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Shopping in paradise
Orange County's spectacular resort hotels offer a wide array of upscale shops.
By Melissa Adams Published: September 14, 2006
If your idea of a good time is shopping till you drop, Orange County's swanky coastal resorts are a fine place to do both. However, if you don't want to part with $350 to several grand for an overnight stay at one of these posh hotels, you can still savor the resort experience with a day trip to browse for elegant resort wear, upscale accessories, luxury gifts and even fine art. Punctuate your visit with lunch on a sun-kissed patio overlooking a sapphire sea and a visit to a hotel spa or salon, and you are likely to return from your shopping trip relaxed and refreshed instead of frazzled by shopping center crowds.
Unlike a trip to a mall teeming with harried shoppers, a visit to one of the snazzy resorts along a 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Beach and Dana Point puts you in the midst of relaxed guests enjoying resort amenities in a rarified ambiance. Without crowds or parking hassles, you'll enjoy a kinder, gentler shopping experience at prices comparable to those you'd find at upscale department stores.
While most resort hotels feature the kind of ubiquitous boutique for forgotten sundries found at more mundane properties, the four- and five-diamond resorts on Orange County's Gold Coast also incorporate upscale shops where you can uncover treasures unavailable at retail outlets. At L'Zev Boutique in the Mediterranean-style Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, owner Jeana Cason has grown an artistic jewelry store into a source for embroidered handbags by Papillon, trendy women's apparel by Royal Plush and funky accessories like hand-painted shell and leather bracelets by Ashley Franchesca.
Step into the open air Retail Village of this stunning AAA four-diamond resort and find other shops that exude the Surf City vibe, surrounding a courtyard fountain accented with cherubs astride spouting dolphins. The most unique include The Gallery HB, where manager Amy Stock can help you select an original oil or more affordable embellished giclee by Todd White, known for his bold Hollywood scenes captured with signature "Rat Pack-meets-Picasso" style. Don't miss the collection of reasonably priced graphics by former Beach Boy Dean Torrence, rife with classic Woodies and Surf City landmarks.
If you're in the market for men's, women's or children's surf apparel, drop into the Hyatt Regency's Toes on the Nose. In addition to a wide array of products inspired by the art of longboarding, the Adventure Hyatt shop can arrange for lessons and gear for everything you'd need for a day in the sun, from surfboards and wetsuits to beach cruisers and sand toys.
Shopping here, you are always within sound of the sea pounding the sandy shore just across the Pacific Coast Highway, and only have to take a few steps to catch a glimpse of the blue Pacific.
Newport's tony resort hotel
Farther south, against a postcard-perfect backdrop of yachts and bay views, the Balboa Bay Club Resort and Spa is the only full-service waterfront hotel in Newport Beach. While some amenities in the sprawling Italianate property are open only to members of the Balboa Bay Club, a private social establishment since 1948, the public is welcome at resort shops, the chic First Cabin restaurant overlooking the harbor and Duke's Place, the lounge named for legendary John Wayne, who once called Balboa Island home.
Run by retail director Mary Ousley, a former buyer for Disney Retail, the resort's most unique outlet is The Collection, for which Ousley makes annual forays to designer shows in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York in search of distinctive women's wear for sophisticated Newport Beach shoppers. With a cherry-picked selection of beaded Mary Frances handbags and apparel from such popular lines as Alfredo Makali, Kamarov, Magashoni, French Laundry and Zelda, the shop attracts style-conscious regulars who come to shop, lunch and make a day of it at the resort. "I try to find unique lines not available in department stores," says Ousley, who notes that her "core customer" is a size 6 to 10 Newport Beach sophisticate. "I cater to women who want to be fashion forward without appearing like their daughter or granddaughter." With customer service a priority, Ousley makes many special orders for repeat customers as well as first-time patrons.
Should you need to add some sparkle to your designer duds, stop in at the resort's Bruce Lambert Jewelers, where the former owner of Wyndam Leigh in Fashion Island has held court for three years. Specializing in clean-lined custom wedding rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, as well as corporate gifts, Lambert draws a discriminating clientele from the hotel and a loyal base built up over 30 years in business.
