Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Articles written by Chanin Victor


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  • Top 10 Spring Break Travel Recommendations Around the Globe

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor & Travel Trends Founder|Feb 16, 2024

    Spring Break is the perfect time to embark on a cultural and mind-enriching immersive journey to some uncommon destinations. This year, the travel trend is to seek out uncommon destinations, vibrant cultures, and thrilling adventures. If you've got a family, Spring Break coincides with a school break, which is also the best time to plan a family getaway. Here are my top 10 recommendations for unique and life-enriching Spring Break travels. Central Macedonia, Greece Central Ma...

  • Videre Restaurant: Romantic Roof-Top Escape in the Heart of Los Angeles

    Chanin Victor, Food & Lifestyle & Travel Editor|Feb 14, 2024

    Suppose you just realized Valentine's Day is near, and you're stressing about reserving a table for a romantic dinner with your significant other. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Videre is the perfect under-the-radar gem – an intimate, private, and romantic roof-top hideaway, promising an enchanting ambiance away from crowded, mainstream choices. Crowning the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, Videre creates an idyllic escape that transcends the ordinary. Open for just the past three months, this...

  • Spaghetti Sunday menu with salad, pasta, and a view of the hotel.

    Spaghetti Sundays at The Georgian Room: Savoring Nostalgia

    Chanin Victor, Food, Lifestyle and Travel Editor|Jan 4, 2024

    The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica was recently renovated with meticulous attention to preserving its historic charm. It seamlessly blends classic architecture with contemporary luxury, creating a refined comfort. The hotel offers two dining options. The first is The Restaurant at The Georgian, spread across the lobby area with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It also offers an indoor dining room and lobby bar area open seven days a week and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner....

  • Immersive Mediterranean Dining Experience at Mon Ami Santa Monica

    Chanin Victor, Lifestyle and Travel Editor|Dec 18, 2023

    Mon Ami, one of the many culinary sensations recently emerging in Santa Monica, is a testament to the city's evolving gastronomic landscape. Located on Ocean Avenue, across the street from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, you'd never know it was there. Walk past the Red O, down a romantic walkway and through a big wooden door to find this lush, vine-covered courtyard hideaway. It's truly a hidden gem, and only those in the know are aware that tucked away is a vibrant escape from the Santa Monica...

  • Whether it's Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Eat.Drink.Sleep Has Great Holiday Travel Destinations.

    Chanin Victor, Travel and Lifestyle Editor|Nov 17, 2023

    As the holiday season approaches, Southern California's premier boutique hospitality company, Eat.Drink.Sleep is making waves with its biggest sale of the year. Picture this: 25% off room rates at all five of its exquisite hotels, including renowned gems like Tower 23 and the Bellanca Hotel. While there, dine at Catalina Island's charming and scenic Naughty Fox restaurant. This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the doors to a year-long adventure swing open, offering travelers an unprecedented...

  • One of the best fall foliage spots to see autumn

    Best Fall Foliage Spots: Discovering Southern California's Autumnal Beauty

    Chanin Victor, Travel and Lifestyle Editor|Oct 18, 2023

    As the warm embrace of summer transforms into the crisp chill of fall, nature unveils its vibrant masterpiece: the spectacular display of autumn foliage. The transition from green to fiery reds, oranges, and yellows paints landscapes in an exquisite palette, enticing travelers to embark on a leaf-peeping adventure. If you're based in Southern California or seeking a nearby autumn escape, fret not, for the West Coast, too, boasts breathtaking spots for witnessing fall foliage. We'll also...

  • paella dish at Manchego restaurant

    Spanish Tapas Fusion: Manchego Restaurant is Santa Monica's Hidden Gem

    Chanin Victor, Lifestyle and Travel Editor|Oct 18, 2023

    Manchego Restaurant is a cherished destination for Spanish cuisine enthusiasts. The owners, avid travelers to Spain, constantly enrich their menu with insights from their journeys, infusing the authentic Spanish spirit into their offerings. What sets Manchego apart is a delightful twist---a blend of Spanish authenticity with a touch of the Mediterranean breeze and a dash of Latin zest. Authentic Manchego-made solely from La Mancha sheep's milk-epitomizes true Spanish heritage. The restaurant,...

  • Women standing in front of Ocean Prime logo sign in restaurant in Beverly Hills

    Ocean Prime Beverly Hills: A Simple and Delightful Dining Experience

    Chanin Victor, Lifestyle & Travel Editor|Oct 18, 2023

    Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, nestled at the vibrant corner of Dayton and Wilshire, has long been a cherished dining destination. Renowned for its stellar seafood and steak offerings, the restaurant has recently added five new dining options, focusing on ease and simplicity in choices for an enhanced dining experience. We recently stopped by for a delicious lunch... Prime Lunch Menu: A Lunchtime Treat Made Easy: At Ocean Prime Beverly Hills, Lunchtime is now a delightful journey with their Prime...

