A Weekend Getaway Staycation at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort

One of my favorite parts about living in San Diego is that you can take a quick getaway to just about anywhere in under two hours.  A weekend trip to LA, Mexico, the Mountains, or the desert is really convenient.  Which is what makes Southern California so captivating.   It just so happened that Clint and I were looking for a quick overnight staycation and took the opportunity to head out to the Pala Casino Spa & Resort.

A Pala Casino Spa & Resort Weekend Staycation

We arrived at the resort on Saturday afternoon, coming straight from a closet edit with a client, and made it in a cool 50 minutes.  Right after our swift check in, we popped over to Sushi Sake for some of their renowned nigiri and sushi rolls made by the famed Sous Chef, Yoshi.  (He threw in a few specialities, one of which included an amazing mix of avocado and seared tuna tartar.)  After lunch, we toured the property a bit, took in the view from our room, and got ready for the Pala Casino Spa & Resort Starlight Food & Wine Festival!

Highlights from our Pala Casino Spa & Resort Staycation

If you're thinking about a quick getaway to the Pala Casino Spa & Resort, here are five of my favorite highlights that you must try while you're there:

1 - Eat at Sushi Sake for Lunch

One of the definite highlights, this sushi spot inside the casino was a huge hit.  We tried a few specialties from the menu and then the chef made a few of this 'off the menu' favorites.  One of my favs was the tuna tartar over chips with an avocado puree on top.

2 - Grab a Glass of Wine at CAVE

A great evening for Clint and me always includes a fabulous glass of wine.  And CAVE, which is an underground cocktail & wine bar nestled just outside of the casino, is a great place to enjoy a glass or two before or after dinner.  They have an intimate stage inside and we had the chance to sit in their leather chairs to enjoy some beautiful tunes while sipping on our wine.

3 - Grab a massage and hang by the spa lounge

The spa at the Pala Casino Resort is such a relaxing spot to enjoy a few hours.  Clint and I booked a couples massage and chilled out with some cucumber water, magazines, and spa time for the early afternoon.  It's such a lovely little spot to get away after an evening of wine & dinner (maybe a little blackjack).  They have 14 different treatment rooms and a full-service spa and salon.  Next time I go, I'm definitely re-booking a massage and nail appointment.

4 - Enjoy a poolside appetizers & a cocktail from the Café by the adult jacuzzi

This was a lovely way to finish our early afternoon at the resort.  After our massages, we strolled over to the poolside Pala Café to order a light lunch and a cocktail, so we could sit pool/jacuzzi side for a bit before we left to head back to San Diego.  The adult-only jacuzzi was a nice reprieve from the pool & sun.  Set back from the resort, the tree & lounge lined jacuzzi has two temperature settings for those who love a warm soak or a hot soak.

5 - Visit during an Event or Concert

We had the pleasure of staying overnight while the Starlight Food & Wine Festival was taking place.  It was such a great night to head out to the lawn next to the Starlight Theater and taste some amazing wines, sample some of their food, and try their fantastic desserts.  Honestly, give me all the wine and desserts and I'm one happy gal!  Two of my favorite wineries were there, Trefethen & Chandon, both of which we love to visit when we're in Napa Valley.  It was such a delight to sample their wines, while enjoying treats & music.

If you do get the chance to go while they're hosting the Starlight Food & Wine Festival, do it!  If you can't, they also host a slew of concerts on their Starlight lawn.  That's a fun option if you want to add another event to your overnight stay.  The service was wonderful, people very friendly, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

*Disclaimer: This sponsored post may include affiliate and non-affiliate links, which help support & manage Art in the Find blog.  I stand by all links that are associated with my brand!  Thank you to Pala Casino Resort and Spa for helping to support Art in the Find. *