Staycation Archives - Queen Bee Latina

Girl’s Getaway: Harrah’s Resort SoCal & Café Tacuvba Concert

Last weekend, my primas (cousins) and I embarked on an EPIC family adventure! We left the kiddos and hubby’s at home, and made our way to Harrah’s Resort SoCal in Funner, California for a mini girl’s staycation. We also booked tickets for the Café Tacuvba’s 30th Anniversary Concert!

Sometimes we need to disconnect and get a break from mom life. This was exactly what we needed to recharge and get some girl time.

Thank you Harrah’s Resort SoCal for hosting us at your gorgeous resort. All opinions are my own.

The resort was an easy hour and a half drive out of Orange County. The drive up was lovely. The property is a hidden oasis, tucked away in the mountains.

The suites at Harrah’s SoCal were spacious and chic.

When we were kids, we loved to have sleepovers. My inner child was ecstatic about reconnecting and catching up with #LasPrimasLopez. (our weekend hashtag)

We talked and caught up on the family gossip, and reminisced about our childhood. We barely slept, because we had so much to share!

We worked up an appetite after the pool, so we looked for somewhere to eat.

There are several restaurants and quick eateries to choose from at the resort. We dined at The Buffet, that way everyone can eat what their palates desired. The food options were endless and delicious. It was so hard to choose!

How does my meal look?

They had a huge selection of things to try. It was seriously so hard to choose! We went back a few more times. Hehehe

Ohhhh and the desserts were OMG…

I have a weakness for sweets. The desserts at the buffet were incredible. I keep thinking about these mini Tiramisu cups. They were insane good!

The spa was heavenly, and I decided to take advantage of the wonderful amenities.

11,000 square feet
15 treatment rooms (including a couples room)
Cedar lined saunas
Steam rooms
Saltwater baths
Relaxation lounges
Full-service salon
Barbershop

To book an appointment, call 760-751-7709.

I chose the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial. Still a week later, my skin feels soft, rejuvenated, and even looks brighter. You can choose from a 50 or 80 minute treatment. It was sooo worth it.

About The Treatment
Oxygen under pressure is applied directly to the skin’s surface, cooling and calming the skin while restoring its natural vitality and glow.

Some of my best childhood memories are with this crazy bunch. Harrah’s Resort SoCal was perfect for our mini adventure.

We enjoyed cocktails by the pool, floated on this Lazy River, and shared great conversation.

This resort is kid friendly and great for families too!

Oh and of course just had to have matching t-shirts for the Café Tacuvba Concert.

My prima and I met with the band before the show. We were OHHH so excited!

Another pinch me moment!

The Café Tacuvba concert was sensational. Still after 30 years, these guys put on an unbelievable show. It brought us back to our youth. We shared how much we love their music, and how their tunes have followed us throughout our lives.

The resort and service was exceptional. We will definitely return with our families for another getaway.

The shenanigans, belly laughs, and music will go down in our memory book…

¡Gracias Harrah’s Resort SoCal!

#LasPrimasLopez

777 Harrah’s Rincon Way
Funner, CA 92082Phone: (760) 751-3100

The Perfect Family “Daycation” in Marina Del Rey California

Seize the day! Sun, sand, and family fun…

Last week, we explored a SoCal travel gem in Marina Del Rey, California. We didn’t have to travel far for this fabulous mini getaway! In fact, it was only an hour drive out of OC for the perfect family “daycation.”

This adorable and colorful beach town combines a picture perfect marina, excellent waterfront restaurants, and numerous summer activities.

It was so nice to just get a away, disconnect, and feel like we are somewhere abroad…

Disclosure : A special thanks to Marina Del Rey CVB for hosting our wonderful family daycation. All opinions are my own.

We started our day at 7:15 a.m. at dock 52, for some sport fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing! (it was easy to find parking in the early am).

We told the staff we were newbies at fishing, and were extremely patient and helpful with hooking our bait and casting our lines.

Here are some helpful tips if you plan on fishing with Spitfire Sportsfishing:

A California fishing license is required. (it can be purchased on the boat)
You can bring your own ice chest to pack your “catch of the day”
Pack your own food and drinks
Pack jackets- it can get really cold in the marina
Carry cash on hand. No credit cards or debit cards are accepted for the excursion
Delicious & fresh food is available on boat (cash only)
Fishing equipment included in price of excursion
Fish can be cut and cleaned for $1 dollar a fish

About Spitfire Sportfishing

Conveniently located in Marina Del Rey, CA. The 65’ x22 ft. United States Coast Guard inspected Vessel Spitfire runs daily, year round out of Marina Del Rey Sportfishing . Built in the mid 1990’s the Spitfire is a fast ,modern, roomy fishing vessel with state of the art fish finding electronics and large bait capacity. The grade A galley seats 25 comfortably and serves hot and cold meals as well as ice cold beer and soda.

