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Escape To Laguna Beach, CaliforniaRomance, R&R or Family FunBy Valerie Summers
I discovered this retreat offers scheduled intimacy and sexuality workshops, demonstrations and hands on classes that provide guests insight for more fulfilling intimate relationships. The Surf & Sand’s “Intimacy Weekend Package” provides information on Feng Shui for the bedroom, a couples massage session where an Aquaterra Spa therapist teaches hands on techniques for at-home massage, an aphrodisiac cooking class with executive chef Christopher Blobaum and two Aquaterra Spa treatments. Also included is handwriting analysis whereby participants are guided through the art of understanding more about their partner through their writing and finally, a yoga or PiYo class. Year ‘round, the Aquaterra Spa offers several unique couple-rituals including romantic baths for two, massages and a special Artistic Ritual featuring colorful, sensual body paint. Couple this with an oceanfront guest room and romantic dining at Splashes, and a sensuous time is assured.
That evening, I caught one of the free shuttles across the street from the resort which deposited me opposite the entrance to the world-famous Pageant of the Masters. I spent an hour enjoying the juried arts and crafts on display…jewelry, paintings, sculptures, accessories, before making my way into the outdoor amphitheater for the unique theatrical production where art comes to life. Enhanced by descriptive, sometimes comical narratives and well chosen orchestral accompaniments, Pageant of the Masters presents models in living tableaux of famous works of art. Around me, I heard audience members exclaim “I can’t believe what I am seeing,” “ Unbelievable!” and “Amazing.” The re-creations ran the gamut from ancient statuary to romantic paintings to modern comic books. I have viewed this unique presentation several times during its 70 year history and have always left awed by its magic. I caught the shuttle back to the hotel, ambled back to my room, snuggled under the covers, listening to the sounds of the surf while drifting off to sleep, savoring the time I had given to myself during the past few days. More information:Surf & Sand Resort,
one of only 108 hotels in the world affiliated with Preferred Hotels &
Resorts Worldwide. Festival of
Arts/Pageant of the Masters |
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TM
Once I exited the ever
congested frenetic speedway which is Interstate 405 at highway133 south, I
began to relax as open spaces replaced concrete and asphalt. I flicked on
the radio to a classical music station, took some deep breaths and surveyed
my surroundings…lots of greenery and very few cars, none in a hurry as I
drove the remaining mile along Laguna Canyon to the renowned artist’s colony
of Laguna Beach. Close to the town, I passed wooden buildings proclaiming
the homes of The Sawdust Festival and the Art-A-Fair. Further along, three
giant panels portrayed scenes from the Pageant of the Masters and the
entrance to The Festival of the Arts and finally the white sandy beaches and
the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Turning south, I drove past galleries,
restaurants and boutiques with lots of tourists sauntering along. I arrived
at the Surf & Sand Resort and Aquaterra Spa sprawling alongside the
oceanfront, well chosen for the brief escape from my normally hectic life.
It was mid-July,
hence the preponderance of families with children. However, I was escorted
to my quiet oceanfront room, one floor down from the fifth floor lobby. It
was spacious and bright, with floor to ceiling wooden shutters, clean,
modern decor with bleached wood furniture and decorated in sea foam green
and cream. The railed balcony featured two adjustable chairs with footrests
and a glass table. Soft music emanated from an armoire. Heaven! I had
very little scheduled other than meeting a friend for dinner at the hotel’s
Splashes and a visit to the Pageant of the Masters. My time was to be spent
sleeping, reading, walking the beach and some pampering at the Aquaterra
Spa. 
After the drive from
Los Angeles, a walk seemed like a good idea, so I strolled the 15 blocks
towards the center of town. I stopped in several of the town’s nearly 100
art galleries, a shop specializing in all things Australian with an
impressive collection of didgeridoos and an Oriental boutique with lots of
jade and statues and exotic home accessories. I made my way back to the
hotel along the opposite side of the street and headed for my room. After
a nice soak in the oversized tub, I dressed for dinner and met my friend
downstairs in the lively bar before we were shown to our table for al fresco
dining. I admired the restaurant’s layout, intimate glass protected patios
broken into small sections with one large enclosed room with vaulted
ceilings and a fireplace, also fronting the beach. We watched the hot pinks
and deep reds of the sunset while the ocean roared its welcome as we sipped
cocktails and discussed the menu. I noted an unusually large selection of
seafood entrees, not the run of the mill offerings. Sitting oceanside
whetted my palate for something fishy and my biggest problem was choosing
between the Arctic char and the Dover sole. We began with something off the
menu…lobster diablo, an artfully designed mouth watering spicy appetizer.
The Dover sole which I decided on arrived exactly the way I had ordered it
and the finale came in the form of something peachy and crumbly but not too
sweet with refreshing creme fraiche ice cream.
This time was meant for
me to pamper myself, so the next morning I ordered the Spa Breakfast from
the room service menu which was set up on my balcony. I ate and sipped and
read the newspaper for more than a hour. I leisurely dressed and strolled
downstairs for a long beachfront walk, watching surfers, shell seekers and
volleyball players before heading to the Aquaterra Spa on the hotel’s
premises. I had scheduled a massage and had requested someone who did deep
tissue work. But first, I made my way to the steam room, spraying a bit of
eucalyptus mist before settling down in the thick vapors. After, I grabbed a
spa service menu while awaiting my massage therapist in the waiting room and
realized that the Surf & Sand would answer a number of needs. I was there
for R&R. Being mid-summer, there were lots of families with children
romping on the beaches. But I could imagine this as a very romantic and
sexy getaway for couples…probably off season. 
Back to my reality, I was
whisked off to a private room, the sounds of Enya filling it, by Zak, my
extraordinary holistic massage therapist. I climbed onto the heated massage
table and under the sheet and took some deep breaths. What I had requested
was a deep massage and that is just what I received, Zak working his magic
on my body as the tensions eased away. The hour went by all too soon, but I
already felt better and headed for the private walled outdoor whirlpool
where I continued my peaceful escape. 