Oxnard may not be the first place you think of for Spring Break or a summer vacation, until now. One of the best oceanfront getaways along a sandy shoreline dotted with towering palm trees is Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. This Curio Collection by Hilton hotel is the only all-suite Spanish-style beachfront resort that is about one hour from Los Angeles. Not only are guests steps from the golden sand dune beaches and refreshing Pacific Ocean, plus close to an expansive harbor offering boat excursions to the Channel Islands National Park.

Checking in on a Saturday, a film crew took over part of the beautifully decorated, grand light-filled lobby for an upcoming commercial featuring the newly refreshed resort. During a break, I met Andrew Sutrisno, Director of Marketing at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in the lobby for an informative tour. “Guests are welcome to pour a complimentary glass of strawberry lemonade, as a nod to the strawberry crops growing in the Oxnard region,” he said.

While admiring the art in the main lobby and hallways I learned that “Henry Oxnard originally wanted to name the city of Oxnard ‘Zachari’ after the Greek word for sugar,” said Sutrisno. Oxnard was a sugar mogul with plans to use land along the Central Coast of California to grow and process sugar beets in the early 1900s. Not only was he the President of the American Beet Sugar Company, but also the American Beet Sugar Association, which represents all the beet sugar factories in the United States. The name Zachari never received approval, so Oxnard named the city after his family name.

Being part of the luxury and upscale Curio Collection in the Hilton lifestyle resort niche, allows hand-picked hotels to display their unique character and local culture in design elements. “Zachari Dunes tells a story about Oxnard in almost every room throughout the resort,” Sutrisno said.

The resort offers a variety of relaxing and exciting activities for guests at Henry’s. “Part of the resort fee of $30, includes a visit to Henry’s Sundries and Gear Rental Shop, where guests can rent items in designated area for two complimentary hours,” said Sutrisno. “Again the name Henry is another nod Henry Oxnard.” Items available for two free hours include classic beach games and boogie boards, the newest GoPro’s, wetsuits and  longboards, Hover boards, Xbox’s, yoga mats, telescopes, binoculars and cameras. “We want guests to pack light, and enjoy their vacation experience without having to leave,” he said. After two hours, there is a rental fee that can be charged to your room.

The resort fee also includes fitness and wellness classes out on the lawn overlooking the sand and ocean or in the fitness center. PressReader access and discounts to various local area attractions such as kayaking, jet ski rentals and parasailing are offered to guests.

After a $30 million dollar interior and exterior refresh that includes all of the 250 spacious suites in colors of the essence of the ocean and sugary sand. One bedroom oceanfront suites have doors leading out to a wood framed balcony with table and two chairs.

Guests can open the screened window in the bedroom to listen to the the sound of gentle crashing waves lull them to sleep, while breathing in the cool saline air. As with the majority of the 600 square foot suites, there is also a full size sofa bed to accommodate up to four guests, and two bathrooms. One is a bathtub and shower combination, while the other is a large tiled shower.

Lanai suites on the ground floor offer an oversized patio, equipped with two lounge chairs. These pool-facing suites are ideal for guests who choose to be close to the large Dunes Pyre fire pit and expansive pool and heated jet spa.

There is an enhanced adult lounge area offering a full bar and multiple televisions for watching sporting events. A dart board, arcade games, and long table is ideal for group gatherings. “This is a fun space for guests, and can be rented for special dinners and parties,” said Sutrisno.

Nearby is the large heated swimming pool and hot tub. Both have been re-tiled and freshly plastered. Besides offering guests beach towels, they also have floaties for little ones, and goggles for those who chose to swim laps. Right now there are four cabanas on the pool deck to rent for the day.

“Soon the locally inspired Sugar Beats outdoor airstream trailer will be dropped down, offering on-the-go bites,” said Sutrisno. This area offers a seating terrace under strings of lights and is near a shallow stream running along this side of the resort. Beyond are two tennis sport courts.

Other culinary delights can be discovered at Ox & Ocean. Not only is its name a play on Surf & Turf, but Ox is another nod to Oxnard. Executive Chef Damien Giliberti provides a small curated dinner menu offering an array of creative plates such as oxtail bar buns, grilled local fish, and vegetarian roasted delicata squash with turmeric yogurt. During the morning, guests sip mimosas and fresh orange juice while enjoying chilaquiles, lemon mascarpone pancakes and healthy omelets.

In the evening, guests gather around small personal fire pits, a large fire pit or communal fireplace near the pool to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, and later to roast s’mores in the evening.

Zachari Dunes is offering special packages to make the most of your vacation stay. Click to see about their Beach & Breakfast, Presidential Package, More Time For Adventure, Best Friends Getaway, and Make Family Time a Splash.