SAN DIEGO, California (November 2011) – The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the Holiday season Thursday, November 24th offering an elegant brunch buffet for the entire family with hand-carved specialties, scrumptious desserts and sweeping bay views, on sparkling Mission Bay.

Celebrating the Harvest with the family as brunch is served in the beautiful second floor Banquet Rooms from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy the piano artistry of Jeff Davis and spectacular views overlooking Mission Bay as they sample a dazzling array of breakfast and lunch favorites, including an omelet and waffle station, bacon and sausage, and a selection of fine fruits and cheeses. Carved items include Roast Turkey with Cornbread stuffing, sage gravy, and cranberry relish and Mustard crusted roast pork. Delight on our special Entrées of Braised lamb, Tomato fennel Sea Bass, and Petaluma Chicken with sweet potatoes and Braised Beef. Seafood and pasta lovers may choose from cold poached salmon, snow crab legs and peel & eat shrimp.

A light starter could include a Marinated mushroom, fingerling potato, and toasted cous cous salad. The Fruit and Cheese Montage presents an enticing variety of fresh seasonal fruits matched with assorted cheeses, including tropical fruits and berries.

Brunch prices are $42.95 for adults and $20.95 for children ages 5 – 11 (those under 5 eat free), and include mimosas, champagne, and an invitation to come back and join us on the Bahia Belle, Mississippi sternwheeler.

For reservations contact, (858) 539-8666. For further PR information, contact
Jamie Cheng at 858-777-6712 or jcheng@evanshotels.com

San Diego, California (August 2011) – The Catamaran Spa, located on the sands of sparkling Mission Bay, will once again participate in this years Spa Week, the largest Spa Marketing Event in the Spa Industry. For the week of October 10th – 16th, The Catamaran Spa will offer signature treatments for $50 each.

Spa Week has offered consumers nationwide the ability to try different treatments at a fraction of the cost. A bi-annual event, the bay front Catamaran Spa invites San Diego locals to experience four luscious treatments at Mission Bay’s hidden gem.

The Orange Bliss Sugar Meringue Scrub rejuvenates our skin’s vibrancy and moisture with this uplifting scrub. Multiple showerheads will cascade water upon you while orange oil refreshes your skin and aloe vera promotes moisture retention. Hydrate with an orange body lotion application. Regularly $115

The Coconut Pineapple Body Balm Wrap helps your body balance itself by relieving muscle tension and promoting natural detoxification and hydration. A gentle dry brush exfoliation will prepare your skin for a full-body application of our softening body balm containing both shea and cocoa butter. Stress will melt away as you rinse in our Swiss Shower and finish with a nourishing coconut pineapple body butter application. Regularly $115

The Brightening Facial is highly effective beginning with a cleansing followed by a gentle Lactic Acid exfoliation. Exfoliation allows for the penetration of an intensive treatment infused with botanically derived lightening agents including Bearberry Root, Mulberry Root and Licorice extracts. Vitamin C in the forms of neroli and lemon oils restore luster and radiance to the skin. 50 minutes Regularly $115

The Citrus Pedicure is a sweet citrus treat that starts with a foot soak in our relaxing footbath. Reenergize your feet and calves with a whipped sugar meringue scrub infused with essential oils and aloe vera. Enjoy a calf and foot massage with a highly emollient massage cream laced with the fresh scent of tangy citrus and botanical extracts of chamomile, lavender, orange oil and lemon balm. Finish with the perfect polish. 50-minutes Regularly $115

Inspired by South Pacific and Asian healing traditions, The Catamaran Spa offers a waterfront environment for a rejuvenating spa getaway. Nestled in the Polynesian themed Catamaran Resort Hotel, the 9,300-sq. ft. spa offers ten individual treatment rooms including a Ritual room, a Vichy shower room, and a couple’s room. The Spa is open to guests of The Catamaran Resort Hotel and to day spa guests.

For further information, visit www.catamaranspa.com; for reservations call 858-539-8820. For media inquiries contact Jamie Cheng, jcheng@evanshotels.com

SAN DIEGO, California (August 2011) – The Atoll restaurant located at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa will be participating in the citywide celebration of San Diego’s vibrant food scene. For one week Executive Chef, Steven Riemer, will be offering a prix fixe menu for both lunch and dinner at $15 and $30 satisfying taste buds and introducing his new menu.

Overseeing all culinary programs at The Catamaran Resort Hotel, Chef Riemer has crafted two delectable menus that offer the Polynesian influence of the Resort and soothing breeze of the bay front Atoll Restaurant.

Lunch for $15
Two-Course Prix Fixe
End of Season Tomato Soup, Salad of Shaved Fennel
Pappardelle Pasta with Smoked Salmon, Roast Pork Tenderloin, Fire Roasted Peppers and Ricotta Cheese Frittata

Dinner for $30
Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu
End of Season Tomato Soup, Grilled Calamari, Roman Style Poached Egg
Organic Free-Range Chicken Breast, Smoked Yellowtail and Rock Shrimp Pappardelle
Lemon Pound Cake, Raspberry Swirl Cheese Cake, Banana and Coconut Cream Cake

Each year the bay front restaurant offers superb dining at a great value. San Diego Restaurant Week’s bi-annual event has received the attention of media statewide. This past January, over 140,000 people participated in the event and the numbers of diners are expected to grow this fall, according to the California Restaurant Association. Make reservations and view the full menu by visiting www.catamaranresort.com or call 858-539-8635.

