< Previous88 AZFOOTHILLS.COM By Kyley Warren F rom gorgeous remodels and additions to amenity-laden summer packages, book these Orange County stays pronto for some serious seasonal luxury. Pelican Hill Perched upon 504 acres of unrivaled coastal California beauty, Pelican Hill stands as a feast for the senses and a retreat for family and friends. This summer, the resort—as it always has—will raise the bar in an effort to provide a truly unique season for each of its guests. The resort is set to offer an Art of Pasta Making course where guests can learn how to make traditional Italian-egg-based pasta dough in the Andrea Ristorante kitchen. To enjoy California fare and spirits outside of the kitchen, though, guests will also have the opportunity to embark on the resort’s Wine Country Insider The Real oc Helicopter Experience, which is built as a full-day immersion into California’s stunning Paso Robles region at Daou Vineyards & Winery. At the end of the excursion, guests can take in the beauty of a gorgeous wine country sunset from Daou Mountain ahead of boarding a return flight, with a complimentary bottle of estate wine to commemorate the unforgettable journey, of course. pelicanhill.com. Tea Time Who knew it was so easy to enjoy afternoon English tea in the comforts of California culture? This summer, Pelican Hill presents a magical afternoon tea time in the Great Room Social Lounge with special princess appearances and readings of classic children’s story books by the fireside. The festivity will take place on select Saturdays, beginning June 1 and continuing through mid-August. @azfoothills #azfoothills 8990 AZFOOTHILLS.COM >>Balboa Bay Resort In the heart of Newport Beach lies Balboa Bay Resort, a warm and vibrant coastal oasis with many faces. Whether it serves as a romantic getaway for you and your lover or a friendly beachside property built for fun family vacations, Balboa Bay Resort is a space for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Ahead of the summer season, the property will be introducing a new menu at its waterfront restaurant, A&O Kitchen+Bar. Launching in late spring, Chef Vic Casanova’s new menu will draw upon the restaurant’s nautical setting and include favorites like a Maine lobster roll with celery, lemon mayonnaise, brioche and chives. The property is also introducing the Spring California Distilled Menu, featuring and celebrating 100-percent California-made spirits and house-made cordials from local producers. But the greatest addition to Balboa Bay Resort will make its debut in late May, just in time to ensure a true summer of fun for all of the property’s guests. The new pool bar is scheduled to open on Memorial Day, and guests will have the opportunity to indulge in tasty cocktail creations poolside, all with coastal views in sight. balboabayresort.com. >>The Ritz- Carlton, Laguna Niguel The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a surfside retreat steeped in Southern California luxury. Set atop a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers an expression of modern luxury paired with a prism of relaxed coastal living. Whether you’re stopping by to savor regional cuisine while absorbing striking landscape sunset views, or you’re embarking on a harrowing adventure along America’s golden coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers everything and more for their guests to enjoy. Canine Comradery This summer, even the animals can get in on the beachside luxury-lifestyle fun. While the resort hosts a plethora of seasonally themed events, the most beloved is Yappy Hour. Located on the lush Dana Lawn, guests’ pups will have the chance to indulge in canine comradery at Yappy Hour, where darling doggies sniff and schmooze while human guests can relax with a drink and a selection of barbecue items that are available for purchase. With select dates throughout the entire summer, this unique event only helps to further the resort’s reputation as a place where everyone can enjoy vacation—pets included. ritzcarlton.com. >>Monarch Beach Resort Previously known as the Monarch Bay Club, the well-known Orange County hot spot closed earlier this year and re-emerged late spring as the newly renovated and re-designed Monarch Bay Beach Club at Monarch Beach Resort. The new name, new logo and refreshed design all included in the remodel encompass a beach cottage vibe, paired with a mid-century silhouette. The Monarch Bay Beach Club offers private access to the beach where umbrellas, towels and chair service are complimentary and available to resort guests and members. Thanks to the dashing new remodel, guests visiting this summer will be the first to enjoy luxurious canopies, lawn furniture and an immediate ocean view the moment that they walk into the hotel lobby. Arguably, the greatest new addition is the re-design of the spacious bar, which now has an enhanced experience of sweeping ocean views, larger counter space ideal for cocktails and communal dining. monarchbeachresort.com. @azfoothills #azfoothills 91 k a "Surf City, USA”). This summer, visitors to the glorious hotel and spa will have every opportunity to live the dream California lifestyle in all of its glory, thanks to the sweet amenities and opportunities that are being offered by the property. Paséa guests can catch a ride down to the sand on a pedi cab and let Paséa’s Beach Butlers set up an exclusive beach scene with chairs, towels, umbrellas and any other necessities to enhance the sandy experience. From the pool, guests will take in the best of