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Surf Air Recommends
Each Surf Air destination we fly to has so much to offer, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we created Surf Air Recommends. Each week, we’ll provide a number of recommendations to inspire you to seize the weekend! We’ll include Surf Air-approved dining, entertainment, activities, lodging, and more. Stay tuned for updated recommendations every week.
Surf Air Recommends: October 11, 2019
Best Places to Relax and Recharge in each Surf Air Destination
Never underestimate the power of a good massage. Frequent flying, packed work days, and the daily rigors of life take a heavy toll on the body. If you feel you’re beginning to strain and ache more than usual, it’s time to take a moment and find your zen. Leave it to the professionals at any of these serene, aesthetically calming and physically restorative destinations up and down the California coast.

Images courtesy of Tomoko Spa and Hotel Bel-Air Spa.
Los Angeles
Tomoko Spa?
For the minimalist, or anyone seeking an aesthetically pleasing space to reboot, Tomoko is the place. Owner Tomoko Kurono draws a lot of inspiration from her mother who was the village healer back in Osaka, Japan. The spa incorporates eastern philosophies (like balancing chi and qi) into more traditional massage therapies. For a unique blend of Swedish and Japanese techniques, opt for the Zenshin.?
Hotel Bel-Air Spa
Unwind in the lap of luxury at the notable Hotel Bel-Air Spa, an “oasis within an oasis” nestled into the secluded grounds in the hills. They offer a range of packages (facial, massage, body treatments, nail care). If you happen to be after a weekday reprieve, they also have a special from Mondays–Thursdays: a 60-minute facial or massage, manicure, and lunch at Wolfgang Puck for $320/person.

Images courtesy of FLOAT Luxury Spa and The Ritz Carlton Bacara
Santa Barbara
FLOAT Luxury Spa
For a more boutique experience, we love FLOAT. The blue and white exterior evoke an escape to the Greek isles. Once inside, unwind by the fire and indulge in several customizable treatments including facials, scalp treatments, massages, and body treatments.?
The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
If LA is where the stars go to work, Santa Barbara is where they go to unwind; and the Ritz is the perfect place for it. The spa, 42,000 square feet of healthy amenities like a swimming pool, redwood sauna, and eucalyptus steam room, is set within the resort’s gorgeous 78 acres overlooking the Pacific. Fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace provide more room to relax and take in the views.

Images courtesy of Spa Vitale and Nob Hill Spa
Bay Area
Spa Vitale
The light-flooded, intimate space occupies a corner of the rooftop at the Hotel Vitale. Intimate means, yes, small, but the treatments make up for the lack of room to stretch out. They also offer a bathing ritual en plein air worth adding on to any massage for just $10. Take in the rooftop view while soaking in steaming water—infused with lavender and strewn with rose petals—in tubs in an outdoor bamboo garden. Tres relaxing.?
Nob Hill Spa at the Huntington Hotel
Nob Hill, thanks to its elevated perch over the city, is all about the views. This spa capitalizes on that big time. Cost of a treatment includes a day pass to the heated indoor infinity pool and hot tub. Both (plus an outdoor balcony) offer spectacular vistas of SF. If that weren’t relaxing enough, you can also indulge in any number of peels, scrubs, massages, facials, and mani/pedis. Or take a moment to meditate in the Zen room.

Images courtesy of @thelandingresortandspa
Lake Tahoe
The Landing Tahoe Resort & Spa
While just about anywhere you go in Tahoe encourages deep breaths and an abundance of nature, there are ample places to take that relaxation next level. The Landing is one of those places. The spa has a fairly standard menu of services (massage, facial, body scrubs), but combined with the property’s primo location —?just steps from the south side of the lake — you’re bound to leave refreshed.
Surf Air Recommends: October 7, 2019
5 Simple Ways to Destress In-Flight
We’re all about relieving stress for our busy frequent flyers, hence the seamless the air travel experience, and lack of lines and overhead speakers in our lounges.
To take it a step further though, we’ve compiled a handful of amazing tools and tips for health, stress relief, and in-flight malaise. All of these are compact enough to fit in a carry-on, appropriate enough to do in flight, and relaxing enough to ensure you’ll land that much more refreshed and mentally prepared. Get ready for takeoff.

