Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort

Away For The Weekend

by Rubin Carson and Marilynn Record

Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort should be called "Family Vacations Are Us". Why? Nobody gets cranky on the trip there because the Oxnard based retreat is only an hour's drive from L.A. The super-elegant Spanish colonial resort sits on eight acres fronting spectacular Mandalay Beach. Ergo, no dearth of surfing, kayaking, or working on your tan. Plus, gargantuan breakfasts and ultra-fine dining for committed foodies and offspring.

All 248 suites have patios or balconies with pool, ocean or garden views, wet bars, refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves. Adults love the set-up. Kids have their own room with bathroom, TV, and computer games. Adults have their own quarters with maximum privacy, but everyone gets to enjoy the postcard sunsets from the giant communal balcony. Here are some of my favorite features:

Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast with a vast selection of courses that remind you of dining on the Queen Elizabeth. Room service is available but huge breakfast room is more fun.

Gigantic free-formed pool with large rock waterfall that looks like it was moved from a Tarzan film. On par with anything Hawaii has to offer.

Fabulous Capistrano Restaurant, which features Chef Peter Maher's award-winning California cuisine. The roasted oak plank salmon was the juiciest and most delicious I've ever tasted. Kid's menu available.

Local Fun Family Outings

Half-Day Trip: Gull-wings Children's Museum (418 W. Fourth St., Oxnard. 805-483-3005). Hands-on fun for kids: a geological dig, simulated hospital emergency room, "critter corner" petting zoo and plenty more.

Half-Day Trip: Murphy Auto Museum (2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard, 805-487-4333). Whole family will delight at collection of more than 65 classic vehicles and display of vintage auto clothing.

Half-Day Trip: Channel Islands National Park. World-class nature sanctuary that Jacques Cousteau called "California's Galapagos". More than 2000 species of plants and animals make islands their home - some found nowhere else on Earth. Anacapa, closest of the five islands, is only a 60-minute boat ride from Embassy Suites where hiking, kayaking, driving, and snorkeling await. Whale watching, spring bird migrations, California sea lions and northern fur seals gathering at rookery sites will thrill family. Concierge will put you in touch with Island Packers Co. who arranges excursions.

For more info, contact the Embassy Suites Hotel - (805) 984-2500.