spring – House of Verrett

The Channel Islands, off the Coast of Ventura

Tevis Verrett — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:02:54 +0000

Welcome to House of Verrett Beachside Bespoke Vacations, the Luxury Way Channel Islands - a chain of beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California The Channel Islands are a chain of beautiful islands off the coast of Southern California. With 12 different islands to choose from, there is sure to be one that fits your needs. whether you are looking for a place to lounge on the beach, or go hiking and camping, the Channel Islands have it all. Here are 12 different things you can do while visiting the Channel Islands: 1. Visit Anacapa Island and see the amazing views from Inspiration Point. 2. Go kayaking or whale watching off the coast of Santa Cruz Island. 3. Take a day trip to Catalina Island and explore Avalon town. 4. Visit San Miguel Island and see the historic Rancho del Mar Adobe. 5. Hike up to Mt. Pleasant on Santa Rosa Island for stunning views of the island chain. 6. Kayak out to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz island for a great picnic spot. 7. Go scuba diving and see the amazing kelp forests on the coast of San Miguel Island. 8. Spend a night camping out at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Catalina Island - known for its scenic views, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life

Catalina Island is a popular destination for its scenic views, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. There are plenty of things to do on the island, from hiking and biking to swimming and snorkeling. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Catalina Island has something for everyone. The island is home to some of the best beaches in California, as well as a variety of outdoor activities. Be sure to add these 12 must-do items to your itinerary when visiting Catalina Island.

Section 2: Santa Cruz Island - features hiking trails, campgrounds, kayaking, and a variety of plant and animal species including the island fox and Channel Islands fox (a subspecies of the Gray Fox). [caption id="" align="alignright" width="960"] Kayaking the Caves on Santa Cruz Island[/caption] San Clemente Island - Camping is permitted. Reservations required at National Parks Service campground at San Miguel Bay. Santa Barbara Island - Camping is permitted in several campgrounds. Section 3: Anacapa Island - popular for its diving, snorkeling, and fishing opportunities Anacapa Island, one of the Channel Islands of California, is a place of natural beauty and history. The island is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a rich cultural heritage. Here are 12 things to do on Anacapa Island: 1. Take a Hike: There are several hiking trails on Anacapa Island, each with its own unique scenery and wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful views. 2. Visit the Lighthouse: The Anacapa Island Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. The lighthouse was built in 1932 and is still in operation today. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history. 3. Go Camping: Camping is allowed on certain parts of Anacapa Island. Section 4: San Miguel Island - home to a large colony of seals and sea lions Section 5: Santa Rosa Island - offers kayaking, whale watching, and hiking The Channel Islands offer something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those just looking to relax in nature.

Top 5 Spots To Hit In Ventura In Spring 2023

Tevis Verrett — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 01:29:14 +0000

Getting your beach vacation on and packing your bags for Ventura? Boom! Grab this link to refer to and bookmark your wishlist tabs with the must see spots to visit in Ventura! If you're ever in Ventura, California, you need to check out these must see spots! From beautiful beaches to quaint villages, there's something for everyone in this charming city. So why not bookmark your wishlist tabs with the places you definitely want to visit? You won't regret it! Here are the 5 best things to do in Ventura in spring 2023.

San Buenaventura Mission

[caption id="attachment_2827" align="aligncenter" width="567"] San Buenaventura City Hall[/caption] Ventura's official name is San Buenaventura; while strolling the beautiful city, Bonaventure city hall caught your attention. It has a display of historical visual art and an iconic and elegant Italian marble foyer. Stand in front of the city hall to take pictures and breathtaking views of the downtown area. Ventura maintains its old-school charm; you will find soda pop and candy shops. It's also known for its parks like Ventura community park, Marina Park, Arroyo Verde Park, and Camino real park.

