Santa Cruz, CA: Chaminade Resort and Spa Staycation

With three children that often have us in different directions for school, sports, and scouts, my husband and I realize our kids have busier social lives than we do.  Not only are our weekdays full through rushed dinners every night, but our weekends fill with even more hours of events and activities.  If it means driving a half hour north up the coast, we will welcome a staycation that allows us to getaway and  reconnect.  Recharging our batteries was just what we needed when we visited the Chaminade Resort and Spa overnight in nearby Santa Cruz.Among the redwoods and eucalyptus groves, Chaminade is a premier resort location where you can experience both a lovely mountain retreat while being just minutes away from the Pacific Ocean!   I’ve been visiting Santa Cruz since I was little, heading to the beach, the Boardwalk, and the malls.  Little did I realize how much enjoyment I could get with an overnight just up the mountain!  We arrived early in the day and our room wasn’t quite ready so we took some time to walk around the property.  Trees galore, flowers in bloom, the surroundings were gorgeous, the view somewhat obscured by the afternoon fog and clouds.  We received a map of the property that included three walking trails to explore ranging from .5-1.75 miles, the shortest encircling the main lodge.  The property sits on 300 acres and is pet friendly for dogs 40lbs or less. Dogs are permitted to walk thru designated common areas while on a leash.  No, we didn’t bring a pup with us, but I know some couples/families love to travel with theirs so it’s a great thing to know!  Not properly shoed, hubby and I decided we’d stuck around the main lodge area and discovered Linwood’s Bar and Grill.Indoors or out, we had the choice of seating and with the temperature cool outside, pulling up to the bar near a fireplace sounded cozy and perfect.  Cosmopolitans and beers were enjoyed while we caught our favorite baseball team on television, already relaxation was settling in!  Again, for those who enjoy traveling with pets there’s even Linwood’s Pooch Patio Menu for the pampered pet!Around 4pm, I checked back in at the front desk and our room was ready.  The chill in the air had me wanting to get into that heated pool and jacuzzi, so I was eager to change into my suit.  We were thrilled to be greeted to a lovely treat compliments of the resort.Our room was cozy, we had a two-room suite with gorgeous views into the woods, fall colored-theme decor, and wonderful amenities including a turndown service and chocolate!  I’ve been finding that coffee makers are not always the norm anymore in resort rooms (sometimes you just have to ask) but I love when they are there, they just make me smile!We changed and headed to the pool.  With the opportunity to enjoy some food and cocktails, we passed since we just indulged at the bar, dinner was ahead of us, and we had more wine to enjoy later!  But, the option is always a nice added touch.Families and couples alike surrounded the pool as the sun finally made it’s way from behind the clouds. When on a getaway, just the two of us, we really focus on eachother and you’d think the squeals and noise would bother us, but we can really tune it out.  We joined a crowd in the jacuzzi and the heat warmed us through and the day just kept getting better!  We cleaned up for dinner and headed back to Linwood’s.  We started our meal with some local Monterey County wines, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.My husband enjoyed a house salad and I had a soup that I’ve been dreaming about since our trip.  Carrot ginger was bright and had such a comforting feel, that combined with some homemade bread could have been a meal alone.  Alas, I ordered more comfort food in the house-made spinach and cheese ravioli with a toasted walnut creme.  My husband ordered the Grilled Black Angus New York steak with bleu cheese crumbles that melted into every bite.  I kicked myself for not ordering the same though I continued to pick at his plate and potato gratin!  Never enough room for dessert, I promised the waiter I’d be back for the Lemon Curd Tart!

 When I come back for that dessert, I’ll also love spending some time at the Spa at Chaminade, a complete day-spa destination.  Our Santa Cruz getaway was a success, though it was hard to leave in the morning back to reality.  It does make it nice that our travel back was short and we have the memories to remind us how important connecting as a couple is!

Our stay and meal was hosted, all opinions and gratuities our own.