The Dream Inn then (1963) and now...same beautiful ocean view!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Dream Inn!

Last year, the Dream Inn became the first hotel in Santa Cruz to be certified green. As stated by the City of Santa Cruz guidelines, certified green businesses voluntarily go above and beyond regulatory requirements to prevent pollution and conserve resources. Additionally, San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the boutique hotel company responsible for the Dream Inn’s restoration and management, dedicates its philanthropic efforts to supporting each of its hotel’s unique communities.

Chief Engineer, Ed Fitzpatrick, receives a Green Business recognition certificate from former Mayor Don Lane of Santa Cruz on Oct.25, 2012.

Given Santa Cruz’s beautiful redwood and ocean surroundings, it makes perfect sense that the Dream Inn has partnered with two non-profit organizations that advocate environmental awareness and protection. Save Our Shores, promotes marine conservation through policy research, education and citizen involvement, while the Mountain Parks Foundation supports the nature education and enrichment programs offered at Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks. Beach and nature-lovers will appreciate this extra, eco-friendly incentive to plan a stay at the Dream Inn.

Also worthy of mention is Aquarius, the Dream Inn’s on-site restaurant that serves up a panoramic ocean view along with fresh, locally grown, organic ingredients. The seasonal menu features regional wines and strictly adheres to the Seafood Watch Program, which promotes sustainable seafood and healthy oceans.

As well known as it is for its name and location, the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn has established itself as a leader in environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism. Cheers for less carbon footprint and more strolls on the beach leaving footprints in the sand.

The Green Dream Team!

Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

A dreamy gondola ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk takes you along the beach with incredible views of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay.

Every summer, in addition to free Friday night concerts and Wednesday movies on the beach, the Boardwalk presents a live entertainment show for the whole family. Previous years’ acts include Cirque Polynesian, which wowed the crowd with dancers, drummers, acrobats and contortionists on the beach bandstand. Also mesmerizing was last year’s Emperor’s Imperial Circus which featured Chinese acrobats, Shaolin Monk martial artists, and the traditional Lion Dance.

Jump City is produced by the award-winning Mirage Entertainment, the leading creative entity in Live Shows and Attractions. When asked what considerations are taken in choosing each summer’s entertainment, Brigid Fuller, Communications Manager at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, responded, “We choose a show that is entertaining for all age groups, dramatic enough to stand out from the busy sights and sounds of the Boardwalk, and can fit the format of our beach stage. Performers have to deal with issues such as size of stage, sometimes wind or wind gusts, sand, and daytime – so no dramatic lighting. For delicate balancing acts, performing on the beach can be a challenge!”

If you’re looking for free, seaside, family entertainment as thrilling as a ride on the Giant Dipper, look no further than the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Saturday, May 18, will kick off the summer season with a preview of Jump City and a concert by returning favorites, the Gin Blossoms. After that, Jump City runs July 7 through August 15 with two free shows a day. There’s always something fun happening at the Boardwalk, so mark your calendars!

Photo Credit: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Photo Credit: Katie Jo McNair

The unique sunset view through the Cypress Pine grove at Seascape Beach Resort.

Indeed, Seascape’s In-Suite Spa Treatments are truly special. In the comfort and privacy of their suite, guests can indulge in a luxurious massage or facial while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean and the cozy warmth of a fire. Seascape began offering In-Suite spa services ten years ago and through massage conferences and continuing education, Tyroller has been instrumental in the development of the wide range of massages, bodywork and facials offered on the menu.

According to Kelly Kerr, Seascape’s Concierge Supervisor, “Keeping in mind that we’re a coastal destination, we’ve integrated elements of the sea into our spa services. For example, our Signature Oceana Facial incorporates sea minerals and organic plant extracts to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. We’ve also introduced a new treatment that has been a guest favorite, our Warm Shell Massage. Taking inspiration from the sea, the Warm Shell Massage is a luxurious full body massage using smooth, hand polished shells with soothing radiant heat and aromatherapy.”

Keeping with the coastal theme, one of Tyroller’s favorite things to do is coordinate a Girls Gone to the Beach Package. Combining an overnight stay with In-Suite spa services and Seascape’s Beach Fire To-Go make it the perfect escape for a girls beach weekend. “This is super popular with locals and those who just want a mini-getaway,” says Tyroller. A pampering party like this should be on everyone’s bucket list.

