Best Mother's Day Getaways

It's that time of year to celebrate moms and all that they do. Thank them by booking one of these fabulous getaways in Southern California and give them a relaxing and deserving break. From basking by the pool, indulging in spa treatments and dining on world-class cuisine, the family matriarch is sure to find some peace before returning to her motherly duties.

The Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct
San Diego, CA 92130
(866) 305-1528
www.thegranddelmar.com

The Grand Del Mar in San Diego is the ultimate luxury resort and winner of many top travel awards, including the #1 spot in California in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," and is one of only 10 triple Five-Star resorts in the world. With impeccable service and a relaxed California style, tranquility is easy to find at this sophisticated Mediterranean-style estate nestled in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Surrounded by nature and beauty, moms will love being pampered at The Spa at The Grand Del Mar that offers a comprehensive menu of services, including facials, massages, hydrotherapy body treatments and an organic, custom-made line of products. The Spa's signature Renaissance Treatment is highly recommended and quite unique, as part of the treatment takes place on a free-floating bed (water bed-like). The rebirth begins with a warm body wrap of mineral-rich mud and aromatic oils, as you are gently rocked in the "womb," followed by an invigorating rosemary-infused Swiss shower and a relaxing massage.

Dining choices for Mother's Day abound at the resort, beginning with a champagne brunch from 10am to 2pm in the Elizabeth Ballroom, for made-to-order omelets, buttermilk pancakes, fresh seafood, dim sum, carved meats, seasonal salads, cheese and charcuterie and a plethora of desserts. A three-course Mother's Day Brunch is also offered at Amaya, the resort's Mediterranean inspired restaurant. Afternoon tea is another great option in The Lobby from 2 to 4pm with delightful French pastries, tea sandwiches and scones and a glass of sparkling wine.

If you really want to get on mom's good side, treat her to an extraordinary seven-course dinner at Addison, the resort's signature restaurant, helmed by Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef William Bradley. The flavors, artful presentation and exquisite service will blow her away and will more than likely be the best meal of her life.

Note, Addison is closed on Sundays and Mondays (including Mother's Day), but all other nights they offer an exquisite 4-course, 7-course or 10-course menu.

L'Auberge Del Mar
1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, California 92014
(858) 259-1515
www.laubergedelmar.com

If mom likes luxury by the beach, then L'Auberge Del Mar is the perfect choice for a relaxing seaside stay, located in the coastal village of Del Mar in San Diego's North County. Reminiscent of a private estate, the hotel overlooks the ocean and has a private pathway to one of the best beaches in Southern California and nearby hiking trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve. Each of the 120 guest rooms and suites are decked out with plush bedding, marble bathrooms and private balconies/patios to enjoy ocean views and sea breezes.

Dinner at Kitchen 1540, L'Auberge's award-winning signature restaurant is a must. The restaurant's extensive offerings range from the classic to the unexpected, and include sashimi, scallops, pork belly, duck breast and Chilean sea bass. Vegetarians will love the silky pappardelle with a mushroom Madeira cream sauce, black truffles and parmesan. The contemporary interior design flows easily to the outdoor dining and lounge areas, where private cabanas are available for intimate dining.

A Mother's Day Brunch is offered on Sunday, May 11, at Waterfall Terrace from 10am to 2:30pm and includes a bountiful spread of finger sandwiches, made-to-order omelets, handmade pastries, fresh salads, seafood, pasta, steak entrées and exquisite desserts. Another Mother's Day treat offered on weekends throughout the month of May is L'Auberge Del Mar's afternoon L'Tea by the Sea. Reservations for brunch or tea can be made at 858-793-6460.

Treat mom to a relaxing treatment at Spa L'Auberge, featuring a selection of ocean-inspired services, performed in cozy treatment rooms with a beach cottage vibe. The spa menu includes massages, body wraps, and facials designed to soothe body, mind and soul. Organic and vegan product lines are used, along with top-rated, results-driven products from around the world. During the month of May, Spa L'Auberge is offering the "May-ke it About Her Spa Package" which includes: a 50-minute Aromatherapy Massage, a 50-minute L'Auberge Seaside Facial and a 25-minute Bright Eye Treatment.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 568-3900
pasadena.langhamhotels.com

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena has been an iconic landmark hotel for more than 100 years in Pasadena, located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The award-winning AAA Five Diamond hotel and spa sits grandly on 23 acres of beautifully manicured gardens (including a Japanese garden) and features 380 elegant guestrooms, suites and cottages, world-class dining, historic ballrooms, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, spa and fitness center. Accommodations are sophisticated and reflect a grand European luxury. Guests staying on The Langham Club levels may access the Club Lounge, which includes five culinary and beverage presentations throughout the day and is worth upgrading.

