Moments Magazine: Winter/Spring 2020
Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
General Feature
Window to the Water
After a complete renovation, the Monarch Bay Beach Club reopened as an exclusive locale that offers myriad seaside experiences throughout the day.
The first time that I saw the Monarch Bay Beach Club, it was just a skeleton of what it is today. Still under construction at the time, the space appeared to be in a sort of limbo where it no longer resembled its previous self but was nowhere near complete. But, through the exposed wood beams and paneless windows, I could see the sparkly waters of the Pacific and knew that the finished space would provide an oceanfront respite for all who encounter it.
Though it is an imperative piece of the puzzle, the beach club experience is much more than just an awe-inspiring view. It is a gathering place for friends, lovers, colleagues and families; it is a source for sustainable seafood and signature sips; it is an aquatic playground for all; and it is a hub for learning about the surrounding area.
Even the brief, seven-minute tram ride down from the resort entrance served as an educational opportunity for me, as former Vice President and General Manager Ian Pullan (preceding his recent promotion to vice president, asset performance in the West for KSL Resorts, the hotel’s parent company) described in great detail everything from the history of the Monarch Bay community and the beach club itself to the city’s surf culture. And the specially trained beach concierges are full of knowledge as well, whether you’re inquiring about the tidal conditions, local wildlife or simply where it’s best to swim.
After this preview of the highly anticipated renovation, I was ecstatic to finally see the completed project. And, when I did, it quite literally took my breath away: To say I was impressed would be quite an understatement.
Ahi tuna tartare at Monarch Bay Beach Club | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Elegant Evenings
When I stepped out of the tram following the new building’s unveiling, I knew that I was in for a treat. Gazing upon the gorgeous sight before me, I immediately noticed how the landscaping had been engineered to open up the views, which was something that Pullan had emphasized during our hard-hat tour. And, after descending down to the beach lawn, I was greeted by smiling servers and Executive Chef Hansen Lee, whom I had spoken to on the phone after he was first hired to lead the eatery’s kitchen. In that moment, I realized how special it was that I was given a glimpse behind the scenes before both of their visions came to fruition.
But, during this particular evening, I wasn’t there to work so much as to enjoy the experience in its entirety. I joined a group of fellow writers, sitting at the head of an elongated table where we were able to share our initial thoughts and reactions to the revitalized beach club. An array of appetizers were displayed on another table, with various seafood towers and tastes of the tuna tartare available for the taking; the ideal setup for any occasion that brings together a large group.
The tuna tartare, which incorporates cucumber, jicama, capers and fermented chile vinaigrette, as well as garnishes of sliced radish, microgreens and a squid ink tapioca chip, made for the perfect light bite to start the night. And the iced seafood tower, which is meant to be shared and can feed either two or four people, was truly exquisite. Piled high with tiger shrimp, king crab legs, oysters and mandarin-cured snapper ceviche served in half of an avocado, I returned for seconds and thirds of the deliciously fresh assortment. There is truly nothing better than a perfectly briny oyster with all the fixings, including a squeeze of slightly charred lemon as well as cucumber mignonette, horseradish and a dash of hot sauce.
An assortment of cocktails | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
We were then given a choice of cocktail, for which I swayed toward the Pilgrim for its beautiful blue hue and its ties to the city’s history, as its namesake is the ship that was once sailed by Richard Henry Dana Jr., whom the city of Dana Point was named after. Comprised of Nolet gin, one distiller with which the resort has a special partnership, as well as local butterfly pea flower, agave nectar, fresh lemon juice and egg whites, this frothy drink was a great balance of sweet, floral and citrus flavors.
Regardless of the drink we chose, it certainly helped loosen us up for the next activity: a ukulele lesson led by Matthew, a musician, songwriter and composer who has a partnership with the resort. We immediately bonded over our shared roots; not only were we both from the island of Maui, we grew up in the very same town. And though I’m not musically inclined, when it comes to instruments, cultivating that connection to my homeland and watching as others were immersed in the cultural experience was wondrous in its own right.
As the sun began to set, we moved into the private dining room where the evening culminated in a family-style dinner that spoke to the type of dining that Lee intended to present. First up was the seafood Cobb salad, which includes shrimp and chicken as well as avocado, egg, tomato, bacon and gorgonzola dolce, all drizzled with a roasted shallot vinaigrette, making for a sizeable salad that was perfect for passing around the table.
