We explore the best of what’s new in everything from the arts and food to staycations and wellness.
The gorgeous pool at Rosewood Sand Hill
Hotel Nia
Enjoy the new pool bar when booking the Sunny Escape package at this 250- room high-rise with exceptional views. The package includes a daily $30 food and beverage credit, so take advantage of Porta Blu restaurant’s new southern coastal European focus, which incorporates local ingredients in items like the California cheese and charcuterie platter, spring pea and mint spread, and signature Baygroni cocktail with Bay Area vermouth and gin. 200 Independence Drive, Menlo Park, 650.900.3434, hotelnia.com
Poolside with a new bar at Hotel Nia in Menlo Park
Park James
Summer sparkles at Menlo’s 61-room boutique hotel with a new patio wine bar, new chef Shane Ashley and new entrees at Oak + Violet, including the Atlantic salmon with saffron yuzu loam, wagyu beef tartare and shrimp salad with miso garlic aioli. Live music, plus a new speaker series, makes this an exceptional summer getaway—or hangout. 1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.304.3880, parkjames.com
Rosewood Sand Hill
The 16-acre grande dame of Menlo Park introduces Bryte Sleep Suites, touting the Bryte Restorative Bed—so loaded with AI technology it adapts to the contours of a guest’s body, remembers her ideal mattress temperature and understands how to maintain a great snooze all night through biometric sensors. After a restful night, go for a swim and check out the new poolside California Wellness dining menu curated by just-hired culinary director Seamus Mullen. 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650.561.1500, rosewoodhotels.com
Shrimp at Oak Violet at the Park James Hotel
Angela
At this side street gem where designer fashions reign, patrons revel in a selection of fresh summery dresses, shorts by Agolde and Citizens of Humanity and trunk shows galore. High-end pieces arrive from Europe and Southern California daily. 1129 Chestnut St., Menlo Park, 650.232.7410, shopangela.com
Anthem Menlo Park
View the latest modern paintings from Jennifer La Pierre at this luxury home interiors store, which sells original art, furniture, lighting and accessories from more than 500 vendors. Check out the Tom Dickson diffusers projecting scents that are, according to product descriptions, reminiscent of the back seat of a British Bentley. 887 and 889 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650.440.7400, antheminteriors.com
A luxury suite at the Rosewood Sand Hill
Ladera Garden and Gifts
Sun-loving lavender, fruit trees and wares ensure no two experiences are alike at this family-owned nursery and gift emporium. The retail sanctuary, owned by Juan and Mercedes Navarro, transports patrons to another realm as they unwind among orchids, succulents, lotions and potions. 3130 Alpine Road, Ste. 380, Portola Valley, 650.854.3850, laderagardenandgifts.com
Anthem Menlo Park offers luxe furnishings and work from artists like Jennifer La Pierre.
Sense Spa at Rosewood
New spa packages include yoga classes on the lawn, body treatments with CBD oils and signature facials using the QMS skincare brand for the first time. 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650.561.1580, rosewoodhotels.com
Serenity Day Spa
Detox from stress inside Serenity’s living room lounge with fireplace mantel, wall fountain and comfy chairs. This season, the owners are promoting vitamin C-infused facials in addition to its lineup of massages and acupuncture treatments. 1900 El Camino Real, Atherton, 650.838.0111, serenityofatherton.com
Total Glow Wellness
This new and expanded two-story pamper palace with furnished patio is a medspa like none other, given the gilded chandeliers and gold accents in its 15 treatment rooms. Terrie Absher launched Total Glow to offer services like custom age-defying facials designed to purify and replenish, IV vitamin injections, body sculpting and Botox injections and fillers, among other treatments. 1906 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.456.7864, totalglow.com
The lovely gardens at Fioli Center
Buck’s of Woodside
The iconic eatery with quirky elements throughout has passed down to the next generation and is now owned by Buck MacNiven’s three sons. New is the vast, heated patio space and wood-fired pizzas where co-owner Tyler MacNiven’s favorite is the truffle bianca with black truffles and bechamel sauce. 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside, 650.851.8010, buckswoodside.com
Albacore tuna at Flea Street Cafe
Flea Street Cafe
Toast the summer with a blueberry mojito, seared albacore tuna tataki and a strawberry rhubarb galette at this four-room mainstay of Menlo Park. Added COVID safety elements include a new air filtration system, new windows and open walls for greater circulation (we also love the new hardwood floors). Owner Jesse Cool and head chef Bryan Thuerk deliver fresh and simple— light on the salt and cream—so no ingredients are smothered, and, says Cool, “You taste everything.” 3607 Alameda de Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, 650.854.1226, cooleatz.com
The Village Bakery
Call it the summer of spritzes, where a portion of proceeds from four new cocktails go to World Central Kitchen for Ukrainian relief support. Using farm-fresh fruits and veggies, this month, the modern restaurant will unveil an heirloom tomato salad with creamy burrata, a cherry tomato pizza and sweet corn soup. 3052 Woodside Road, Woodside, 650.851.5555, tvbwoodside.com
Filoli Center
Blue Gold: The Power & Privilege of Water is the latest exhibit that tells the dramatic story of how the estate’s millionaire owners, William Bourn and, later, Bill Roth, led business dealings that manipulated water resources to their advantage. Meanwhile, learn how Filoli has implemented water conservation practices during drought years at this lovely mansion and garden. 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, 650.364.8300, filoli.org
Roasted lamb loin at Flea Street Cafe
The Main Gallery
Texture is the newest exhibition at this co-op gallery, which recently relocated to Menlo Park. Headlining this six-week show is ceramic artist Monica Waldman, whose work will be showcased alongside other artists presenting jewelry, paintings, mosaics and textiles. 883 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650.701.1018, themaingallery.org
Photography by: COURTESY OF BRANDS
