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Success! 5 Generation Family Reunion
Stunning sunsets, sparkling waters, and sandy beaches are daily sights in Newport Beach, one of the toniest resort beach cities in Southern California. Along the peninsula’s shore, the busy harbor bustles with pleasure crafts and tour boats, while surfers tackle the hot spots along the city’s beaches. Almost midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach is located 9 minutes away from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, 30 minutes from Long Beach Airport, and 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. Its amazing range and perfect mix of attractions make it a natural magnet for families.
Five generations of our family, 21 members ranging from 20-months to 93-years-old, chose beautiful Newport Beach for our reunion. Surrounded by gardens overflowing with bougainvillea and hibiscus, the über-chic Island Hotel Newport Beach, in the heart of Newport Center, became our family’s favorite homebase. Adjacent to the legendary Fashion Island, this regal 20-story enclave boasts sweeping views of the shimmering Pacific Ocean and the natural beauty of the nearby isles of Balboa, Lido and Catalina.
The Island Hotel is the perfect springboard for many nearby activities. In summer, there is water fun at the Newport Dunes Aquatic Fun Park (1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 800/765-7661), a great place for the entire family, which even offers a baby playground and Mother's Beach. In season, there are giant inflatable sports novelties including two huge “icebergs,” a water version of a giant teeter-totter, a climbing dome, floating lily pads and a water trampoline. Year-round rentals of pedal boats, kayaks, windsurfers, sailboats, catamarans and electric boats are available here.
Experience Southern California's premier coastal lusury shopping destination, Fashion Island (949/721-2000; 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660). Reminiscent of a Mediterranean-style village, there are more than 200 specialty shops, including Orange County’s only Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. But don't spend too much time here. Nearby watersports -- including waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving -- are located just minutes away from Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. For those who prefer staying on land for recreation, there’s bicycling along the boardwalk or along the numerous bike trails; hot-air ballooning; and horseback riding.
We had lots of fun at Knott's Berry Farm (714/220-5200; 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA 90620)) in nearby Buena Park. What was once an actual berry farm is now a 160-acres theme park offering world-class rides, unique family shows and one-of-a-kind attractions. The kids and adults went on the GhostRider, Supreme Scream, Rip Tide, Perilous Plunge and Boomerang. We screamed and cheered on the new thrill rides including the Sierra Sidewinder, a coaster that puts a new twist on speed and spin, and Xcelerator, The Ride. At the park's Camp Snoopy, we took part in the Charlie Brown Speedway, JoeCool's GR8 SK8 and the Snoopy Bounce. We played the arcade games, won lots of prizes, and enjoyed lunch at T.G.I. Friday's.
A Luxury Family-Welcoming Resort
Reflecting Southern California’s sun-splashed lifestyle, is the Island Hotel Newport Beach (888/321-4752; 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660), which was just awarded the AAA coveted Five Diamond status for the 17th consecutive year. Crisp finishing touches encompassed the 295 guestrooms and suites furnished in European style and decorated in subtle shades of sage, camel, taupe and yellow. Our family had a variety of seven types of accommodations, each with a private balcony and either a garden or sweeping ocean panoramas. They were all spacious and were able to accommodate two adults and up to three children in easy comfort. There were marble bathrooms with thick cotton towels and terry robes, plush new Stearns & Foster beds with luxurious 300 threadcount bed linens, chenille throws, and plump goose down pillows.
The hotel treated every member of our family as a special guest. Upon arrival, the adults found fresh fruit and chilled bottled water in their rooms. The young ones were absolutely thrilled with their special welcome of a huge, yummy cookie decorated with "X"s and "O"s. An adorable, soft-stuffed monkey, a logo of the hotel, was theirs to keep. The kids and teens, as well as the adults, felt right at home with the hotel's up-to-the-minute technology -- wireless Internet access, 42" plasma screen HDTV with Cable service and DVD/CD stereo systems.
We were very pleased with the concierge service that was always ready to assist our large group with suggestions and directions. The twice-daily housekeeping services were greatly appreciated, and the beautiful shell and chocolate left on our pillows were fun to discover each night. Making our stay even more special was the superior service from the entire staff that was always smiling, and more than happy to comply with any reasonable request the kids or adults had.
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