Catalina Island Getaway to Bellanca Hotel

Cruising to Santa Catalina Island, the only inhabited island in the Channel Islands chain, passengers standing outside might get to see a superpod of dolphins skimming the water during the boat ride. Catalina Express boats depart daily to visit the Mediterranean-looking resort city of Avalon from three different ports: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Those seeking a quieter and more rustic side of the island, the Catalina Express offers a boat that stops at Two Harbors on the west side of the island.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The Catalina Express pulls up to the Two Harbors pier in the morning, allowing visitors to have almost a full day of relaxing under softly fluttering palm trees, while enjoying lunch at the Harbor Reef Restaurant at Harbor Sands. Activities include hiking along the Isthmus to a more primitive side of the island. There is a Dive and Recreation Center for those looking to rent a day locker, kayak, paddle board, snorkel gear or mountain bikes.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Before sunset a bright yellow, outside seating only, Cyclone power boat arrives to the pier to whisk passengers away for a scenic shoreline cruise to Avalon’s Green Pier.

For an overnight stay, the newest hotel in Avalon, is the Bellanca Hotel. It’s one of Eat, Drink, Sleep Hospitality Group’s newest acquisitions. They renovated the former Portifino Hotel into a refreshed and relaxing property, featuring 40 rooms and an onsite restaurant.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Some of the guest rooms have harbor and Pacific Ocean views. Every guest at the hotel has rooftop privileges to relax in a white wicker style chair, under a white umbrella, while taking in the picturesque surroundings. Guests can order cocktails, beer and a bottle of wine from the downstairs onsite bar, and a charcuterie board to enjoy up on the terrace during the day through sunset.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The naughty FOX in onsite offering an al-fresco dining patio and innovative menu from Executive Chef Russell Hayden. Known for his creative fare at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, Hayden and his team prepare beach favorites that include ahi poke nachos, lobster sushi rolls, grill fish tacos and a cioppino filled with treasures from the sea.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Besides refreshing existing guest rooms, there are four new spacious rooms decorated with aquamarine blue and green accent colors. The cloud designed wall alludes to how comfortable guests will find the beds at the Bellanca Hotel.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

The new modern bathroom offers a extra large tiled shower, vanity and separate commode area. Sliding glass doors lead out to a balcony with chairs and a table.

Photo by Jill Weinlein 

Bellanca Hotel offers complimentary beach cruiser bicycles for guests to ride out to the Avalon Casino and beyond to the private Descanso Beach Club. It’s open to the public who make a reservation for one of the cabanas or chaise lounges on the imported soft sand. Food and drink service is available right on the beach and at the open-air beachside bar and restaurant.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Catalina Island encourages visitors to kick back and enjoy a cool breeze, or be active while exploring the island surrounded by beautiful ocean views.

To learn more visit Bellanca Hotel online.