Sitting just steps away from rolling sand dunes and a sprawling, breathtaking beachscape, Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is perfectly placed to embody all things Southern California. 

Adventurous and laid-back. Upscale and comfortable. Family friendly and intimate. Contemporary, yet still very traditional. This authentic SoCal resort draws from its stunning landscape to offer guests and visitors the quintessential California beach vacation for those of us looking to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys from the training camp sidelines or merely escape the oncoming sear of 100-degree weather.

A Stunning Spectacle

Getting to Zachari Dunes is just an hour’s drive up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles. And once you’re here, far from the congested highways of your journey, this little gem of the West will awe and inspire you at every turn. Picturesque features like the resort’s modern take on Spanish revival architecture await in the grand entrance, showcasing elegant, clean lines and classic shapes such as arched walkways and windows. The lobby is naturally lit by a beaming Californian sun, illuminating Zachari Dune’s commitment to authenticity, simplicity, and unity with the natural world through its light-to-deep terracotta and medium-to-dark wood tones.

A short, leisurely stroll will lead you past many of the resort’s wonderful amenities (which we’ll cover soon) to unparalleled access to the golden sands of Mandalay Beach. Beyond the vast ocean are hued backdrops of the Topatopa Mountains to the north and Channel Islands to the south. The mountains, coupled with the surrounding sea, crawling mounds of dunes, and lush, tropical greenery around the resort make for many Instagram-worth photo opportunities, which further establishes Zachari Dunes as an ideal destination for any occasion. So, whether you’re looking for your next romantic retreat, family getaway, wedding, or special event, Zachari Dunes will make a visually strong case.

Adventurous Amenities, Serene Suites

Back at the resort, you’ll see that the outdoor space is made for exploration. From the tropical pathways circling the central courtyard, to the outdoor plaza complete with fireplace and fire pit, to the expansive pool and hot tub area with plenty of for-rent cabanas to create a quiet and luxurious experience, the resort creates enough compelling reasons to leave the comforts of your suite. Be sure to drop by Henry’s Sundries and Gear Rental, your one-stop shop for outdoor adventure. Henry’s offers plenty of ways to enjoy the California scenery. Pick up everything from bicycles, surfboards, boogie boards, longboards, and hiking and sports equipment to Spikeball or more indoor fun fare like gaming consoles, a record player, and a selection of vinyl. The only thing lacking in this retreat is time.

Zachari Dunes complements their beautiful coastal resort and world-class amenities with 250 spacious, multi-room suites. Since its debut in October 2022, Zachari Dunes has been Southern California’s only all-suite oceanfront resort, offering a myriad of rooms with oceanfront, ocean view, beach view, pool view, or garden view options.

To complete the laid-back California experience, Zachari Dunes includes Float Mandalay Beach Spa. This onsite spa is delightfully designed to fulfill your well-being needs with a host of regenerative specialty treatments including reflexology, sea stone, and healing body rituals such as a CBD body wrap.  

Classically Californian Cuisine

There’s no shortage of gourmet options at the resort. Whether it’s a fast and casual breakfast taco and churro on the way to Cowboys Training Camp, a romantic evening toasting a glass of local wine or craft cocktail, or a celebratory dinner in an upscale beach view restaurant, Zachari Dunes offers plenty of options for your dining needs.

In true surfside fashion, Sugar Beets’ menu features the best of California cuisine from an outdoor Airstream trailer. Start your mornings here with a smooth cup of locally roasted coffee and pair it with an on-the-go breakfast sandwich or pastry. The freshness of each of these in your hands will comfortably warm you during these brisk mornings. In the mildly hot afternoons, refresh yourself with a locally brewed beer or canned wine or cocktail as you listen to the sounds of the winds blowing through the canopy above or ocean waves within earshot.

Dive Lounge, the poolside bar, is an all-age fun zone serving up exquisite cocktails like palomas for adults and virgin daiquiris for kids. Easily catch a live game, play a round of pool, or indulge in some friendly competition of darts as this lounge is centrally located within the resort. You’ll find both fun and comfort with vintage arcade games and plenty of lounge seating for your enjoyment.

For a more formal experience, Zachari Dunes’ signature restaurant Ox and Ocean offers an elevated sit-down experience. Executive Chef Damien Giliberti and Director of Food & Beverage and level three Sommelier Ricardo Cubia have carefully created a dining experience that reflects flavors from American, Hispanic, and Asian cuisines that’s also locally inspired from California’s rich bounty of produce and seafood freshly sourced from Oxnard’s plains and sea.

As Oxnard is famous for its summer strawberry season, you’ll find plenty of strawberry options in many of the entrees and apps during this season. The half jidori chicken is an especially unique entrée complete with smoked strawberry jam and creamy polenta. Other seasonal strawberry options include strawberry ponzu on grilled swordfish and strawberry gazpacho.

From Sea to Sand and Beyond

After paddleboarding the ocean currents or bumming it beachside, head on over to beautiful Oxnard. Zachari Dunes is exceptionally close to a lively nightlife, some of the best taquerias like Hernandez Tacqueria, and a picturesque harbor village full of unique shops and restaurants. If you’re in town for Cowboys Training Camp, the field is a short 15-minute drive away.

Just as the sand lightly blows from dune to dune, time moves effortlessly amid Zachari Dunes. While here, be sure to breathe in the fresh ocean air as you hold the hand of a loved one. Peer out into the stunning backdrop of the ever-expanding ocean and faint silhouettes of mountains. Indulge in the views of a descending sun before it’s gone and you’re left with one day less on this coastal retreat.   

Visit Zachari Dunes’ website to book your stay and follow them on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest from this seaside paradise. Be sure to book your hotel fast if you’re planning to attend Cowboys Training Camp, which ends August 21.

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Cover photo courtesy Zachari Dunes of Mandalay Beach