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Staycation O N T H E M O N T E R E Y B A Y 13 A U G U S T 2 2 , 2 0 1 8 heated pool, two outdoor Jacuzzi tubs (one on spa patio for spa guests only), three miles of hiking trails, sand volleyball court, tennis courts, steam room, and two Himalayan salt saunas. ese saunas are a recent addition, located in the men's and women's locker rooms. Himalayan salt can be very heal- ing, and many believe that salt saunas may reduce inflammation. e Sunday brunch buffet at the Chami- nade's Sunset Restaurant is always popular; it includes champagne and orange juice plus dishes like smoked salmon, a carving station, eggs Benedict, and a design-your- own omelet station. If you have a large group you want to dine with, it's great because they have a lot of seating. Buffet brunches are almost always fully booked on holidays— including Mother's Day and Easter—when buffet selections are more extravagant. e Chaminade's main restaurant, Linwood's Bar & Grill in Santa Cruz, serves lunch and dinner. Happy hour specials are from 3-6 p.m. Sunday - ursday, 3 p.m. to close on Monday. Whichever meal, drink, or setting you choose, there are always amazing views. Linwood's has a kids' menu, and with the heated outdoor pool and "plenty of room to run and hike," Marketing Manager Winona Holmes points out, Chaminade is a great place for local families. ere are even pet- friendly rooms, as well as a "pooch patio" menu with items especially created for dogs. Every summer, Chaminade hosts a Friday night farm to table wine dinner series. From June through September, on occasional Fridays, there are special dinners on the outdoor patio, where guests sit at long tables and enjoy a leisurely feast. Each evening begins with a reception featuring wine and appetizers followed by a five-course din- ner with wine pairings. e chef prepares a meal utilizing produce from local farms and locally raised poultry and meats from places like LeCoast GrassFed. Attendees get the chance to meet, and chat with, a variety of wine makers and farmers. e history of Chaminade's land and property goes back to early in the 20th century, but as an actual hotel and resort Chaminade didn't open until 1985. In 2016, it completed a $7.9 million guest room revamp and redesign of all 156 guest rooms. Previously, in 2009, it completed a $15 million renovation that included its rooms, fitness center, lobby, and spa. Although I've never stayed there myself, I had a chance to tour the guest rooms aer the 2016 renovation; the rooms are spa- cious, beautiful, and tastefully decorated. I saw a "Meditation junior king suite" which was intriguing—as the name suggests, it's designed for those who want to practice meditation even when traveling. e rooms with meditation features have nooks with meditation cushions and pillows placed by either windows or sliding glass doors. Very Santa Cruz, and a nice touch! I asked Winona Holmes to give her take on what makes Chaminade such an amazing place. "Chaminade Resort & Spa is a unique property not only for the historic factor (was built in the 1920's), but the resort itself is over 200 acres of natural beauty that guests can explore, relax and retreat to--making it their home away from home." Contact info: Dream Inn Santa Cruz 175 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, 844-510-1746, dreaminnsantacruz.com Chaminade Resort & Spa One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com Photo courtesy of Chaminade 229 MAIN ST • OLDTOWN SALINAS • 831.422.2500 WWW.AQUABLUESPA.COM Stay·ca·tion noun informal "A Relaxing day off spent with your BFF getting pampered at Aquablue." A FULL SERVICE DAY SPA IN CHARMING OLDTOWN SALINAS CALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION GIFT BASKETS • GIFT CARDS • CANDLES MASSAGE PACKAGES • Vacation in a Day • Destress • Body Treatments for Men SPA PACKAGES • Relaxation • Airbrush Tanning • Wraps and Scrubs