We were then presented with two entrées: the seafood carbonara and lobster clambake. The pasta incorporated a bed of thick bucatini noodles mixed with an Italian cured pork called guanciale, pea tendrils and a sweet caviar sauce, and topped with clams, mussels, shrimp and a layer of freshly grated cheese. But the ultimate dish, or should I say meal, was the clambake. A large pot was served brimming with steaming goodies like prawns, crab legs, littleneck clams, black mussels, grilled chorizo, potatoes, sweet corn and, best of all, a whole lobster. This masterpiece brought the entire table together, as we collaborated in cracking open the shellfish and ensuring that everyone got a taste of the succulent meat within.
Seafood tower for two or four | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
And yes, there was a bit of a theme going on with the food, which highlighted the eatery’s designation as a certified ocean-friendly restaurant by the Surfrider Foundation, a San Clemente-based nonprofit focused on the environment and ocean stewardship.
Though dessert didn’t have a seafood element, it certainly brought back some nostalgic memories of bonfires on the beach as we enjoyed a deconstructed version of the classic s’mores. A bar of rich dark chocolate crémeux is served on a toasted marshmallow base with a peanut butter pretzel crumble topping and side of ice cream. Following the meal, we watched as the fire pits sparked to life and I couldn’t help but hope to return again to roast my own marshmallows.
Later, I discovered that the fireside escapades have so much more to offer than just a sticky, sweet treat. Barbecues can be rented for two hours with the option to add on food and beverages to further enhance the experience. The menu includes savory proteins that are ready to grill, such as kosher hot dogs, Angus beef burgers, various types of skewers and even an Impossible Burger. Side dishes like organic corn on the cob, cole slaw, salads, a fruit platter or chips and dips are also available to accompany the mains. For dessert, one may opt for the snickerdoodle cookies, gelato or, of course, a complete s’mores kit. Since the fire pits can accommodate up to 12 people, I’ve already started devising a plan to get my friends and family together to enjoy this relaxing, beachfront activity, because experiences like this are meant to be shared.
Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Mystical Mornings
The next morning, after breakfast, I hopped on one of the trams for a ride back down to the beach club for a stand-up paddleboarding lesson. Through the resort’s Ocean Adventure Program, rentals and instruction are available for paddleboarding as well as boogie boarding and surfing. In fact, with the resort’s 30-minute No Fail Surf Lesson, participants are guaranteed to stand up on the board and ride a wave. I had already tried surfing earlier in the summer, so, on this particular morning, I was excited to attempt SUP on the open ocean. I had successfully done it once before in a protected cove, off the coast of Oahu, and I now felt ready to paddle past the waves and glide smoothly across the water like I’d seen so many others doing off the coast of Laguna Beach.
Down on the sand, I met my instructor, Dan. Friendly and knowledgeable, he took me through basic paddling techniques and then we headed down to the ocean. The water was a beautiful blue and spectacularly clear in the shallows, allowing me to catch a glimpse of fish darting in and out of the surf before I even got onto the SUP board, which was equipped with a window for viewing the sea life below. Dan guided us past the rolling surf to a calmer area and then, kneeling on the board, I practiced paddling, a few strokes on the left, then on the right. Next came the moment of truth: It was time to try standing up. I positioned myself and got about halfway up, but then, well, I chickened out and decided I was more comfortable kneeling or sitting on the board.
Luckily, Dan was more than willing to cater the experience to my preferences. If I wanted to try standing up again, he was ready to coach me. But if I just wanted to enjoy the view, he was willing to make the most of that option, too. Feeling the sun’s warmth as we floated on the water, I was completely at peace as we paddled away from the resort, following the coast. Dan pointed out landmarks along the way and we chatted about some of the wildlife that can occasionally be spotted, from dolphins to migrating whales. Then, all too soon, it was time to head back to shore. Dan helped guide us through the surf once again and I hopped off the board. It was a memorable experience and just what I needed that day. But next time, I vowed, I will push myself to stand up, and I already know that the resort’s instructors will be ready to help me achieve that goal.
Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
A few weeks later, I returned to the beach club for an entirely different experience. There for a business lunch, I was eager to dine at the restaurant during the daylight hours. My boss ordered the Summer in Dana, a bourbon-based cocktail with ginger beer, lemon juice, simple syrup, local strawberries and a dash of bitters, so I treated myself to a Monarch Beach Sunset Blond. This light, crisp brew was created in partnership with San Clemente-based Left Coast Brewery Co. specifically for the beach club and paired perfectly with the sunny Southern California weather.
We ordered two appetizers for the table the share: the ever-popular tuna tartare (which allowed me to see the full, plated portion) and the octomari. The latter is a unique concoction that combines octopus and calamari, both marinated in smoked paprika and served on a bed of creamy arugula hummus as well as almond gremolata, tomatoes, radishes, onions and microgreens. And, aside from the epic clambake, it may very well be my favorite dish that I’ve tried thus far.
For my main course, I opted for the truffle crab melt because any time I see the word “truffle,” an inexplicable force overcomes me and leads me to order whatever that dish is. And this particular option certainly satisfied my craving. Served on a squid ink roll with melted mozzarella, pickled fennel and avocado, the subtle truffle flavors were the best afternoon pick-me-up that I could have imagined. And, as always, the service was incredible as various waiters and waitresses attended to us while also giving us space once our meeting commenced.
Monarch Beach Sunset Blond | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
For my next daytime adventure, I hope to return with my significant other for yet another new experience that debuted after my business lunch. Held every Sunday, brunch at Monarch Bay Beach Club makes you feel like “you’ve died and gone to heaven,” according to Pullan during our little preview of the space. And, when perusing the menu, I’m sure you can guess that the first thing I noticed was the truffle crab cake eggs Benedict, which also happens to be my favorite breakfast dish. Served on a whole-wheat English muffin with spinach and piquillo pepper hollandaise sauce, I have no doubt that it will be an ideal morning meal. Other standouts include blueberry-ricotta pancakes with vanilla mascarpone and balsamic-blueberry chutney, house-corned beef short rib hash with shishito hollandaise and a fried egg, maple-miso hen of the woods mushroom, a scramble with chorizo and octopus ragout, and so much more.
As two adventurous eaters, treating my partner to such an incredible spread is certainly on the agenda. Though we will certainly need to bring our appetites in order to try a taste of everything that caught my eye, which is admittedly larger than my stomach. But good food, good company and good times is what the beach club is all about, and I can’t wait to experience it all.
—Sharon Stello also contributed to this article.
The mandala at the entrance of Miraval Life in Balance Spa | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Spa & Wellness Feature
From the Earth
Crystal healing is an ancient practice that uses natural energies to facilitate holistic health, and remains ever-popular in modern spas.
Take a look back through time and you’ll discover that humans have utilized crystal healing for thousands of years, and many ancient civilizations incorporated them into their daily routines. The earliest evidence of people working with crystals is linked to the Sumerians: They included gemstones in magic formulas, thus creating the first historical references to this practice. Other notable groups include the Chinese, who still prize jade for its myriad medicinal and cultural uses. Egyptians are known for their opulent jewelry and ritual items adorned with the likes of lapis lazuli, turquoise, emerald and more, used primarily for protection and health, as well as others for cosmetic purposes. And the Greeks helped coin many of the names and properties for the crystals that are known today, such as hematite, which is derived from the Greek word for blood and was rubbed on soldiers’ bodies before battle to render them invulnerable; the stone is still used for defense, but against negativity.
In modern times, crystal healing takes various forms and has been one of the biggest wellness trends as of late. “Crystals hold an energy that many people feel right away, and natural elements have an appeal with healing,” says Jacqueline Berry, general manager at Miraval Life in Balance Spa. From vibrational therapy, such as sound healing, or energy work like reiki and chakra balancing, to jewel-infused treatments and pieces to take home, there are myriad ways to incorporate crystals into your spa day and beyond.
A selection of crystals, including amethyst, rose quartz and clear quartz | Photo by Dondee Quincena
A Crash Course on Crystals
The first step toward working with crystals is to open your mind; believing in the power of manifestation is imperative. Each type of crystal (of which there are hundreds) has different properties and can be used for a plethora of purposes. For example, some of the most common gemstones are clear quartz, the master healer; amethyst, a natural sedative that activates intuition; and rose quartz, the love stone.
