So...Dana Point and Summerland weren’t in my original plan. I had planned to fly into LAX but after some travel restrictions and other comedy of errors, I had to reroute my arrival to Orange County.
What seemed like an incredible headache and lots of work at the time turned out to be a beautiful and organic experience.
THE WALDORF ASTORIA, DANA POINT, CA
Connecting with friends of friends from the O.C. brought me to the Waldorf Astoria at Monarch Beach. This 5-star luxury resort provides breathtaking views and a beautiful experience for anyone who visits. The community is represented in the professionally led eco-adventures and local artwork. Not only was our lunch of Ceasar Salad and Roasted Salmon Bowl at AVEO delicious, it is notable that the head chef Jean-Pierre Dubray, who has received the prestigious award of "Le Merite Agricole", uses locally sourced, natural, and organic seafood, meats, poultry and produce.
ORGANIC CAESAR BOWL -Parmesan Cheese, Herb Croutons Garlic Lemon Dressing, White Anchovies
ROASTED SALMON BOWL- Seasonal Wild Caught Salmon, Quinoa, Braised Kale, Fermented Cucumber , Sprouts, Passion Fruit Glazed
NOBU, MALIBU, CA
Continuing on my journey up the coast, I ended up in my favorite city, Malibu. While the Airbnb I planned to stay at was a bust, my dinner reservation at Nobu did not disappoint. Nobu in Malibu is the brand’s marquee restaurant location in California. It is a model for contemporary design that addresses the distinct challenges of coastal topography. Nobu is set on some of the most expensive real estate in the world, and they set out to conquer environmental concerns regarding stormwater and the coastline.
Seeing an opportunity to enhance stormwater treatment and protect the ocean, Nobu designed The Modular Wetlands Linear biofiltration system. This unique system is saving land while actively contributing to a mission by addressing pollutants like nitrates, oils, trash, plastics, trash, and phosphorus, and TSS before they are able to get to the ocean waters.
Not only was the food top-notch as my friend and I indulged on shrimp tempura, edamame, and spicy snow crab, the hand-picked champagne by founder Nobuyuki Matsuhisa was a delight and one of the highlights of my dining experiences. So very highly recommended!
If you have the time (and the cash) Nobu’s hotel next door is a once-in-a-lifetime Ryokan experience.
The Airbnb debacle led me to make some unexpected changes to my “hotel” plans. Being I am dedicated to all things organic, I let the experience unfold and found myself booking a night at a quaint space in Summerland, a suburb of Santa Barbara. So into the little eco-friendly car I went, and off to another adventure.
On my way further up the coast, I hit one of my intended destinations in Malibu, the first of its kind in California: Marisol Malibu, the zero carbon design home by developer Crown Pointe Estates. A luxurious 14,400 square foot mansion, novel residence guarantees to have absolutely no carbon emissions during its lifetime.
MARISOL MALIBU, CA
Marisol Malibu is the ground-breaking residence with that promise. At a price tag of $32 million, it would certainly be out of reach for most, but is definitely a model for green minded consumers worldwide that can learn a lot from the home’s unique use of renewable resources used in the construction and operation of the home like sustainably sourced wood in the building materials instead of steel, solar panels that are the sole source of electricity, the fruit orchard, vegetable and herb gardens, and a bee hive that provides year round access to fresh food and ingredients for the homeowners. Inspiration anyone?!
If you aren’t the lucky bidder on this zero carbon home, the developer has three others planned that you can take a swing at. Or, you can take a tip from the incredible things the innovators of the Crown Pointe Estates construction team have done and buy, plan, or retrofit your home with these awesome design points in mind to minimize your footprint in the environment, and save some money along the way. Go green!
MALIBU COUNTRY MART, CA
Malibu Country Mart is a must-see, must-shop destination for me (always). I rolled into Vuori Clothing, a performance apparel line focused on reducing waste and carbon emissions. I fell in love with their performance joggers and you will too. I promise.
Out of sheer curiosity from IG ads, I swooped into Bleusalt. I was immediately taken by the feel of their Tencel™ Modal Fibers, derived from sustainably sourced renewable raw wood materials and produced by environmentally responsible processes.
Bleusalt
Seasonless fashion made sustainably from the Softest.Fibers.On. Earth.
SUMMERLAND, CA
Talk about a walkable town! The morning found me on a one-block stroll away at an adorable little coffee shop by the name of Red Kettle Coffee in the charming little downtown of Summerland. Beginning the morning with one of their signature coffees, “A Ray of Sunshine”, led to taste bud delight with notes of turmeric, honey, and cinnamon. A charming gift shop, conscious coffee menu, and delightful employees had me at hello.
It was a bright, warm, and cheerful California morning that was just begging for further exploration of this unexpected fairy-like town. So after our incredible breakfast and nutrient-laden caffeine fix at Red Kettle, my friend and I sauntered down the quiet Main Street. We passed the old-fashioned firehouse, the daily Farmers Market with all of it’s beautiful bounty of local fresh produce and hand-made jams, and wandered into the a bird sanctuary. How random...at least to me, as the Minnesota winter raged on while we bathed in the warmth and So Cal sunshine.
How unexpected it was to end up in a paradise for rescue birds from all of the most exotic places in the world. The bird sanctuary was established in 2004 by by Director Jamie McLeod, who saw a need for the rescue of unwanted and displaced companion parrots. This non-profit organization is supported by donations from the community, visitors, and helps educate potential adopters, as well as local groups of all ages. To become Friend of the flock and supporter of SBBS, visit their website at www.sbbird.org.
SANTA BARBARA, CA
My final stop was The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. This is one of my all-time favorite spas in the world. So many great memories with friends were made at this spa nestled up against the Pacific ocean.
My friend and I enjoyed Chef Justin Purpura’s culinary talents. Purpura partners with local farmers and sustainable seafood sources to create traditional bistro favorites.
COASTAL CAESAR -Petite Romaine Hearts, Herb Ciabatta Croûtons, Radish, Anchovies, Black Garlic, Caesar Dressing
CRISPY TOFU BUDDHA BOWL - Crispy Fried Tofu, Quinoa, Shredded Red Cabbage, Edamame, Julienne Carrots, Diced Cucumbers, Fried Wasabi Crisps
Southern California has so much more to experience and discover! Bet, I will definitely return for more.
XO Be Well,
Jules