15 Getaways to Beat the Heat

Take advantage of one of these summer travel packages and head to the ocean

Julie Sinclair Attractions

 

Of course, the Coachella Valley is a beautiful place to be year-round.

But when the mercury remains in the hundreds for months at a stretch, a relaxing oceanside escape can really hit the spot. Whether you’re looking to drive or fly, spend a weekend or a week, make it a romantic or family affair, or go budget or luxury, we’ve got you covered.

1. Play in an Urban Paradise
HAWAII
Shopping, lounging, spa treatments: a trifecta of luxury. The Modern Honolulu is now offering a “Sunrise Breakfast” package, perfect for anyone who likes to play hard way into the night. After shopping on Luxury Row in Waikiki (you’ll find Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Gucci, and more), you can relax by one of two pools overlooking the ocean to recuperate for a night on the town. If you don’t want to stray far, you can live it up at the resort’s Addiction nightclub or The Study lobby bar. The package includes accommodations and daily breakfast for two. Local favorites include Molokai sweet bread French toast, banana-macadamia nut waffles, and corned beef hash — all freshly made and organic. Transcendent escapism will be yours. “Sunrise Breakfast” package, from $343 per night, through Dec. 24; 855-970-4161, www.themodernhonolulu.com

2. Toast the Coast
SANTA BARBARA

Looking to indulge your sense of taste as well as touch? Belmond El Encanto, a sister property to the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Italy, offers an array of ways to do just that while taking in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean with its “Summer Shines in Santa Barbara” package. The package includes luxury accommodations with a guaranteed one-room category upgrade at time of booking, one Lemon Basil Body Scrub spa treatment (infused with local ingredients from the property’s garden), and two welcome Bellini cocktails, in celebration of the resort’s new Sunday Bottomless Bellini Brunch. The Bellini — 2 parts Prosecco, 1 part peach puree — was invented by Harry Cipriani in 1948 and serves as the signature drink of the Santa Barbara resort. Cheers! “Summer Shines in Santa Barbara” package from $595 per night, through the month  of August; 805-845-5800,  www.belmond.com

3. Charter a Boat on Newport Bay
NEWPORT BEACH

The Mediterranean-style waterfront Balboa Bay Resort is upping the ante this summer with its “Stay & Play Vacation” package. Enjoy the waters of Newport Harbor with friends and family by cruising in your own Duffy electric boat while soaking in the views of the bustling harbor and the scenic beaches. Once back onshore, you can take advantage of the resort’s full-service spa, outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, and proximity to amusement parks, golf courses, and a host of beaches. The package — which includes luxury guest accommodations, a $50 resort credit, a one-hour Duffy rental, and complimentary valet parking — is perfect for those who look to truly experience the harbor’s famed beauty. “Stay & Play Vacation” package from $339 per night, based on availability through Aug. 31; 888-894-2788, www.balboabayresort.com

4. Cruise in the O.C. in a Classic Car
NEWPORT BEACH

Car aficionados, take note: With the “Drive the O.C. in Style” package from Fairmont Newport Beach, you can explore Orange County via a classic Mustang. The package includes accommodations in a luxury room or suite, four hours in a classic 1965 Mustang including delivery/pickup and gas, a VIP driving-enthusiast welcome amenity, and complimentary valet parking. First route: a journey down Pacific Coast Highway, windows down, to tap into some of those “good vibrations” as you breathe in the refreshing ocean air. Happy cruising. “Drive the O.C. in Style” package, from $359 per night based on arrival date and length of stay, available year-round; 800-810-3039, www.fairmont.com/newport-beach

5. Golf With Views to the Sea
NEWPORT BEACH

Nestled in rolling hills overlooking the expansive coastline is The Resort at Pelican Hill. With its “Fazio Unlimited” package, you can hit the links for as many rounds as you like on three Tom Fazio–designed courses while enjoying the resort’s graceful Tuscan-style architecture, panoramic ocean views, and lush Mediterranean   landscape during your downtime. The package features unlimited golf rounds for one guest, a golf cart and golf club rentals, and complimentary valet parking. When not golfing, be sure to try the resort’s 136-foot circular Coliseum Pool and one of its freshly made pasta dishes. “Fazio Unlimited” package, from $935 per night with a two-night-stay minimum, through December 2014 (some exclusions apply); 888-467-6800, www.pelicanhill.com

