Leisure

FEATURE : FRUGAL FUNHOTEL MAYA OVERLOOKING PALMERAS SKYLINEPhoto courtesy of Paul Dyer2009 SUMMER AND MUSICPhoto courtesy of Robert MatthiasAVIA ROOFTOP POOLPhoto courtesy of AVIA Long BeachDLBA approached Rand Foster, owner of Fingerprints in BelmontShore, and Justin Hectus, past president of the Arts Council forLong Beach, to transform the series — and they delivered.Not only was the series revitalized, it made a positive impact onlocal businesses, drawing thousands to the waterfront and thecity’s newest green space, Promenade Square. It’s a great way tospend the summer with thousands of your closest neighbors andexperience the energy of downtown Long Beach. “We are confidentthat this year’s SAM will be bigger, better, and more successfulthan its inaugural season,” said Sheldon.HEAD TO CATALINAIf it’s an easy day-trip you’re after, look no further than CatalinaIsland. With a recent $11 million renovation, two island favoriteshave been transformed into must-see destinations. The PavilionHotel has been upgraded from its mid-1950s roots into an eleganthideaway, perfect for a quick escape from urban living. TheDescanso Beach Club now includes 14 private cabanas, 50 teakchaise lounges complete with umbrellas, and an expanded beachthat makes room for two fire rings.The highlight of the renovation, however, is the Catalina Zip LineEco Tour, a wildly successful two-hour, five zip line tour, the onlyone of its kind in Southern California.“I have never been associated with anything that has received aresponse like the zip line,” said Brad Wilson, Chief Marketing Officerof the Santa Catalina Island Company. “It is very, very unique.People who go, totally love it.”In operation for only two months, the zip line tour has sold out nearly40JUNE 2010 TRAVEL & LEISURE