Within minutes of arriving at our ocean destination, we felt our lines tug. My son’s smile was ear to ear when he caught his very first fish. “Look mom, I did it!” ~ Simply priceless.

The ocean breeze and the crisp air was refreshing. Oh and the views were simply stunning!

It was so nice to see my girls disconnect from their devices, laugh, and just spend time as a family.

Check her out! In no time, we were catching 2-3 fish at a time…

By the end of our fishing tour, we caught about 50+ fish! Never in our wildest dreams, did we think we could catch so many. It was a wonderful bonding experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

Next… After our fishing trip, we decided to eat brunch at Beachside.

To our bellies delight, Beachside offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. It was difficult to decide on breakfast or lunch, because everything on the menu sounded so good. So we ordered both!

We sat in front of the marina, and enjoyed the sensational view. We could see families on the sand playing and laughing. The sea breeze kissed our cheeks. It was sooo nice!

These Crab Cakes Benedict (above) were covered in a rich cream sauce. They sat on garden fresh arugula.

About Beachside

Located on waterfront in Marina del Rey, the newly redesigned Beachside Restaurant & Bar offers fresh California cuisine and innovative creations for a savory menu in an unparalleled beachfront setting. Executive Chef Victor Morales takes Marina del Rey seafood restaurant to the next level by creating decadent and thought-provoking dishes, using only the best seasonal ingredients available, providing a truly unique culinary experience for patrons to dive into.

My Tori daughter devoured her Lobster Pasta within minutes. The al dente pasta was prepared in a rich sauce, and was delectably garnished with lobster tails, and fresh peas.

The crispy chicken and waffles was insane delcious! The bread was toasted to perfection, and melted in my mouth. The fried chicken absorbed the sweet syrup perfectly.

Last, we hit “Mother’s” Beach for a stand-up paddleboard experience with Pro SUP
Shop, located in the rental truck at the far end of the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot.

Our friendly guide, showed us the beauty of Marina Del Rey, giving us a personal tour of the scenic views. Sea lions greeted us with their presence, and gondolas past us by. A very in love elderly couple held hands and greeted us as we paddled by. It was just beautiful.

About Pro SUP Shop

The calm flat water of Mother’s Beach, Marina Del Rey is the best place in the Los Angeles area to learn the sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking, Pro SUP Shop’s professional ASI & WPA Certified Instructors will help guide you into the fastest growing water sport in the world! Everyone sent out at Pro SUP Shop receives a lesson of instruction and safety procedures.

Pro SUP Shop is located in the Jamaica Bay Inn parking lot right on the enclosed waveless beach for hassle free stand up paddle board and kayak rentals. We’ll have your board or kayak on the beach and ready to go in just minutes.

4175 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
1-310-989-4350; https://www.prosupshop.com

Marina Del Rey is a SoCal hidden gem, and our summer “daycation” was perfect. Our family will forever cherish this day in our hearts.

Marina Del Rey–Where living in the moment means paddleboarding to breakfast. Seizing the day can be a mid-morning sailing lesson, parasailing over the marina, or cycling to Venice Beach. Embracing an evening is toasting the sunset and dancing under the star-kissed sky on a harbor cruise. It’s all here … What will your Marina adventure be?

10 Incredible Reasons To Staycation With Your Family At Pechanga Resort Casino

Are you looking for a family friendly getaway?

If so, Pechanga Resort Casino is a great option!

“WOW, LOOK AT THIS HOTEL!” my son screamed as we drove up to the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula for our staycation. He tugged on my arm, “Do they have a pool?” I stood in astonishment in the beautiful lobby. A gorgeous fountain stood before us, while native artifacts were conserved in glass cases.

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians’ officially opened March 3rd in front of the all-glass enclosed lobby, and kicked off a stunning weekend of concerts, firework displays and VIP parties that officially opened the Tribe’s $300 million resort expansion.

Now the largest resort/casino on the West Coast, Pechanga Resort Casino offers guests approachable luxury with subtle elements of the Tribe’s Native heritage woven into architectural and resort experiences. This major expansion added 568 AAA Four Diamond hotel rooms and suites, a 4.5-acre pool complex, two additional restaurants, a two-level luxury spa with fitness and yoga studio, and another 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space including the 40,000 square foot Pechanga Summit.

Here Are 10 Incredible Reasons To Head To Pechanga Resort Casino for a family staycation.