Laguna luxury
Taking resort shopping to a new level, style maven Anne Engelerdt-Salcedo has created European-influenced specialty "galleries" at the Craftsman-style Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach, featuring niche luxury brands, emerging designers and boutique items fashioned by family-owned businesses. Rather than lease the retail space to outside vendors as is customary in the hotel industry, Montage management chose to extend the hotel's luxury brand by developing a department to oversee boutique concept, merchandise selection and staffing.
"We're an ultra-luxury hotel with more than 800 associates whose main goal is to make sure you have a memorable experience," Salcedo notes. "While most hotel shops carry touristy merchandise from local areas, I've always set out to bring merchandise straight from Fifth Avenue and Paris runways to the Montage because that is what guests want and that is what they wear." This December, the former retail director for The Ritz will showcase holiday offerings with in-person designer appearances enhanced by complimentary champagne, spiced cider and cookies for shoppers.
Staffed by personal shopping concierges, the intimate Shops at Montage are built around themes ranging from spa and scents to writing papers and resort lifestyle, all reflective of Laguna's artistic soul. At Treasures, choose from a selection of casually elegant resort wear, designer handbags and luxury gifts from noted designers and up-and-coming California talents. Featured lines include Andrew Lloyd's men's collection, the Marisa Schwartz jewelry collection and Isabella Fiore's new shoe collection and must-have handbags.
From The Art of Writing, pick up exclusive stationery, desk accessories and coffee-table books. Also available are European leather-bound journals with fine paper from Amalfi, scented inks and handmade cards. At the adjacent Art of Fragrance, inspired by an old-style apothecary, look for niche fragrances from Santa Maria Novella, DL and Co and Profumi di Firenze. Take home the Montage experience with selections from the Montage Boudoir, offering custom-made amenities found in guest-rooms, including Fili Casa linens, bathrobes and bath products.
South County style
While the Tuscan-inspired St. Regis Resort and Spa in Monarch Beach may have dropped to four stars in the American Automobile Association's 2006 ranking, it is still a world-class resort, and you can still enjoy world-class shopping at Accents Clothing in the hotel. With an international collection of men's and women's designs, manager Janet Waddill caters to locals and guests who come for a refined shopping experience and offerings by Nat Nast, Tommy Bahama, Jhane Barnes, Lillie Pulitzer and Christine Alexander.
"The St. Regis has a high-end caliber of shops that maintain our luxury environment and give our guests more options," comments Kristi Turek, director of public relations. "Our customers enjoy a Tiffany-style experience, whether they're shopping for fine jewelry or designer apparel."
On the lobby level, family-owned Jean Jacques Mamie proffers unique jewelry and timepieces with such exotic gemstones as chocolate diamonds and moonstones by Hidalgo, Honora, Chopard and other recognizable designers. "Since there's no hotel markup, we have great prices," says manager Barbara Martinez.
For the most high-end shoppers, there's the opportunity to make the luxury hotel home by purchasing one of 18 residences at Sea Villas, on the grounds of the exclusive resort. While not for bargain hunters, the three- and four-bedroom plans offer the ultimate in resort style, where you can drop into exclusive shops minutes from your own backyard. OCM
Melissa Adams heads WordGeisha, Ink. She is a regular OC Metro contributor who welcomes your feedback and ideas for covering OC retail at melissa@wordgeisha.com
5-Star Shopping
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; 714.698.1234. Shops include The Gallery HB, Pacific Waters Spa, Surf City Grocers, Surf City Trading Company, Toes on the Nose and L'Zev Boutique.
Balboa Bay Club Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach; 949.645.5000. Shops include the Grog Shop, The Collection, Bruce Lambert Jewelers and the spa shop.
Montage, 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; 949.715.6000. Shops include Art of Fragrance, Art of Writing, Redfern Gallery, Treasures, Salon Montage and the Montage Spa shop.
