Moments Magazine: Winter/Spring 2018
Spa & Wellness
Dare to Dream
Dream expert Anna-Karin Bjorklund gives insight on her new book, what your dreams may be telling you and how they can change your waking life for the better.
Photo illustration by begemot_30/Shutterstock.com
Whether or not you can remember them after waking up in the morning, all humans dream—between three and five times a night, to be exact. And many people believe that dreams are filled with symbols that can be interpreted as messages from their subconscious mind. Anna-Karin Bjorklund, a dream expert, author and visiting specialist at the Miraval Life in Balance Spa at Monarch Beach Resort, is a strong believer in the idea that dreams manifest themselves to guide and inspire us in our waking lives. “I believe that our dreams are here to help us grow spiritually, ultimately helping us feel more connected to ourselves, to the people around us and within our own divine,” Bjorklund says.
Even as a little girl, Bjorklund paid close attention to her dreams and began to keep a journal that she filled with her unconscious adventures. She knew even then that she wanted to be a writer, and also that there was something special happening in our dreams. Then, about 10 years ago, she set out to amalgamate her two greatest passions. Bjorklund’s professional work with dreams has entailed working with people individually, holding dream seminars, going on TV shows such as the Steve Harvey Show and Fox News, and the publication of two books.
Her most recent book, “The Dream Alchemist,” which was released Nov. 12, is, as Bjorklund would say, “a story about learning to accept ourselves for who we are, rather than seeking outer approval, holding onto our power, feeling connected, having an inner sense of belonging and walking the path of self-love.” And dreams played a huge role in her own spiritual journey, which is something that she wishes to share with others who wish to follow a similar path.
“I feel there’s a connection to something bigger, something infinite and it inspires me,” Bjorklund explains. “So, if there are times in my life, and there are, when I don’t have this connection, I feel sad and a little bit lost so then I know, ‘OK, it’s time to really go back into my dreams,’ and boom: the inspiration comes back and I feel connected to the whole universe.”
Keep a dream journal to record your nightly adventures, as well as your waking life. | Photo by Alena Ozerova/Shutterstock.com
Recalling Your Dreams
Though we all experience dreams, many people have a difficult time remembering them. If you are one of those people, Bjorklund has a few tips for mental exercises that could help. First, she recommends thinking back to childhood dreams that are still memorable and writing down as much detail as possible. This will get a flow going and, in turn, program your brain to remember your dreams in the future as well. She also suggests keeping a journal and writing utensil handy, so as to write down your dreams soon after you wake up.
But don’t move around too much before opening your eyes and starting your journal entry: reflect without moving before writing anything down. “People tend to forget more of their dreams when they begin to focus on other things upon waking up, and even moving can make it more difficult to recall them,” Bjorklund explains.
The Four Types of Dreams
According to Bjorklund, there are four different types of dreams: subjective, objective, intuitive and astral. Subjective dreams manifest themselves to help us with self-awareness, whereas objective dreams are more about helping us work through emotional reactions and energies as well as realizing emotional patterns that we might be stuck in. Intuitive dreams generally come with guidance, inspiration and direction, especially when facing life-changing decisions. Finally, there are astral dreams, which are the most spiritual of all: These dreams may allow us to connect with loved ones who have passed away or can even take us on a sacred journey that adds to our soul growth.
Regardless of the type of dream that is experienced, Bjorklund emphasizes that most dreams present themselves simply for you to get to know yourself from a higher perspective. She says that dreams bring about a strong sense of self-awareness because once we are able to understand them, we can, in turn, understand ourselves, which strengthens self-love and allows for a deeper connection with yourself as well as others.
Anna-Karin Bjorklund drifts off to dream land. | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Lucid Dreaming
Have you ever been in a dream where you suddenly became aware that you’re dreaming, and may have even been able to take control of your surroundings? This phenomena is called lucid dreaming, and there is actually a way to train your brain to recognize when you’re in a dream, which Bjorklund says is as simple as “being more aware and awake in your daily life.”
“Ask yourself little questions like, ‘Does this make sense?’ … Like little reality checks, and then bring that awareness with you into the dream world,” Bjorklund explains. “Automatically, when you are paying more attention to what’s going on around you in your daily life, you will also be doing that in your dreams.”
