JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Fashion Island offers Multigenerational Fun

BY JILL WEINLEIN

Newport Beach is one of the top Southern California multigenerational staycations for active families to relax and renew. Staying overnight at Fashion Island Hotel offers a multitude of activities for all ages, starting with a swim in the sparkling pool and bubbling whirlpool. One feels as if they are in Hawaii, in this beautiful tropical setting. Near the pool is a world-class fitness center for daily family workouts.

Upgrade to the Island Club up on the 20th floor to enjoy a complimentary hot and cold breakfast, snacks, wine and cheese hour at sunset and desserts throughout the day.

Splurge and reserve one of the large corner guest rooms for a two-room suite featuring a large king size bed and queen size sofa bed in a large living space. The marble bathroom offers a separate soaking bathtub and shower, and the balconies offer glorious views of Newport Beach, Balboa Island and beyond.

Across the street from Fashion Island Hotel is a fashionista shopping paradise, the luxury Fashion Island Shopping Center. Besides an array of designer boutiques, there is a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Go see a movie together in the center’s luxe movie theater, or enjoy a lively meal at Red-O, Fig & Olive and True Food Kitchen.
Daytime activities in Newport Beach include exploring Balboa Island for a chocolate dipped banana, some retail therapy or rent a Duffy electric boat and cruise along multi-million dollar water view homes.

Fashion Island Hotel offers bikes for guests or hop on the complimentary FRANC (Free Ride Around Newport Center) to the two-acre sculpture garden at Civic Center Park. All ages will appreciate over 20 whimsical art pieces including a large land shark fin, slice of orange and rabbit Stonehenge. Stand together on the glass viewing platform to overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Nearby is Roger’s Garden, a home and garden luxury improvement center that displays some of the most exquisite holiday and seasonal items. Now through Halloween, they offer an autumn display and spooky Alice in Wonderland boutique filled with unique Halloween decorations. During Christmas the interior shops become an inspiring Winter Wonderland.

In Corona del Mar, Sherman Garden and Library features garden ideas and a museum of exotic plants displayed among brick walkways and bubbling tile water fountains. The library is devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest in a bucolic setting.

After exploring Newport Beach, come back to the hotel for some soothing spa time. Change into a plush robe and visit the showers, sauna or steam room before or after treatment. The cozy lounge area offers comfortable chairs to relax in, while sipping a glass of sparkling wine and nibbling on frozen grapes.

The hotel restaurant Oak Grill offers an outdoor deck among towering trees and hanging lights. Executive chef Brittany Valles oversees the seasonal menus served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Valles gained a prestigious nomination for Star Chefs’ Rising Star Chef in 2017 and was the “Sandwich Queen” in an episode on munchies on Chef’s Night Out. She is a strong proponent of using locally produced ingredients and utilizes the whole plant or animal for her dishes, which feature bold, bright flavors.

On weekends the next door Aqua Lounge becomes a chic and vibrant night-time gathering spot. Locals joins guests to sip craft cocktails among atmosphere lights and pulsating dance music.

For travelers who enjoy bringing their pampered pooch, Newport Beach is a dog friendly city in Orange County, offering miles of walking paths and parks to explore.

Fashion Island Hotel welcomes well behaved dogs under 30 pounds. The one-time $150 pet fee allows guests to stay on every floor, except the hypo-allergenic 11th floor. Fashion Island Hotel also allows dogs to sit with their owners out on the patio of Oak Grill restaurant, and near the fire-pit at Aqua Lounge. Social outings include the grassy area in the front of the hotel for pet relief on the property.

Reunions at Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach will appeal to everyone of all ages.
To make a reservation, call (877)591-9145. Go online –https://www.fashionislandhotel.com.