By George Christopher Thomas, Travel Writer
A couple of weeks back I had the most delightful weekend in Ventura, CA. Our state offers the absolute best destinations for weekend darts and quick getaways. From the San Fernando Valley, Ventura is around an hour away, and even less time if there isn’t traffic. My travel companion and I were off to enjoy the “Putt & Pamper” package offered by the Olivas Links & San Buenaventura golf companies. This pre-planned weekend of fun has greens fees covered at both golf courses, a massage, and accommodations at a local hotel or resort facility.
We left early Saturday morning for our tee time at the beautiful Olivas Links golf course. This property is top-notch, and is perfect for those just learning golf and enjoyable for the scratch golfer as well. The weather can get quite crisp by the coast, so be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket. We played all 18 holes, taking pictures and having fun the entire time. The golf course is consistently rated in the “Top 100” in all of America, and just marking it off your “To Play” list is worth the trip. After 18 holes of coastal golf, we were off to our hotel.
The Four Points Sheraton is right on the water, a picturesque and delightful location. The resort would be a great place for a wedding, family reunion or other event similar in nature. My travel companion and I checked out the pool, and then wandered off to use the workout facilities. We had a solid workout, and it was off to hit the showers then check out the harbor area. All of the restaurants are within walking distance; just a quick five-minute jaunt and you are there. We chose a great Greek restaurant called “The Greek at the Harbor” where every bite was delicious. The entertainment alone is worth dining there: they have live music and belly dancing, along with audience participation.
I love Greek food, and anything on that menu is perfect for dinner, definitely check it out. After dinner we strolled along the boardwalk, laughing and skipping merrily to the arcade. There is a plethora of things to do at the harbor in Ventura, from renting a boat, to charter cruises out to the Channel Islands. We explored the shops and as usual ended up at the skee-ball machine. This is a perfect place for a first date, or a thousandth date. Take your significant up there during the day, and you can buy a kite, walk across the street to the beach, and fly her over the ocean.
We waited to tee off the next day, because we had to get our massage in, a nice 50-minute rub down by the professionals at Diane Loring, Inc. Definitely something you need to call ahead for, as the team there can get quite booked up, and after your treatment, you will understand why. Since we partook in the “Putt & Pamper” package, following the massage we played San Buenaventura golf course. This is a gem as well, and is considerably shorter than Olivas Links. I highly suggest you take advantage of this wonderful package, for a quick weekend dart out of Los Angeles County, you will not regret it at all.
Cheers, and hit it in the short grass. (Olivas Links & Buenaventura Golf Course are partnering with SPA by Diane Loring, Inc., Four Points Sheraton, Alexander’s Restaurant and Pierpont Racquet Club to offer exclusive Ventura County Putt & Pamper Golf Packages. Ventura Golf & Spa Packages are designed for both men and women. While visiting Ventura, California, experience the restorative properties of a day of relaxation and pampering. Rediscover tranquility and transition from your hectic, overbooked life into an atmosphere of utter renewal and well-being while our experienced therapists envelope you in a world of pampering and personalized care.)