Wealth of Wellness

Find out what’s happening at the spa and fitness center.

Dance It Off

Whether you’re an exercise junkie or new to the world of fitness, Zumba is a fun way to dance your way through a work out. The club’s instructor for this aerobic program, Virginia, has been dancing for two decades and teaching Zumba for nearly five years. Her background in Latin American dance is ideal for this energetic, hour-long class, which typically incorporates moves and music from the genre, as well as others.

“Zumba is truly a class for everyone, no matter what background you have with dance—could be beginner or advanced, young or elder. There is always a type of Zumba that will help and benefit you,” Virginia says, noting that her classes are more fun than traditional exercise but will yield the same results as a boring workout routine. “… Be prepared to learn different types of Latin dance, including salsa, merengue, samba, [plus] rock and roll, country, reggaeton, hip-hop, cumbia, belly dancing, flamenco, rumba and many more.”

Virginia says that benefits include toned muscles, burning more than 700 calories per class, a strengthened cardiovascular system, decreased body fat, improved coordination, less stress and, most importantly, getting to have a fun workout. For those looking to dance it off, Serratos holds class in the fitness center twice a week, on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Let’s Get Rolling

When it comes to health, recovery is just as important as the exercise itself. And one of the best ways to work out any kinks is self-myofascial release, otherwise known as foam rolling. Jack Oakes, a TPI-certified independent contractor, uses foam rollers with his clients as a means of self-massage that alleviates stress at trigger points, increases blood flow to the muscles and spinal mobility, provides nervous system feedback and helps establish body awareness. “The foam roller helps you move easier and more freely, and it helps relieve any minor aches and pains that you might develop along the way,” he explains.

If you’ve never used a foam roller before, Oakes recommends starting with a softer version that has a bit of give and also working with someone who does have experience that can guide you through the process. “Usually what I would do with my clients is I would have them sit on the floor and start from the ground up,” says Oakes, who describes targeting knots as a search-and-destroy method. “… I would have them roll their calf muscle along this foam roller in about two to three inch increments; just back and forth, looking for any kind of tightness or any kind of sore spot. … And then we’ll work our way all the way up through the back.”

After his clients get used to the feel of a softer foam roller, he will move them up to a firmer version. Though this can also depend on personal preference and what each individual feels will work best for their body. He also notes that not many people enjoy using a foam roller at first because it can be a bit painful when relieving knots for the first time, but it does get easier over time. “After about two weeks, they feel the benefits and they get more comfortable with the roller and, pretty soon, it’s the first thing that they usually go to,” Oakes says. “… Sometimes things have to be difficult before you can adapt to it and make the changes necessary to feel better. Like I said, if I were to give … [members] any advice [it] is learn how to do it the right way and give yourself a little bit of time for your body to come around.”

Laura | Photo by Dondee Quincena — Laura | *Photo by Dondee Quincena*

Staff Profile

Mexican Influence, Modern Inference

Sous chef Laura has brought south-of-the-border flare to Seahorse Grille.

When Laura, sous chef at Seahorse Grille, first started her collegiate studies, she was convinced she would be going into hospitality. But, after taking a few culinary classes, she realized the kitchen is what truly intrigued her. “It really caught my eye and got me happy about learning more things than just being in your own little town and just eating tacos and things like that. … It’s like, wow, there’s way more than just Mexican food,” she says.

Since she switched focus to the culinary arts, Laura has worked in various locations, including Guadalajara, Mexico; Aspen, Colorado; as well as San Diego, Laguna Beach and Dana Point, all here in California. Her first job in the kitchen was at St. Regis Monarch Beach (now Monarch Beach Resort), which is where she met Graeme, the club’s executive sous chef. “I’ve been working all over, but it always comes back to [being] here with chef Graeme,” says Laura, who is currently in the highest position she’s held thus far.

She has now worked at the club for about three years and says that the camaraderie in the kitchen has remained the same. “I think the people [who work here] are really nice … and it feels like a really nice home—like a family,” Laura says, noting that chef Graeme has continued to help her learn and hone her craft.

And her favorite part of the job? “The food, of course,” she says. “But I [also] think it’s getting to know all these different products … [and] these people who have all this background—all this culture—and they bring a lot into a plate.”

