park on it someday. Conservationists have done their best to educate and protect the largely undeveloped island and its surrounding waters, but a new installment could help pass the message along even further for not just Catalina Island, but the world.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
Spheres are all the rage these days, and Catalina Island just got its very own tiny and environmentally friendly sphere, with Red Dot Digital Media helping to bring it to life! The prominent specialist integrator within the digital signage sector, was commissioned by acclaimed underwater filmmaker Mark Davidson to provide a simple-to-operate media playback system for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, his innovative tourist attraction unveiled on Catalina Island. Mark not only filmed and produced the movie, but also designed and built the very dome that visitors gather in for their virtual dive. Nestled just 22 miles off Southern California’s coastline, Catalina Island serves as a favored day-trip and overnight destination, easily accessible via a swift one-hour high-speed ferry journey from the Los Angeles area.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders offers a distinctive cinematic voyage, transporting visitors on a 30-minute virtual “dive” across the globe’s oceans. Spectators embark on a journey through Catalina’s verdant kelp forests, encountering a diverse array of marine life, including majestic whale sharks, soaring oceanic manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, captivating bait balls, playful dolphins and sea lions, and even the rare dugong. Entirely filmed underwater in full 360-degree 8K resolution, the immersive experience projects footage onto a domed screen enveloping the audience, synchronized with contemporary music and informative narration for a truly captivating encounter.
Beyond providing educational entertainment, the theater’s operations contribute vital financial support to local ocean conservation initiatives. Immersive Education pledges to allocate 10 percent of the theater’s annual profits to the Marine Mammal Care Center, a regional nonprofit dedicated to responding to distressed seals and sea lions in Catalina’s waters.
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
Mark Davidson, Founder & CEO of Immersive Education, expressed, “Our hope is that IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders will deepen visitors’ connection to our world’s oceans by giving them an underwater view that people rarely see, and by reinvesting a portion of our profits back into the local nonprofit community, we’re taking a tangible step to preserve this underwater beauty by protecting the animals that call these waters home.”
For the execution of the AV system powering IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, Immersive Education enlisted the expertise of Red Dot Digital Media. Red Dot devised an interactive touch panel interface to manage movie playback and control, integrating a Bluefin touch panel with BrightSign Built-In technology employing UDP commands to trigger content through BrightSign’s BSN.Cloud player management platform. This user-friendly touch interface empowers staff with minimal technical training to initiate, pause, and resume movies on demand, or schedule predetermined screenings effortlessly.
“Given the remote location of the theater, it was essential to create a control system that is both easy to use and extremely reliable,” said Darryl Kuder, President, Red Dot Digital Media. “Using a Bluefin touch screen with BrightSign Built-In, we created a cost-effective, dead-simple operational workflow whereby daily staffers power up the projector and speakers, and with a single tap of the touchscreen they start the first show of the day. At closing time they simply power down the projector and speakers and lock-up.”
The design and construction of the theater were accomplished by domed projection specialists at Lumen & Forge in Las Vegas, completed on-site within a swift eight-day timeframe. The venue features a 576-square-foot wooden deck as its foundation, supporting a circular wood frame enveloped in all-weather vinyl adorned with underwater artwork from Catalina’s renowned Casino Point. Showtimes for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders are available throughout the day, five days a week, with tickets and additional details accessible at https://akuario360.com/immersed/.
For further insights into Red Dot’s comprehensive array of content management and specialty integrator services, interested individuals can visit www.reddotdm.com.
About Red Dot Digital Media
Established in 2007, Red Dot Digital Media is a leading digital signage specialty integrator focused on global digital signage deployments, content design, programming and CMS integration. As a BrightSign Top 10 Global Preferred Partner, Red Dot has grown to become one of the top digital signage companies in the country and, in 2014, created a global team to support its international projects. For more information, visit www.reddotdm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Immersive Education LLC
“Immersive Education LLC’s mission is to create immersive exhibits that generate wonder, spark curiosity, and instill a commitment to ocean conservation using cutting edge 360 degree filming technology. Our goal is not to bombard audiences with facts about what they are seeing, but to let them experience these magical moments in the same way that we did while filming them. Falling in love with the oceans is the first step to protecting our oceans.”
