Architecture,  Beach,  Dessert,  Drink,  Education,  Entertainment,  Events,  Explore with Cassie,  Food,  Latest News,  Nature,  Restaurants,  Travel

Escape to a Slice of Heaven in Catalina Island, California

Marking off another bucket list item of Catalina Island, CA!

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted),

I’ve officially dubbed Santa Catalina Island California’s mini Hawaii, minus the natives and hefty price tag. It has that same laid back, relaxing yet magical vibe. Situated 22 miles southwest from Los Angeles, CA, it feels like another world away as it is only accessible by boat. Our transportation choice was the Catalina Express, which offers three ports to choose from: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Long Beach was closest for me driving in the day before from Phoenix but others are just as well. With up to 30 departures a day, it’s a no brainer to take this vessel built for comfort and speed. We upgraded to Commodore Lounge for an extra $20 which gives you priority boarding, special access, snacks and a beverage on board.

We arrived to the area hella early that morning, buzzing with excitement to explore with island and scratch it off the bucket list so we swung by Starbucks and enjoyed some much needed extra caffeine first. Then parked in the parking deck which charges $20 a day, leaving my car behind at the gracious Marriott I used by Bonvoy points to book and stay the night before. I bounced around the waiting area, snapping pics and videos of everything and found it hard to sit down. But soon we were boarding and getting settled in.

It finally felt real when we approached the doors to the Catalina Express.
Our ship looking all reflective and sleek at Catalina Express in Long Beach, CA.
A glass of bubbles to celebrate the trip was in order on board the Catalina Express.
Our journey begins as we wave goodbye to Long Beach, CA on the Catalina Express.
A huge docked ship draws everyone to it on board the Catalina Express.
Long Beach looking lovely in this classic California photo on the Catalina Express.
Pets are allowed on board the Catalina Express but make sure you bring their hoodie!
The American flag whipping away in the wind as we go into open waters on the Catalina Express.
Everyone got excited to see land on the Catalina Express.
A view of the private condos that are not easily accessible on the Catalina Express.
The casino on Catalina Island is not the gambling kind.
The foggy day was making things so moody that day.
A view of the harbor and boats on board the Catalina Express.
Wait until the end of this blog post to see a stark difference in the weather and views on the Catalina Express.
Pulling into the dock on board the Catalina Express.
Our sister ship looking good as we prepare to leave which was smooth sailing in the middle of winter.

Catalina Island’s crystal clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate are breathtaking. This chill island town has a plethora of natural and cultural resources with unique wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities abound with jeep eco tours, hummer rides, zip lines, rock climbing and underwater adventures. Adventure seekers would love all the camping, hiking, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides and more. And let’s not forget the self care spa treatments and beach lounging that the soul also needs to relax!

Once we got off the ship, we rolled our luggage toward town in Catalina Island and this seagull posed for me.

Our accommodations and part of the inspiration for this trip was the beautiful boutique Bellanca Hotel. The hotel re-opened in July 2020 after undergoing a nearly $4 million transformation. Meaning “beautiful” and “hip,” the 19,800 square foot property has 40 guest rooms including four cabanas and seven suites. We were blessed to be upgraded to a suite upon arrival so that we had room to stretch, play and shoot modeling photography. One of Catalina Island’s premier luxury ocean view hotels, it also offers exclusive rooftop lounge ocean views, comfy lounges, light bites and beach chic cocktails at The Naughty Fox.

A warm welcome from Eric Alcala, restaurant manager, and Zula Harring, GM, who made us feel so welcome and right at home.

Soon we were checking into our suite at Bellanca Hotel that was located to the right, up the hill a bit and up the red steps to the second floor.

Our king bed suite at Bellanca Hotel also had a pull-out couch available.
The view to the ocean on our balcony at Bellanca Hotel.
And a view up the hill at Bellanca Hotel.
This little kitchenette set came in quite handy at Bellanca Hotel.
A huge soaking tub was available for those chilly nights at Bellanca Hotel.
The bathroom also boasted a heating lamp at Bellanca Hotel.
The super hot shower and pretty marble at Bellanca Hotel.
Right after we settled in our room, we took a walkabout in Catalina Island.
The primary way to zip around this island are these golf carts at Catalina Island.
The outstanding architecture in Catalina Island standing strong.
Surfboards for rent at Catalina Island.
A slice of history tells tales of the past on Catalina Island.
The sky cleared up a bit from when our boat came in at Catalina Island.
A flying Santa coming into Catalina Island.
And just like that it was back to our hotel to get ready for dinner at The Naughty Fox.
The amazing view from the front of the Bellanca Hotel in Catalina Island.
Still in exploring mode, we checked out the roof balcony views at Bellanca Hotel.
Try to get this sweet suite when staying at Bellanca Hotel!

Once we got as much views as we thought our eyes can absorb, it was getting ready and then off to shoot before dinner. The Naughty Fox, a modern beach bar serving coastal cuisine, is the place to be for unique eats and drinks on the island. Overlooking Avalon Bay, it’s Catalina’s newest hotspot for dining and lounging in barefoot luxury.