Not only has Laura been introduced to new ingredients, but to different cuisines, such as Korean and Vietnamese. Though she is rooted in Mexican food and cooking techniques, she has certainly found inspiration in other cultures and often creates unexpected fusions. “If you talk to the chefs, sometimes they think I’m crazy,” Laura jokes, explaining how she’ll create a Mexican dish but throw in influences from something she tried locally. “I think, in the end, everything gets connected … so that’s how I cook. … I really like learning what kinds of flavors are in different cuisines and kind of put it together.” But regardless of the ingredients, she has a list of elements that she requires in each dish: something sweet, something salty and something crunchy.

Laura at work | Photo by Dondee Quincena — Laura at work | *Photo by Dondee Quincena*

When Laura cooks at her home in San Clemente, her go-to meal is a pasta mixed with leftovers from her fridge—a practice she learned from her mother that also allows her to practice using her imagination to meld flavors together. “I cook more like a mom than like a chef [at home] because my husband is a chef also, so every time we cook at home, he always likes to do all these fancy things … and I’m just like cooking tinga or enchiladas,” she explains.

The couple has put their culinary skills to the test with at-home cooking competitions, which are often unspoken, though they once tried to plan it out. “We went to this Asian market and were like, ‘I’ll go pick things for you and you go pick things for me,’ and then we … [would] have this amount of time and we were so excited about it, but then we went home and were like, ‘Ugh, I don’t want to cook,’ ” she explains, noting that the shopping tired them both out. But that doesn’t stop them from continuing to challenge each other in the kitchen, as they’ll often recreate the same dishes to compare flavors and learn from one another.

Outside of the kitchen, the passion for food remains, as trying new restaurants is one of her and her husband’s favorite pastimes. They often travel around Orange County and even to San Diego or Los Angeles to check out museums and fine dining establishments. And she always tries to order something different. “I try lamb, pork, duck, whatever I can see is different and it give me ideas,” she explains.

She notes that new things are coming at Seahorse Grille, as well, including a revitalized spring menu, which she says is one of their favorite ones yet. One of the items she’s most looking forward to presenting is the Spring Harvest Salad. “It’s really simple, but I think it’s one of those … [in which] you can actually taste the vegetables instead of having a lot of things and then you put on ranch and it just tastes like ranch,” she explains, noting that this salad is both fresh and flavorful. “… All the vegetables that come into this place are amazing. They look perfect, they taste really good, their colors slice so bright; that’s what I like about spring because you get a lot of colors on your plate and it’s really fun to play with.”

But no matter which kitchen Laura is in, whether it be at Seahorse Grille or her own home, she’s sure to keep pushing the envelope to get out of her comfort zone and create unparalleled flavor combinations.

General Feature

Electric Feel

Explore Newport Harbor from the water with a local icon: the Duffy boat.

Newport Beach is the place to be for a quintessential Southern California experience. From perusing high-end boutiques at Fashion Island and indulging in some of the region’s most delicious cuisine to exploring Back Bay or spending a day at the beach, there’s certainly no shortage of adventures to be had in this idyllic seaside town. But nothing embodies the spirit of Newport as much as Duffy boats—small, electric vessels that got their start right here in 1970 when they were invented by Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, a 60-year resident who previously served as the city’s mayor and is currently part of its city council. Whether you’re looking for a day on the water with friends and family, a romantic escape or even a corporate event, Duffy boats are ideal for cruising through one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast.

Balboa Village Fun Zone | Photo courtesy of Visit Newport Beach — Balboa Village Fun Zone | *Photo courtesy of Visit Newport Beach*

Family-Friendly Fun

After growing up in Newport, marrying his high school sweetheart and raising their children in town (all of whom still live here), it comes as no surprise that Duffield has affinities both for the area as well as his family. And one of his main goals in creating his electric boat company was to provide an activity that all ages would enjoy.

“He wanted the experience to be very family-oriented,” says Brandi Worden, rental and events manager at Duffy Electric Boat Co. “He wanted … people to have the same expectations and the same type of experience that they would if they were going to Disneyland.” And relaxing on a Duffy boat is certainly reminiscent of the kid-friendly rides at the iconic theme park, with aquatic creatures such as pinnipeds and even dolphins taking the place of beloved cartoon characters.

Making a stop at the Balboa Fun Zone rounds out the amusement with the likes of boardwalk arcade games, bicycle rentals and entertaining rides including the famous Ferris wheel. Kids are also sure to love the seemingly endless array of desserts, from Balboa Bars at Balboa Beach Treats to the treasure trove of saltwater taffy, retro sweets and much more at the original Balboa Candy store. Or, for a savory meal, stop at one of the many restaurants with children’s menus, such as BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Ruby’s Diner, Harborside Restaurant and much more.

