Rejuvenate, Relax, and Destress at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Sometimes I need a break…

From time to time I want to feel pampered, and feel like the world is on pause for a few hours. I work 3 jobs, and am a mother of 4. Sorry dads, but being a mom is like 6 jobs in one. I’m basically a magician and professional juggler. My girlfriends knew I was in need of some serious rest and relaxation, and a massage.

Then, the heavens opened up for my birthday and my girls and I went to Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Temescal Valley, California.

Thank you Glen Ivy Hot Springs for hosting my visit. All opinions are my own.

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a luxurious hidden paradise. The drive out of OC was an easy 45 minute drive. It was my first time at the spa, and at a glance it was breathtaking. Why haven’t I been here sooner?

The amenities at this sensational day spa has 19 pools, saunas, a fitness class, massages, facial and nail care service, along with Club Mud. (they recommend you book 4 weeks in advance to ensure you get a spot).

This hidden oasis is just what I needed to disconnect and breathe.

I have realized that taking time for myself, completely changes my mindset. It’s important recharge, so I can be the best version of me.

Oh and let me tell you about my marvelous massage…

Spa Wave Massage

The Spa Wave Table combines gentle sound waves, and specially designed music with a highly efficient vibration massage system. While the special sounds slow down the mental activity, the vibration massage acts specifically on the energy centers of the body. This innovative sound massage system combines the effects of deep relaxation techniques as well as meditation and mindfulness.

The Spa Wave offers an extraordinary relaxation and anti-stress experience. I felt so relaxed and mentally sound after this dreamy massage.

Ivy Kitchen

The Ivy Kitchen was conveniently located on the Spa grounds. The girls and I shared a lovely lunch filled with belly laughs and good conversation. We talked about the stress of our daily lives, and how we need to make time for ourselves to be better moms.

Their farm-to-table philosophy means they source organic and locally grown ingredients whenever possible. The avocados are harvested from trees growing on their property. If they are running low, the staff often rushes the orchards to pick more.

The Poke Salad was fresh, crisp, and tasty…

I can’t stress how important it is to take care of yourself. Being a mother and provider can be exhausting. “Researchers, who examined individuals’ emotional exhaustion, cynicism and professional effectiveness, discovered that women are more likely to suffer burnout.”-NAFE

After my INCREDIBLE massage, we made our way to Club Mud. We immersed ourselves in the spring water mud pool and slathered our wet skin with California red clay. It’s blended into a silky soft paste with mineral water. We baked in the sun and in the warm ‘Wafa’ cave. We washed off the dry mud when it became loose and flaky on the skin.

After I washed off , my skin was glowing, was smooth to the touch. I had been ignoring my skin’s dull appearance for weeks, because I really just don’t have the time.

Girl time at Glen Ivy Hot Springs is just what I needed to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate.

Ladies! Ignore your mental lists, order take out instead of cooking, go out on date nights, and take that weekend for yourself. YOU DESERVE IT!

GLEN IVY HOT SPRINGS
25000 Glen Ivy Road
Temescal Valley, CA 92883

1-888-GLEN IVY

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 ReyWhere 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?