When you are lucid in a dream, Bjorklund says to maintain that awareness, if possible, and go where the energy is in the dream. “Ask open-ended questions to dream characters and really be conscious of how you respond to certain situations in your dream,” she says. “And maybe play around a little bit with creativity, manifesting, thinking about things that you would like to have happen and instantly, it will happen in a lucid dream.”
What Do Your Dreams Mean?
Keeping a dream journal is a great way to better understand the symbols presented by your subconscious, but it may not always be the best resource on its own. In order to properly interpret your dreams, Bjorklund suggests keeping a journal about your waking life as well, to analyze events that happened in reality and see how they affect your dream world. She also advises to create a personal dream dictionary filled with meanings of particular symbols as they pertain to you and your own life experiences; generic versions can be used for reference, but may not always be entirely accurate.
The meanings of dreams are not always literal, which sometimes makes them difficult to decipher. Bjorklund says to keep an eye out for word play, which is something that our minds tend to utilize in our dreams. Also be aware that the people you interact with in your dreams may not necessarily represent themselves, but a message from your subconscious.
Pay attention to how often specific dreams occur. If you experience recurring dreams, Bjorklund says this is your subconscious showing you something in your life that has yet to be resolved. “Be a little compassionate and understanding with yourself; the dream might be helping you bring about some emotions that you have been pushing away,” Bjorklund says. “Once a feeling is acknowledge, that’s when healing starts.”
She also wants people to understand that nightmares, contrary to popular belief, are not meant to scare us. They actually appear to help us and, like recurring dreams, communicate that there is something affecting us emotionally that needs to be addressed. “The best way to recuperate from a nightmare is to love yourself a little more and come to terms with why that nightmare chose to present itself to you,” Bjorklund says. “I believe it’s a beautiful opportunity to really look at your life and … sometimes, sadly, we cannot do anything, but [we can ask ourselves] how can we look at it differently?”
Photo illustration by Yuganov Konstantin/Shutterstock.com
Scintillating Symbols
Although the meanings of particular dreams tend to differ, there are some dreams that are more common than others. Here, Anna-Karin Bjorklund uses her expertise to decipher some familiar symbols that people tend to come across in their dreams.
1. Being Chased
When you dream about being chased, this often means that there is something external that is causing you stress, such as work or personal relationships, or something internal that you’re uncomfortable with, such as a tendency to react with anger or aggression in unfavorable situations.
“It’s all about sitting down and facing whatever is happening,” Bjorklund says. If you become lucid while being chased in a dream, Bjorklund suggests turning to face whatever is chasing you and confronting it by asking its purpose. She also says that, in general, asking open-ended questions while lucid dreaming can turn a nightmare into something beautiful.
2. Back to School
Even years after you’ve graduated, you may still have dreams where you find yourself back in school—a setting that always seems to be paired with something stressful such as not being prepared for an exam or not being able to find your classroom or the school itself.
“Those kinds of dreams often come about when we feel unprepared to face a situation,” Bjorklund says. “So, I would ask myself here, ‘What can I do to help myself feel better prepared?’ ”
3. Naked in Public
Oftentimes, dreams about being naked in public symbolize that you’re feeling vulnerable: Maybe you revealed too much information to someone or you’re afraid of opening up to someone in your life. But, on the other hand, if being naked in public evokes positive emotions, the dream could therefore represent a sense of freedom and acceptance of yourself.
“Think about, of course, how you feel when you are naked,” Bjorklund says. “If you’re feeling confident and happy to show who you are, that’s a very different situation from feeling vulnerable and ... overexposed.”
4. Teeth Falling Out
Though she has never experienced one of these herself, Bjorklund says that dreams about your teeth falling out often symbolize that we have talked too much or that we can’t seem to explain how we truly feel. “It has to do with communication, so we might have expressed ourselves in a way that we don’t like, or it could also have to do with a loss of power,” Bjorklund says.
5. Flying
Another dream symbol that can have different meanings is flying. Personally, Bjorklund loves flying dreams because she feels it is the ultimate sensation of freedom. “You might have mastered a situation, rising above something that no longer disturbs you; you’re viewing your life from a higher perspective and you’re free to go where you want to go,” Bjorklund says. “If you’ve had a dream about flying, I would say that this is the right time to do something.”
