Special occassion (20th wedding anniversary) in LA/OC area...

Looking for suggestions for our 20th wedding anniversary (Oct 2005)

Want to have dinner in a nice restaurant and spend overnight in nice (4*/5*) hotel and do something memorable (helicopter ride ?)

Dont want to travel too far as (ie not Vegas ) or have to drive if possible so limo is an option.

Considering Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel for dinner/hotel but cant figure out the %26#39;event%26#39; side. Not interested in shows and as we live in the LA area the usual tourist places are of little interest unless someone knows how to get into Club 33 at Disney.

There used be be helicopter dinner tours that landed on the Transamerica building dowtown but where to stay?

Thoughts ?

Special occassion (20th wedding anniversary) in LA/OC area...

What about Catalina? There are helicopters that:

1. Take you to and from the island

2. Fly you over the island (30 minute tour).

You can eat out there and spend a lazy day. As I recall, there is some kind of animal retreat out there that you can go to (prior arrangements need to be made).

Try ';catalina helicopter'; in your browser

Good luck and Congratulations!

Special occassion (20th wedding anniversary) in LA/OC area...

Why not try the Montage Resort just up the highway from The Ritz Carlton and unwind with some wonderful spa treatments, take a walk along the coves and on the beach at the property and have a wonderful dinner. In other words, slow down, be pampered and enjoy each other%26#39;s company. Be sure you get one of the rooms that looks out over the pool to the far horizon rather than one in the north wing on the north side which faces the coast at an angle rather than full view. This property has probably the best coastal location in the state, and the grounds are beautiful to behold, but the ocean view steals the show.

You could call the concierge and ask if they have anything unusual or special for guests.

thanks for your replies - Will try the Montage as Catalina really doesnt have the class of restaurant or accomodation I was looking for.

Just hope I can get the dates I want and the home equity loan I will need :) thank goodness for LA property price rises

My wide is worth every penny and the Montage looks just the special place I am looking for.

Thanks again

Having checked some of the hotel reviews here on trip advisor, you probably should ask if there is any big event at the time you plan to be there - ie: a wedding etc or live music ...or conference group that will be on the lawn in front of the pool as that appeared to have disturbed the tranquility expected by some previous guests.

Good suggestion Juday - I will do

Thanks for your help

LAblue-

The Montage beats Ritz-Carlton anyday! It%26#39;s beautiful and any of their restaurants are fantastic. Your wife will definately feel special.