Ritz-Carlton, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point; 949.240.2000. Shops include Gift & Sundry, Tradition Jewelers and the Ritz-Carlton Spa shop.
St. Regis Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point; 949.234.3200. Shops include Accents Clothing, Jean-Jacques Mamie Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, Lamont's Gift Shop, Vogue Salon and Spa Gaucin. OCM
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Unlike a trip to a mall teeming with harried shoppers, a visit to one of the snazzy resorts along a 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Huntington Beach and Dana Point puts you in the midst of relaxed guests enjoying resort amenities in a rarified ambiance. Without crowds or parking hassles, you'll enjoy a kinder, gentler shopping experience at prices comparable to those you'd find at upscale department stores. While most resort hotels feature the kind of ubiquitous boutique for forgotten sundries found at more mundane properties, the four- and five-diamond resorts on Orange County's Gold Coast also incorporate upscale shops where you can uncover treasures unavailable at retail outlets. At L'Zev Boutique in the Mediterranean-style Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, owner Jeana Cason has grown an artistic jewelry store into a source for embroidered handbags by Papillon, trendy women's apparel by Royal Plush and funky accessories like hand-painted shell and leather bracelets by Ashley Franchesca. Step into the open air Retail Village of this stunning AAA four-diamond resort and find other shops that exude the Surf City vibe, surrounding a courtyard fountain accented with cherubs astride spouting dolphins. The most unique include The Gallery HB, where manager Amy Stock can help you select an original oil or more affordable embellished giclee by Todd White, known for his bold Hollywood scenes captured with signature "Rat Pack-meets-Picasso" style. Don't miss the collection of reasonably priced graphics by former Beach Boy Dean Torrence, rife with classic Woodies and Surf City landmarks. If you're in the market for men's, women's or children's surf apparel, drop into the Hyatt Regency's Toes on the Nose. In addition to a wide array of products inspired by the art of longboarding, the Adventure Hyatt shop can arrange for lessons and gear for everything you'd need for a day in the sun, from surfboards and wetsuits to beach cruisers and sand toys. Shopping here, you are always within sound of the sea pounding the sandy shore just across the Pacific Coast Highway, and only have to take a few steps to catch a glimpse of the blue Pacific. Newport's tony resort hotel Farther south, against a postcard-perfect backdrop of yachts and bay views, the Balboa Bay Club Resort and Spa is the only full-service waterfront hotel in Newport Beach. While some amenities in the sprawling Italianate property are open only to members of the Balboa Bay Club, a private social establishment since 1948, the public is welcome at resort shops, the chic First Cabin restaurant overlooking the harbor and Duke's Place, the lounge named for legendary John Wayne, who once called Balboa Island home. Run by retail director Mary Ousley, a former buyer for Disney Retail, the resort's most unique outlet is The Collection, for which Ousley makes annual forays to designer shows in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York in search of distinctive women's wear for sophisticated Newport Beach shoppers. With a cherry-picked selection of beaded Mary Frances handbags and apparel from such popular lines as Alfredo Makali, Kamarov, Magashoni, French Laundry and Zelda, the shop attracts style-conscious regulars who come to shop, lunch and make a day of it at the resort. "I try to find unique lines not available in department stores," says Ousley, who notes that her "core customer" is a size 6 to 10 Newport Beach sophisticate. "I cater to women who want to be fashion forward without appearing like their daughter or granddaughter." With customer service a priority, Ousley makes many special orders for repeat customers as well as first-time patrons. Should you need to add some sparkle to your designer duds, stop in at the resort's Bruce Lambert Jewelers, where the former owner of Wyndam Leigh in Fashion Island has held court for three years. Specializing in clean-lined custom wedding rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, as well as corporate gifts, Lambert draws a discriminating clientele from the hotel and a loyal base built up over 30 years in business. Laguna luxury Taking resort shopping to a new level, style maven Anne Engelerdt-Salcedo has created European-influenced specialty "galleries" at