But if you’re afraid of flying and want to feel your feet flat on the ground, the dream could instead represent your fears or anxiety in the real world.
Still taken from drone footage by Hunter Thain
Outdoor Activities
View From Above
Take to the sky for a bird’s-eye view of this idyllic coastal oasis.
Monarch Beach Resort is situated in a picturesque location that offers breathtaking views no matter where you look. From the serene private beach, where guests can drink in the sight of the Pacific, to the perfectly manicured golf course with ocean views to the intricate, aquatic-inspired architecture of the resort itself, to be at Monarch Beach Resort is to be surrounded by beauty.
Still taken from drone footage by Hunter Thain
Through drone photography, Moments was able to capture this splendor from a new perspective. Here, you are able to visualize the resort’s proximity to the ocean, which is merely steps away from the greens of Monarch Beach Golf Links. Nothing beats having the beach as your backdrop for a round as you breathe in the fresh, sea air. And after breaking a sweat with your fellow golfers, head straight into the waves to cool off and wind down, until your next adventure.
The grounds of the resort itself comprise 400 guest rooms, nine dining options, three pools, an incredible spa and renowned golf course, plus one unforgettable experience.
Bourbon Steak, A Michael Mina Restaurant serves steaks using chef Michael Mina’s signature butter poaching method prior to grilling the meat. | Photo courtesy of The Mina Group
Eat & Drink
Sizzling Steaks
Bourbon Steak, A Michael Mina Restaurant, will make its debut as the newest on-property eatery at Monarch Beach Resort in February.
World-renowned and James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina is bringing his international steakhouse concept to Monarch Beach Resort with the opening of Bourbon Steak, A Michael Mina Restaurant slated for February. “We are honored to continue to be part of the southern Orange County community for over 15 years,” Mina says of his connection to the resort and surrounding area. “Based on our experience, we feel that Bourbon Steak will continue our tradition of great food and great service. We can’t wait to share it with our guests.”
Bourbon Steak will replace STONEHILL TAVERN, A Michael Mina Restaurant, which closed at the end of 2017. This new concept is celebrated for its modern twist on a traditional American steakhouse, which takes a seasonal approach that adds a bit of a unique flare for an impeccable dining experience, from the atmosphere to, of course, the food.
Only the finest cuts of dry-aged prime meat will be served: In Mina’s signature style, the steaks are grilled after first being poached in butter to lock in the juicy flavor. Locally sourced ingredients, such as avocados, spiny lobsters and Sea of Cortez oysters, will also be incorporated into dishes for a true taste of the region.
Truffle macaroni and cheese | Photo courtesy of The Mina Group
Some must-try dishes include the World Wide Wagyu, which comprises Japanese A5 striploin, Australian short rib and American skirt steak; the trio of duck fat fries; truffle macaroni and cheese; and two favorites from STONEHILL TAVERN: the famous Maine lobster pot pie with a brandied lobster cream, Hamakua mushrooms and black truffle; and Michael Mina’s Ahi Tuna.
“We will have some new items that offer a lighter take on classic steakhouse dishes,” Mina says. “For example, we’ll be offering a beet tartare instead of a beef tartare. We will also be serving whole fish tableside, and will be finishing the fish with either a salsa [or] vinaigrette or spicy chilies. The aromas and tableside service will be a nice show for our guests.”
There will be a few additional tableside features that are sure to entertain diners, such as a meat-carving trolley, martini cart and Japanese whisky ceremony. The beverage program also features various other selections of whiskeys from Japan and the U.S. as well as timeless libations that are reminiscent of the 20th century. The Wine Cave by Bourbon Steak will also make its premiere as a luxurious venue for private events.
The seafood platter can be ordered smoking hot or ice cold, both equally delicious. | Photo courtesy of The Mina Group
As for the restaurant’s interior design, Mina says it will “take cues from our core brand, but will pull influences from our coastal location.” His team is currently working with local galleries so as to showcase artists from nearby Laguna Beach to pair with the restaurant’s panoramic ocean views.