Ventura Pier

[caption id="attachment_2718" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Ventura Pier Boardwalk[/caption] Ventura pier is the most iconic landmark in the entire city spanning 1600 feet at one point. It is the longest wooden pier in all of coastal California. The pier was built in the 1870s and had its own charm in the way of beautiful views. Pier is the heart of the city, where people come and enjoy stunning views. The sound of the ocean, sunrise, and sunset enhance its beauty. The Ventura pier is a famous attraction for a picnic, fishing, a sunset stroll, and spectacular views of the coast, mountains, and channel island. You can also find snack bars, restrooms, and delicious seafood restaurants here. This historic destination will leave you with plenty of unforgettable memories.

Channel Islands National Park & Casino

[caption id="attachment_2828" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Channel Islands of California[/caption] The best weather to discover the magic of channel island national park is Spring. The Channel Islands National Park & Casino is a top tourist destination for many reasons. First and foremost, it's one of the only places in the world where you can see an elephant seal colony up close. Secondly, the park has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of California, including iconic sandstone cliffs, white-sand beaches and lush forests. It’s the perfect setting to kayak with friends and family. Your tour guide will lead you through sea caves and share facts about island wildlife. Dolphins are a common sighting along the way, and who doesn’t love dolphins at sunset?

The Most Sought After Ventura & Hollywood Beaches

[caption id="attachment_2829" align="aligncenter" width="584"] Aerial shot of Ventura Beach[/caption] You might have heard the saying that the west coast is the best coast. Ventura is known for its beaches. Like Emma wood state beach, Harbor cove mother’s beach, and San Buenaventura beach, where you can spend the whole day catching the waves and evening stroll to watch the mesmerizing sun go down. If you are not surfing and still want to enjoy coastal views, you can get your e-bike on rent. Imagine Bike rides along the beach, mesmerizing sites and cool breezes, and waves crashing on the shores. Nothing more than calming yoga on the water. Ventura and Hollywood beaches are the most popular in California, and for a good reason. They are stunningly beautiful, with crystal-clear water and soft sand. The sunsets over the ocean are incredible, and there's always something happening on the beach. Whether you're swimming, surfing, or just taking in the sights and sounds of waves crashing against the shore, these beaches will leave you feeling refreshed and alive.

Downtown Ventura & Main Street

Downtown Ventura is home to the San Buenaventura museums, galleries, dining, and shopping. Located downtown is the historic Ortega Adobe, once home to the Ortega family, known for chili products. In addition, downtown Ventura is home to Ventura's ornate city hall with its statue of Junipero Serra. Downtown includes a farmer's market, restaurants, wine bars, breweries, and the Rubicon Theater Company. Our charming and vibrant downtown is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. From shopping at local boutiques to enjoying a delicious meal at one of our many café's, Downtown Ventura has something for everyone. Plus, our pedestrian-friendly streets make getting around easy. Come explore our beautiful downtown today! [caption id="attachment_2830" align="aligncenter" width="605"] Downtown Ventura California[/caption]

Make Your Reservations at House of Verrett-Ventura Beach

If you're looking for a beach vacation to remember, look no further than our Villa at House of Verrett-Ventura Beach. Nestled among the waves and surrounded by stunning landscaping, this luxurious escape is perfect for families or couples. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel like you're on vacation. Our staff is attentive and willing to help with anything you need, and our property features plenty of amenities for everyone.

