by Candice Merril

There are so few beach cities in SoCal that are not overrun, over-parked or over-used. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a secret place where the beaches are beautiful and the people are few? Oh yeah and you can be there in a couple of hours. I just spent a relaxing weekend in a place just like that. Oxnard. You heard me right, that town along the 101 known for its strawberries and fresh produce also has some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches.

A wide expanse of golden sand dotted with palm trees and punctuated with rolling sand dunes make up Mandalay Beach. Long paths wind through the dunes and make the beach very walkable. It’s along Mandalay Beach that the all-suite Zachari Dunes is located, our port of call for a glorious weekend of sun, sand and relaxation.

Looking for a laid-back escape by the ocean? Zachari Dunes, offers 250 roomy suites—most with stunning ocean views—so you can soak up the scenery from the comfort of your own space. The resort has recently had a total renovation, giving everything a fresh, inviting feel. It features a sparkling pool, relaxing hot tub, private cabanas, and a cozy fire pit—perfect for unwinding at any time of day. Plus, there are plenty of tasty food and drink options to keep

you satisfied throughout your stay.

Our room, on the ground floor, featured a sitting area, coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator with a bathroom in one room and a king size bed and bathroom in the other. A sliding glass door opened to our own patio with a full-on beach view and table and chairs for enjoying that view, possibly with a glass of wine in hand and a cheese tray on the table (you betcha!). Add to that a book and some of your favorite tunes and as far as I’m concerned, you’ve got Nirvana.

Since check-in is pretty late in the afternoon (4:00 p.m.) we decided to get our bearings and enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant, Ox and Ocean. Newly appointed Chef Sebastain Matheja crafts refined dishes that showcase the region’s abundant local ingredients, and perfectly complements the laid-back yet upscale atmosphere. We sat on the patio with a view of the ocean. The patio was dotted with heaters and firepits for the beach’s chilly nights.

The next day we toyed with renting bikes but to tell the truth we haven’t been on a bike in years. I really didn’t want to test the “it’s like riding a bike” theory. We did check out the on-property bike rental, Wheel Fun Rentals and they had everything you’d need for a fun bike ride.

We chose to take a stroll along the beach walk to ‘olołkoy Beach Park. It was a glorious day with the sun shining and a cool breeze. The walk was an easy one from the hotel and we thoroughly enjoyed it. What a wonderful resource for walkers, riders and skaters.

Read the full article at Pasadenanow.com >>