There is something for everyone in the family!

1. New Pechanga Hotel Rooms & Suites

Five new room types have been added to Pechanga’s lineup with the addition of its Resort Tower. The second tower complements the other 522 rooms and suites in the Casino Tower.

Disclosure: Thank you Pechanga Resort Casino for hosting my family at your beautiful resort. All opinions are my own.

We checked into our hotel room. The suite was bright and chic. The luxurious white comforters and beds were comfortable and cozy. An upscale shower greeted my eyes. Ahhh I think to myself, ” I needed this.” I lied on the bed, and ate some chocolate almonds. This place is great to disconnect and relax…

Check out our incredible view from our hotel room!

2. Shows & Entertainment

On Friday night comic Vince Carone was headlined at the Comedy Club. There is a great line up of shows, live performances, and comedians worth making a trip for. For a list of upcoming shows, visit the Pechanga website.

3. Food

On night one we attended a welcome reception, “Taste of Pechanga” featuring foods from among Pechanga’s 13 delicious restaurants. We sampled the local wines, Craft Cocktails and Mocktails. There was a great variety for all foodie palates.

Juicy scallops, perfectly slices meats, and the fresh crisp salads were flavorful and delicious. I turned around to see Andrew try to stuff his pockets with chocolate strawberries and rice krispies. OMG this kid!

My daughter stood by an ice tea jug, “THIS IS BETTER THAN ANY STARBUCKS TEA IVE EVER TRIED!” The food options were wonderful and delicious. We were in a food coma after our sensational feast!

Lobby Bar & Grill

Here are some of our favorite food highlights during our stay…

Breakfast at Blends Coffee & Wine Bar at Pechanga
Breakfast/Brunch at Journey’s End
Lunch at Coveside Grill (inside The Cove pool complex)
Dinner at Lobby Bar & Grill

4. AMAZING Pool & Water Slides

We spent several hours at “The Cove” – Pechanga’s new 4 ½ acre pool complex. The pool and water attractions were a dream.

The waterpark is great for little ones too!

My son ripped of his shirt, and jumped into the pool. Andrew swam up to me, gave me a wet kiss, and thanked me for what he described as the “best trip ever.”

My son yelled, “GUYS THERE”S A WATER SLIDE! LETS GO!” The kids ran in sync towards the slides. They played for hours.

I ordered a cocktail, and worked on my tan. It was really nice…

5. Golf Course

Do you like to golf? If so, the golf course at Pechanga is incredible…

Kid golf lessons are available with a Pechanga PGA Instructor too!

My little guy was thrilled to meet and train with PGA Instructor Randy Chang. He was very patient, and took the time to explain the game to him.

After my son’s lesson, he felt like a pro!

6. Great Location For Private Parties

If you are planning a birthday party, wedding, bachelor or bachelorette party, or need a just cuz getaway. Pechanga is the ideal spot for this…

During our visit, I took a private tour with the staff to see the beautiful wedding sites, bride and groom ready rooms, group meeting breakout rooms and new Pechanga Summit event center.

7. Disconnect, Relax, and Rejuvenate At The New Spa

The new Spa Pechanga encompasses two levels connected with a beautiful spiral staircase. It features 17 treatment rooms, outdoor cabana massage services, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a dedicated spa pool and two indoor hydrotherapy pools, plus a hair and nail salon. The salon offers hair, nail, make-up and even a full suite of barbering services.

My daughter was thrilled to spend some quality time with her mama at the spa. We both got mani and pedis.

I felt refreshed after spending time at the gorgeous spa. The staff was upbeat, friendly, and professional.

The Spa pass gives guests access to the lounge with sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, and private spa pool and cabanas…

pechanga-resort-casino

“Healing is integral throughout your journey here at Spa Pechanga. Our new menu items are designed to awaken and relieve the five senses after each treatment,” said Whitney Tabor, Spa Pechanga Manager. “The Pechanga tribe used native white sage to cleanse and purify the body, so we made sure that the white sage properties, as well as other native Pechanga plants and flora, are prevalent in the new treatments. They areorganic and fresh since you can find them right outside the door on tribal lands and most importantly, leave our guests refreshed and restored.”

New Spa Pechanga menu items include:

Spicy & Icy Facial: An 80-minute facial designed to restore tired and sagging skin on the face and neck.This signature facial incorporates cinnamon, which reduces inflammation and a cooling ionic mask. Spicy & Icy takes you through warm and cold to induce blood vessels to expel impurities, leaving your skin firmer, glowing and radiant.
Tandem Massage: Two therapists work in concert, mirroring each other’s movements across your back, neck, arms, legs and scalp to induce extreme relaxation and alleviate tension and soreness.
Reflexology Foot Soak: This treatment provides relief to overworked ankles, legs and feet. A copper tub is filled with distilled water and healing stones to lift out impurities. Feet receive a 50 or 80-minute massage and reflexology treatment that can help ailments in other areas of the body. To finish, guests receive a balancing tea made from cleansing white sage leaves and other native plants.