Surf City’s famous beaches, the buzz of the Huntington Beach boardwalk and pier along with brilliant sunsets offering a beautiful end to the day. Did we mention that every Wednesday throughout the summer guests can participate in the resort’s Wine Wednesday Yoga, when vino is paired with vinyasa flow yoga—all complemented by stunning beachside views? Count us in. meritagecollection.com/ pasea-hotel. >>Marriott Irvine Spectrum California isn’t all beaches and coastlines. Located more inland, there are decadent hotels like the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, a new hotel that serves as the heart of luxurious hospitality in the growing Orange County area. The vibrant property specializes in style and relaxation. Guests get to understand what it feels like to stay in a hotel that has its finger on the pulse of what’s hot. Foodies rejoice because the Marriott Irvine Spectrum’s beloved farm-to-table restaurant, the Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, is debuting a new menu that’s comprised of uniquely fresh and creative dishes that challenge the norm of traditional resort dining and raise the standard to a whole new level. This summer season, the Marriott Irvine Spectrum is also slated to debut a Wellness Suite in partnership with Lululemon. Wellness junkies will have the chance to book the Wellness Suite and upon check-in, they’ll receive a $50 Lululemon gift card, branded yoga mat and stretch roller and a water bottle or headband. Additionally, guests have the option to add on a private yoga session with a Lululemon yoga ambassador while staying at the luxurious resort. Summer, Sips & the Signs In celebration of the Summer Solstice, the Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar—a buzzy staple of the Marriott Irvine Spectrum—is debuting an astrology-inspired cocktail menu on June 21. marriott.com. >>Montage Laguna Beach The recently renovated Montage Laguna Beach is a fresh take on ocean-side luxury. When guests want a break from roaming the endless beaches of Laguna, they can stop by the Spa Montage, a highly acclaimed resort spa that offers spa-service amenities against a backdrop of crashing waves and golden sunsets. Just in time for the summer, the Spa Montage has partnered with Valmont, a Swiss skin care line that offers ultimate anti-aging perfection and cellular renewal through techniques like the dual-cleansing process and a complete collagen treatment for the face, neck and eyes. While guests are getting their relaxation on, they can be ensured that their children are indulging in a little fun of their own. For the kiddos, ages 5 to 12 years old, the resort offers crafty activities and games throughout the summer. Blending adventure and creativity, the Paintbox offers themed days that tie arts, crafts and creative activities both indoors and out at the pool, beach, tide pool and event lawns. montagehotels.com/ lagunabeach. >>Surf & Sand Resort Located right on Laguna Beach's shoreline, where the waves of the Pacific meet 500 feet of pristine white sand, Surf & Sand Resort offers the ideal beach getaway. Guests looking to dive into true California culture and learn how to ride the waves can book the resort’s new Make a Splash package, which includes a one-night stay paired with a stand-up paddle boarding lesson and tour or a private surf camp for two taught by local instructors. In an effort to satisfy all of your SoCal getaway needs, the resort also offers fresh coastal fare at the property’s signature restaurant, Splashes. Between refreshing spa treatments at the Aquaterra Spa, cooling dips into the resort’s oceanfront pool, complimentary beachfront fitness classes and, best of all, the serene sounds of California’s coast, Surf & Sand Resort offers some serious fun in the sun. The resort even leaves a playful note bedside—"Our best asset is also our loudest asset"—along with a pair of earplugs as a guest amenity. Pageant of the Masters Throughout the summer, Laguna Beach is bustling with beachgoers and art enthusiasts visiting the renowned Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters from July 7 to August 31. The festival is one of the most unique products in the world, where artists recreate real-life depictions of famous works of art. When visiting, guests at Surf & Sand Resort can take the complimentary trolley to the festival right from across the street. surfandsandresort.com. >>Paséa Hotel & Spa Perched at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the state- of-the-art Paséa Hotel & Spa showcases the ease of surf lifestyle born right out of Huntington Beach (a 92 AZFOOTHILLS.COM W hat sounds better than a cool coastal breeze and water views right about now? You’re right. Nothing. Let us suggest Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn for a little oceanside respite this summer. By melissa larsen Up, Up and Away To ring in summer, Post Ranch Inn is offering the Fly & Ride Package, as direct flights from Phoenix to nearby Monterey Airport make access to the Big Sur hideaway super-convenient. Via the package, guests get an ocean- view room, roundtrip airport transportation along with a Lexus vehicle for use during the stay, daily breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade (if available at check-in). The Fly & Ride Package is valid for two-plus-night stays (on ocean-view rooms) through June 30. Booking the package also means access to Post Ranch Inn’s action-packed agenda of activities, like nature walks, daily yoga, hikes, stargazing, art presentations, chef’s