AVALON, Catalina Island, California – Over the years, the organization most responsible for maintaining the charming ambiance of Catalina Island is the Santa Catalina Island Company (SCICo). Starting late last year, the SCICo embarked on a more than eleven-million dollar improvement project that will add to the already substantial allure of the island’s main town of Avalon. We were invited by the company to visit and hear about its upcoming plans.

We met with Brad Wilson, SCICo’s Chief Marketing Officer, at the old Descanso Beach Club, which is a short walk from the famous Avalon Grand Casino. Brad was eager to point out what was about to change at the Beach Club and nearby surroundings. He also explained the company’s overall vision for the upcoming renovations, “Enhancing appreciation for and preserving the island’s ecology and unique features are key aspects of the mission and future plans of SCICo.” He continued, “In undertaking each of these projects it is our intent to attract people who have never been to Catalina Island and leave them with a real understanding of what makes this place unique.”

Here are the projects that are sure to be hits with Catalina visitors when they are introduced over the next few months:

The Pavilion Hotel

The old Pavilion Lodge on Crescent Avenue is being totally remodeled, and will re-open as the new Pavilion Hotel on May 14, 2010. Those familiar with the historic 71-room two-story lodge, will remember that it is just a short walk from the ferry landing, and just 14 steps from the sandy beach of Avalon Bay. The new hotel’s design promises to accentuate the best features of this remarkable location. Creative additions that are sure to be a popular with guests are two new luxury suites, and an internet cafe.

The Avalon Grill

Also on the Crescent Avenue waterfront, and across from the Green Pleasure Pier, work began in November on the new Avalon Grill. This pub style restaurant will feature Classical American dishes with a dash of seasonal interest. The new Executive Chef, Rob Dalzell is a product of the Napa Valley Cooking School, and is sure to bring many of his personal and exciting culinary delights to the Grill’s menu. The new restaurant will open in late May.

The Descanso Beach Club

The lovely, but old Descanso Beach Club is also scheduled for a dramatic facelift. (See ‘before’ photos at end of article) Situated in a scenic cove just beyond the Grand Casino, the Club stands on a private beach that has always boasted a comfortable open-air restaurant and bar, and easy access to water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.

The new beach facility will have amenities such as professional massage, and chaise lounge and private cabana rentals. The new al fresco restaurant will serve daytime and evening meals, and as in the past, the bar will be dispensing favorite beverages and snacks.

The Activity Center at Descanso Beach

A new activity center at the Club will be THE place to shop for island activities such as the new Jules Verne style Sea-Trek adventure, golf, and island tours.

The Zip Line Eco Tour

Last, but certainly not least, the new exciting Zip Line Eco Tour will open on April 15, 2010. Much like the familiar tree-top tours so popular at many tropical resorts, the Catalina ‘zip-tour’ will provide adventure seekers with a spectacular view of the island and ocean as they are whisked along three quarters of a mile through Descanso Canyon at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

Catalina is a perfect getaway

Catalina Island is 23 miles off the coast of southern California. A short one-hour boat ride on the Catalina Express puts you in the quaint harbor town of Avalon – a world away from the cares of busy living, and the fog and haze of neighboring Los Angeles.

Catalina Island’s unique Mediterranean climate and prevailing ocean breeze keeps the island cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – making it a great choice for vacationing any time of year.

For more information about Catalina Island, cut and paste: http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

Happy travels!

© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff

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