To be able to linger in a dreamy, restful state is a luxury in itself. Kerr adds, “After their treatment, our guests may continue the relaxation lounging by the fireplace, taking a soothing hot tub, drifting into a nap, or by ordering Room Service and having a cozy evening in.” Whatever the occasion, Seascape’s In-Suite Spa Treatments transform a beach vacation into the ultimate retreat.

You might spot some whimsical wildlife scampering throughout the Hotel Parodox.

Sprinkled throughout the building, details inspired by the Santa Cruz Mountains add to the hotel’s urban forest theme. This is most apparent upon entering the lobby where a fallen eucalyptus tree has been transformed into a reception desk. This massive, century-old log from Orinda, California, has been a 4th of July parade fixture and was once barred in customs from being shipped to London’s Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Thanks to an interior designer who recognized its beauty beneath peeling bark, the log met its fate in Santa Cruz. At 18 feet long and weighing 15,000 pounds, it’s an impressive site and just one of the ways Hotel Paradox incorporates ‘upcycling’ reclaimed wood into its decor.

Custom headboards in each guest room are made with reclaimed Colorado snow fences.

A few feet away, a glass forest of towering redwoods meets the eye and surrounds the meeting space known as the Grove Room. With your head tilted toward the ceiling, you might expect the crackle of fallen leaves and twigs underfoot. If anything, you’ll notice deep, calm breathes as you take in the rest of the sights. No hiking boots necessary; the usual Santa Cruz flip-flops will do.

Intimate lounge areas with tree stumps as side tables create a relaxing atmosphere, where glowing candlelight and centerpieces featuring air plants and succulents add eye-catching contrast to the neutral background. Another touch of mystery and surprise can be found on the floor to ceiling bookshelves where books wrapped in plain white paper await curious readers. Keeping with the “expect the unexpected” motif throughout Hotel Paradox, guests can be on the lookout for wildlife in the form of white resin squirrels nicknamed “Simone” by the staff and whimsically arranged on walls and ceilings.

If two roads diverged in a wood and you had to choose, go with the one that has poolside dining, chic guest rooms, and upscale amenities at Hotel Paradox.

Quiet reflections and joyous celebrations at Chaminade Resort & Spa.

While the word ‘chaminade’ can’t be found in any dictionary, locals know it’s synonymous with the word brunch, as in the phenomenal Champagne Brunch served every Sunday. Each week, the Chaminade presents a sumptuous feast befitting of any celebration, including just for the heck of it. But if there’s one occasion where the Sunday Champagne Brunch really shines, it’s on Mother’s Day. According to Chaminade Food and Beverage Manager Sean Woodruff, it’s the families that come back year after year, the buffet menu, beautiful flowers and decorations, and entertainment for the kids that make Mother’s Day Brunch truly special.

Beyond brunch, there are seasonal gatherings such as the popular Farm to Table Wine Dinner series, which begins in June and runs through October. Set outdoors against scenic mountain and ocean views, each five-course meal is carefully crafted to showcase sustainable, farm fresh, local ingredients paired with free flowing local wines. Featured farmers and vintners are on hand to answer questions about their goods, along with Chaminade Executive Chef Beverlie Terra, who adds a personal touch to this one of kind dining experience.

Click here to read one diner’s experience of last year’s Farm to Table Wine Dinner at Chaminade Resort & Spa.

Other food and beverage events spread throughout the year offer a little something for everyone. Woodruff shares how the ideas for these events come from many sources beyond the team at Chaminade. Next month’s 1st Annual Teddy Bear Tea, for example, began as a guest suggestion, and promises to be an elegant afternoon for children and their parents or grandparents. Also upcoming is a “Wild Night of Salmon” celebrating the opening of salmon season with live music, appetizers featuring local wild salmon, and local wines. “We always try, when possible, to keep the event local in terms of food and beverage sources or by playing up a local event, such as crab and salmon season,” says Woodruff.

Whether it’s happy hour cocktails at Linwood’s Bar & Grill or a seasonally delicious special event, inspired dining awaits locals and visitors alike at Chaminade Resort & Spa.