“We truly love and work with all crystals, but some of our favorites that we think everyone should have are selenite, amethyst and rose quartz,” says Heather Askinosie, co-founder of Energy Muse, a leading metaphysical outlet that has a partnership with the resort. “Selenite is a very high vibrational stone (in fact, it’s the highest vibrational crystal on the planet). This means that it has the ability to raise the vibrational energy of everything that surrounds it. It is an uplifting crystal that cleanses your energy of anything bringing you down.”
The type of crystal you are drawn to is part of your personal experience: Some people solely select light or dark stones, while others resonate with a mixture of both. But most people who work with crystals have a favorite, whether it’s of all time or just of the moment.
“I have always loved crystals and have many of them in my home and office,” Berry says. “… My favorite crystal right now is a rainbow moonstone that I found; it’s white with dark speckles. I was on vacation, at the beach with my son, and it caught my eye from afar. It felt good to hold as soon as I picked it up, and now it reminds me of a perfect day.”
Once you have selected a crystal, the first thing you must do is cleanse it. Not only do gemstones amplify certain energies, they also absorb them. This means that anyone who previously handled the specimen likely transferred a bit of their energy into the stone, and it must be cleared out. This can be done by charging your gemstone in sunlight, moonlight or a combination of both; other techniques include holding them under running water or smudging them with ethically sourced sage. (Do research on your specific stone because these are not universal methods; some crystals dissolve in water while others’ coloration becomes distorted when exposed to sunlight.)
When it comes to utilizing the healing properties of these semiprecious stones, it is important to program each crystal by grasping it and focusing on your intentions, essentially telling the stone its purpose. You can then place them around your home, bathe or meditate with them, create a crystal grid, wear them as jewelry or even just toss them in your bag, pocket or bra.
“Crystals can benefit health and wellness in a variety of ways: At their core, healing crystals are tools you can use to enhance the well-being of your mind, body and spirit,” Askinosie says. “Whether it’s releasing stress, sleeping better, creating healthy relationships or feeling more physically energized, crystals can help you … live your best life.”
Stones at the Spa
Upon entering Miraval Life in Balance Spa, visitors are greeted with a magnificent mandala that serves as a gateway to the relaxing treatment rooms. This spiritual symbol represents the universe, working as a tool to establish a sacred space that promotes healing by inducing a meditative state. This particular piece incorporates a design that’s reminiscent of open wings, an homage to the resort’s monarch butterfly emblem. It also brings together local gemstones, totem animals and celestial cycles to symbolize the collective energy of Southern California.
A clear quartz crystal on display at the spa | Photo by Dondee Quincena
The mandala contains a significant amount of gold, the state’s official mineral, which is also classified as a master healer due to its ability to raise one’s vibration. Near the top sits a circle filled with additional gold as well as citrine, a common crystal that is said to enhance the likes of creativity, manifestation and positivity. Directly underneath that is an ideogram that represents transformation and the metamorphosis of butterflies, with the animal itself serving as a symbol for the soul. In the center is a vortex that comprises California’s official gemstone, benitoite, which is only found in San Benito County; this rare crystal is said to facilitate a connection with other dimensions and promotes psychic abilities. On either side of the mandala are totems carved out of soapstone that form the shapes of a turtle and bear. The former urges onlookers to be open-minded and take life at their own pace, while the latter represents strength, confidence, introspection and rest. Finally, black tourmaline and selenite are used to symbolize the lunar cycle while simultaneously stabilizing emotional energies and protecting against negativity. An oversize smoky citrine point lays beneath the mandala to project its energies throughout the spa.
Smoky citrine crystal at the entrance of the spa | Photo by Dondee Quincena
“Smoky citrine is said to amplify intentions and healing, lift depression and negativity, bring emotional calmness and promote recharging,” Berry says. “This is a perfect stone to have at our entrance, so guests walking in can leave their stress and worries at the door, so to speak, and quickly immerse themselves in their healing journey.”