Romance on the Water

Duffy boats are also a fun, unique way to spend an anniversary, plan a proposal or simply embark on an delightful date. Upgrade your everyday dinner by treating your significant other to a dine-and-dock experience at one of many acclaimed eateries located along the waterfront. Many harborside restaurants have designated docks for patrons and public landings are sprinkled along the way, as well. Seafood is a fitting choice and restaurants like Bluewater Grill, Rusty Pelican and Newport Landing Restaurant are all known for their fresh fish plates with gorgeous views to match. Or opt for Californian cuisine at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, south-of-the-border fare from Sol Mexican Cocina, Hawaiian-inspired bites from Billy’s at the Beach and much more.

Some establishments will even bring the dining experience to you with dockside delivery from the likes of The Cannery, Woody’s Wharf and Lighthouse Bayview Café. If you’d prefer to have light bites or even full meals waiting when you first board, there are also various catering options available. Duffy, specifically, partners with local hot spots like health food restaurants Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop and Café Gratitude as well as gourmet grocery store Baker & Olive, which specializes in artisanal cheese and charcuterie.

With your bellies full of delectable dishes, you can then open a bottle of wine and cruise the harbor during sunset for a romantic evening out on the water—the ultimate quality time.

*Photo courtesy of Visit Newport Beach Inc.*

All Aboard for Business

Though Duffy boats tend to seat 10 people comfortably, with a maximum of 12, that doesn’t mean large groups have to miss out on the fun. Worden notes that Duffy has accommodated groups of 200 people, who are offered a visual scavenger hunt as a team-building activity for corporate groups and to incite a bit of collaboration when going out with multiple boats. “Some of the … [answers] are found on the map, some are things that you’ll see … around the harbor and then others may have to Google [solutions] with your phone,” Worden says. “… [It’s] exciting when there’s multiple boats and they compete against each other, so we do a lot of that for corporate events.”

Even those who forgo the official hunt will have fun spotting the many points of interest along the harbor route, which loops around Lido and Balboa islands. One of the first spots is the former residence of renowned actor John Wayne, which still remains in the Bayshores community. You may also spot his former yacht, Wild Goose, which is now a part of the Hornblower Cruises & Events fleet. More gorgeous homes and estates can be found on Harbor Island, a gated community that includes some of the city’s most prestigious abodes.

If your group wants to get up to stretch their legs, opt for a walk around downtown Balboa Island or through Lido Marina Village to grab a drink at one of the areas’ noteworthy bars while also enjoying impeccable views.

Espresso creme brûlée | Photo by Micah Luke — Espresso creme brûlée | *Photo by Micah Luke*

Sensational Occasions

Renting a Duffy is an experience in itself, but that gets taken to a whole new level during peak times of the year: Fourth of July and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. And there’s no better way to watch the festive, annual boat parades (featuring entrants that take the term floats quite literally) and fireworks shows that occur during these seasons than on the water.

During these special events, some rental companies tend to nix the regular scheduling and opt for set times to send out multiple boat rentals at once. Others offer special tours of the harbor, especially during the holiday season, to view both the boat parade and the pristinely decorated multimillion dollar homes that line the harbor. “We definitely have a lot of people go out for the boat parade,” Worden says, noting that Duffy boats can only be rented to watch the parades, not to be a part of them. “A lot of them are people that do it every year. They just keep coming back … because they enjoy it so much.”

Many companies will also offer food and refreshments as well as parking and even holiday decor (or choose to bring your own). If you want to get in on the fun while also avoiding the crowds, this is certainly the experience for you and your crew.

*Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Country Club*

NBCC Features

Summer Fun

Newport Beach Country Club kids will have tons of fun at these seasonal camps.

School may be out for summer, but that doesn’t mean the kids should be stuck at home. Newport Beach Country Club offers Kids’ Summerfest, a series of camps that will appeal to all interests, whether your child is athletic or simply loves to play. From the Junior Golf Program and the swim team to exciting, themed activities, there’s something for every little one. Here, the Newport Beach Country Club Magazine has compiled all of the information you need to pick the perfect program for your family.

Summer Camp

This eight-week program will boast different themes each week, with the option for children to attend for a select day, week or the entire duration of the camp. Running from June 17 through Aug. 16, there is tons of fun to be had for campers ages 3 to 10.

The first week will have a Great Outdoors theme, which will entail traditional summer camp activities like playing games, making arts and crafts, building forts, sing-a-longs and exploring nature for some fun in the sun.

