Catamaran Resort and Spa, San Diego

February 23, 2016 by The Mom Jen 2 Comments

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is go somewhere sunny. I can’t help it, my body craves warmth and sunshine all year-round and it’s a side effect from growing up in California. When our college roommate’s December wedding ‘Save the Date’ card arrived in the mail, and we learned it was being held in San Diego, we booked our flights within minutes. We can’t scoff at our central California weather, but winter in Socal can’t be beat, we’re talking up to 10-15 degrees warmer than home. Our bags were packed and the weekend getaway and beautiful wedding of friends was complemented by a memorable stay at the Catamaran Resort and Spa in Pacific Beach.

The Catamaran Resort is in an ideal location for family travelers. On the shores of Mission Bay, the resort is only 8 miles from the airport and within 30 miles of family attractions like Legoland and the San Diego Zoo, better yet, you can drive to Sea World in 5 minutes! For our purposes this particular weekend, it was only 10 minutes to the church where the wedding was held and 10 more minutes from there to the reception. Once we arrived I fell in love with the Polynesian decor immediately, I’m an island girl at heart! The waterfall in the lobby was no tiny fountain, it was a grand site filled with koi and surrounded by beautiful ferns and colorful flowers.Walking around the property you truly feel like you’re in Hawaii. Palm trees abound and although I gave this photo just a hint of highlights and a few filters for emphasis, this was my ultimate favorite spot in the whole resort. I wanted to prop a chaise lounge right here to read, meditate, drink a glass of wine, or just plain stare. You’d be right to think that this will become a framed photo in my home.Our Bay Front Suite was nothing short of spectacular located on the ground floor overlooking Mission Bay’s waterfront. Here our king bed and 438 square feet of space was full of all the essential amenities that included a large bathroom and separate vanity. I must note that the Tarocco line of bath products with the scent of Sicilian red (blood) orange were one of my favorites from my travels, I almost asked housekeeping for a few to take home.

The living room had plenty of natural light opening up to the patio and lawn space between the resort and the beach.Outside our patio was the view of the boat dock and promenade where a constant stream of bikers, runners, and casual walkers paraded from dawn to dusk. Across the path, the sand is begging for your toes and the resort offers complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas for your morning juice or evening cocktail and reading material.

So many activities are available to guests without leaving the property. Action Sport Rentals offer year-round lessons in surfing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. Bicycles and segways are available to rent and sunset luau, movies on the bay, beach and paddleboard yoga are offered seasonally.Kids will love the arcade, pool, and hot tub and parents can enjoy the indoor fitness room if they choose or enjoy a spa treatment. A few of the wedding guests stayed at this hotel and we met up with them after the rehearsal dinner for drinks at Moray’s, open until 1am on the weekends. The island themed tiki torches and fire pit tables make me think of tribal council on Survivor, but with more wine and beer! It’s a great spot to relax and the fire pit keeps you warm on those cool nights. Flatbreads, burgers, cheese plates, and sumptuous desserts are on the menu, though my husband will argue that the Peach Bourbon Mule was like dessert so much he had two! Breakfast beach side is delicious at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. With a large dining room and seating by the bay, the gorgeous morning begged us to sit alfresco.

Executive Chef Steven Riemer’s playful interpretation of classic dishes highlights the purity and flavors of California local produce and a commitment to sustainable ingredients. A cold bar with sushi options, small bites and main dishes include the freshest seafood available from the coast of Baja and the Pacific.

Different specials are offered Monday-Thursday and a Sunday brunch is offered weekly.

The Catamaran Resort and Spa has it all and then some. I would book again in a heartbeat whether for a romantic getaway like this trip or for a family vacation, I imagine the resort to be bustling during the summer months. Please note: self-parking is $23.00 per night and valet parking is $28.00 per night, but there is no resort fee. That means wi-fi, the pool, whirlpool, fitness center, exotic birds, and some seasonal activities are included in the price of the room. For more information and to make reservations visit, https://www.catamaranresort.com/home.

Our stay was hosted, but some meals and gratuities were ours as well as our 100% honest opinion.