Spagoers will see crystals distributed around the reception and retail areas, including the aforementioned smoky citrine, all of which are for sale. Other types of crystals, which can also be found at the Life in Balance Boutique, include clear and rose quartz as well as pyrite, a protective stone that clears negative energy.
Transcendent Treatments
Encouraging guests to be mindful is a significant practice at Miraval Life in Balance Spa, so it was only natural to incorporate crystals throughout the space and in the treatments offered here. “With every massage, we [have] guests select a crystal. We then ask them to set an intention for their service; this can be something as simple as relaxation, mindfulness, balance or letting go,” Berry explains, noting that most guests select green agate.
“… When choosing the blends for our new gemstone massage, we wanted to include what was resonating most with our guests, so one of the blends we chose is primarily green stones,” she says of the mixture, which facilitates stress relief and opens the heart chakra. This massage will be added to the spa menu soon, along with a mud wrap that also incorporates gemstones.
That being said, there are various offerings that utilize the power of crystal healing and are currently on the menu. If you are keen on beauty treatments for your face, try the Ocean Crystal Facial or a diamond-infused option. The former involves a facial massage with ocean crystals as well as a piece of aquamarine that’s placed on the diaphragm to connect with the sea’s healing properties, while the latter uses a serum that contains diamond powder.
For a full-body experience, try the Sea Salt Serenity Body Ritual, a two-hour treatment that uses scrubs and oils to enhance a relaxing massage with warm crystal salt stones. This is similar to a hot stone massage, which typically utilizes basalt stones, but with added metaphysical benefits, including balancing your body’s water content, electrolytes and pH levels, plus much more.
A facial using rose quartz wands at Miraval Life in Balance Spa | Photo courtesy of Monarch beach resort
If you’re solely interested in energy work, a Crystal Reiki Chakra Balancing session is the perfect alternative to a more hands-on treatment. An expert will open and balance your seven main chakras, as needed, using ancient reiki techniques as well as crystalline energy. Each chakra embodies a part of life, from basic survival needs to communication to spirituality, and each one has multiple crystals that are associated with it. For example, the heart chakra, which represents love and compassion, is often paired with green tourmaline, jade or, of course, rose quartz, all of which promote the balance of emotions.
Between treatments, crystals are cleansed both physically and metaphysically. “In addition to the standard hygiene practice we have for washing stones that have been used on someone, we also clear the energy of the stones by placing them in direct sunlight or moonlight,” Berry says. And with that, the stones are ready to help heal the next client.
Another way to tap into your chakras, without physically interacting with crystals, is through vibrational therapy, which is used in a number of meditations at the spa. For these sessions, crystal singing bowls are used to amplify healing and connect with the frequencies of particular chakras. And it certainly sounds beautiful.
If you’d like to wear something beautiful, too, attend a Creating With Crystals course at the resort and learn how to craft your own power pendant necklace or intention bracelet. Or opt for an interactive lecture to dive deeper into the world of gemstones and discover more about how to use these energy balancing tools to benefit your overall health and wellness.
The Energy Muse bracelet at Monarch Beach Resort | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Peaceful Purchases
Miraval Serenity Bracelets and unique gemstones from Energy Muse are available at Monarch Beach Resort.
Experiences at Monarch Beach Resort are synonymous with luxurious tranquility and relaxation, which are also the intentions of the crystals that are sprinkled throughout the spa. A particularly special piece is the Miraval Serenity Bracelet by Energy Muse, a leading metaphysical outlet that provides information about crystals as well as jewelry and raw stones.
“Shopping at Energy Muse is unlike any other crystal shop; the experience we offer is elevated, customized and exclusive, just like a stay at Monarch Beach Resort. We’re so excited to offer our unmatched products in an unmatched resort,” says Energy Muse co-founder Timmi Jandro, who notes that the creation of the exclusive bracelet was guided by the property’s energy. “This bracelet is thoughtfully designed to create a feeling of serenity, not only in its blue-green aesthetic, but also in the power of its crystal energy. Wearing this bracelet helps to release and restore.”
The bracelet incorporates stones that provide peaceful energy, including ocean jasper, which promotes joy, strength and renewal; amazonite for stress relief; and blue fluorite to recharge the mind. “It’s like a vacation in a bracelet,” Jandro notes.