The nature focus will continue into week two, which is all about bugs and hands-on learning with the critter squad.

Harness the power of imagination during week three, during which campers will learn how to discover and connect with the world while playing with a purpose.

With the Pacific Ocean visible from the clubhouse, the country club is the perfect setting to introduce children to the mysteries of the sea. Dive into the deep and learn about everything under the water with art inspired by beloved aquatic creatures, such as our own Sandy the Seahorse.

Show off your unique skills with NBCC’s Got Talent during week five. Children will have the chance to perform in front of their peers to show off anything from their vocals and dancing to juggling or magic and everything in between.

Those with an affinity for land animals will go wild for week six, which will allow campers to learn about mammals from around the world—and act like them, too. Don’t miss out on our petting zoo and pony rides.

Make a splash in week seven, during which campers can’t be afraid to get wet. Kids will get to play with water balloons, slip down water slides and make their own slime.

Anything goes during the final week, which has been dubbed the Summerfest Mashup. Kids who may have missed a previous week, or those who just want to relive the fun, will get to choose their favorite activities from the summer and do them all over again.

Golf Camp

The Junior Golf Camp welcomes children between ages 6 and 14 to learn basic skills as well as rules and etiquette, in order to succeed on the green. Learn how to putt, chip, pitch, swing and take your shots for ultimate course play. Golf camps will run from 3-5 p.m. from July 23-25 as well as August 6-8 and 27-29. There will also be fun contests and the chance to become a certified junior golfer.

The certification program is open to children up to age 17, with golfers placed into one of three age groups: Sea Monkey for ages 10 and under, Sea Dragon for ages 11 to 13, and Seahorse for ages 14 to 17. Golf professionals at the club will teach junior golfers how to use the course and practice facilities as well as golf cart operations for those with a valid driver’s license. Certifications will be awarded to those who pass a golf etiquette and rules test as well as an assessment of skills. Upon becoming certified, golfers over the age of 10 will be allowed to use the course and practice facilities unsupervised, have access to coaching sessions with our professionals and be eligible for Junior Team Play.

Participating in Junior Team Play allows junior golfers to play and compete with kids from other local country clubs, with various events scheduled between the end of June and beginning of August. These Stableford-style matches will give junior golfers the chance to play on teams, with the amount of players and holes played dependent on the golfers’ ages. Dinner and prizes are provided to team members at all matches.

Certified junior golfers also have the opportunity to play in the Parent/Junior Tournament and stroke-play Junior Club Championship, the latter of which boasts four divisions: the 18-hole Boys Championship and Girls Championship for ages 16 and 17, a 9-Hole Championship on the front nine for ages 11 to 15, and a five-hole Divots Championship for ages 10 and younger.

Swim Camp

For a different athletic experience, sign your child up for the summer swim team at Newport Beach Country Club. A prep program will be offered through May 31, from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Children will do conditioning to prepare them for the swim team itself, which will include practicing their technique for each swim stroke: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

In order to be eligible for the swim team, swimmers must be able to swim a full length of the pool using both freestyle and backstroke. Private, weekly swim lessons will also be available for those who may need a bit more practice before joining the team.

Swim team practices will run from June 3 to July 26, with three groups that will be assigned by our coaches, who will divide the groups based on age and ability. Practices will be held Monday through Thursday afternoons, with swim meets also on Thursday afternoons starting June 20. Team swimsuits, caps, rash guards and shirts will all be provided.

Instead of a championship meet, there will be an End of Season Extravaganza featuring inflatables, water slides and fun games like relay races. Coaches will tally up scores and award swimmers in each age group based on their performances throughout the season.

Making a Statement

Golf champions can be seen around the club sporting this bold jacket.

Our golf champions receive more than just bragging rights after winning a tournament, and one way to really show off their talents is with this championship blazer. Designed exclusively for the Newport Beach Country Club by b.spoke—a Costa Mesa-based fashion company that specializes in custom fittings—this jacket is made up luxurious, hand-selected fabrics from a prestigious Italian mill. The soft and lightweight piece is made of 90 percent wool and 10 percent silk that drapes and flatters any silhouette. So, no matter who the champion is, they’re sure to find the perfect fit. Being bold and standing out is certainly a quality that we love in our members, so we translated that into this customized blazer, which pairs well with the club’s mantra of maintaining tradition, elegance and excellence.

Weaving enchanting stories that honor authenticity ✨

Featured Publications

Dec 13 Newport Beach Country Club Magazine: Spring 2019