Images courtesy of Headspace
Headspace Guided Meditation App
Meditation is known to help people increase focus, relieve stress, and even sleep sounder at night. Headspace offers a variety of guided meditations from their app, starting with just a few minutes per day. Download one pre-flight and once in the air, get lost in the tranquil notion of being present. It will inevitably trickle out into the rest of your day—and life.

Image courtesy of StratosEssentialOils, Etsy
Acupressure
Not to be confused with acupuncture (which involves needles), though similar in theory. It’s underlying principle suggests life energy flows through meridians in the body. In treatment, pressure is applied with the aim of unblocking flow to these meridians and can thus support health, reduce fatigue, improve sleep, and remedy a variety of other ailments.

Image courtesy of I Love Hue
I Love Hue
Arrange mosaics of coloured tiles into perfectly ordered spectrums in this aesthetically pleasing sensory perception game. Perfect for anyone who enjoys puzzles, Candy Crush, or a few moments of visual tranquility.
Essential Oils
Lavender is for calm, eucalyptus is for muscle pain and decongestion, rosemary is a natural antiseptic… Aromatherapy provides ample benefits for physical and mental well-being, not to mention it smells amazing. Pack away essential oil roll-ons like these from Ellia (broken down by scent + function) in your carry-on; or keep a diffuser bedside for better sleep.

Image courtesy of Amazon
Fidget Cube
No wifi, no problem—an hour or so break from text/email/social does the mind good. If you’re feeling restless, however, keep a fidget cube on hand. The pocket-sized toy is known for relieving stress and anxiety, and improving focus and concentration. It’s way less frustrating than a Rubix cube, and will keep your mind and hands occupied until your feet are on solid ground again.
Surf Air Recommends: April 8, 2019
Get out there and enjoy the spring sunshine at these must-see California destinations.
Three Weavers Brewery
Just a short drive from our Hawthorne terminal is one of the largest independent craft breweries in Los Angeles featuring upwards of a dozen beers on tap. Go for a flight after your flight.

Image courtesy of Three Weavers Brewery.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
It’s well-known by now that California’s rainy season has led to a superbloom up and down the southern coast — catch a glimpse of the blazing orange sea of poppies in Antelope Valley.

Zazie
While weather is slightly less predictable in the Bay, Zazie’s divine outdoor patio on Cole Street in the Upper Haight exudes garden party charm (and has heat lamps) year-round.

Image courtesy of Zazie.
Santa Barbara Harbor
They don’t call this the American Riviera for nothing. Santa Barbara boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, and the Santa Barbara Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy it. Book a sailboat trip to nearby Channel Islands, or enjoy lunch on land with spectacular views of the boats and sea.

Lake Tahoe Golf Course
Spend a day on the greens at this stunning course just minutes from Lake Tahoe’s southern shoreline. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain’s Lake Valley State Recreation Area, this is a fairway you won’t want to miss.

Image courtesy of Lake Tahoe Golf.
Surf Air Recommends:?July 16, 2018
Where to cool off this summer in Austin, Texas.?
Barton Springs Pool
The Barton Springs Pool?is a three-acre pool fed from an underground spring. The water in the natural watering hole is around 70 degrees, which feels JUST right on a scorching day! PS (you pay a small fee to swim).

Photo courtesy of @carrierad
Lake Austin
A day out on the water at Lake Austin is a quintessential Austin experience. A perfect spot for water skiing, or just anchoring up on a boat to enjoy the sunshine and scenery. Pro-tip: go find the rope swing on the south side of the river. It’s worth it!

Lake Austin
Lady Bird Lake
Right in the middle of the city, Lady Bird Lake is a local favorite for all kinds of summertime activities. The newly constructed boardwalk across the water, and the trails around the lake make this THE place to go for walking and biking.