  • Girl in front of dog-friendly The Maxwell Hotel with a bronze statue of a dog

    The Maxwell Hotel: Your Basecamp for Seattle's Coolest Experiences

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor|Sep 11, 2023

    The Maxwell Hotel: Your Enchanting StayPineapple Oasis in Seattle Seattle, Washington, a city bursting with culture, innovation, and natural beauty, welcomes travelers from all corners of the world. And when it comes to finding the perfect home away from home in the heart of the city, look no further than The Maxwell Hotel-a StayPineapple property that exudes warmth, charm, and unmatched hospitality. Whether you're a solo explorer, a family on an adventure, or a couple seeking a romantic...

  • Top Ten Things To Do at The Calgary Stampede

    Chanin Victor, Travel and Lifestyle Editor|Jul 27, 2023
    1

    Every July, the vibrant city of Calgary, Canada, transforms into a thrilling western wonderland as the world-famous Calgary Stampede takes center stage. For ten adrenaline-fueled days, locals and visitors from around the globe gather to celebrate Alberta's rich cowboy heritage, indulge in exhilarating rodeo events, savor mouthwatering Stampede food, and immerse themselves in an electrifying atmosphere. As the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede offers an unforgettable experien...

  • Spring and Easter Happenings Around California--Some Fun Spring Ideas for your Bucket List!

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor|Apr 3, 2023

    Spring is here! Southern California is always a perfect place to spend your Spring Break and we've got some amazing ideas for you to add to your bucket list. RENAISSANCE ESMERALDA RESORT & SPA PRESENTS LAVISH EASTER BRUNCH AT CAVA RESTAURANT With spectacular views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa welcomes guests to Cava – its bistro-style eatery with a relaxing terrace and farm-to-table California ingredient-focused culinary offerings for Easter Brunch. -...

  • A Tranquility Massage at Burke Williams: Make Time for Yourself This Winter

    Chanin Victor, Lifestyle Editor|Dec 21, 2022

    It's a cold, blustery day in LA. The kids are at school. I've got a million deadlines for work. The laundry needs to be folded, and there's a grocery store run on the to-do list. Don't even get me started about all the things I have to for the holidays! Sound familiar? With so much on my plate, you might call me crazy for booking a massage and skipping out on life for half the day, but I did! The new Tranquility Massage at Burke Williams was worth every single minute. Before I tell you all...

  • A polaroid photo of family attending an escape room in Los Angeles

    The NEW Escape Game LA in Century City is an immersive, 60-minute, real-life adventure game!

    Chanin Victor, SM Observer Editor|Oct 19, 2022

    Recently opened in Century City's Westfield Shopping Center, The Escape Game LA is a new way of experiencing storytelling, where you're actually a part of the story and living it in real time. Each escape room is designed to immerse you into an entirely new world that feels like you're starring in a Hollywood blockbuster. The games are designed for small groups from 2 to 12 people who can work together in a room full of hidden clues, secret passages and code breaking to try and escape within 60...

  • Woman next to a sign Welcome to the Celebrity Solstice Cruise

    Sailing on the Celebrity Solstice: The BEST way to see the Pacific Coast!

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor|Sep 28, 2022

    Ready to set sail on an adventure down the Pacific coast? Look no further than Celebrity Solstice! This modern cruise ship features unrivaled vistas, plenty of activities to keep you entertained, and itineraries that will take you to some of the most popular cities in the Mexican Riviera. Setting sail from September 2022 through April 2023, the Celebrity Solstice will embark on five-, seven-, and eight-night itineraries from its homeport in Los Angeles, California. This modern cruise ship...

  • REVIEW: Animal Farm, George Orwell's Classic Beast Fable Reimagined With Song

    Chanin Victor, Observer Staff Editor|Sep 5, 2022

    Despite the 111-degree temperatures in Pasadena this weekend, the show must go on, and we're glad we braved the heat! The recently opened Animal Farm -the inaugural production of A Noise Within's 31st season-is a musical adaptation from Sir Peter Hall that even your middle school child would appreciate and could easily make heads and tails of; pun intended. George Orwell's novel Animal Farm, first published in 1945, is a satirical allegory in which the animals of Manor Farm rise up against...

  • Sign for hotel with long driveway leading to bungalows.

    Secluded Rainforest Hideaway Near An Active Volcano Offers The Perfect Escape

    Chanin Victor, Travel and Lifestyle Editor|Aug 31, 2022

    If you're not an adventurer at heart, then it's hard to imagine spending any amount of time near the most active volcano in the world, let alone sleeping near one. However, if you love nature and are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, staying at the Volcano Village Estates on the Big Island will be an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. Located in Volcano – near the northeastern (Hilo) side of the island – and within walking distance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,...

  • A grassy field with people on it in fromt of a stage at Campland On The Bay

    Labor Day Weekend at Campland On The Bay is Summertime Fun!

