Sometimes a change of scenery is just what one needs to clear the mind and get a new perspective. Even one or two nights waking up to a new vista makes all the difference.
Recently, my husband and I did just that. Packed an overnight bag, threw it into the back seat and took off down the coast to Laguna Beach. A beach not far from where we live in Southern California but a million miles away from our daily routines.
We chose the newly renovated Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Sitting right on the cliffs overlooking the beach downtown, this hotel is an iconic landmark property, and it’s laidback elegance and comfy accommodations are a nod to the areas rich history of being a destination for surfers, creatives and bohemians seeking a seaside sanctuary.
The hotel is simply beautiful. Filled with thoughtfully designed spaces adorned with handcrafted wood furnishing and textiles that imbue the common spaces and guest rooms with an organic sensibility that matches the sounds and smells of the sea just footsteps away.
I was delighted my balcony was big enough to do my morning yoga outdoors to the sounds of the ocean’s waves and we loved coming back to our room in the afternoon to sit and watch the sea and its’ birds and enjoy the sunset each night. Time for reflection and appreciation for the here and now.
The days went way too fast. We walked along the beach in the morning and lounged in the hot tub and pool in the afternoon.
We discovered some great local restaurants, too. Our favorite was Broadway by Top Chef, Amar Santana.
We found the location to be the perfect spot for our mini retreat as we could park the car on arrival and walk to art galleries, shops and restaurants nearby and never had to get in the car until it was time to go home.
Want more travel stories like this one? Check out my stories here