The Perfect Staycation From Los Angeles: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Review

The Perfect Staycation From Los Angeles: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Review

Looking for a great staycation hotel that is in Los Angeles but gives a nice beach town feel? Look no further than Redondo Beach!

The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel is located right across the street from the ocean needs to be added to your bucket list. There are so many fun activities like biking to paddleboarding that you can do in the area, and the views from the rooms boast the most gorgeous sunset view each night. Not to mention, the food is incredible at the hotel and I couldn’t recommend this more for a staycation!

LOCATION: 10/10

The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina has a prime location, providing guests with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Redondo Beach Marina. Whether you're a beach lover, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene coastal getaway, the hotel's location ensures you're immersed in the beauty of Redondo Beach.

This property is located steps away from the beach and it was so nice to just cross the street and be by the ocean! There are also a lot of great restaurants and places to walk around in the area near the hotel.

Here are the top 5 things to do the Redondo Beach area near the hotel:

1. Redondo Beach Pier: Take a stroll along the historic Redondo Beach Pier, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the coastline.

2. Whale Watching: Depending on the season, doing a whale-watching excursion from Redondo Beach is a great thing to do in the area. When we went, we didn’t do this activity but I’ve heard great things about Redondo Beach Whale Watch for boat tours.

3. Water Sports: Rent a paddleboard or kayak in the harbor, or try surfing at one of the nearby beaches.

4. Biking: Rent a bike and ride it along "The Strand." This path stretches for miles along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views.

DINING: 10/10

One of the standout features of the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina is its exceptional dining options. There are two restaurants on the property: SOL Restaurant and Harbor Bar & Bistro.

We had some amazing food at the Harbor Bar & Bistro including delicious carne asada fries. The winner of the show though was the smores kit we got to do by the fire pit. The smores were delicious and it was such a fun way to end our night. HIghly recommend doing this if you stay at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.

OVERALL REVIEW: 10/10

Overall, this is the perfect place to stay in Redondo Beach! Whether you are looking for a staycation or a trip to the beach for the weekend, Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina was amazing! Make sure to explore the Redondo Beach area and add this to your bucket list for your next staycation in Los Angeles.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort: A Tranquil Oasis on Vancouver Island

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa Review: Vancouver Island

Looking for the best hotel in the central Vancouver Island area? Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is the most amazing resort to stay for your next trip to the island.

This hidden gem property offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, a large variety of amenities, and impeccable service, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. The Grotto Spa, which is famous in Canada, was my personal favorite part of the stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.

LOCATION: 10/10

Situated in the heart of Parksville, Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is surrounded by lush forests and the soothing sound of the ocean waves. This prime location provides you with easy access to the region's stunning beaches, hiking trails, and charming local attractions.

From the resort, we will able to walk directly to the beach and even see whales and Orcas out in the water! Located on the center part of the island, he location couldn’t be a better base for all of the amazing things to do on Vancouver Island.

Here are the top 5 things to do in the Parksville area near the resort:

1. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: this is within walking distance on the beach from the resort!

2. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: this is my absolute favorite waterfall on the entire island

3. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: another beautiful waterfall

4. Take a day trip to Tofino/Ucluelet (click here for the top 10 things to do in this area)

5. Take a day trip to the Cambell River area

ROOMS + AMENITIES: 10/10

Our oceanfront view suite was one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in, in a long time! I highly recommend reserving this type of room when booking at Tigh-Na-Mara. The resort also offers pet-friendly rustic log cottages and spa bungalows.

The views from our private balcony were incredible and we watched the most amazing sunrise and sunset from up there. I also loved the bath tub and the high ceilings in the room were awesome. Waking up to the sound of the ocean outside of our window was also a special treat.

the grotto spa: 10/10

One of the standout features of staying at Tigh-Na-Mara is the award-winning Grotto Spa, one of the best spas in all of Canada!

