Resort Marina Riviera in Massive Bear, California

It goes with out saying: Los Angeles is just not precisely a ski city. Because the unofficial capital of Southern California, the Metropolis of Angels is best recognized for solar, surf, and common Seaside Boy-esque vibes. However probably the greatest ski spots within the area is situated simply two hours from downtown L.A.—and it simply bought a splashy new lodge.

Resort Marina Riviera quietly opened in June and occupies the previous Marina Resort, a Viking-inspired lodge in-built 1968. The facade of the constructing was constructed from naked, unvarnished lumber, and you may nonetheless odor the faint scent of cedar whereas strolling across the property. Casetta, which is thought for its cute-as-a-button assortment of indie stylish boutique inns, bought the property and up to date it in a means that feels trendy, but rooted in its midcentury previous.

“The design of Resort Marina Riviera was impressed by a deep respect for the property’s unique 1968 structure and its gorgeous alpine setting alongside Massive Bear Lake,” Sana Keefer, Casetta’s head of brand name, informed Journey + Leisure. “We wished to protect the soul of the constructing, together with its Viking-inspired construction and midcentury character, whereas thoughtfully updating it for the trendy traveler. The refresh attracts inspiration from Massive Bear’s après-ski historical past, basic roadside lodges, and the timeless enchantment of mountain getaways, all seen by a recent lens.”

Located close to Massive Bear Lake within the San Bernardino Mountains, the small metropolis of Massive Bear, California, is likely one of the closest ski cities to Los Angeles, other than the close by Lake Arrowhead. Massive Bear is legendary for its numerous terrain and powder, and the environment right here is decidedly ski town-y, with all of the bro-ness and craft breweries that associate with it. Resort Marina Riviera takes a unique strategy to Massive Bear: with facilities like a lakeside barrel sauna, a year-round heated pool, and a small seashore, the lodge seems like a wellness-focused mini-resort.

L.A. is, in fact, well-known for its culinary scene, and you may have a number of the finest pizza within the metropolis proper on-site at De La Nonna Massive Bear, which has a flagship location in DTLA’s hip Arts District. And whereas Massive Bear is synonymous with snowboarding and different wintertime actions, it is a delight to go to in the summertime as nicely, and there was no higher feeling than getting back from a hike up Fort Rock Path to focaccia-style pizza and comfortable serve ice cream topped with olive oil and a dusting of flaky salt.

Whereas I think about Resort Marina Riviera will definitely really feel cozy within the winter, I visited in June, and the environment was laid-back and relaxed. At occasions, I felt like I used to be at a luxe summer season camp for grown-ups.

“This property is designed to gradual you down in one of the best ways,” Keefer informed T+L. “Whether or not it’s birdwatching with morning espresso throughout migration season on the outside deck, an impromptu outing on the lake, or a sundown sauna session, the expertise is immersive and private. We wish it to really feel nostalgic however recent, like a spot you’ve all the time recognized, however are simply now rediscovering.”

Right here’s what it’s like to remain on the Resort Marina Riviera.

The Rooms

There are 42 rooms and 6 cabins at Resort Marina Riviera, cut up throughout seven lodging sorts. Vacationers can select from the comfortable, 260-square-foot Lakeside King, which may sleep two individuals, to the 700-square-foot Double Queen Cabin, which has sufficient room for six individuals. (Throughout my two-night keep, I slept in a Lakeside Double, and I beloved waking as much as mountain views and a nonetheless, glassy lake within the morning.)

That mentioned, it doesn’t matter what lodging sort friends decide, they’ll have the ability to get pleasure from retro ski lodge-inspired design. The colour palette here’s a moody shade of peacock inexperienced, and also you’ll discover considerate touches like wooden accents, vintage-style woodland prints, and a bedside desk stuffed with well-loved used books. Whereas I definitely advocate making time for De La Nonna, the in-room minibar is stocked with treats like Chuza chamoy strawberries, Taos Bakes bars, and domestically made beef jerky.

Meals and Drink

De La Nonna’s Massive Bear outpost serves a lot of the identical fare that its DTLA location does, with its toothsome focaccia-style pizzas on supply. I like to recommend the White Pie, which comes topped with thinly sliced Japanese potatoes and a sprinkle of fennel and pesto. Or in the event you’re in search of one thing extra basic, strive the Pepp (a pepperoni pizza) and spring for the spicy honey for somewhat added pizzazz. All pies include De La Nonna’s signature halo of crispy cheese across the edges.

