Santa Cruz Getaway

Are you searching for a place to relax a few days ? Or have a reunion? Or a business meeting? I would like to suggest Chaminade Resort and Spa in the California Central Valley. We discovered it, when I searched for a place near Santa Cruz, where many of us were spending Thanksgiving weekend.

It is located in Santa Cruz, not in the city, but rather up in the hills overlooking the valley below.

It has lovely grounds (300 acres)—with a pool, Jacuzzi, fitness center, spa, sauna, beach volleyball court, tennis courts, team building can be set up, and lovely woods with hiking trails.

Yet it is very close to several cute towns, like Capitola. Being autumn, the colors were lovely, and it was so nice to walk on their trails. We did not have sufficient time to take advantage of all the things the resort offers.

We arrived there Wednesday early evening, and dined in the restaurant.

The next day we enjoyed the complimentary breakfast and sat on the terrace enjoying the beautiful view. Not expecting such nice weather, I did not bring a swimming suit, but the grandchildren had fun in the pool. Children never seen to get cold. We had a lovely room with a sitting area, and a view of the pool and garden. Our daughter and family had a nice room overlooking the forest.

This hotel is good for reunions, or conferences, because of the numerous facilities. It has two restaurants, a bar, and coffee is available in the room; then there is coffee, tea, hot chocolate in the spa lounge, which my granddaughter enjoyed, while her mom used the gym.

On our way back to Los Angeles, we visited friends in Pacific Grove, and being tired on the drive down, we decided to stop for the night as we were approaching

Solvang, a popular small town, built in Scandinavian style. Arriving at night, it was so charming with all the buildings being outlined in small white lights. We wandered around town a bit, and had Swedish meatballs and red cabbage for dinner.

The next morning we bought some cookies and drove home. This is an easy trip if one wants to get away for a night.

We all enjoyed The Chaminade Resort and recommend it for reservations and or any information.