One thing that will certainly stay the same is the staff. “Our STONEHILL [TAVERN] team is amazing,” Mina says. “… They are all staying, and we are filling in open positions with new team members.” And one of those open positions, as of publication, is the restaurant’s executive chef. When asked what qualities Mina and his team are looking for in the ideal candidate, he described someone who has a great personality that gets along well with others but can also easily gain the respect of his or her coworkers, and, naturally, a strong culinary background and exceptional cooking skills. “We are looking for someone that is passionate about being great in everything that they do and are excited to be a part of our family,” Mina says.
This will be the sixth Bourbon Steak location, but also the first in Orange County. “The opportunity to introduce chef Mina’s Bourbon Steak concept to the Orange County community through Monarch Beach Resort is an honor,” says Ian Pullan, vice president and general manager of the resort, in a press release. “We are thrilled to offer our guests and locals this dynamic new dining experience that is anticipated to be the area’s top steakhouse.”
Three Perfect Days
Bask in Romance
Celebrate true love with your partner, for Valentine’s Day and every other day of the year, with this itinerary for a picture-perfect couples getaway.
Monarch Beach Resort offers myriad activities for a romantic getaway. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Whether it’s a special occasion or just another day spent with your significant other, there are myriad options for dates of all types at Monarch Beach Resort and in the surrounding area. From exploring the coastal beauty and rich history of Dana Point to taking advantage of the resort’s private beach or relaxing at the Miraval Life in Balance Spa, there’s something for every couple to enjoy.
Keep the sparks flying while you take in the sights, dine on exquisite culinary creations and unwind together for an unparalleled romantic experience. Here, Moments presents an itinerary for three perfect days to make the most of your time in this seaside paradise.
Day One
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Part & Parcel Market, which is conveniently located in the lobby of the resort and boasts an assortment of flaky pastries, hearty breakfast sandwiches and colorful cups of fruit as well as Starbucks coffee and fresh-pressed juice (try the Miraval Green Essential juice for a healthful and delicious morning refresher). This is also the perfect place to purchase a picnic basket and fill it with goodies for a charming lunch to savor later in the day.
Start your day with breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at Part & Parcel Market. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
After having your fill of sweet treats and savory bites, head into town to explore Dana Point. You know you’re in for a treat when Richard Dana, the coastal city’s namesake, dubbed the area “the only romantic spot on the coast.”
The first stop will be Dana Point Harbor, which has a large selection of activities including water-centric excursions, shopping and dining. Book a whale-watching tour or other ocean outings like sailing, fishing, diving, kayaking or paddle boarding. There are also plenty of shops with everything from intricate artwork and jewelry to coastal decor for your home and resortwear for you both.
Afternoon: After working up an appetite, there are various restaurants where you can dine in, such as Gemmell’s for upscale French cuisine, Waterman’s Harbor for fresh seafood or Coffee Importers for when you’re just looking for a little caffeine boost. If you opted to bring a picnic lunch, find the perfect place to set yourselves up at Dana Cove Park, where Baby Beach boasts a lovely picnic and barbecue area that offers gorgeous views of the harbor.
Walk off your meal along the cliffside Bluff Top Trail for an elevated ocean view and a peak at the area’s history, which is depicted through various pieces of art and architecture. An alternative scenic trail runs through the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, which is home to more than 150 varieties of native plants and animals, including endangered species such as the coastal California gnatcatcher bird, as well as rare communities of plants such as maritime succulent scrub and mixed chaparral. If you choose to take this route, be sure to stop by the Dana Point Caves for a picturesque photo op to capture your afternoon together.
Shop for clothing and beauty products on-property at Monarch Beach Resort. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Once you’ve both had your fill of the local amenities, make your way back to the resort to freshen up before going on a private shopping experience at luxury shopping mall South Coast Plaza, complete with a personal stylist and complimentary transportation to and from the resort.
If you would rather stay on the property, the Life in Balance Boutique and Spa Retail have a plethora of products to help you look and feel your best with signature Miraval apparel, books written by some of the spa’s visiting specialists and various skincare products. And if you’re looking for something with a bit of sparkle and shine, be sure to stop in to Jean-Jacques Mamie Fine Jewelry to find a gorgeous necklace for her, a sophisticated timepiece for him or glass art for the home that you’ve built together.
