4 SoCal Locales Where Holiday Spirit Runs High

Southern California is known for having more than its fair share of hot spots, from the trendiest happy hour haunts to hotels and resorts with out-of-the-box offerings that proffer an exceptional travel experience. Here are a noteworthy few that have hit my radar of late:

iFLY Indoor Skydiving 

(iFlyWorld)

iFLY is an experiential entertainment company that created modern indoor skydiving, making the dream of flight a reality by giving customers "wings" in a safe environment. iFLY developed technology that provides a stable, wall-to-wall cushion of air in a flight chamber, which provides an incredibly realistic and harmless indoor skydiving experience. iFLY offers great recreation but is also part of a fast-growing sport known as "bodyflight." They have a program that can help beginner flyers progress in the sport to become competitive flyers. The company has safely flown more than eight million people in 50 locations around the world, including 25 in the U.S. and many throughout the Southern California region—including San Diego (in the heart of Mission Valley) where I, took iFlight.  Best yet, iFLY is accessible to just about everyone from ages 3 to 103 and any physical ability, even those with special needs including wounded warriors, autistic, blind or deaf, and those confined to wheelchairs. It’s also not advised for those with back or neck issues. The technology utilized to proffer a safe body is impressive. Inside the tunnel structure, the air is pushed down the side of it in Return Air Tower(s) and then directed up from the basement (plenum) through turning vanes. These vanes are filled with chilled water to provide a consistent, comfortable airflow in any climate. After going through the turning vanes, the air goes into the inlet contractor that compresses the air, speeding it up and forcing it into the flight chamber where people fly. The result is an indoor skydiving adventure where the dream of flight becomes a reality!

Eddie V’s San Diego Launches New Happy Hour Menu 

(EddieV) making merry with friends and family throughout the holidays is with Eddie V’s. In San Diego there is a location adjacent to Seaport Village and also in the La Jolla Cove area.  The restaurant is very well known for serving fresh prime seafood from both the Atlantic and Pacific as well as fantastic steak and other land items.  They’ve recently introduced a fabulous new Happy Hour menu with options from $2-$8 that are great for sharing. 

There are a bevy of teaser dishes like Lobster and Crab Wontons, Blackened Fish Tacos, and Lollipop Lamb Chops as well as some of their signature appetizer items like their famous—and insanely delicious—Jumbo Lump Crab Cake. There are also various types of half-shell oysters done in a number of different ways. My favorite is the "Angels on Horseback": seared oysters wrapped in prosciutto with fig glaze and parmesan. Plus there are inventive hand-shaken cocktails and wines by the glass for just $8. At all locations, the atmosphere is refined yet relaxed with live jazz and blues music played nightly in their V Lounge. 

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Images: Eddie V’s 

Hilton Anaheim Offers ‘Holidays at Hilton’ Special Package 

(HiltonAnaheimHotel) 

Tis the season to visit Hilton Anaheim, where leisure travelers can not only enjoy Hilton Anaheim’s lovely hospitality but also celebrate the season with limited-time hotel activities like Disney pin trading, holiday fireworks viewing, ornament decorating, breakfast with Santa and poolside holiday movie classics with classic seasonal treats and warm beverages. Guests will marvel at their Christmas Tree Lane—ornately-decorated Christmas trees in various themes. Seasonal activities for the entire family and festive décor are just a few of the traditions that will warm your spirits. 

Others include indulging in an exclusive "Spend $50, Get $50" VIP Shopping Experience at South Coast Plaza. Room packages start as low as $159 per night. Make your days merry and bright by adding a dash of Disney magic to your seasonal celebration at this unbeatable location that’s adjacent (within walking distance) to the Disneyland Resort, connected via the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) system.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: Hilton Anaheim

Monarch Beach Resort Introduces California’s First Miraval Life in Balance Spa 

Located in the picturesque Orange County beach city of Dana Point, Monarch Beach Resort stands as an emblem of luxury and relaxation. After undergoing a staggering $40 million re-imagination, the resort once proudly housed California’s first Miraval Life in Balance Spa. This partnership with the award-winning Miraval Resort in Tucson brought a state-of-the-art oasis to the California shores, offering unparalleled spa treatments, dynamic wellness activities, and extensive yoga and meditation programming.

However, as of May 2023, the Miraval Life in Balance Spa has closed its doors to pave the way for [New Spa/Wellness Facility Name], a contemporary wellness haven that [describe some key features and offerings of the new establishment, e.g., "blends traditional therapies with modern wellness innovations."]

Continuing its commitment to holistic health, guests can still immerse themselves in the tranquility of outdoor yoga and meditation sessions, either on the pristine beach or by the resort's stunning oceanfront Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Monarch Beach Golf Links. Beyond its wellness offerings, Monarch Beach Resort boasts a myriad of luxurious amenities. Their AAA five-diamond beachfront setting showcases a recent refresh of all 400 guest rooms and suites, five innovative dining concepts emphasizing seasonal cuisine and eco-friendly practices, a sprawling pool area with an accompanying bar, and redesigned public spaces crafted for connection and conversation.

Photo Ownership/Copyright Credit for Above Image: Monarch Beach Resort

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