Lady Bird Lake
Surf Air Recommends:?July 12, 2018
Summer is off to a blistering start here in Los Angeles, which means it is most definitely time for a dip! Read on below for?some of our favorite spots to cool off in the city of angels.?
Petit Ermitage
With 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills, the rooftop pool at Petite Ermitage is a refreshing oasis tucked away from the bustling city of LA. On occasion, they scent the saltwater pool with the essence of pure damask roses, and after a glass or two of bubbly, you might just see a mermaid emerge.

Beverly Hills Hotel
This perfectly pink Hollywood institution, complete with luxury private cabanas and underwater music, is the place to lie back with a personal sunshade, sip a cocktail and soak in the sheer indulgence.

Waldorf Astoria
The roof at the Waldorf Astoria features sweeping views to the Hollywood Hills and east across the L.A. basin to Downtown LA, nearly 10 miles away. Look to the west, and you can even make out the Pacific Ocean.

Surfrider?Beach
Speaking of the ocean… who needs a hotel pool to cool off when you can jump right into the Pacific ocean??Surfrider?beach in Malibu is an LA favorite. If you’re hungry, stop by Malibu Farm on the pier for a delicious (and trendy) meal.

Surf Air Recommends:?July 5, 2018
After all of the Independence Day festivities, it’s time for some R&R.?Read on below for?a couple of our favorite spots to rejuvenate across our Surf Air destinations in California.?
Meadowood Spa, Napa Valley
The Spa at Meadowood features two relaxation gardens – one for women, one for men – each with a sitting area, steam room, sauna, and mineral soaking pool. With their all-suite concept, guests don’t need to move around the facility, but receive all their treatments in the privacy of their own suites.

Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara
Drawing soothing elements from the ocean below, Spa at?The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers a holistic wellness retreat. The Spa at Bacara features an adults-only pool, redwood sauna, eucalyptus steam room, fireside lounges and a rooftop terrace.

Spa at Hotel Bel Air, Los Angeles
A relaxing oasis within the bustling city of LA. At the Hotel Bel-Air Spa, Valmont treatments blend nature and science to achieve powerful results. Their thoughtfully designed, peaceful space offers a simple elegance and a warm glow for you to take away when you leave.

Surf Air Recommends:?June 28, 2018
Looking for a place to cool off in the Texas heat this summer? Look no further, for we’ve done the research. Read on below to learn more about a few of our favorite Dallas bars.?
Midnight Rambler
A subterranean mixology bar located inside The Joule Hotel. A classic yet trendy spot with craft cocktails, bar bites, and vinyl rock n soul.

A colorfully crafted cocktail at Midnight Rambler
The Cedars Social
A southside bar with mid-century modern decor & prohibition era drinks. Their cocktail guru Leann Berry is known for many things, including fresh fruits drinks, exotic mescals and tequilas, and inventive gin and bourbon concoctions. A go-to if you’re up for adventuring off the beaten path.

A selection of prohibition cocktails at The Cedars Social
SODA Bar (NYLO Hotel)?
The rooftop bar at the NYLO hotel in Dallas. Stop by for sunset drinks by the pool and enjoy spectacular views of the Dallas skyline. If you’ve got an appetite, their menu is full of classic bites — ie: hot dogs, tacos, salads, etc.

Sunset view at SODA, the rooftop bar at NYLO Hotel in Dallas
Surf Air Recommends:?June 20, 2018
Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate, Spanish colonial architecture, and lush vegetation makes it a draw for travelers year-round. Our weekly flights make getting to and from this destination even more enjoyable!

The Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara
There are still seats available on some of our flights this weekend. View the schedule in the app and book your flight today! #SurfAirRecommends
Surf Air Recommends:?June?7, 2018
It’s starting to feel like summer in California!?Looking?to spend a weekend in the sun? Consider a Surf Air getaway to glistening Lake Tahoe. Here are our recommendations for where to stay, eat, and play.?#SurfAirRecommends
Where to Stay
Originally built for the 1960 Winter Olympic delegation, the Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn’s stylish two-story hotel has been a go-to for skiers and travelers ever since. The lodge-like atmosphere and bucolic grounds offer the perfect weekend respite. Soak up spa amenities and lush accommodations in each room. Round off a day of boating with a cocktail and appetizer at the cozy hotel bar.

Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn
Where to Eat
First things first. For breakfast, hit up the Fire Sign Café on Highway 89. Popular amongst locals and vacationers alike, the intimate diner will fuel you up with a scrumptious menu of homemade pastries, salmon that’s smoked on-site, and other sweet and savory breakfast options.

Where to Play
Take in the awe-inspiring views of Lake Tahoe from the Heavenly Gondola, an eight-passenger car that will take you from the middle of town about 2 ? miles up the mountain in just 15 minutes. The summer months are the perfect time to embark on one of three hikes around the mountain top, finish with lunch at the Tamarack Lodge. ?

Surf Air Recommends:?May 10, 2018
Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner! Skip the holiday crowds and get straight to your vacation with Surf Air. Here are three idyllic destinations for the upcoming long weekend. #SurfAirRecommends
Lake Tahoe
The lake beckons with its crystal blue waters. Jump in a speed boat or spend all weekend unwinding on the dock. Check out the nearby casinos, restaurants, and outdoor adventures.
Surf Air Hotel Collection Partner: Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn
Airport: Truckee – Tahoe Airport

Santa Barbara
Chances are it will be beach weather, and what better way to enjoy it than at our very own “American Riviera”. Hop on a quick flight to Santa Barbara for the excellent food, wine, and friends.
Surf Air Hotel Collection Partner: Bacara Resort
Airport: Santa Barbara Airport

Napa Valley
Wine tasting, wine tasting, and more wine tasting. Tour glorious Napa Valley and enjoy some of the best fine-dining California has to offer.
Surf Air Hotel Collection Partner: Meritage Resort
Airport: Napa Jet Center

Surf Air Recommends:?May?3, 2018
Looking to grab a quick caffeine boost to kickstart the day? Or perhaps you need a pleasant spot to post up and work for a couple hours. Here are our recommendations for the best coffee shops up and down the California coast. #SurfAirRecommends
The Mill, San Francisco
A joint venture between Four Barrel Coffee and Josey Baker’s excellent bread, this Divisadero coffee shop is a light-filled oasis. With a large communal table and several other seating arrangements to choose from, The Mill makes for a great place to read and work. Ordering a piece of toast is an absolute must!

Dune Coffee Roasters, Santa Barbara
Conveniently located 15 minutes from our Surf Air terminal in Santa Barbara, Dune Coffee Roasters is also close to the farmer’s market which is held every Tuesday and Saturday in town. Grab your carrots and kale then stop by for an espresso or latte before heading back home. Don’t leave before trying a homemade pastry baked in-house.?

Alfred Coffee, Los Angeles
In addition to offering nitro cold brew coffee and Health-Ade kombucha tea on tap, the Instagram-worthy space serves vegan takeaway grub from Beaming, sweets by Compartes, drinks from Pressed Juicery, and pastries by Farmshop. Stop by Alfred for a delicious Stumptown latte, or give their signature 10 Dollar Lattes (an iced espresso concocted with Pressed Juicery’s chocolate or vanilla almond milk) a try.?

Surf Air Recommends: April 26, 2018
Our recommendations this week come from our very own Surf Air Members in Texas!?Explore the restaurants below for some weekend inspiration in the Lone Star State.
UCHI, Dallas
Located in the Arts District, the third location of Uchi made its debut in 2015. Melding the best offerings of Chef Tyson Cole’s first three restaurants (Uchi Austin, Uchiko, and Uchi Houston), the menu includes hot and cold tastings, makimono, yakimono, tempura, sushi, and sashimi. In addition, Chef de Cuisine Alex Astranti creates a seasonal menu that rotates four times a year just for Dallas diners.

Le Colonial, Houston
Le Colonial is a celebration of the seductive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920’s French Colonial Southeast Asia, located in the heart of one of America’s largest and most diverse cities. Designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence, celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver on exquisite attention to detail in a luxurious escapist oasis in The River Oaks District.

