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
every weekend, and even weekdays are filling fast, Wilson said.with live entertainment.Starting nearly 600 feet above Avalon, each guided, 12-persontour travels along five individual zip lines totaling 4,000 feet. Ridersreach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in a gradual descentacross Descanso Canyon.Each zip line lands on a wooden eco station, with each platformholding information on the island’s environment and history. It’sa nice opportunity to learn about our neighbor across the sea.“Being as close as we are to Long Beach, people don’t realize thatyou would have to travel a lot in order to get the type of experiencewe are offering — you would have to go to a destination muchfarther away than where we are now. This is the only zip line like thisin Southern California, and with all you can experience in Avalon,you are only an hour’s boat ride away,” said Wilson.PAMPER YOURSELFOver at the Pike, the 138-room AVIA Long Beach offers residents astaycation discount to enjoy its Rooftop Pool Deck, complete withoversized umbrellas, sunshades, and ocean view. Breakfast at theAVIA Kitchen features fresh local fruits and homemade granola,and in the evening, its Lounge features a small plate menu.If a friendly neighborhood spa is your cup of tea, Ambiance Skincarein Belmont Heights offers last-minute specials on its Facebookpage and monthly specials on its website.Some of Ambiance’s treatments include detox body wraps andsugar scrubs, as well as facials and sunless airbrush tanning —just in time to sport a bronzed look at the beach this summer.From archery ranges in the park to the zen of a moment alone, thecity offers countless options for a summer of frugal fun. Even thecity’s top ambassadors will be jumping into the action.For those who find inactivity the ideal vacation, the city’s world-classhotels and spas are just for you. This summer, the 197-room HotelMaya makes it easy for residents to enjoy a weekend away with its“Road Trip” packages, which include accommodations, summerdrinks, complimentary parking, and even a souvenir postcard.The pet-friendly, waterfront hotel will host Sunday pool partiesthroughout the summer, in addition to its Fiesta Domingo brunchIt’s a perfect reminder that your best summer getaway can befound right here at home, said Forney, an outdoor enthusiast whowill be spending his free time on the city’s 64 miles of bike trails.“It’s all about getting out in your own community and exploring,”Forney noted. nlongbeachmagazine.com 41