garden tours and much more. In Bloom Remember when wildflowers in Southern California were visible from space in 2017 after a particularly rainy year? Well, the area is gearing up for another Super Bloom after a wet winter. An abundance of wildflowers are already sprouting up all over the hills in Big Sur—including on the Post Ranch Inn property. Time to stop and smell the wildflowers. Offline Summer is the ideal time to unplug and unwind. Post Ranch Inn makes that sometimes-tricky task easier, as guest rooms don't have TV's or alarm clocks. Plus, guests are surrounded by ocean on one side and scenic mountains on the other, so r-n-r is easily achievable, even for the busiest bees. To Learn More Post Ranch Inn postranchinn.com. Gointg Postal photo by Kodiak Greenwood @azfoothills #azfoothills 9394 AZFOOTHILLS.COM W hether you choose a stay in a deluxe private home or a safari-style luxury tent or you desire to spend your days trout-fishing versus page-turning, The Resort at Paws Up provides a number of ways to connect with nature and one another during a blissful Montana summer. Keep these dates in mind as you plan your summertime getaway up north. By melissa larsen Art Smarts Sunset Photography: Photograph Mother Nature in Her Best Light, June 26, July 22 and August 7 In this family-friendly workshop, resort photographer and filmmaker Stuart Thurlkill teaches how best to photograph subjects and landscapes in setting sunlight. Bring your camera or feel free to use the one on your phone. Note: Don’t forget your hiking shoes. Rustic Rings: Jewelry Making with a Twist, June 27, July 15 and August 16 Craft a customized ring in this fun-filled class. Join Peggy Wen, painter and jewelry designer, for this workshop where you’ll choose from a variety of intriguing beads and eye-catching gems to create wire- wrapped art. Leave with a statement piece of your very own. No experience necessary. Getting Primitive: Outdoor Skills That Build Confidence from Within, July 2 to July 8 Join Paws Up’s resident outdoorsman Gary Steele as he provides hands-on instruction around The Resort. He’ll show off techniques like primitive tool- and weapon-building, edible plant identification, fire-making, knot-tying, longbow archery, shelter-building and tracking. Paint ‘n’ Pour: Toast Your Artistic Side, July 7 Enjoy a glass of wine while local artist Linds Sanders instructs you on the finer points of painting. As part of this incredibly popular series, guests take in step-by-step guidance in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Canvases, paint and wine are all provided. No experience needed. go NoRTH Foodie Fun The Taste of Rose City: Portland’s Culinary Past, Present and Future, June 28 to June 30 Chefs past, present and future from the Rose City (a k a Portland, Ore.) will re-create their cuisine scene in Paws Up’s Montana wilderness. Creations from chefs like Sunny Jin, Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez-Denton will be paired with exquisite wines from Oregon winemaker, Lynn Penner-Ash. BBQ-U: Take Your Grilling Skills Up a Grade, July 12 to July 14 Chef Sam Huff and Chef Danny Fischer will lead three days filled with cooking demonstrations and hands-on interactive study. Join them for a daily regimen of the country’s best barbecue and sides, craft beverages, lawn games and wilderness adventures. National S’mores Day: August 10 Did you know Paws Up has certified S’moreologists on staff? Yup. The Montana spot celebrates with a grand competition to make the best gourmet s’more, judged by visiting Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez. The winner earns the title of Paws Up S’moreologist. Baby, You’re a Firework From July 2 to July 4, ring in a first-class Fourth of July at Paws Up with picnics, pies, parades and epic fireworks displays. In addition to endless outdoor fun (via fly-fishing, horseback riding and hiking, for example), guests can savor live music, craft cocktails, line dancing, a float-decorating contest, lawn games, gunnysack races, glamping in the fresh mountain air and relaxing family time during the adored summer holiday. @azfoothills #azfoothills 95 To Learn More the resort at paws up pawsup.com.96 AZFOOTHILLS.COM THAT’S ALL, FOLKS. … Fin YES WE CANNOLI • We know this group can put together a killer Bloody Mary and a top-notch meatball, and we can now add cannoli to its list of specialties. Chef Joey Maggiore and his wife Cristina, who are behind The Sicilian Butcher and Hash Kitchen, along with their business partner Flora Tersigni, just opened The Sicilian Baker Cannoli Bar & Market in Phoenix. The fresh concept features a build-your-own cannoli bar with heavenly filling flavors like fig, Nutella and cookie butter (there is even a whopping foot-long option!), an espresso bar and a tavola calda-style counter offering muffuletta sandwiches, arancini, pizzettes and a variety of beautiful Sicilian pastries and desserts. This is the first of three planned Sicilian Baker Cannoli Bar & Market locations in the Valley. thesicilianbaker.com. –Melissa Larsen Seeking something savory? The sfincione with caramelized onion, colatura, ricotta and parmigiano bread crumbs and the Silician stuffed bread with ham and ooey gooey cheese are tops for lunch.Your Own Personal Paparazzi BOOK ONE OF OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR YOUR NEXT BIG SHINDIG AT AZFOOTHILLS.COM/PARTNERS/EVENTPHOTOGRAPHY/ PHOTOS APPEAR THE VALLEY'S #1 SITE AND ARE SHARED WITH 100K SUBSCRIBERS #FAMOUS QUESTIONS? CONTACT COLLABORATE@AZFOOTHILLS.COM † † †Next >