Other Energy Muse offerings at Monarch Beach Resort include selenite and several one-of-a-kind crystals, which Jandro says are some of the company’s most exclusive and ornate pieces. “While some of the crystal families may be the same, all of their shapes and sizes are different and no two crystals are alike,” Jandro says “They all carry a unique and powerful energy that you can take home with you.”
The Goodman Family at the Monarch Bay Beach Club | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Membership Spotlight
A Family Affair
The Goodmans came for the beach, and they’re staying for it, too.
When Haley and Jordan Goodman first met in a pool at the Grand Wailea on Maui, they had no idea that they had grown up only about 10 minutes away from each other. They also didn’t know that this chance meeting of two college-bound teenagers would lead to a life and family together. Fast-forward to today and they’ve just celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary and their youngest daughter’s sixth birthday, with their older daughter recently marking her ninth year. And the family’s adoration for oceanfront properties hasn’t wavered, as they joined The Club at Monarch Beach in early 2019.
“I’m a beach girl,” Haley says. “… I’ve known [Director of Membership] Nicole [Hensley] for 20-something years now. We grew up across from each other, down the street. When she took over the Membership, I was like, ‘What’s happening down there; how do I go down there?’
“He’s not a big beach guy, but we’ve converted him,” she adds, nodding to her husband.
And that conversion seems to be faring well, as Jordan’s favorite memories are all set in the sand. “Samantha, the older one, we did her ninth birthday down there with family and friends, and barbecued on the beach and it was just a lot of fun,” he recalls. “… We are Members with our best friends here, too, and we play this game called KanJam. … And we just honestly hang out, play Frisbee on the beach and play the game for hours. It’s a lot of fun.”
The couple’s girls love spending time on the shore, too, where Samantha can be found digging deep holes in the sand before going in the ocean and swimming with a boogie board and fins. Addison, their younger daughter, uses the sand to build castles and “bake” desserts.
For Haley, it’s all about spending time with the people she holds dear, including the couple’s best friends, who have four children that their girls get to play with. “We spent the entire summer together because we were all Members, so it kind of just became friendship time. … We were here every day with the kids, and we went to Cabos San Lucas this summer with them, too, and that’s our other little spot.”
The Goodman Family at the Monarch Bay Beach Club | Photo by Dondee Quincena
The family also enjoys dining at the newly refurbished Monarch Bay Beach Club, which they frequented almost every other day over the summer. Jordan’s favorite thing to order is the seafood tower; Samantha and Addison enjoy the chicken nuggets and caprese pizza, respectively; and Haley sticks with a classic combination. “A burger and an IPA. That’s the honest truth,” she says. “You would like to hear a salad; it’s not.”
When they’re not down at the beach, the couple is busy maintaining their daily lives. Jordan works as the CEO of Goodman Insurance Services Inc., an insurance brokerage that also happens to be a family business. It was started by his father, who still goes into the office every day to provide guidance, and his brother is the president. They also started an e-learning company called Total CSR Inc., which provides a virtual training program for new insurance brokers; Jordan serves as CFO while his brother is the CEO and their sister, Jennifer Miramontes, is the e-learning director.
Haley also plays an important role as a stay-at-home mom, working to foster an environment in their Ladera Ranch abode that allows her girls to learn while having fun. Prior to this position, she worked in advertising and marketing, but moved on from that career path almost 10 years ago. But, now that the girls are in school full time, she is turning her attention to some writing projects. “I love being with the girls, but we’re transitioning to new seasons,” she explains, noting that she has a cookbook in the works. “It’s time for mama to do something different.”
Naturally, Haley loves cooking and writing as well as gardening, shopping and, of course, going to the beach. “It’s very basic and I love it,” she says. Her creativity has rubbed off on the girls, too, as they both love to sing. Samantha aspires to become an actress while Addison wants to be a chef and work in a grocery store.
In his free time, Jordan can never pass up a round on the course at Mission Country Club, where he grew up playing the game. “Golf is my favorite thing alive, so I’ll be golfing as much as I can possibly golf,” he says of the pastime.
Though the family certainly knows how to keep busy, one thing is for certain: The beach will always be their place to relax and play. And there’s no better spot than Monarch Bay Beach Club.