The Beautiful Omni La Costa Resort #TMSCarlsbad

January 8, 2015 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

A few years ago I had the opportunity to bring my family along to the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California for a resort review. It was a short trip, but I knew it was a place I would love to come back to. Just before the holidays I had that very chance to stay and attend the Travel Media Showcase, and what an amazing stay it was!

The temperatures were in the mid-70’s and it was late November, no one can complain about that. Three days and two nights is a perfect amount of time for a getaway with your spouse, girlfriends, or even a fun family weekend. I spent my days in a travel conference with wonderful people, amazing speakers, and tons of great business contacts all the while having free time to enjoy the hot tub, spa, shops, exquisite dining, and take in the views. If you’re looking for a place to hold a conference, you can’t beat this amazing location.

Here are some photos of my stay. I’ve linked my prior review above, but I had to post these photos for you to enjoy and plan your next visit to sunny southern California!

The La Costa Suite offers a living room with sofa sleeper, television and desk with a partitioned bedroom opening to a large bathroom area with a deep soaking tub with separate shower.

Eight pools grace the property including an adults-only pool, one private pool in the Spa, splash pools for the kids including water slides and a sandy pool, as well as jacuzzis for relaxation!

For golfers, the two golf courses at Omni La Costa, a Southern California Gold Medal Golf Resort, are amongst the most storied in California. Boasting a rich tournament history and a cadre of prominent guests, the list of names to be dropped include the best professional golfers in the world, prominent politicians, Hollywood celebrities and legendary sports heroes.

There are no shortage of palms on the property, nor birds of paradise, the landscaping is absolutely stunning!

Dining is a “fresh” experience on the property. Fresh ingredients from the farm, the sea and the on-site organic gardens find their way onto each plate served at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. It’s a promise sure to please every palette. Two amazing restaurants with award-winning menus, poolside cafes, Spa cafe, and a lounge will have you cemented to the resort, never worrying about having to leave and find a place to eat! Though I didn’t get to enjoy it, Spa at La Costa has set the gold standard for wellness retreats and was recently named the #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa Magazine and Travel + Leisure’s #4 Spa in North America! It’s one you need to explore and on my bucket list!My stay was amazing, work and play is one of the best combinations! The staff is phenomenal and go above and beyond to help each and every need. For more information, visit http://www.lacosta.com/ to book your stay, your spa appointment, or your conference, you won’t regret it!

The conference was a success, loved meeting so many new people, make some great travel media contacts, and hang out with a few old friends! To learn more about TMS Family Travel and Travel Media Showcase, visit http://www.tmsfamilytravel.com/

My stay was hosted as part of my conference attendance, all opinions are honest and 100% my own.

Omni San Diego: Ideal for a Honeymoon Stay!

July 7, 2014 by The Mom Jen 5 Comments

Omni San Diego Review, Honeymoon in San Diego

Just a few weeks ago I had what I think turned out to be one of the best days of my life. I got married on a summer day to a man who has turned out to be one of the best things that ever could have happened to me. We said our vows in front of our nearest and dearest in front of a gorgeous vineyard with my two children standing up with us to celebrate. I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding or a better future.

To top it off, we managed to swing a honeymoon in southern California in the beautiful city of San Diego. The highlight of that trip? The Omni San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter!

To begin, what a beautiful hotel. It stands out from the street with its presence and a very unique design. We actually felt special pulling up to the valet, which was our first great experience. Everyone from the valet to the bellman to the front desk was SO friendly! They welcomed us and knew right away that this was our honeymoon, congratulating us and sharing in our joy.

When we arrived at our room, we were again impressed. The layout was spacious and the design was very warm and modern.

Our view was incredible, with one window giving us a view of the Pacific ocean, and our large balcony overlooking the city and Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. Omni San Diego Review, Honeymoon in San Diego

There was a game that evening, so we were surrounded by fans everywhere we went. Thankfully they won that night, making them cheerful fans late into the evening.

