It’s the month surrounded by love and what better way to show your better half the Valentine’s Day Weekend of a lifetime with a hotel suite that boasts such amenities as Heat & Glo Cyclone Fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic beds, a private Sanijet two-person jetted spa with color therapy, and an in-room espresso machine. Or maybe you could lure your love into stay in for the evening with a seven-pillow library equipped with every type of firm or soft cushion to lay your sweet head down on. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the fabulous amenities offered at the Shade Hotel, located just blocks away from the pier and beach in Manhattan Beach.

Start off your morning with a complimentary continental Beach Breakfast provided to all guests. And it’s not just your ho-hum stale muffins and cereal. Treat yourself to a bagel and lox, fresh pastries and fruit, yogurt parfaits juice and Lavazza coffee. And once you’ve digested, make sure you make arrangements and take advantage of the complimentary Beach Cruiser bicycles that are offered to guests. Go for a sunset ride down the board walk and to the pier, or park your bike and take in some Vitamin K whole lounging for awhile at the beach.

SPOIL YOURSELF

Shade’s spa partner, Trilogy, is just a few steps away from the hotel entrance and offers romantic spa offerings. Make sure you try any one of their treatments or opt for the Massage-Your-Mate treatment that provides hands-on personal instruction to guide you and your honey for an intimate at-home/in-room massage.
After you’re all oiled up by your loved one, make sure to check out the Zinc Lounge within Shade Hotel for a personal happy hour and some nibbles before dinner. The Truffle Short Rib Sandwiches come highly recommended and may be one of the best tapas that I’ve ever sunken my teeth in. Slowly braised ribs are marinated with honey, white truffle oil and some other secrets before shredded and served open faced on fresh in-house baked rolls and topped with house made coleslaw.

And if you’re lucky like me, you’ll get a chance to chat with Executive Chef Greg Hozinksky and take a peak into some of the dishes he’s conjuring up with new molecular gastronomy kit. You must try at least one of their signature cocktails served in a sub zero ice martini glass. The favorite of the evening was the Honey Money, an adult version of strawberry lemonade with vodka, muddled strawberry, honey simple syrup and Shade’s specialty lemonade. The Passionate Kiss is another great option to get the romantic bubbles going with Finlandia Lime vodka, Pama liqueur and pomegranate juice.

MICHAEL ZISLIS KNOWS HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOU

Shade Hotel was envisioned by local entrepreneur, restaurateur and hotelier Michael Zislis, who also owns many dining establishments within walking distance of Shade. Walk or bike down to Rock ‘N Fish for fresh seafood and juicy steaks influenced by flavors of New Orleans and Asia. (By the way, the Big Easy Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo is a must).

Or drop by Mucho Ultima Mexicana for a margarita after spending the day at the beach or BrewCo for a taste of one of their 48 beers. Considering Zislis was only 13 years old when he brewed his first batch of beer for a school science experiment, we know he has years of expertise in everything he gets his hands on.
If you decide to visit Shade this month, make sure to take advantage of the “Impress Your Valentine” package that offers accommodations in their ultra sexy Deluxe Spa Room, which offers a California King Size Deluxe Tempur-Pedic™ Bed and an oversized Sanijet™ Hydrotherapy Tub with Color Therapy. It also includes two tickets to their Quintessa/Flowers Wine Dinner, as well as a Romance Package, which includes chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine. ($595, not including tax/gratuity)

Lucky for you, Shade Hotel is located just a few minutes away from LAX so wherever you’re coming from, make sure to take the first taxi to this beyond-amazing beachside boutique hotel.