Credit: Red Dot Digital Media
by Dennis Richardson
It stirs and soothes hearts, minds, souls, and bodies across the world, all while taking on a variety of forms: silent, loud, simple, complex, bold, or abstract. In some cases, doing all of the above, all at once. That ever-changing thing that traverses mediums is art, and it is all around us.
As art aficionados continue to make their pilgrimages to the iconic art meccas in a post-COVID world, Paris, Italy, Tokyo, Jakarta, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have seen renewed popularity. But for those seeking the burgeoning art scenes and creative hubs where it’s still easy to spend a day popping in and out of galleries and curated local shops, a Los Angeles community known as Culver City has them all beat.
If you caught our coverage of The Shay Hotel last year, then it may come as no surprise that Culver City continues to deliver with its incredible support of small businesses and local artists.The Culver City Arts District encompasses a rich community of over thirty art galleries within its small footprint that showcase a wide variety of fine art, contemporary art, sculpture, pop, graphic, and street art. All the while, The Shay continues to be a lighthouse for wonderers far and wide in 2024 – remaining the best place to stay for those exploring and discovering art in Culver City.
Opened in October 2021, the young hotel has quickly become a mainstay that boasts the only rooftop pool in Culver City along with prime location at the helm of the incredibly walkable Culver City Arts District. On top of that, The Shay offers travelers and locals easy access to an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
With prominent galleries like Blum (formerly Blum & Poe), Anat Egbi, Thinkspace and Sixty29 Contemporary, and the promising new openings of FP Contemporary, Reisig and Taylor Contemporary and CadFab Creative Gallery, Culver City is becoming a focal point for contemporary art. Along with specialty boutiques, hyper local design retailers and a thriving gastronomic culture, the dynamic neighborhood buzzes with creative energy from architecture enterprises, advertising agencies and culinary arts campuses, interior design showrooms and some of the world’s leading entertainment production studios – like Amazon, HBO Max and Apple TV.
The Shay is only steps away from these globally inspired art galleries and museums, and reflects the neighborhood’s artistic buzz by lining its walls with collections from local artists and hosting monthly pop-up shops from small businesses. In the true heart of Los Angeles, The Shay in Culver City is centrally located between Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Hollywood/West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and offers accessibility to all of the artistic corners of Los Angeles County. See some of the highlights below for just a few attractions sure to complement your own stay at The Shay.
Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, or an art aficionado looking for your next piece, The Shay and Culver City are all-encompassing destinations that cater to your every desire.
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
The best experiences are always a perfect combination of things that come together to make the end result that much sweeter – whether those combinations are duos, trifectas, or more. Combinations that may come to mind may include your favorite sandwich or a roadtrip with your favorite playlist – but think bigger!
It All Comes Together
Anaheim is a city that thrives on companionship – from the nearby Disneyland and California Adventure, to the famed Angel Stadium and Anaheim Packing District – and these experiences are only that much better with your own companions by your side. Yet, there’s another stellar pair offering some of the region’s best experiences, and they’re practically right in the middle of all the surrounding highlights that make Anaheim a key travel destination.
The Viv Hotel and its Top of The V restaurant at its crown fill a space that may have gone unnoticed, but they’re daring anyone brave enough to leave what they already know and try something new. With spacious suites, stunning views, luxurious cuisine, theme park accessibility, and resort-style amenities, this duo even makes vacations that skip out on Disney worthwhile. The Viv Hotel invited SoCal Magazine to stay in one of their top-tier corner suites on the 11th floor for a weekend of immersion, where we explored, ate, admired, and spoke with some of their team members to find out what made it such a great new staple in the Anaheim community.
The Viv Hotel is young, having only opened in 2020, but it is no doubt making a strong name for itself as a AAA Four Diamond Hotel that is worth staying at, rather than the close-knit bubble of expectations nearer to the amusement parks. At approximately 1½ to 2 miles in proximity from Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and Anaheim Packing District, The Viv is central to some of the hottest attractions in the area, while also being a walkable-friendly distance. Just from the rooftop alone, we were able to spot most of these landmarks. If walking to Disneyland Resort is too much, shuttles will do the trick as Anaheim Resort Transportation offers pick-up and drop-off directly outside of The Viv’s main lobby. Shuttle costs are also low, with all-day passes for $6 for adults and $2.50 for children 3-9 years old.