Secrets-How to Book Direct (and save money) on Your Next Family Vacation

Tevis Verrett — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:24:09 +0000

We are tickled that you are here! Strap in, this is going to be a Wild Ride (or double your money back)! With a lot of love, duct tape, grit and old gum, we erected us a spank brand new Direct Booking Site for (wait for it) you! This direct booking initiative at House of Verrett Beach Villa-Ventura is emerging as a new disruptive force and the new trend for hoteliers like us and poised to be the game changer in our short term beach vacation rental market & travel industry. This amazing adventure allows you, our most important guest, the freedom and control to book villas & suites directly through our website, and at steeper discounts than the Online Travel Aggregators (OTA's-VRBO/Expedia, AirBNB, Booking.com, Agoda, and others) and is a mad departure from the, ". . . trust us, we are AirBNB" house of smoke and mirrors. Well, isn't it safer to book on the Online Travel Aggregators? Many people unknowingly turn to online booking sites like the above OTA's, Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, Kayak, and others; thinking that they will be safer. This is just not the case. You are playing russian roulette and are far more likely to have a bad experience sooner rather than later. Here are three reasons why you should avoid online booking sites: 1) You have no idea who you're dealing with. When you book through an online booking site, you're dealing with a faceless corporation. You have no idea who is actually running the show. Ever tried to deal with customer service on a date change? 2) There's no customer service. If something goes wrong with your booking, good luck getting anyone on the phone to help you fix it. Online booking sites are notorious for terrible customer service. 3) You could be risking your personal information. You could be risking your personal information when you book a stay at AirBNB & other platforms. The popularized vacation rental aggregators have been the target of several cyber attacks, and guests' credit card and personal information have been compromised. For a deeper dive, visit this Sun article: FROZEN OUT Airbnb users complain of accounts being ‘hacked’ saying they’ve been charged thousands and had bookings cancelled it's important to check your credit card statements and watch for any suspicious activity. If you see anything out of the ordinary, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately. Booking.com by it's very nature, doesn't create profiles for it's buying guests. This leads to bad actors using stolen credit card information to grift unsuspecting hosts on the platform as, well as money, trust, & time lost by the host as well as the unsuspecting credit card holder. The OTA's work on volume, so they don't spend the time nor introspection to root out bad actors, nor work with law enforcement to investigate the attacks and identify those responsible. Protection of their reputations becomes more important than your family's safety. In the meantime, guests are advised to exercise caution when booking a stay on these platforms. For a deeper dive on these scams, please see Allie Conti's article on VICE: I Accidentally Uncovered a Nationwide Scam on Airbnb Good Boogly Woogly that was scary! OK, How Much Can I Save Booking Direct? We appreciate you reading this far, The question that you really should be asking is, What am I losing? If you look at your last stay with AirBNB, VRBO, Booking.com and others, you will find that you have been paying hidden 'service fees.' What is this service fee? When you book a vacation rental through an online platform (the OTA's), you are DEFINITELY not getting the best deal. These platforms charge service fees that can add up:

AirBNB: 14% to 30%
VRBO: 8% to 15%
Booking.com: 15% to 40%

To add insult to injury (and this is the dirty little secret), when the OTA's squeeze hosts-hosts raise the per night room costs, increasing cleaning fees, adding/increasing pet fees & deposits, adding linen & resort fees (are you getting the picture) thus passing on the fees to you, our guests. This means you unknowingly pay more per night by booking on the OTA platform. Also, we must agree to hold pricing and amenities parity, meaning we are barred not to offer early check-ins/late check-outs, side offers, services and incentives. They may also limit your options when it comes to booking a specific property-the deeper the commission they (the OTAs) make from the host, and the steeper the discount the host is willing to offer, the better the ranking of the listing on the platform. It is a vicious spiral down the rabbit hole. For an even deeper dive on the above, please see Amar Hussain's article: Vrbo vs. Airbnb for Guests & Hosts [Comparing Fees, Listings, Cancellation Policies] So, take home message-consider booking directly with the owners of your favorite AirBNB rentals and working with them to book directly. Also, we would be tickled to have you contact us directly. This way you avoid service fees, hidden costs, and have more control over which property you choose, better pricing, and more amenities. Next time you're planning a vacation, remember to ask yourself: What am I really losing by booking through an online platform? The answer may surprise you. Booking Directly: The Benefits are Twofold: First, it cuts out the middleman, which saves you money. Second, it allows us to build a direct relationship with our guests, which can result in your vacation money going to your vacation-more memories and a better overall experience. ALSO, and this is a BIG also, we offer many VIP, FREQUENT FLYER & INSIDER promotions and what’s more, book direct and you’ll enjoy the best rates for our luxury vacation properties & beach villas GUARANTEED! Please text 'LOYAL" to 888-505-LOYAL (888-505-5692) and see for yourself.

via GIPHY This is a win-win for both you the guests, and us as the hotelier! We think that this is a direct booking trend is going to be a game changer in this industry. Stay tuned to see how this unfolds! I will get us popcorn, Tevis