A great quality of the Omni is its location. It’s located right at the entrance of the Gaslamp Quarter, which is filled with restaurants, hotels, bars with live music and a few other shops mixed in. We walked quite a few blocks to get a feel for it, and stopped for a light lunch before what we knew would be a heavier steak dinner that night. (There’s a Ruth’s Chris Steak House just a quick cab ride away from the hotel, and I promise you it’s worth the trek. Yum.)

When we got back from our walk we were surprised to discover that the Omni had left us a celebratory gift and a note of welcome to their hotel. Sure, we wanted to save some room for our dinner, but we couldn’t ignore the goodness of delicious champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries and biscotti. Thank you, Omni! We felt very fancy. 🙂

The rest of the night with Omni was perfect. We enjoyed our delicious dinner out and then came straight back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of our stay there. It was a perfect evening with lovely weather, so we kept our balcony door open the entire night. We enjoyed hearing the cheers of the Padre fans as they won the game, but if we’d wanted it quiet we could have closed the doors and would barely have heard a thing.

And if we were still sensitive to it, Omni is considerate enough to leave a pair of ear plugs in the night stand drawers on both sides of the bed. Smart! I don’t think I’ve ever seen another hotel be so thoughtful.

For breakfast we opted to go light and picked up some coffee and muffins from Morsels, their downstairs lobby store. I was pleased to discover an actual Starbucks barista with Starbucks options and I was spoiled with a Caramel Macchiato that was fantastic. We lounged downstairs in their lobby which has a large area of couches, tables and tall windows to enjoy the sunlight. We were in no hurry to leave and took our sweet time relaxing.

Eventually we did have to catch our flight home, and we checked out of the Omni. Again, we were impressed with the lobby staff as they bade us farewell, and after our car was brought up quickly we drove away with wonderful memories of our honeymoon. Thank you, Omni, for an incredible experience. We can’t wait to try another Omni hotel in another part of the state or world, and we can’t wait to return to San Diego for a future anniversary.

Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: Merrie is the mother of two beautiful children, newly married, a scrapbooker, a baker, and always fun to be around!

Thank you Omni for the hosted stay, all opinions are 100% ours!

SeaWorld, San Diego: Aquatica Waterpark

May 31, 2013 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM is opening to the public this weekend and is a destination you need to add to your summer bucket list. With everything from water slides, high-speed thrills, a wave pool, beach cabanas, and animal experiences it is fun for all ages.

RIDES AND SLIDES

Whanau Way: Boasts a 60-foot water slide complex featuring six slides, four enclosed and two open air, this
ride is a must on any waterpark enthusiast’s list. The open air slides are slower and a little less scary, especially for kids, or visitors who don’t like enclosed spaces.

HooRoo Run: Choose your own adventure with two enclosed and two open-air slides that are sure to thrill with an 80-foot descent.

Woohoo Falls^®: Adventurers can choose from three water slides with speedy twists and turns, including one in the dark for those up to the challenge.

Kiwi Curl^®: Grab an inner tube and get your adrenaline pumping with one of three 60-foot-tall water slides, and you have an option to slide in the dark.

Walhalla Wave^®: This 78-foot ride is designed for families to enjoy together in a
gigantic tube. This is the only ride that offers a tube life, which means no lugging it up the stairs!

Tassie’s Twister: Plunge down a 75-foot water slide in a multi-person raft through thousands of gallons of swirling water before dropping into a six-story funnel.

ATTRACTIONS

Big Surf Shores^TM: One of the largest wave pools in Southern California with period swells of up to five feet. There is a countdown clock at the end of the pool that lets you know when the waves are going to start. There is also a white sandy beach (43,000 square feet!) to relax on lawn chairs or in private cabanas.

Loggerhead Lane: Swim or float along in an inner tube down a winding 1,250-foot long lazy river, right past a dozen Caribbean flamingos and through fountains. There are smaller tubes available for children.

Walkabout Waters: A four-story interactive and colorful attraction that features slides, hoses, jets, geysers and more. Every five minutes, a 500-gallon bucket unloads water on everyone below!

Kata’s Kookaburra
Cove^®: Children can splash and play safely in this children’s area featuring a pool and ropes.