6. Soak Your Toes in the Tide
CARLSBAD

Chill out this summer with a stay at Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa. Just steps from the ocean, the resort makes it easy to enjoy the beach. If you don’t want to pack the proper beach equipment for a full-day’s stay, not to worry: The resort will outfit you with its “Beach Bum” package, which includes two beach chairs, two towels, and an umbrella to make you comfy as you sun or swim in the calm Pacific surf. Spend the day bodysurfing or practicing your sandcastle-building skills with the kids, and then relaxing as you watch the sun set over the sea. “Beach Bum” package, from $219 per night, through Oct. 31; 760-602-0800, www.oceanfrontcarlsbad.com

7. Explore Your Inner Artist, Then Watch the Sun Set
LAGUNA BEACH

Feel free to open up your creative side with the “Surf & Sawdust” package at Surf & Sand Resort. There, you can try your hand at the intricate details of jewelry making or the timelessly satisfying craft of ceramics. The package includes one-night accommodations, an art class for two at Sawdust Studio, and snacks and a drink at 15FiftyFive lounge, where you can hear live music over the soothing sounds of the surf while watching the sun set over the Pacific. For more art immersion, partake in Laguna Beach’s summer-long Pageant of the Masters, a re-enactment of classic and contemporary paintings and sculpture brought to life before your eyes. “Surf & Sawdust” package, from $730 per night, through Sept. 1; 877-741-5908, www.surfandsandresort.com

8. Become One with the Sea Life
LAGUNA BEACH

Spend some time out on the waves and come face to fin with dolphins, whales, and other creatures of the sea with the “Take a Sea Safari in Laguna Beach” package at Pacific Edge Hotel. The offer includes valet parking for one vehicle, a 2 p.m. late checkout, and two adult tickets for a two-hour dolphin- and whale-watching tour with Captain Dave’s Dana Point; additional tickets are available at a discounted price. After returning from your sail with Captain Dave, who will educate you on the wonderful array of local ocean wildlife, you can check out The Ocean Institute for aquatic education or head back to the water for a fun kayaking excursion (not included in the package) to explore reefs, tide pools, and private beaches. “Take a Sea Safari in Laguna Beach” package, from $240, ongoing; 949-281-5709, www.pacificedgehotel.com

9. Treat Yourself to Day Camp, Resort-Style
CARLSBAD

For a getaway minutes from the ocean with plenty of play, try the “Splash & Stay” package at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. For kids (or the kid at heart), there’s a water park featuring two 100-foot water slides and a sandy beach pool. The package includes deluxe guest room accommodations, a family breakfast, and al fresco dining for two adults, a family s’mores roasting experience, a VIP Splash Landing Pool Survival Kit for each child, and entrance for two children at the Kidtopia Kids Club, a day camp designed by an architect who specializes in hands-on museums and theme parks. The kids will love it. “Splash & Stay” package, from $321 per night, through mid-September; 800-854-5000, www.lacosta.com

10. Rekindle a Romance
HAWAII

If you’re in search of a quiet, romantic getaway, the “Tropical Desire — Romance in Paradise” package at Koa Kea Hotel & Resort, located on the sunny south shores of Kauai’s Poipu Beach, could be a good match. The package includes a partial ocean-view guest room for three nights, daily breakfast for two with mimosas, a dinner for two, a midsize rental car to explore the island, a choice of one couples massage or an ATV tour, ocean kayak, or zipline tour for two. Reimagined with a multimillion-dollar reconstruction in 2009 by Anita Brooks (who also designed Red Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas), the luxury boutique hotel is geared to couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape. “Tropical Desire — Romance in Paradise” package, from $615 per night, minimum stay of three nights required, through 2014; 808-828-8888, www.koakea.com

11. Have Breakfast in Miami, Lunch in the Caribbean
MIAMI/PARROT CAY

Seeking calm, crystal-clear blue waters but can’t decide between Miami Beach and the Caribbean? Then do both with the “Miami Beach and Caribbean Chic” package — a five-night dual destination itinerary that takes you from the heart of buzzing Miami Beach to relaxed island living in the Turks and Caicos with easy transfers via car and boat, and a short one-hour flight. The trip begins with a two-night stay at the new Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach that includes daily breakfast, private airport transfers, fruit bowl and complimentary arrival cocktail, one 60-minute COMO Shambhala Massage per guest, and one tasting menu dinner in Traymore Restaurant. Then it is over to the Turks and Caicos for an island adventure at Parrot Cay with its two-mile beach and turquoise waters. Included here are accommodations; full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); a bottle of Champagne on arrival; a daily schedule of activities that includes yoga, Pilates, and nonmotorized watersports; fruit bowl on arrival; one 60-minute treatment; private airport transfers; and 10 percent off all additional spa treatments. “Miami Beach and Caribbean Chic” package, from $5,273 for five nights (two nights at Metropolitan Miami Beach and three nights at Parrot Cay), through Nov. 21; 305-695-3588, www.comohotels.com

12. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
SAN DIEGO

With Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s “Summer Play!” package, you can coast casually along the surface of the ocean on a stand-up paddleboard or in a clear-bottom kayak, or ramp things up with a ride through the waves on a WaveRunner or a speedboat — with dazzling views of the San Diego skyline as a backdrop. By evening, you can watch a “Dive-in Movie” (shown poolside) every Friday and Saturday night or take a nighttime excursion around Harbor Island on a stand-up paddleboard or clear-bottom kayak outfitted with underwater LED lighting — which attracts marine life of all kinds. Sailing, sunset cruises, and whale-watching is also on the menu, along with any number of pool activities from jumbo animal floaties to dive sticks and football. There’s also Frisbee golf, cardio tennis, and adult putt-putt for the turf-minded; you won’t be bored. “Summer Play!” package, from $169 per night, through Sept. 1; 619-291-2900, www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com

13. Snorkel in the Sea
MEXICO

Flying from the desert heat of Palm Springs to the desert heat of Baja makes sense in the summer in one way alone: if you’re heading to Cabo San Lucas and its neighboring towns and villages, which hug the crisp, blue shoreline of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Sitting along a private stretch of Medano Beach, Hacienda Beach Club & Residences offers a “Family Fun” package with a Snorkel and Sea Adventure that sweetens the deal. In an inflatable APEX boat, you’ll be taken to top spots for snorkeling, with kayaks and sea scooters brought along for an afternoon of waterborne fun. Afterward, get your exercised muscles massaged while the kids enjoy the resort’s club activities designed just for them — and don’t forget to partake in some authentic Mexican fare at Cocina & Cantina. “Family Fun” package, from $652 per night, through Oct. 31; 866-300-0084, www.haciendacaboresort.com

14. Rejuvenate in a Private Mansion
SANTA MONICA

Imagine being atop a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific. It’s the beginning of a weekend of rejuvenation at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, and you’ve just gotten back from a morning walk or bike ride along the beach in Santa Monica and are awaiting your first spa treatment. The goal is to bring mind, body, and soul into harmony, and that’s just what the hotel’s “Wellbeing by the Water” package is designed to do. Originally a private mansion owned by the founder of Santa Monica, the 100-year-old structure is now a modern hotel that houses the award-winning Exhale spa, yoga studio, and fitness center as well as FIG, a seasonal bistro led by L.A. rising star chef Ray Garcia that serves locally sourced dishes. The “Wellbeing by the Water” package includes overnight deluxe accommodations, welcome amenities for two, a Vilebrequin beach towel, two massages at Exhale, a private Core Fusion fitness class, and breakfast for two. “Wellbeing by the Water” package from $569 per night, through 2014; 310-576-7777, www.fairmont.com/santa-monica

15. Enjoy the Suite Life
HAWAII

It’s all about completely letting go with the “Double Round Trip Complete Suite Experience” at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, located on the island’s southwest coast. For guests who book a stay in one of the resort’s oceanfront or residential suites, the pampering begins at home with transportation to the airport via Uber (available in Palm Springs). Once in Maui, an eco-friendly Tesla or a private SUV will whisk them from Kahului Airport to the resort. Each day starts with a complimentary breakfast buffet at the resort’s DUO restaurant or in suite with room service — the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views as a backdrop. A private chef dinner once during your stay for everyone registered in the suite is also included. In addition to enjoying the resort’s pristine beach and ocean-view pools, there’s golf, tennis, shopping, an art gallery, and a host of spa and fitness options to explore, including Gyrokinesis, Feldenkrais, and yoga on a stand-up paddleboard. At the end of the stay, it’s a no-worries return luxury transfer to the airport and then from the airport back to home. Comfort has never been easier. “Double Round Trip Complete Suite Experience” package, from $2,500 per night depending on arrival date and length of stay; 808-874-8000, www.fourseasons.com/maui

Photos courtesy of thinkstockphotos.com, Belmond El Encanto, Balboa Bay Resort, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa, Surf & Sand Resort, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks & Caicos, and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.