The Grotto Spa offers a range of treatments, from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials. I did the massage and it was extremely relaxing! The mineral pool was also nice to soak in before my treatment and I highly recommend spending some time in the Grotto before any treatment you do.

Something that really brought the WOW factor at the spa was the endless tapas dining experience at the spa. We enjoyed 14+ courses of delicious tapas while overlooking the trees. Dining while still wearing my robe and spa sandals was certainly a treat. My favorite dishes were the unique and crunchy kale salad, and the desserts. At the end of the experience, they also ask you if you want to get another dish again which makes it unlimited.

It was one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had! Warning though that you will be very stuffed by the end of the day but it is 100% worth it. If you eat at the Treetop Tapas & Grill and add this onto your spa day, you won’t regret it.

Overall, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort needs to be added to your bucket list for your next trip to Vancouver Island! Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a solo escape, Tigh Na Mara caters to every group of travelers with a touch of coastal charm.

From the moment you arrive at Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort, you'll find yourself transported to a nature lovers paradise where you can relax and enjoy your time on the island.

Best Place To Stay in North Cascades National Park: Sun Mountain Lodge Review

Sun Mountain Lodge Review: Winthrop, Washington

Welcome to a paradise tucked away in the heart of the Pacific Northwest – Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington. This enchanting destination offers an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty, a wide range of activities, and luxurious amenities. If you're seeking a perfect getaway, especially when visiting North Cascades National Park, look no further. Here's why Sun Mountain Lodge deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!

LOCATION: 10/10

With North Cascades National Park at your fingertips, the location here is excellent. The town of Winthrop which is about 15 minutes down the hill, is a fun cowboy town that has cute shops and restaurants.

Sun Mountain Lodge is located on top of a hill that allows you to look into valleys and see other mountain ranges in the distance, which is gorgeous.

Activites: 10/10

From horseback riding to kayaking to a special Cowboy dinner, Sun Mountain Lodge has an abundance of activities that will keep you busy during your stay.

Horseback Riding:

This was my favorite activity I did while staying at Sun Mountain Lodge! The guided trail ride was excellent and we were taken through forests, meadows, and to a beautiful overlook of the mountains. It was my first time horseback riding so I was a bit nervous, but they made me feel comfortable and explained everything perfectly for safety and comfort.

Kayaking on Lake Patterson:

Kayaking on the property was such a great experience! Super easy to get in the water and we had the lake all to ourselves. There was an Eagles nest which was really cool to see from the kayak. I would recommend going kayaking in the morning because this lake can get pretty breezy in the afternoon. You can also go fly fishing on the lake as well!

Cowboy Dinner:

If you are staying at Sun Mountain Lodge, you must go to the special Cowboy dinner that they put on! It was such a wonderful evening where they take you in a horse-drawn carriage to a beautiful spot in the woods. There you enjoy wonderful comfort food and live music. The company was excellent and the blueberry cobbler pie at the end was to die for!

Once you are done with dinner, they take you back in the carriage and drop you off at the hotel entrance. This was a magical experience and I highly recommend it for all ages!

AMENITIES: 10/10

Sun Mountain Lodge has two outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs which are great ways to unwind, especially after a long day of activities and/or hiking in the national park. There are also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails right on the property which was very cool.

Pro tip- go in the hot tub at night and look up to see all of the amazing stars above!

food: 10/10

We found the food on the property to be excellent, so much so that we didn’t even go into Winthrop to get food during the trip. There were a variety of options on the menus and we were very happy with the quality of the food and the service in the restaurants on property.

Dining Room:

Had an absolutely wonderful dinner at the Dining Room in Sun Mountain Lodge. The food was incredible and the filet mignon was the best my boyfriend had in a very long time! We also enjoyed the strawberry burrata appetizer and the chocolate cake for dessert was delicious. Whether if you’re staying at the lodge or not, I definitely recommend eating at the dining room for a nice dinner.