    Chanin Victor, Lifestyle and Travel Editor|ERROR

    Campland On The Bay in Mission Bay will be full of family-friendly, pet-friendly activities and live entertainment all Labor Day Weekend, Friday, September 2 to Monday, September 5, for resort guests. If you haven't already, book a campsite for a tent or bring your RV! Located on San Diego's Mission Bay, the nation's largest aquatic park, find 40 acres of RV resort with a secluded beach. If you've never visited Campland On The Bay before, you can read all about our experience here, Experience...

  • Girl on bike eating ice cream at the beach with a Campland sign.

    Experience Year-Round Family RV Camping at Campland on the Bay in Southern California

    Chanin Victor, Travel & Lifestyle Editor|Jul 13, 2022
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    Wondering where you can take the family for the best RV camping in Southern California? Campland on the Bay exudes summer and a recreational vehicle lifestyle offers something for everyone. Located on Mission Bay, the nation's largest aquatic park, the resort offers 40 acres of RV resort with a secluded beach just steps away. Kids will have a blast, and once the RV is set up and ready to go, parents will feel the carefree nostalgia they once had when they vacationed as kids. It's summer...

  • a couple with dog standing in front of resort

    Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa: A Perfect Parents-Only Getaway in California

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor|Jun 17, 2022

    My husband and I decided to head up to the super sexy Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa for some much-needed re-connecting and intimacy, the kind you don't have time for when your kids are around. Although our three days included some remote work and time on computers, we were all by ourselves in this charming and picturesque setting in the mountains and were able to get a little R&R on our amorous adventure. It was the perfect parents-only getaway, and we loved every minute! Our daughter was off...

  • A giant blue floatable plastic whale on a beach with kids playing.

    Ten Reasons to Visit The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort This Summer

    Chanin Victor, Travel Editor|Jun 15, 2022

    Are you looking to kick off your summer with awesome adventures and some "cooling-off" activities? The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the best place to have a splashin' good time with the whole family! Relax on the soft sand beach and play in the ocean water lagoon on one of the largest inflatable water parks. It's the perfect way to have fun in the sun and the ultimate summer destination for families. The beautiful beachfront resort known as Newport Dunes resides on over 110...

  • Exploring Avalon and Catalina Island. Kayak, Snorkel, Scuba, SUP, Zipline, Rock climb, Sit on a Chaise and Drink a Cocktail.

    Chanin Victor, Observer Staff Writer|Apr 27, 2022

    If you've never been, it's one of California's gems, an unkept secret among A-listers, vacationers, and those who live for adventure and the outdoors. It's reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, with colorful dots of houses and buildings terraced along its rocky coast. Its loveliness and relaxed nature exude charm. In a word-enchanting! When planning the perfect weekend adventure to Catalina Island, here's everything you need to know. Here is a one-day itinerary and a multi-day itinerary to...

  • The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa Perfect For A Memorable Coastal Getaway

    Chanin Victor, Observer Travel Editor|Mar 23, 2022

    Suppose you're searching for sunsets, ocean breezes, and spectacular views and want to escape to luxury. In that case, The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa is the perfect hotel for a memorable coastal getaway. It is a family-friendly resort and a dog-friendly resort too. The Westin Carlsbad, located in the upscale coastal community of Carlsbad, California, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, 208 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and 28 suites with stunning ocean views. The...

  • We've got SIPS for an amazing weekend getaway in Temecula Wine Country

    Chanin Victor, Observer Travel Editor|Jan 26, 2022

    In the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country and surrounded by 63 acres of beautifully tended vines, you'll find family-owned South Coast Winery Resort and Spa. Bask in an idyllic setting and experience Southern California's wine country for a peaceful sojourn. Delight in an unforgettable wine-tasting occasion. Bring the kids (and dog), stay for the weekend, and immerse yourself in a complete wine country adventure. Temecula Valley is the inland oasis to enjoy when looking for a weekend...

  • 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Elevate The Gift Giving With Experience Gifts

    Chanin Victor, Staff Writer|Dec 3, 2021

    HAVE YOU DONE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING YET? The Santa Monica Observer would like to share with you the 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: Elevate The Gift Giving With Experience Gifts from our friends over at Santa Monica Macaroni Kid. Definitely check out this amazing Gift Guide! The holidays are here, and if you're like me, you want to be the one who gets THE perfect gift for everyone on your list. I mean, let's face it, sometimes you need a unique gift for that person who has everything, it happens!!!...

  • Santa Monica Holiday Events: Winterlit Holiday Lights and Festivities Transform Downtown Santa Monica

    Chanin Victor, Observer Calendar Editor|ERROR

    Calendar Events "Self-Care Saturdays" Continue on the Third Street Promenade Through December 2021. Free workouts every Saturday morning plus a pop-up market featuring local artisan vendors and sustainable brands. Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. in partnership with Fit Girl Club LA is hosting Self-Care Saturdays weekly through December 18 on the Third Street Promenade. Classes are free and vary per week with a diverse mix of workout styles including yoga, pilates, Krav Maga, dance cardio,...

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