Wakeup Yoga at Spa Pechanga (1 hour mixed levels)

If you need to stretch or get some exercise, Yoga class and a gym is available.

Location: Spa Pechanga Movement Studio inside of the Fitness Center

9. The Casino

For those of you that like to gamble, hit the slots and the tables!

10. Explore Temecula & Local Excursions

During our stay we took a wonderful ballon ride with, ” A Grape Escape.” The views of the vineyards left me breathless.

Other fun things to do in Temecula:

Wine Tasting
Balloon Ride
Hiking
Visit Old Town Temecula
Museums

Our staycation at Pechanga Resort Casino was memorable. I would definitely return with family and friends. There was something for everyone in my family. The staff was incredible, and the hotel accommodations surpassed my overall expectations. We can’t wait to return for another fabulous getaway!

Location:

Pechanga Resort + Casino (45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA, 92592)

Social:

FB: @pechanga | Twitter: @pechangacasino | IG: @pechangacasino | #pechangacasino

Pronunciation: Pechanga is pronounced “Pe-CHONG-ah”

10 Awesome Things To Do With Your Kids At Great Wolf Lodge During The Holidays

Happy Howlidays!

Snowland has begun at Great Wolf Lodge in SoCal and you don’t want to miss out!

I recently took a day trip with my kiddos to the incredible resort and we had a blast..

If you are looking for a staycation spot for the family during winter break, Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderful place to visit during the holidays. Great Wolf Lodge is now enrolling for the winter 2017/18 snow-mester at North Pole University. Your kids will delight in completing holiday themed activities and receiving their official “Snowploma.”

Thank you Great Wolf Lodge for inviting us to play at your resort. All Opinions are my own.

Here is a list of awesome things to do during your visit that I want to share with you!

1. Eat cookies with Mrs. Clause! Children have the opportunity to decorate cookies in the Gingerbread House with Santa’s leading lady.

2. Enjoy hot cocoa with a Great Wolf Kid. Guests can customized their cocoa by adding toppings, or a favorite libation for the parents.

3. Prance the evening away with neon glow sticks under falling snowflakes at the Snow ‘n’ Glow Dance Party.

4. Cozy up with your family and watch a holiday movie in the Grand Lobby.

As we walked into the lobby, we could smell gingerbread and other lovely sweets… It was heavenly!

This life-sized gingerbread house is constructed from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread dough, 1,300 pounds of sugar and hundreds of candies.

5. Dine in the gingerbread house! (a small donation required to the Ronald McDonald House)

Dine at a GWL Restaurant

Now the food… Wowza! So much to choose from.

My hungry wolf pack loves the delicious food at the resort. Great Wolf Lodge offers several dining options at the resort including:

Great Wolf Lodge offers gluten free options, and the culinary teams are well versed in common food allergies and dietary restrictions.

There is a little something for everyone’s palate!

6. Play In the GINORMOUS Indoor Water Park

The water park is a MUST and one of our favorite places to play at the resort. Take a plunge on one of their incredible water slides, or just relax and float on crooked creek. (my personal favorite)

7. MagiQuest Game– My son really enjoyed the MagiQuest game! Immerse yourself in Vellara, the realm of imagination, as you help the Guardians to protect the realm portals. Along the way, befriend the Treetop Pixies, battle the evil dragon, Charlock, fight to defeat the Goblin King, and earn the title of Master Magi.

8. One Ten Paw Alley-My pack loves to bowl… Put on your own paw wear and find out how our half-length lanes and five-pound balls make bowling come alive for toddlers, teens and tall ones alike.

9. Howl At The Moon-Oooh check out the “Howl At The Moon” glow in the dark mini golf course! Dazzlingly colorful, nature-themed challenges follow glowing pathways under a moonlit sky. Get your glow golf game on and howl at the moon as you engage in this black-light-illuminated take on a family vacation favorite.

10. Play Games At the Arcade

My son really loved the GIGANTIC arcade. It is full of bright lights and awesome games. He said, “This is video game heaven mom!” He seriously cracks me up…

great-wolf-suite — Photo credit to Great Wolf Lodge

The resort is family friendly and ideal for big families. There are several different room options to choose from.

Snowland Suite

The rooms are spacious and comfortable. During Snowland Days, book a holiday suite! (Limited amount of decorated rooms available) Speak to a GWL representative for more information.