TJ’s Seafood, Dallas
Voted Dallas’ “Best Seafood Restaurant” visit TJ’s for a casual seafood experience. Enjoy authentic preparations of award-winning fresh seafood including shellfish, grilled fish, fish tacos, sandwiches, soups, salads and more.

Surf Air Recommends: April 19, 2018
This week’s recommendations have a theme: lodging! Why? Because your journey doesn’t stop at the airport. Surf Air is with you every step of the way, which is why your Membership grants you access to amazing perks at top hotels. Here are a couple of our favorite spots across California. ?
Hotel Bel Air,?Los Angeles
A hidden sanctuary amongst the wooded hills, untouched by the clamour of city life beyond the gates of Bel-Air. This is one of the most private and exclusive hotels in Los Angeles, delivering low-key elegance since 1946.

Bacara, Santa Barbara
The views, the architecture, even the envy-inducing room design beckon travelers from far and wide. Get straight to relaxing with a treatment at their 42,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, offering facials, in-room (or on-balcony) massages, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Meadowood,?Napa Valley
Tucked away in a secluded spot in charming St. Helena, Meadowood is a 250-acre countryside estate complete with a groundbreaking restaurant, stunning hiking trails and grassy croquet fields. Take in the nature-filled surroundings from Meadowood’s series of shingled cottages that dot the picturesque landscape.

Surf Air Recommends: April 13, 2018
Who better to guide us toward the best food and drink than our very own Surf Air Members? Here are a few go-to spots in destination cities up and down the coast. #SurfAirRecommends
FIG, Santa?Monica
Steps away from the Pacific Ocean, FIG Restaurant is a seasonal, Mediterranean-influenced bistro. Located in the Fairmont Hotel, FIG features wood-fired dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients from hand-selected farmers and purveyors in California.

Presidio Social Club, San Francisco
Pay no dues to enter this NorCal social club nestled within Presidio National Park. Perfect for big parties, after-meeting drinks, or an intimate dinner for two.

Olio Crudo Bar, Santa Barbara
Snack on Sicilian and Sardegna-inspired crudo plates (think sushi with an Italian accent) at this quaint bar and lounge on West Victoria Street.

Surf Air Recommends: April 5, 2018
Wine country awaits. Need some incentive to up and leave? Check out this week’s Surf Air Recommendations in Napa, California.
RiverHouse by Bespoke, Downtown Napa
Experience the Blackbird Vineyards portfolio of wines at their?RiverHouse?location in downtown Napa. Visitors enjoy their tastings while being surrounded by a curated selection of fine art, antiquities, and objet by AERENA Galleries & Gardens.

Cade Winery, Napa Valley (Howell Mountain)?
Nestled high on the side of Napa’s Howell Mountain,?Cade Winery?is both stunning and state-of-the-art (with a LEED Gold Certification to prove it). Stop in for a tasting to sip layered cabernets and sauvignon blancs overlooking dramatic hillside vistas, or take the full tour to see the remarkable space where the magic happens—a barrel-lined cave carved into the mountain itself.

Angele Bar, Downtown Napa?
Downtown Napa, a concentrated metropolis of Michelin-starred restaurants and accessible dives, makes for a great night out.?Angèle Bar, a gem at the end of Main Street, serves up classic French dishes and spectacular views of the river. It’s notably one of the best patios in town.

Surf Air Recommends: March 29, 2018
Need an excuse to get away for the weekend? Here are this week’s #SurfAirRecs up in the Bay Area
Oakland:
In the mood for something unique? Head to Miss Ollie’s for delicious Caribbean soul food among picnic tables, colorful decor, and island vibes.
For more of a classic experience,??skip on over to Hopscotch?Restaurant and Bar for a tasty meal in an upscale diner scene.

Left: Miss Ollies | Right: Hopscotch Restaurant and Bar
San Carlos:
If you’re in the mood for something casual, Sam Wo Restaurant is a?chinatown institution you must not miss.
For something a little more fancy, head to Leo’s Oyster Bar for a tropical, 1950’s inspired escape in the Financial District.

Left: Sam Wo Restaurant | Right: Leo’s Oyster Bar