Hand picked hotels that are part of the Curio Collection by Hilton are luxury properties that share with their guests one-of-a-kind stories about the surrounding locale. New to the collection is the refreshed Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach.
Walking into the light-filled large lobby, guests will learn about Oxnard sugar mogul Henry Oxnard. Other stories include strawberries growing in nearby fields with complimentary glasses of strawberry lemonade, and decor in the colors of sugary sand dunes and the inviting ocean just steps from the resort.
Guests will learn that in the early 1900s, Henry Oxnard outlined plans to use the acres of land along the Central Coast of California to grow and process sugar beets. He intended to name the area Zachari, after the Greek word for sugar, but instead named the region after himself. Upon check-in, guest key cards are presented in a holder with Oxnard's photo. The resort honors his intention and tells a story of how Henry Oxnard transformed the region.
The sophisticated lobby also offers an inviting work area at a high table near a window overlooking the resort play deck and pool. Off of the lobby is the arched entrance to the restaurant Ox & Ocean and entry to Henry's Sundries & Rental Gear Shop.
Chef Damien Giliberti prepares an array of culinary delights at Ox & Ocean. His inspiration for his curated menus are influenced by the surrounding bounty growing in Oxnard fields and in the coastal waters.
Breakfast specials include chilaquiles and healthy garden omelets. During lunch guests order fresh guacamole and chips, salads, a fried chicken sando, beer battered fish tacos, and a savory burger. Treats include fire roasted milk shakes.
Specialty items on the dinner menu include oxtail bao buns with kimchi, fresh grilled local fish, mussels in a red curry coconut broth with sourdough bread, and strawberry hand pies made with Harry's berries strawberries and a scoop of McConnell's vanilla bean ice cream.
Dine outside under heat lamps to listen to live performers on weekends during sunset and dinner hour. The pass-through countertop bar is a popular drinking and dining spot near the swimming pool and pathway to the beach.
Another hip outdoor dining experience is on the terrace of Sugar Beats, a 30-foot Airstream-converted food truck for grab-and-go food and beverages. This is also a popular area for group birthday parties, wedding receptions, and special occasions.
Visiting Henry's Sundries & Gear Rental shop, guests will discover snacks, and beverages and can redeem their complimentary two-hour resort enhancement rental experience. There are wetsuits, surfboards, boogie boards, stand-up paddle-boards, a variety of cameras, telescopes, sand toys, and classic board games available to elevate vacation experiences.
Adults will enjoy 'Dive', an intimate lounge with comfortable seating to catch the latest game or for guests to play a round of darts or arcade games. The full bar serves cocktails, wine and beer in a fun hang out and play atmosphere. This is also a favorite party or special occasion venue for groups.
Near shallow streams and mature landscape is a fitness center, tennis sport courts, and spa with treatment rooms.
Zachari Dunes is the only all-suite oceanfront resort in California. Each one-bedroom, two-bathroom suite offers 600 square feet and can sleep up to four guests. The seating area offers a full size sofa bed, dining area with a refrigerator, microwave and wet bar. Some suites offer direct ocean views, while the lanai suites offer a patio with lounge chairs, and steps leading out to a large fire pit, the heated swimming pool and jetted hot spa nearby.
The oceanfront two-bedroom Presidential Suite offers a seating area with sofa bed, a king size bed in one bedroom and two Queen size beds in another bedroom. Sit out on one of the two relaxing patios overlooking the Playa Vista lawn where morning yoga takes place. Beyond are rolling sand dunes, the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. This 1,600 square feet suite sleeps six guests comfortably.
Special packages at Zachari Dunes include the 'Best Friend Getaway' that offers a private yoga class with mimosas or beer tasting, plus all day cabana rental at the pool deck with fruit and herb infused water, fresh fruit plate and Zachari Dunes cocktail and mocktail for guests. Registered guests will receive branded robes, slippers and an eye mask. Late checkout and parking for two cars is included.
