Huntington Beach’s Pasea is an Ocean Paradise… with a Dash of Cool
“Escape to where the sky kisses the sea.”
“Relax to the sounds of the ocean tides.”
“The essence and soul of SoCal dining.”
These are the phrases that pop out at you when you visit Pasea’s website. Paired with jaw-dropping photos of the grand lobby, luxurious rooms, oceanfront pool, and award-winning Balinese spa it’s not a matter of IF you should come, it’s WHEN.
Lucky for us, Pasea is a world-class retreat located 20 minutes north in Huntington Beach, aka: Surf City USA.
For tourists, Pasea is a bucket list dream, for Orange County locals, a #staycation not to be missed.
Named Top 10 Best Dog Friendly Hotels by USA Today, it was a no-brainer to bring the pups along, and when the concierge handed me over a goodie bag full of treats, leashes, and the works for Benny and Bev we were paws-in in love. (The hotel even has their own mini dog park complete with a mini lifeguard tower, aptly named Paw-Séa.)
The newly renovated hotel has pulled out all the stops and the attention is in the details. Every guest is given a small wooden surfboard serving as their room key, and the front desk attendants greet you by name.
Our room had a scenic ocean view that you could both enjoy from the comfort of your own private patio AND your King-size bed.
The pool area is called the Ninth Island and features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, and some of the world’s very best surfing waves glistening in the foreground. Surrounded by day beds and luxury cabanas with the works (flat screen TV, fridge, ceiling fan, sofa seating, etc.), the Ninth Island is a great place to spend a day in the sun with friends, or an evening meeting new ones in the whirlpool.
For those coming to Pasea for the outside activities in a near perfect climate (even in December) you will not be dissapointed. Spend the day, surfing / biking / skating on Huntington Beach’s famous boardwalk, have a bonfire at one of the many public fire pits lining the beach, or stop by Pasea’s Blend Café and pick up one of their ready-to-go picnic baskets to complete your beach day — complete with a salad or sandwich, chips, nut mix, cookies, seltzers, a take-home fringe beach towel and an insulated picnic basket.
And, because Pasea is pulling out all the stops and then some, it even has its own inhouse spa, Aarna. Prepare to be whisked away to a world of luxury as soon as you step through the heavy wooden doors that they had shipped from Asia. Aarna was named “Top Spas in the US” by American Spa Magazine and is 5800 square feet of pure relaxation.
With eight treatment rooms and experiences like an “Ocean Devotion” 100 minute massage and a Marine Anti-Aging Facial, Aarna is truly a piece of heaven… with champagne.
Feel free to relax before or after your session in their private Spa Garden or in the sauna, steam room, or hot tub. Yoga, pier power walks, and fitness equipment is also available for those who book treatments.
Worked up an appetite yet? We did! Make it a priority to make a reservation at their award-winning restaurant, Tanner’s, which is connected to the hotel and just a few steps away from Huntington’s most popular outdoor mall, Pacific City. Tanner’s features oceanfront dining and the most exquisite Jidori Chicken and Shishito Peppers, as well as a rooftop bar, the Treehouse Lounge. Try one of their delicious cocktails and visit during Happy Hour (Monday-Thursday, 4-6pm) for one of the best Happy Hours in Orange County, paired with one of the world’s most sought after sunsets.
A popular place for events, weddings, and beach dwellers alike, Pasea is a prime place to meet people, so whether you’re coming as part of a group, a family vacay, or a solo staycation with pups, you’ll have plenty of options and new friends to make.
Decorated to the tee for the holidays, the lobby has a ceiling high Christmas tree, festive decorations everywhere, and — because why not? — their annual ice skating rink which brings tourists from all over each year.
Photo courtesy of Cecily Breeding.
A photo-op like you wouldn’t believe, it’s a quintessential California December — palm trees, ocean, and skating.
Surf City has outdone itself once again.
Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living. A brand strategist and web designer who specializes in a quick 2-week start-to-finish process, she is well-versed at building brands from the ground up, establishing online identity, and #staycationing with her pups. Reach out to her at lindsay@lagunabeachliving.com or on her personal site, iLikeLindsay.com.