Cassie Hepler gives a nod to the old Hollywood glitz & glam that used to permeate Catalina Island. Photo by Brian Delfin

Catalina Island has been the background set for over 500 movies because of the largely undeveloped (thanks to William Wrigley Jr. – yes, the chewing gum – and his family who vowed to protect nearly 90 percent of the island), the island was particularly popular in the early years of Hollywood movie-making. Production companies could ferry their equipment over on barges and use the unspoiled mountain backdrops and beaches for just about any setting that the filmmaker desired. Among the movies shot on Catalina were Treasure Island (1918), The Ten Commandments (1923), Ben Hur (1925) and Old Ironsides (1926). So often was Catalina Island used as a stand-in for the South Seas that palm trees were planted at the Isthmus – and they still remain. Hollywood was also responsible for the bison that roam the interior today. Fourteen American bison were brought to the island in 1924 for the filming of The Vanishing American, based on a novel by famed American Western author Zane Grey.

To start dinner we enjoyed a Chili Mango Margarita with Chili Infused Blanco Tequila, House Mix, Mango and the shake-like Buffalo Milk with Vodka, Crème de Cocoa, Crème de Banana, Kahlua, Half n’ Half, Fresh Nutmeg at The Naughty Fox.
Make sure to get the Ahi Tuna Nachos with Avocado, Mango, Fresno Chili, Cilantro, Crispy Wonton Chips, Sriracha Aoli, Sesame Seeds at The Naughty Fox… so spicy!
If you love fried food, the Frito Misto is not to be missed at The Naughty Fox.
When on an island… had to try the Vic’s mai tai and my guest got the Svelt Strawberry at The Naughty Fox.

 

For my main course, the Lobster BLT with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Tarragon Aoli, Brioche Bun at The Naughty Fox.
My guest went with the chef’s portátil du jour – a huge burger smothered in cheese at The Naughty Fox.
For dessert, an extra dirty martini for me. I guess when I’m near salt water I want to taste the ocean at The Naughty Fox.
You can’t beat those sunset views at The Naughty Fox.
From the hazy day, we were blessed with these dreamy colors at The Naughty Fox.

That night filled with liquid energy, we created some amazing artwork with that electric fireplace and its French style crown moulding. You’ll have to follow my Instagram to see them come to life! After a good night’s sleep, we were able to get our energy back from the sleep deficit of traveling and were ready to rock & roll.

But first a huge stack of french toast carb fuel and fresh fruit at The Naughty Fox.
And my guest getting the ‘Merican style Fox Plate breakfast at The Naughty Fox.
Just look at how clear and clean that water is in Catalina Island!
Walking to the left of the hotel was the casino at Catalina Island.
We found the diving area in Catalina Island, a little too cold for my taste.
A layer of mist covers the corner of Catalina Island beach club.
The beach club was closed for the season but we were able to enjoy the space in Catalina Island.
Where beach beds abound in Catalina Island.
This photo immediately reminded me of Hawaii, complete with ziplines to the right.
What a gorgeous white sand beach in Catalina Island.
And a view looking back toward the beach town in Catalina Island.
Meet Tigerlily, the orange cat that hangs out near the beach club in Catalina Island.
Tropical plants about in Catalina Island.
On our walk back, the famous mermaid art in Catalina Island above the ticket office at the casino.
Hotel Bellanca offers complimentary beach cruisers for up to 4 hours. Just don’t ride on the bricks!
We rode all around the small streets and this was the farthest we got toward the back of the island as we needed mountain bikes in Catalina Island.
Cassie Hepler just riding a beach cruiser in flip flops because it’s an island after all! Photo by Brian Delfin
Back on foot we swung by this adorable shopping village to find trinkets for the fam in Catalina Island.
Every direction seems to be just gorgeous in Catalina Island.
We almost rode on the road around this curve but not quite on beach cruisers in Catalina Island.
Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret hit the spot for dinner that night and oh man, was that Hawaiian pie sooo good!
Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret is such a kitschy little space with peanuts as appetizers that you throw the shells on the floor.

That night was cold like turn on the fireplace and snuggle under the covers cold. We got sucked into a Tyler Perry movie and drifted off the sleep shortly thereafter…

And enjoyed our last breakfast at The Naughty Fox with our celebrity bartender Omar Martinez who whipped up a mezcal morning beauty for my guest to enjoy.
I enjoyed a fresh mango puree – with no alcohol – as I had tons of driving to do back in LA.
Let me tell you this pork belly and goat cheese frittata was like the egg pizza I always wanted at The Naughty Fox with side of fresh fruit.
And for those who love a good breakfast sammy, this is a hearty option at The Naughty Fox.
Rolling our luggage back to the dock was kind of melancholy in Catalina Island. But looking forward to summer here made me happy!
The warm welcome sign mosaic is picture perfect upon departure in Catalina Island.
Look how clear with just a slight mist the casino looks compared to arrival day in Catalina Island.
Something out of the Almafi Coast right here inCatalina Island.

When boarding the Catalina Express to leave, I pondered things to do for my next visit. Certainly take a tour of the casino, visit the buffalo in the north part of the island, get a golf cart for a day to zip around the area easily, zipline, swim, snorkel and dive in the summer months as well as learn more about the haunted history. Apparently the footprints we saw on the steps leading to our room that were always wet were from Samantha, a lady in all white. We were quite perplexed as to who was swimming in late December however we did see a few swimmers but not staying at our hotel… not much more interference than that though maybe electronically but otherwise smooth sailing. Put this magical, mysterious place on your bucket list, it’s well worth it!