The Viv clocks in at 326 rooms total, and features modern, artful, and stylish features throughout the property. Of those 326 rooms, 40 are connected rooms and more than 150 of them have bunkbeds and 2 Queen beds, allowing up to 6 people a comfortable stay. In addition, cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, and children 12 and younger stay free in the same room as an adult. Best in class and savings! Standing at 12 stories, it’s only fitting that the rooms have spectacular views, but some of those rooms also have the added specialty of sunsets, mountains, and Disneyland Resort. Room 1100, a corner suite featured its own living room quarters with a fold-out sofa bed, and views from two sides of the building, making it the ideal suite for soaking in the best of resort living.
As one would expect, the hotel’s amenities and features are state-of-the-art, with high-speed wi-fi, a 24/7 fitness center, soothe spa, and 2 heated swimming pools. The rooftop pool (12th floor) is adults-only, and open from 9 am to 10 pm – combining stunning views with sophistication and elegance. Alternatively, the 1st floor pool is family friendly, and includes a splash pad for all the water works. In addition, Melody’s Market is a 24 hour-access hub for all guest needs – from food to toiletries and souvenirs. Guests can expect a fully-equipped gym to keep all fitness needs in check, and in-room spa service for those seeking recovery and relaxation after a long day of walking at Disneyland Resort. And when laundry needs call, Guest Laundry is available on the 11th floor at just $2 per load, with laundry supplies available at Melody’s Marketplace.
The additional meeting and event spaces mean that versatility is a highlight, as conferences, seminars, and other special events are all possible, while two private rooms, a full restaurant, and outdoor space can be reserved for special events. Furthermore, the California Board Room accommodates up to 35 guests for meetings and 80 guests for receptions.
Finally, if guests are hungry or craving libations, they can look to a couple of on-site attractions for dining and drinks: Valencia’s at the Viv on the first floor, or Top of the V. Valencia’s features American “SoCal fresh” cuisine with seasonally inspired menu options, sure to please everyone. This casual restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and flows outside to the pool deck where guests can also dine from the comfort of a chaise lounge or cabana.
A Night Above at Top of The V
And then there’s Top of the V. This upscale, Spanish-inspired experience takes sophistication to a new level with its offerings, and feels pleasantly authentic when dining and taking in the views that guests fall in love with during their stay. Top of the V is graced by the direction of Southern California’s very own, Executive Chef Nate McCoy, who has been deeply involved over the last 4 years and has over 13 years of experience. Chef McCoy has worked with renowned chefs, including Top Chef winners Michael Voltaggio of Ink and Mei Lin, owner of Daybird, as well as Michelin-star Chefs Tony Esnault, owner of Knife Pleat, and Jacob Kear, owner of LURRA in Kyoto, Japan.
His background speaks for itself, as each dish radiates with pristine execution, presentation, and flavor as expected. The menu items we had the pleasure of tasting included:
- Jamón Serrano Croquetas
- Salchichón
- Pan Cristal
- Autumn Squash
- Galician Beef Striploin
- and Rack of Lamb
Fresh herbs, spices, and oils dance upon the stars of Top of the V’s menu in what are mix-and-matchable, dazzling, shareable plates. The waiters are knowledgeable and can recommend the best for every desired taste or texture, while the bar’s lead mixologist, Kevin Vidal, can recommend the best pairings based on meals and any particular palates. Kevin’s year’s long history and experience traversing the world of mixology have earned him the incredible ability to turn his love for the craft into a one-of-a-kind art form that complements meals at Top of the V, and the overall experience at The Viv Hotel.
From cocktails to wines, and mocktails to beers, Kevin can speak fluently and passionately about every offering, all while crafting with charm and a smile that speaks volumes about his knowledge in mixology. Top of the V’s drink’s are inspire day Kevin and his team. The arguable star (that also happens to be Kevin’s favorite drink) of the menu, “La Ultima,” means guests have a show on the schedule. Arriving in a smoke-filled chamber, “La Ultima” makes a dramatic reveal with the help of its cocktail chemist, proving that everything is not always what it appears to be, but much more. Simple, yet complex, “La Ultima” is a favorite amongst guests who are dazzled by the sights, tastes, and sounds that can only be found at Top of the V.