the Craftsman-style Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach, featuring niche luxury brands, emerging designers and boutique items fashioned by family-owned businesses. Rather than lease the retail space to outside vendors as is customary in the hotel industry, Montage management chose to extend the hotel's luxury brand by developing a department to oversee boutique concept, merchandise selection and staffing. "We're an ultra-luxury hotel with more than 800 associates whose main goal is to make sure you have a memorable experience," Salcedo notes. "While most hotel shops carry touristy merchandise from local areas, I've always set out to bring merchandise straight from Fifth Avenue and Paris runways to the Montage because that is what guests want and that is what they wear." This December, the former retail director for The Ritz will showcase holiday offerings with in-person designer appearances enhanced by complimentary champagne, spiced cider and cookies for shoppers. Staffed by personal shopping concierges, the intimate Shops at Montage are built around themes ranging from spa and scents to writing papers and resort lifestyle, all reflective of Laguna's artistic soul. At Treasures, choose from a selection of casually elegant resort wear, designer handbags and luxury gifts from noted designers and up-and-coming California talents. Featured lines include Andrew Lloyd's men's collection, the Marisa Schwartz jewelry collection and Isabella Fiore's new shoe collection and must-have handbags. From The Art of Writing, pick up exclusive stationery, desk accessories and coffee-table books. Also available are European leather-bound journals with fine paper from Amalfi, scented inks and handmade cards. At the adjacent Art of Fragrance, inspired by an old-style apothecary, look for niche fragrances from Santa Maria Novella, DL and Co and Profumi di Firenze. Take home the Montage experience with selections from the Montage Boudoir, offering custom-made amenities found in guest-rooms, including Fili Casa linens, bathrobes and bath products. South County style While the Tuscan-inspired St. Regis Resort and Spa in Monarch Beach may have dropped to four stars in the American Automobile Association's 2006 ranking, it is still a world-class resort, and you can still enjoy world-class shopping at Accents Clothing in the hotel. With an international collection of men's and women's designs, manager Janet Waddill caters to locals and guests who come for a refined shopping experience and offerings by Nat Nast, Tommy Bahama, Jhane Barnes, Lillie Pulitzer and Christine Alexander. "The St. Regis has a high-end caliber of shops that maintain our luxury environment and give our guests more options," comments Kristi Turek, director of public relations. "Our customers enjoy a Tiffany-style experience, whether they're shopping for fine jewelry or designer apparel." On the lobby level, family-owned Jean Jacques Mamie proffers unique jewelry and timepieces with such exotic gemstones as chocolate diamonds and moonstones by Hidalgo, Honora, Chopard and other recognizable designers. "Since there's no hotel markup, we have great prices," says manager Barbara Martinez. For the most high-end shoppers, there's the opportunity to make the luxury hotel home by purchasing one of 18 residences at Sea Villas, on the grounds of the exclusive resort. While not for bargain hunters, the three- and four-bedroom plans offer the ultimate in resort style, where you can drop into exclusive shops minutes from your own backyard. OCM Melissa Adams heads WordGeisha, Ink. She is a regular OC Metro contributor who welcomes your feedback and ideas for covering OC retail at melissa@wordgeisha.com 5-Star Shopping Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; 714.698.1234. Shops include The Gallery HB, Pacific Waters Spa, Surf City Grocers, Surf City Trading Company, Toes on the Nose and L'Zev Boutique. Balboa Bay Club Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach; 949.645.5000. Shops include the Grog Shop, The Collection, Bruce Lambert Jewelers and the spa shop. Montage, 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; 949.715.6000. Shops include Art of Fragrance, Art of Writing, Redfern Gallery, Treasures, Salon Montage and the Montage Spa shop. Ritz-Carlton, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point; 949.240.2000. Shops include Gift & Sundry, Tradition Jewelers and the Ritz-Carlton Spa shop. St. Regis Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point; 949.234.3200. Shops include Accents Clothing, Jean-Jacques Mamie Fine Jewelry & Timepieces, Lamont's Gift Shop, Vogue Salon and Spa Gaucin. OCM |
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