Wolf Creek Bar & Grill:

The Wolf Creek Bar & Grill which is also on the property was a great lunch spot! We got the charcuterie board and the mac and cheese. Both were delicious and it was a great place to fuel up before more outdoor activities.

summary:

Overall, Sun Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem in Washington that needs to be added to any outdoor and nature enthusiast’s bucket list. Especially being so close to North Cascades National Park, this is a perfect destination. I had such a wonderful stay and loved the town of Winthrop as well.

Top 10 Things To Do In Tofino & Ucluelet: Vancouver Island, Canada

Vancouver Island, Canada, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and the coastal towns of Ucluelet and Tofino are among its crown jewels. In this travel blog post, we'll uncover the top 10 things to do in Ucluelet and Tofino, ensuring your visit to Vancouver Island is nothing short of spectacular.

Why you should visit Tofino & Ucluelet:

This area of Vancouver Island was my favorite and the most beautiful in my opinion. The views of the rugged coastline, beautiful nature, and small-town feel made me fall in love with these two towns. To get to both of these destinations, it is a couple of hour drive from the Parksville area, but is most certainly worth it.

Where to stay in tofino bc:

• I highly recommend staying at Duffin Cove Resort in Tofino during your time in this area. I stayed 3 nights and it was the perfect amount of time to explore the area!

Here’s the top 10 things to do in Tofino & Ucluelet:

1) Explore the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet

Looking for the best hike on Vancouver Island? This was my absolute favorite! I highly recommend doing it in the morning for it to be the least crowded. The views are amazing and this is a must-do if you have to decide to do only one thing in the area.

2) Go kayaking with Paddle West Kayaking in Tofino

Linked here is a video highlighting my experience! This was a great adventure that allowed us to get out on the water during our time in Tofino. Our guide was knowledgable about the area and we learned a lot about the wildlife of the region when paddling.

3) Do a zipline adventure with Westcoast WILD Zipline

This is a must-do when driving to Ucluelet or driving back to the eastern side of Vancouver Island from Ucluelet. The views on the zip line were incredible and all were over beautiful bodies of water including a gorge, river, waterfall, and more.

4) Walk around Tofino and go into the little shops for cute souvenirs

The downtown area of Tofino is adorable and I recommend walking around and exploring. Make sure to get a cute souvenir when you’re in town. I recommend doing this before you have dinner at Shelter restaurant which is my next recommendation!

5) Have a relaxing dinner at Shelter restaurant in Tofino

The Shelter restaurant is nestled right on the water and has gorgeous views. Highly recommend getting the burger and truffle fries here, it was delicious! We also saw Orcas go by us during dinner which was a truly special and rare moment.

6) Visit the Ucluelet Aquarium

The Ucluelet Aquarium is a unique, educational experience. It features local marine life in a sustainable and informative setting, making it a great activity for families.

7) See the sunset and have dinner at The Great Room at Long Beach Resort

We had our absolute favorite dinner here dining at the Great room in this resort. You can eat here even if you aren’t staying at the resort. The food was delicious and I love the chicken with the truffle polenta. The dessert you must get for the most unique flavor combination! Come here for sunset and make sure to get a reservation for a good table by the window.

8) Go on a boat tour to see whales and other wildlife

This is one thing I didn’t have time to do during my trip to the island but I have heard amazing things across companies so if you have the time, you should add this to your list!

Jamie’s Whaling Station has amazing reviews online so would recommend going with them.

9) Walk around the Ucluelet harbor

After hiking the Wild Pacific trail, I recommend walking around the Ucluelet harbor for beautiful views and a quaint atmosphere. A harbor walk is always nice and you can grab a bite to eat around this area too.

10) Hike the Rainforest trail between Tofino & Ucluelet

This is a relatively easy hike that you can definitely take your kids on! It was a peaceful walk through the rainforest and we did it early in the morning to avoid crowds. This hike is in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, where you can hike along rainforest trails, explore sandy beaches, and witness stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Summary:

Overall, Tofino and Ucluelet are two beautiful towns on Vancouver Island that you need to visit!!

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Vancouver Island's coastal paradise.