From the very moment of arrival at the lobby of The Viv Hotel, to the last sip of “La Ultima” at the Top of the V restaurant, this pairing makes the tough decision to breakaway from the Disneyland Resort bubble a safe one. The Viv offers resort-style living with features and amenities that are a perfect fit for families, while also appealing to the sophistication of adults without children. Standing tall in its own lane, The Viv is central to the most popular attractions in Anaheim, with easy freeway access, time-saving shuttles to Disneyland Resort, and state-of-the-art, modern resort style living. The Viv, paired with its crown – Top of The V – creates an alluring and respectable duo that combines the very best of what only Southern California can offer. From views of glimmering sunsets and city lights to local attractions and majestic mountain sights, Anaheim has sprouted a new companionship that makes it difficult to leave and explore the areas surrounding it due to their AAA Diamond offering.
by Anthony Stafford
A Glimpse into the Artful Harmony of Lifestyle and Sustainability
Nestled at the corner of 5th and Broadway, The Park Santa Monica offers a luxury apartment lifestyle that is nothing short of extraordinary. With 50,000 square feet of meticulously planned ground-level retail, The Park Santa Monica is a shopping enthusiast’s paradise. From Trader Joe’s to Kindbody, and the upcoming Barry’s Bootcamp, all potential needs are met just steps away from home. Situated in Santa Monica’s most coveted location, just a stone’s throw from the beach and within walking distance of Los Angeles’ finest shopping, retail, and dining establishments, it encapsulates everything we love about LA.
As you step into The Park Santa Monica, you are immediately welcomed by a commitment to sustainability that is nothing short of remarkable. The Park proudly boast LEED Platinum certification, setting new standards for eco-friendly living in Los Angeles. Solar and hot water panels power the building’s common areas, reducing its carbon footprint to help ensure a greener tomorrow. And with this sustainability comes incredible convenience. While the rooftop(s) and it’s 360 degree views are easily the star of this fine living establishment, there are so many other blinding sparks that add to the overall stunning impression that The Park Santa Monica leaves visitors with.
The Park Santa Monica is designed to elevate the everyday life to a new level of convenience and luxury, as valet parking welcomes residents home, while a dedicated butler service ensures packages are delivered right to their doorsteps. With a fully-integrated resident app, managing the living experience has never been easier. Residents are able to stay connected with a mesh wi-fi network that blankets the entire property, keeping them seamlessly connected.
One of the most impressive comfort features is a hallmark of The Park Santa Monica: solar shades and movable screens give you control over natural light and privacy, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion. The presence of a Hospitality Ambassador and concierge services also help to ensure that every need is met, while effortless programming brings the very best of Santa Monica right to each doorstep.
Even more impressive, four-legged friends are more than welcome at The Park Santa Monica, where pet-friendly apartments and a shaded on-site dog park provide a haven for furry companions.
A World of Amenities, A Haven of Wellness
The Park Santa Monica goes beyond expectations, offering an array of amenities that enrich life, from laundry and dry-cleaning services, to surfboard rentals and storage. The Park even goes so far as to offer beach cruiser bike rentals, secure bike storage, pet care and grooming, car wash and detailing, and electric scooters with charging stations!
But amenities and features are just nice things without soul so long as character is missing. Art lovers will be enchanted by the presence of public art gracing the entrance, as well as custom murals and sculptures by local artists adorning common areas and the rooftop. Take advantage of the house art concierge program to personalize each living space with artistic flair.
The Park Santa Monica places a strong emphasis on its resident’s well-being, as shown in the bi-level wellness-focused Residence Club offers a spa with a Himalayan Salt sauna and steam room, heated loungers, massage and meditation rooms. Residents can stay active with comprehensive fitness programming, including yoga, group classes, and personal training sessions. The 24-hour fitness and strength center boasts Woodway and Peloton cardio equipment, and when you need to focus, the library and co-working cafe offer a serene escape.
At The Park Santa Monica, living is an artful experience where residents can discover the perfect fusion of sustainability, convenience, and luxury, all in the heart of Santa Monica’s most desirable location. This is where dreams of coastal living become a captivating reality.