Evening: End your adventurous day with dinner and drinks at 33°North, which is open for dinner until 11 p.m., giving you ample time to enjoy the other activities planned throughout your day. After sightseeing in Dana Point and indulging in high-class shopping, it makes sense to finish with the sophisticated coastal cuisine at this on-property restaurant. With a menu featuring locally sourced, organic ingredients and an extensive list of alcoholic offerings such as premium Champagne and cognac and an entire menu dedicated to single malt Scotch whisky, your taste buds will certainly be pleased. Plus, if you stop in on Friday or Saturday evening, you will also be treated to live performances from 5 p.m. - 1 a.m., to enjoy as background music while sipping on your nightcaps.
A view of Monarch Beach Resort from the pool | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Day Two
Morning: Wake up and get your body moving with a water-based fitness class through the Miraval Life in Balance Spa, such as HIIT the Water on Sundays at 10 a.m. for an intense yet satisfying work out with an aquatic twist.
After your class, don’t dry off just yet; instead, head straight to the Monarch Pool where you can rent a cabana for the day, which will come complete with a personal Cabana Host, hot and cold towel service, cable television, a chef-prepared fruit bowl, a mini fridge with still and sparkling water, two chaise lounge chairs, full-size couch seating and a hanging egg chair. You could also choose to get cozy in a daybed, which is the perfect size for two people to lay side-by-side in the sun.
Afternoon: Once you’ve settled in, it’ll be about time for lunch, and Sombra is the perfect place to grab a bite. This poolside cantina serves the traditional Mexican fare for which Southern California is known, including fish tacos, nachos and a selection of ceviche, plus a substantial tequila and mezcal menu as well as margaritas on tap.
Monarch Bay Club offers a beachfront experience with a restaurant and aquatic activities. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
If you’re craving a bit of an ocean breeze, take the Monarch Beach Resort Tram down to the resort’s private beach and utilize the Ocean Adventure Program, which provides complimentary umbrellas, towels and lounge chair services. You can also rent equipment including stand-up paddleboards and paddles, boogie boards, skimboards, swim fins and masks, surfboards, a two-person kayak and wetsuits. Surf Hosts will take care of you both in the sand and the surf, and you can also sign up for activities such as surfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding lessons or tours, as well as 30-minute courses to learn more about ocean awareness and wave riding.
Evening: Just a short jaunt away is Monarch Bay Club, where you two can enjoy dinner while watching the sunset from the oceanfront restaurant. Dine on decadent dishes such as truffle macaroni and cheese or wasabi panko-crusted ahi tuna while watching the waves break on the shoreline. For dessert, reserve a fire pit through the Ocean Adventure Program for a romantic evening of roasting s’mores on the beach.
Relax and unwind at Miraval Life in Balance Spa. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Day Three
Morning: Spend your last day in total relaxation at the award-winning Miraval Life in Balance Spa. But first, get your blood pumping with a low-impact, morning fitness class such as Vinyasa Yoga on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9 a.m.; Fit Yoga Flow on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. or Yogilaties on Fridays at 10 a.m., or calm your mind with a meditation class such as Floating Meditation on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; Mindfulness at Miraval on Thursdays at 9 a.m. or Morning Meditation on Saturdays at 8 a.m.
After working up a bit of a sweat or clearing your head, lounge by the Spa Pool for a bit of tranquility. Here, you can exercise a bit more in the lap pool, loosen up your muscles in the hot tub or simply relax on a daybed with your partner.
Also be sure to check out the Spa Café for a healthy snack, sandwich or salad to be paired with tea, fresh juice or a selection from an extensive wine and Champagne menu that includes a guava mimosa or blood orange Bellini. It also has two guilt-free desserts available: avocado-frosted carrot cake and dark chocolate-covered strawberries.
For spa treatments that can be enjoyed together, look to the Couples Relaxation Retreat, which includes a soothing bath ritual complete with hand-selected essential oils and fragrant candles, followed by a therapeutic full-body massage as well as access to the spa’s private relaxation area and other amenities. Or, opt for the Couples Personalized Massage, if you want to get right to the main event. You could also add on a rejuvenating facial treatment such as the Advanced Skin Radiance Facial with a rose quartz crystal facial massage, or the Ocean Crystal Facial, which uses a custom blend of sea-based ingredients, both of which will promote healthy skin.
