Murray On Travel

It might be difficult to come by, but time spent in Crystal Cove's Cottage #33, also known as the Romantic Retreat, is well worth the effort.  Hanging onto the edge of a cliff overlooking California's Crystal Cove State Beach, this retreat will give you memories to last a lifetime.

The cottage features a charming kitchen with an old fashioned refrigerator and a modern microwave; the latter is hidden from view.  Paper plates, napkins and plastic utensils are provided.  Plenty of counter space and storage are available in this restored cottage originally built in 1938.  

What an amazing view!!!  This is one of 13 historic cottages in Crystal Cove State Park.  These old cottages have been restored to their previous glory.  But let's qualify that; these structures were never more than cheap cabins built in the 1930's and 40's, often by crew who were working on movies being shot in this idyllic beach setting.  So, even today, after much restoration, they are still very basic.

Cottage number 33 is called the Romantic Retreat.  It is a one bedroom rental with a sofa bed and several ocean view window seats that can be used as beds.  Even thought this cottage can accommodate more than two guests, don't forget this place is a romantic retreat.  Don't waste that aspect of its reputation. 

The bathroom is small and outfitted with old fixtures.  In keeping with its historic nature, you will find odd hangers throughout the cottage.  Towels and hand soap are the only toiletries provided by Crystal Cove.  

The bedroom is located at the back of the unit; it is small and has two little windows.  The full sized bed was comfortable.  The cottage has one heater located in the large main room.  As a result, winter visitors will find it can get pretty cold at the beach.  Even with its Southern California location, nights can get surprisingly frigid between November and February.  Crystal Cove provides extra blankets.

How about a cup of coffee to go with this amazing morning view of the beach?  #33 is one of a handful of cottages that are on a bluff overlooking the ocean.  Other rentals are located right on the sand.  Attention: Want to post your morning view to Facebook?  Instagram it out to your friends?  You may have connectivity issues.  Cell data service can be hit and miss depending on your carrier.  No Wi-Fi here at the beach.

If the view from inside wasn't good enough for you, then step outside and take up residency in a weathered chair, enjoy the sun, feel the breeze, listen to the surf.  Some guests might prefer staying down near the sand, especially a family.  But being up here, overlooking the beach, adds to the privacy of this romantic retreat.

It is hard to top this when it comes to alfresco dinning; the outside table will become a favorite spot for snacking away the hours with a glass of wine.  A grill is provided; bring your own charcoal.  Several shopping options are nearby.  Just south on Pacific Coast Highway are the Crystal Cove Promenade shops, home to a Southern California favorite, Trader Joe's.  It also has a great bakery/coffee shop and several high end restaurants.  Additional shopping is available in Laguna Beach.

With your coffee in one hand and your romantic retreat partner in the other, head down the long stairway to the beach.  Here you will find additional historic cottages, a gift shop, an excellent restaurant/bar, a vendor with beach supplies, and a small museum.

These restored cottages are part of one the most successful private/public partnerships in the US.  The operation of the cottages is run by a non-profit, the Crystal Cove Alliance, while the State Of California owns the property and operates it as a State Park.

From below you can see cottage #33 as its wall of windows look out at the Pacific.  A quick note about parking. When you check-in, you will have easy access to transfer your personal items to the cottage.  During your stay, you park your car at a large remote lot.  You can access the lot via a shuttle or walking.  Note that between 10pm and 6am,  there is no vehicle access to Crystal Cove Cottages.

One of the ocean front historic cottages has been converted into The Beachcomber Cafe/Bar.  It offers excellent food at reasonable prices.  Get something nice to go and head back to your romantic retreat.

Ruby's Shake Shack is an outdoors restaurant located along Pacific Coast Highway which overlooks Crystal Cove State Beach.  They offer burgers, shakes, and fries, along with hotdogs and sandwiches. A long set of stairs will take you from the beach up to Ruby's.

The other beach cottage rentals at Crystal Cove are all very unique.  Some are individual stand-alone units. Some are larger with guestrooms you can rent, sharing common spaces and baths.  The party crowd should note that a "quiet time" runs from 10pm to 8am.

Look familiar?  Fans of the movie BEACHES with Bette Midler may recognize this cottage from the final scenes of the movie.  It is now a film history and media center for the Park.

Lots more work to be done as several old cottages sit along the beach waiting to be restored to their former glory.  Now, after all this, the bad news... It is very difficult to get a reservation here.  Cabins are offered on the first of each month, six months before the month of booking.  And it is no surprise that within minutes, most of the cottages are booked.  Another of the most popular cottages is #14. Booking details can be found here.

The glow of Los Angeles may fill the night sky to the north, but it will seem like it's a million miles away as you relax, unplug, and enjoy Crystal Cove Cottage #33, the Romantic Retreat. 

California is undoubtedly a state which has been blessed by incredible natural riches as well as a diverse range of cultures. Its beaches and vineyards attract countless visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

If you are visiting California, though, you might want to check out the small town of Julian. It is a charming and picturesque area in the Laguna Mountains, and is appreciated for the apple orchards that surround it. In fact, the best time to visit is during fall, when you can really enjoy the ripening of the apples and the beauty of the town.

Such natural charm can only be matched by beautiful accommodations. During your stay in Julian, the best hotel to stay in is the Orchard Hill Country Inn. It is recognized as a prestigious hotel, and for good reason. Its structures are have been built and designed with excellent craftsmanship, and the attention to detail of the staff will make your stay very special.

Accommodations and Amenities at the Orchard Hill Country Inn

During your stay at the Orchard Hill, you may find yourself relaxing in a guest room, a spacious cottage room, or a lodge room. No matter which one you choose, though, you will be able to enjoy your privacy. Each living space is well-appointed and tastefully decorated. You may even have access to your own whirlpool bathtub or have easy access to the Manzanilla Creek, depending on the room you have chosen.

In any case, all rooms offer all of the basic comforts of modern living, such as air conditioning, phone lines, television and other entertainment equipment, hair dryers, and irons. Your booking also includes breakfast and afternoon refreshments.  Visit Inns website.

Dining at the Orchard Hill is also quite special, because guests can enjoy a variety of sumptuous dishes to satisfy any palate in a romantic and peaceful environment. You may also choose a good pairing wine or two from their extensive list. Special menus are available during certain occasions, as well.

There is no time to get bored during your stay at Orchard Hill. After all, its tasting rooms, observatories, and specialty shops will provide much enjoyment during your stay. If you wish to be further entertained, you may choose from a variety of nature recreation activities which will allow you to truly appreciate the beauty of Julian.

Special Offers at Orchard Hill

Your stay at Orchard Hill Country Inn can be made even more special by the packages you may avail of. The hotel offers seasonal packages as well as midweek promos. To get the best possible deal, inquire with the staff about the current offerings. For instance, during the summer or spring months, you may avail of special rates. You can also get special credits if you book a cottage or lodge room, or be treated to a romantic experience with your partner if you book for Valentine's Day.

With their holiday packages, the Orchard Hill certainly makes these occasions even more special.

Orchard Hill's lovely surroundings make it a great place for both vacationers and businesspeople. After all, the quiet surroundings can help clear the mind and encourage creativity. The hotel also has enough facilities and rooms to accommodate big meetings and seminars. The combination of the right amenities and the beautiful location will definitely help make your next team activity a huge success.

No matter what you are coming for, whether it is for business or pleasure, you are certainly bound to have a lovely experience at the Orchard Hill Country Inn. Photos provided by property.