Slippity Dippity^®: Families with toddlers can splash the day away and let their imagination run rampant as they explore an endless sea of fun at this attraction, which includes kid-sized slides.

DINING

There are several different dining options available including gourmet meals, light bites, and healthy options.

Waterstone Grill: which includes flavors from the south, east, and west and dishes include fish tacos, edamame mixed greens salad wrap, chili verde pulled pork, mandarin orange chicken and hamburgers.

Big Surf Snacks: which is a combination of salty and sweet and includes snacks such as crispy calamari, jalapeño cheese poppers, funnel cake, waffle cones sundaes and pb&j sandwiches.

Mango Market: dishes up pasta, pizza and salads, as well as hot and cold beverages.

Island Market: is where you will find hot dogs, turkey legs and cold beverages.

Rockwater Oasis: is pouring beer, wine and margaritas.

Banana Beach cookout: offers burgers and picnic-style options.

ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

Caribbean Flamingos: At Loggerhead Lane, guests will enjoy not only a lushtropical attraction with a winding 1,250-foot-long lazy river, but also an up-close view of more than a dozen Caribbean flamingos.

Freshwater Turtles: A habitat with dozens of freshwater turtles, representing several species, will live in an exhibit that will feature under- and above-water viewing.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Relax on comfortable lounge chairs, with shaded seating located. Or, splurge a little and reserve a personal cabana, which are available poolside at Big Surf Shores and Loggerhead Lane.

Small and large lockers are available (at varying prices) to store any belongings you don’t want to carry with you all day.

Gift shops and merchandise carts have everything from towels, sunscreen and flip-flops to purchase in case you left anything at home.

Complimentary life vests in all sizes are available and can be found throughout the park.

Find out more including prices and hours by visiting the Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark^TM website.

Special guest post provided to Jen is on a Journey by Tonya Staab, who was provided with complimentary access to Aquatica Waterpark.

Carlsbad, CA: LEGOLAND Water Park

April 16, 2013 by The Mom Jen 5 Comments

We’ve been to LEGOLAND California a hand-full of times now and the past few times we’ve done something new and different. Most recently we visited the Star Wars Miniland and the Sea Life Aquarium. Recently on our trip to cover the grand opening of the LEGOLAND Hotel, we visited the theme park once again and this time focused solely on the Water Park!

Bring your own towels and visit a LEGO themed water area that is perfect for the whole family. With your LEGOLAND park admission, you can park hop right into the Water Park for a few hours to cool off or spend the whole day there. The Water Park also features more than 20 LEGO models including giant LEGO friends who splash or spray water on guests, two sandy beach wading areas, retail shops and snack carts.

Our first stop and home base was the sandy beach adjacent to the Build-a-Raft River. With plenty of chairs and chaise loungers, sand to feel like you’re at the beach, and shade when it gets too warm, I felt like I was truly near the ocean and having your toes dipped in the sand this early in the Spring is just heavenly!My daughter rolled around in the sand for a good 30 minutes, bring a pail and shovel and some kids could enjoy this all day! From here, we could watch the kids line up for the Build-a-Raft River, grabbing an inner-tube and taking a relaxing ride around the park!There is a smaller river, Kid Creek, for little ones. Though I’m so glad my youngest meets the height requirement for the “big kid” slides and such!

Splash Out and Twin Chasers was the hit of the day, I think I watched them go up and slide out about a dozen times!The 45-foot-tall centerpiece of the Water Park pours water into the shallow pool below. My little one loved hanging out here, swimming around and getting doused!

We didn’t get over to the second sandy beach area, but it looked like it could be a scene out of a Carribean island.Even the littlest of water lovers can get into the action at the Water Park’s DUPLO Splash Zoo and Safari.

Cabana rentals are available, lockers provided to keep your valuables safe and dry, and Beach Front Grill offers gourmet burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and quesadillas for when your group gets the munchies!

If you forget your towels like we did, you can buy a LEGOLAND themed one at one of the retail areas and consider it a practical souvenir! Grab yourself some passes and enjoy the LEGOLAND Water Park on your next visit, it’s a splashin’ good time!

Passes were provided, all opinions are 100% are own.