Enjoy patio seating and healthy Californian fare at AVEO Table + Bar. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Afternoon: When it comes time for lunch, secure alfresco seating at AVEO Table + Bar to indulge in the scenic views while dining on healthy Californian cuisine such as mussels and clams, Jidori chicken or the Maple Leaf Farms duck duo. Make a reservation for brunch between 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on the weekends, or pop in for happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 2:30-6 p.m.
After you eat, make time for one last pampering session at the Drybar, where ladies can choose from a menu of blowout styles such as the Manhattan for a sleek and smooth look or the Mai Tai for relaxed beach hair. Men are welcome to receive hair treatments as well, which will include a wash, scalp massage and blow dry. No matter your gender, you will leave this salon looking fabulous and ready for a night out.
Share a night cap with your lover at The Monarch Beach Lobby Lounge. | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
Evening: Your final evening deserves to be one for the books, so it’s only fitting to be one of the first to dine at the newest location of renowned steakhouse, Bourbon Steak, A Michael Mina Restaurant. The menu at the resort’s latest culinary arrival will include some of Mina’s signature dishes such as his Maine lobster pot pie and butter-poached steaks plus a selection of Japanese whiskey as well as The Wine Cave by Bourbon Steak.
Bourbon Steak is set to debut in February, but before it opens, another option for a lovely evening meal is through in-room dining, a 24-hour service with entrée options such as chicken saltimbocca, surf and turf with filet mignon and a lobster tail, prime 10-ounce New York steak or the daily catch of fish. On top of the food, alcoholic beverages, including wine by the glass or bottle, premium Champagne, bottles of spirits and a selection of beer, are also served all day. Or, if you’d prefer to go out, head down to The Monarch Beach Lobby Lounge, which is open until 1 a.m., for a drink at the bar to end your perfect romantic getaway.
Discovery
A New Way to Travel
Monarch Beach Resort was recently added as a new property in Global Hotel Alliance’s DISCOVERY loyalty program.
Monarch Beach Resort is proud to announce a new partnership with Global Hotel Alliance’s international DISCOVERY loyalty program, which offers members recognition and discounted stays at 550 luxury properties in 76 countries with an emphasis on providing authentic local excursions at each destination.
The vision of DISCOVERY is to immerse travelers in each stop on their journey by partnering with properties that represent the culture and traditions of their locations. Instead of having members collect points, this program gives members Local Experience awards that can be redeemed for adventures to connect with the local area and people.
These experiences do vary based on membership level, but, at Monarch Beach Resort, the activities range from a shamanic energy healing treatment at Miraval Life in Balance Spa or children’s parties for the Platinum Local Experiences to luxury shopping for two at the famous South Coast Plaza or VIP golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links for the Black Local Experiences.
Members receive on Platinum or Black Local Experience award once they reach that respective status, and another one every year that status is renewed. Members also earn Local Experience awards with every stay at a new brand of DISCOVERY hotels.
In total, there are three levels of membership: Gold, Platinum and Black. Gold membership is awarded upon joining and includes complimentary benefits such as a bottle of water upon check-in, internet access, a choice of newspaper as well as other exclusive members-only offers.
Platinum membership is achieved after staying 10 nights at DISCOVERY properties in one calendar year, and includes all of the aforementioned benefits as well as a local amenity upon check-in, the opportunity to receive Local Experiences, as well as room upgrades and late check-out upon availability.
Finally, there is the Black membership, which can be achieved after 30 qualifying stays and includes all of the aforementioned benefits as well as guaranteed room availability when booking at least 24 hours in advance, double room upgrade, plus early check-in and late check-out privileges, when available.
Best of all? Becoming a member of this incredible loyalty program will cost you nothing but a bit of time. Sign up now on the official Monarch Beach Resort website at monarchbeachresort.com/loyalty or visit one of our front desk agents for in-person assistance.
The resort grounds with views of the Pacific Ocean beyond | Photo courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort
