This Oxnard Hotel Is the Perfect Jumping Off Point To ‘North America's Galapagos'
11.10.2023 - 16:13
/ matadornetwork.com
Southern California has a distinctive atmosphere. Sun, beach, ocean, and no shortage of experiences that get you out into all three make any trip to the state memorable. That’s seen perfectly in Oxnard at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton.
This all-suite resort is surrounded by the sand dunes. As one of the only true oceanside resorts on the West Coast, there are few places like it that are as obviously influenced by the idyllic Pacific. It gets its name from the founder of the city itself, Henry Oxnard. He originally planned his plot of land to be used for sugar beet production and was going to name it Zachari after the Greek word for sugar. Vanity appears to have won out, but the original city name does have a home at the resort.
Being a suite, every room is large making it comfortable for traveling families or a small group of friends. Each room has a view, so whether it be the ocean, beach, pool, or garden, you’ll be greeted with a lovely vista. You’re also steps away from the soft sands of Mandalay Beach, making it convenient to take a dip, take a walk on the sand, or enjoy a beach sunset.
Photo: Jeanine Romo
There’s no shortage of things to do at the resort. Yoga, lawn games, and, of course, the beach await during the day. The resort has partnered with champion longboarder and Ventura native Mary Osborne for surf camps to take advantage of the intermediate-level waves all year, and kayaking trips are possible year-round. The heated pool and hot tub are a stone’s throw from the beach, and rentable cabanas offer a space to escape in private. Live music plays on the weekends. Beach gear is free of charge for guests for two hours each day, while a spa visit will reenergize any beachgoer after a long day in the sun. At night, you can enjoy s’mores at the community fire pit or rent your own pit for your party before stargazing.
While the hotel’s location means the wealth of Oxnard restaurants is just a short trip away (the city has a must-try taco trail), the restaurants at Zachari Dunes are even closer. Ox and Ocean serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and offers refined cuisine featuring locally sourced produce and fresh seafood as well as a variety of craft cocktails. The menu consists of locally sourced produce and seafood fresh from the Oxnard area. You can dine inside, enjoy the breeze in the outside seating area or take your food to-go and enjoy poolside or in your room. For something more casual, Sugar Beats by the pool area has quick bites, coffee, seafood, and craft beer, cocktail, and wine.
Photo: Jeanine Romo
Yet for nature and national park lovers, there’s perhaps one close-by amenity that tops all others: it’s proximity to the Channel Islands. This