Dining offerings for Mother's Day include a special brunch from 10:30am to 2:30pm in the Huntington Ballroom, featuring smoked and fresh seafood, domestic and imported cheeses, sushi, salads, specialty entrées, carving station, made-to-order omelets, a variety of pastries and free-flowing champagne. Also, a market brunch will be available at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse and an enhanced breakfast buffet in The Terrace. Dinner at the Royce features the finest selection of beef and seafood, seared for maximum flavor, grilled vegetables and comforting side dishes in a stunning, modern space with white leather booths and blue ocean accents.

A special Pink Chocolate Afternoon Tea will be served in The Lobby Lounge, a signature experience at The Langham. A variety of the finest teas will be presented, along with a selection of savory tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, fruits, tarts, mousse torts and crème brülées – all containing different chocolate essences. A grand pink chocolate fountain is the focal point of the tea, with surrounding chocolate sculptural art.

The new Chuan Spa Pasadena on site will reopen on June 2, 2014, featuring signature treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and cutting-edge skin care technology, such as the HydraFacial MD® and Mistral LHE. During the spa's renovation, spa and fitness services are temporarily available at Highland Cottage. For a chance to win a relaxing two-night stay at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, including spa treatments, make-up, gift certificates, tea, dinner and more, submit a photo and caption in the resort's "Most Deserving Mom" Facebook Photo Contest, a package valued at $3,500. Submissions must be received by May 6, 2014 at 11:59pm PST. The winner will be announced via Facebook on Friday, May 9!

Emerald Iguana Inn
108 Pauline Street
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-5277
www.emeraldiguana.com

Tucked away under a canopy of live oak and willowy pepper trees, sits the Emerald Iguana Inn, a boutique hotel with charming cottages, located just a few blocks from downtown Ojai. This peaceful oasis provides a tranquil retreat with beautiful gardens, a crystalline swimming pool and in-room spa treatments. The Mother's Day Package at both Emerald Iguana Inn and sister property Blue Iguana Inn include: two in-room massages for the price of one, for Mother and Daughter, during their stay in the month of May. The rooms and cottages at the inn are spacious and comfortable with unique handcrafted furniture, luxurious linens and local art décor. In the morning, a deluxe continental breakfast is included with fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, hard-boiled eggs, coffee and orange juice, served poolside or delivered to your cottage upon request.

From the inn, it's an easy walk to the specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries and cafes in downtown Ojai. Just a short drive on W. El Roblar Drive, is a great place to dine al fresco: Papa Lennon's, a casual bistro serving traditional, homemade Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients. The European-style courtyard with twinkling lights creates a nice ambiance and the food is first-rate. Try the Papa's Favorite, a brick-oven pizza with white sauce, three cheeses, blackened chicken, mushrooms, artichokes and topped with fresh cilantro. Wash it down with a house-made sangria.

Ojai is the perfect destination in Southern California for a rejuvenating retreat anytime. Spring is an especially good time to travel to this idyllic valley and see blankets of yellow wildflowers among green, grassy hills and smell the fragrant scent of orange groves. The month of April is Pixie Tangerine month in Ojai, as the citrus fruit is celebrated with Pixie-inspired menus/cocktails, spa treatments, hotel packages and more. Just 65 miles north of Los Angeles, this artistic small town offers plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors will find miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Cypress Inn
Lincoln & 7th
Carmel-by-the-sea, CA 93921
(800) 443-7443
www.cypress-inn.com

The Cypress Inn has been a historic landmark and luxury boutique hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea since 1929, offering a graceful ambiance, personalized service, dog-friendly extras and seaside charm. Co-owned by legendary Hollywood actor and animal rights enthusiast Doris Day, the property is ideally located in the center of town, just blocks from Carmel Beach.

All 44 guestrooms and suites were recently renovated with a "Glam-Meets-Morocco by the Sea" theme and the new look is crisp, contemporary and inviting. And, as one of the original pet-friendly hotels in Carmel, the Cypress Inn welcomes pets and allows them to join their owners throughout the hotel in public areas, such as the cozy living room for afternoon tea or for breakfast in the courtyard. Don't miss "Yappy Hour" at Terry's Restaurant & Lounge, where dogs and their owners can enjoy drinks and treats together. Hotels guests will enjoy the lavish complimentary breakfast buffet offered each morning at Terry's.

During the month of May, the Cypress Inn is offering a Tea for Two Package that includes a two-night stay (with an upgrade based on availability at check-in), plus a lovely afternoon Tea for Two and a Doris Day Greatest Hits CD. The complete tea service features a selection of homemade scones with jam and cream, cookies, tea sandwiches, petit fours and a variety of teas. Enjoy your afternoon tea in the "Day Room," where Doris Day films may be viewed upon request. (Reservations are essential for afternoon tea, served only on Fridays and Saturdays, plus Mother's Day, May 11. Not applicable on Memorial Day weekend.)

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Liz Laing is a writer, web designer and photographer who lives in Los Angeles. Her latest projects may be followed on Liz Laing.