Kid Cabin Interior

great-wolf-cabin — Photo credit to Great Wolf Lodge

Wolf Den Suite

Don’t forget to pick up a pair of the holiday wolf ears!

We had a memorable day at the resort. Thank you Great Wolf Lodge for hosting us. We can’t wait to visit again!

6 Important Reasons To Go Camping With Your Kids

My fondest childhood memories were spent in Rosarito, B.C. Mexico. Every summer my family spent time at my grandparent’s humble home by the beach. We had no running water, and we slept in small rooms in their casita (small house). We were completely disconnected from television, our CalecoVision and Atari, and we didn’t mind. We were content with taking hikes and enjoying the splendid nature that surrounded us. We sang, “Vamos a La Playa,” as we walked to the beach.

My tios (uncles) sang classic ballads in the evenings as we gathered around the porch. We stared at the stars in the sky, and let our imaginations run free. We told “La Llorana” ghost stories as we sat by a fire. Life was simple, but great.

These treasures are vivid in my memory book, and I want to share this unique experience with my kids. This is why I love camping!

Last month my family went to explore Ventura Ranch KOA Campground in Santa Paola, California. It was only a two and a half hour drive out of Orange County. We stayed in the Park Model RV. It was so nice to get out of the city and relax.

The Deluxe Cabin had had 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. It was the perfect spot for our weekend staycation. This cabin includes kitchen with utensils, dining area, and living room.

Ready to plan a camping adventure of your own? Check out GoRVing.com for info on how to get started, where to find campgrounds with Park Model cabins like the wonderful one we stayed in, what to bring, simple campfire recipes and so much more!

Here are 6 Important Reasons to Go Camping with your Family:

1. Camping bonds families.

Camping allows families to disconnect from the city hustle and bustle and spend quality time together. It’s so important to talk to kids and create a dialog between parents and children.

My family is always on the go. Between work, school, and activities, we rarely have time to talk. It was so nice to hear what was going in each of our kid’s daily lives.

2. Nature is therapeutic.

It’s important to disconnect and enjoy nature. Nature is calming, and research shows that being outdoors in nature significantly reduces stress. (parents benefit too) Kids and teens benefit from their experiences in nature more than any other population, particularly in the area of academic performance.

It’s not always easy to get my teenage daughter out of house. Clarissa said she loved spending Earth Day at Ventura Ranch KOA.

The fresh air and scenic views are incredible. This was our stunning view from the Deluxe 2 bedroom RV.

3. The outdoors inspires creativity.

When children disconnect from technology, they are required to use their imagination. When they explore outdoors, they are surrounded by amazing sights, smells, and sounds. This heightens all senses, which then stimulates creativity.

My 10 year old son felt inspired to take this photograph of a wild peacock that was roaming around in the campground. I loved hearing him tell creative creepy stories, while we sat around our campfire.

Ventura Ranch KOA offers awesome activities for families:

Bigfoot night adventure walk
Bigfoot Watering Hole
Nature Walk
Tie-dye T-shirts
Zip Line
Rock Climbing Tower

and much more…..

4. Nature is a powerful teacher.

Not all classrooms have four walls. Nature is a powerful teacher. There are so many things that kids can learn hands-on outdoors, that they cannot learn sitting in a classroom. Playing outdoors also enhances problem-solving ability, and self-discipline, and cognitive flexibility in children.

My family talked talked about wildlife conservation as we walked on the nature trail. We named different plants and animals that we spotted in the area. We saw hummingbirds, wild peacocks, squirrels, and even encountered a skunk. Yikes! My son also enjoyed learning about the Chumash indians that once resided in this area.

Andrew was thrilled to try on retired Park Ranger, Richard Roja’s from Latino Outdoors official hat.

5. Camping gets the kids outdoors and exercising!

Hiking, rock climbing, and swimming is great exercise. All of these activities will get the heart rate up and blood flowing.

My son broke a sweat when he climbed on this rock tower at the campground.

6. Camping inspires kids to be adventurous!

When kids are outdoors they begin to explore, build confidence, and try new things.

It was so nice to see my daughter off her cell phone and hit the Zip Line for her first time. She was a little nervous at first, then in no time she was boarding a higher zip line. I loved watching her get out of her comfort zone and try something new!

I felt rejuvenated and re-energized after this trip…

We had a fabulous time at the Ventura Ranch KOA Campground in our GoRVing cabin. I look forward to more family travel and exploration with them!

Thank you GoRving and KOA for hosting my family at the Ventura Ranch KOA Campground. All opinions and adventures are my own.