There are just a few distinctive issues in regards to the Massive Bear menu. For instance, there are not any recent seafood starters, and as an alternative, diners can go for a tinned fish sampler or a smoked trout dip. There’s nonetheless a wholesome collection of pure wines, enjoyable cocktails (just like the Frozen Sprits, a slushy-like Aperol spritz), and arguably one of the best Caesar salad within the Southland. Better of all, you may take all of it in whereas having fun with gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Even in the event you don’t keep the evening, De La Nonna can be a enjoyable place to chill out lakeside—that is positively a spot to see and be seen in Massive Bear.

Actions and Experiences

Whereas Resort Marina Riviera doesn’t have any on-site actions in the meanwhile, you’ll be exhausting pressed to discover a higher residence base to discover all that Massive Bear has to supply. The lodge is lower than two miles (a couple of five-minute drive) from Massive Bear Mountain Resort and is situated instantly on the lake, guaranteeing that friends have easy accessibility to kayaking and canoeing alternatives. Plus, native firm Getboards, which rents boats in the summertime and skis and snowboards within the winter, is a straightforward five-minute stroll from the lodge.

Resort Marina’s Riviera’s prime location additionally places you inside strolling distance of Massive Bear’s bustling downtown strip, the place you’ll find wine tasting venues (head to Barrel 33), native restaurant staples like Stella Luna, and a big selection of memento retailers. In case you are visiting in the summertime (as I did), make sure that to take full benefit of all the paths which are accessible within the space—the Fort Rock Path is a 1.6-mile route by the San Bernardino Nationwide Forest that has sweeping vistas of the lake and San Bernardino mountains.

The Spa

A therapy room is scheduled to open on Aug. 1. (On the time of my keep, the spa wasn’t open.) There are different wellness facilities already accessible within the meantime. This features a barrel sauna proper subsequent to the lake, an indoor sauna, a chilly plunge, and a small however mighty health heart stocked with all of the necessities, like free weights, a treadmill, and a stationary bike. If you need to discover Massive Bear in an lively means, Resort Marina Riviera has complimentary bicycles accessible for friends to borrow.

Household-friendly Choices

Resort Marina Riviera doesn’t have any specific family-minded facilities or choices in the meanwhile, however the baseline facilities are fairly family-friendly. The lakeside pool is a wonderful place for the children to hang around whereas the adults soak within the whirlpool bathtub. The property additionally has straightforward lakeside entry with a small sandy seashore, and there are plans to finally have kayaks and canoes that friends can take for a paddle. In case you are touring with a big group, think about reserving one in every of Resort Marina Riviera’s six cabins, which have a number of beds and may sleep anyplace from three to 6 individuals.

Maybe probably the greatest issues about Resort Marina Riviera is that it’s pet-friendly, with no weight restrictions, so all family members can be a part of the journey. Two canine are allowed per keep for $100 per pup.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are two accessible rooms at Resort Marina Riviera, each of that are Lakeside King Rooms. These two models have a personal balcony in addition to roll-in/walk-in showers. There are elevators that go to the primary, second, and third flooring of the lodge. Each the foyer and De La Nonna are accessible for wheelchair customers as nicely. For those who want additional help, it’s a good suggestion to contact the entrance desk with any requests you will have.

Sustainability-minded decisions at Resort Marina Riviera embody issues like water bottle refill stations, Aesop soaps (a sustainable and moral cleaning soap model) within the loos, and Earth-friendly rest room paper.

Location

Most guests to Massive Bear are doubtless driving in from both Los Angeles or the Inland Empire. Resort Marina Riviera is about 100 miles (or a couple of two-hour drive) from the guts of L.A. and about 40 miles (or an hour’s drive) from San Bernardino, California. For those who’re flying in from one other a part of the state, the closest main airports are San Bernardino Worldwide Airport (SBD), Ontario Worldwide Airport (ONT), or Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX). There’s a public transportation system within the San Bernardino Mountain space, often known as Mountain Transit. Nonetheless, for comfort and luxury, your finest guess is to hire a automotive. Experience-hailing companies resembling Lyft and Uber do function within the space, however since Massive Bear is a small city, there’s restricted availability, and you will have hassle snagging a trip.

Ebook Now

Resort Marina Riviera is part of Guestbook Rewards, an impartial lodge loyalty program that provides members the choice to get money again on stays or the power to donate to significant causes when reserving a keep. The lodge additionally usually runs particular gives on its web site. On the time of publication, in the event you ebook a keep on the lodge earlier than July 31, you may get 20 % off your reservation.

Nightly charges at Resort Marina Riviera begin from $199.

Each T+L lodge evaluate is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed on the property, and every lodge chosen aligns with our core values.