Located on the sands of Mission Bay, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa features 312 guestrooms along with award-winning dining and a luxurious spa. The Catamaran Resort Hotel is owned and operated by Evans Hotels, San Diego. For special room packages and reservations please visit www.catamaranresort.com. Inquiries regarding media and information please contact Steve Pelzer, spelzer@evanshotels.com.

One of the best things to do in San Diego every summer is at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa; so don’t miss the Summer Sunset Luau on Mission Bay. This three-hour festival at San Diego’s Premier Beach Hotel celebrates the unique Polynesian culture with a delicious menu and dancing entertainment provided by Pride of Polynesia. Named San Diego’s Best Summer Luau by San Diego Magazine, the Summer Sunset Luau is a special topping the list for the family vacation.

The Summer Sunset Luau at Catamaran Resort and Spa in San Diego is great for the entire family.

Upon entering, guests are greeted with a lei and invited to a tropical paradise on Mission Bay Beach– just steps away from the water. The Luau area is decorated to have you believe you have truly escaped to a tropical paradise. Live entertainment featuring traditional Hawaiian music plays in the background as hotel guests and locals find their seats and socialize. Dinner party begins with the traditional presentation of the Pig— a Luau party isn’t complete without it!

A sumptuous menu including Kalua Pig, Glazed Salmon, Guava Chicken, assorted desserts is served buffet style. The Catamaran’s Executive Chef, Steven Reimer, does a great job in providing an array of choices to satisfy any picky eaters and includes kid-friendly options. Food is replenished throughout the night so guests can eat until their full. Tropical drink specials are made available throughout the night for both adults and children. Your entry ticket to this San Diego Luau includes either a complimentary Mai Tai or tropical punch (for the kids).

The Presentation of the Pig at Catamaran's Summer Sunset Luau in San Diego

When the sun sets at this San Diego hotel, the main performances begin. Pride of Polynesia, a local dance group, takes the audience through a musical tour of Polynesia. The dances range from beautiful hulas to fiery torch dances. The costumes alone are visually striking; grabbing the attention of the audience. The hour long performances are captivating and reflects the culture of Hawaii. The performers do a wonderful job with every performance and you often see children mimicking the dances by their seat. 

Pride of Polynesia, a San Diego Dance Group, at The Summer Sunset Luau in San Diego

The Summer Sunset Luau is great for special occasions such as reunions, birthdays or private parties or any catered event. The casual, relaxed atmosphere compliment the serene waters of San Diego’s Mission Bay that serve as a background. The Summer Sunset Luaus run throughout the summer at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa. Discounted group tickets are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information on dates and prices, please visit catamaranluau.com.

Guests attending the Beach Party Showcase at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego

Finding a venue for most people is the most crucial part of planning an event; everything else falls into place after. Choosing a venue is not solely selecting the perfect location, but also picking a menu and committing to the services of the venue. That’s enough to give anyone a headache. The Catamaran Resort and Spa wants to remove any apprehension from future new and returning clients about the caliber of execution and world class service our property provides.

“I think being a smaller, more intimate property, we’re able to provide that higher level of service.” explains Director of Catering, Tracey Amernick.

On Wednesday, June 8, 2011, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa hosted a Beach Party Showcase on the North Side of our outdoor bayfront section of Mission Bay. Clients were invited to enjoy an evening of live entertainment, amazing food, and games. The William D. Evans was also made available for cruises around Mission Bay.

The prime location provided views of the amazing calming waters of Mission Bay with a beautiful sunset in the background. There was a display of lounge furniture and tables with beautiful orchid centerpieces. There were three tables showcasing some favorite summer menu items, including flank steak with bourbon sauce, barbeque chicken, cheese arrangements, and desserts. To set the mood, live Calypso music was playing on stage. They were also treated to a live performances by “Pride of Polynesia,” where dancers took guests through a musical tour of Polynesia. Guests participated in some friendly competition to win prizes including summer Luau tickets, a day of beauty at the Catamaran Spa, and more.

The Beach Party Showcase was a small preview for what the Catamaran has to offer. The Polynesian style resort is filled with tropical landscaping throughout the property. And when it comes to service, Tracey Amernick couldn’t have said it any better:

“Service here is world class. It’s very personal; it’s very professional. We strive to go 110% and exceed expectations.”

To find out more information on events at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, please contact the Catering Department at (858) 539-8720.

San Diego, California (May 2011) – The Bahia Resort Hotel, located on Mission Bay, and Laughing Tree Productions have announced the arrival of Once Upon a Wedding an interactive dinner theater cruise on the William D. Evans Sternwheeler every Thursday evening beginning June 16th through September 1st.

An original musical comedy Once Upon a Wedding will set the scene for Daisy and Davis’s not so perfect day.  A hilarious showcase of the Bride, Daisy, and her groom, Davis, are blissfully in love and surrounded by their dear friends and family.  Not a thing can go wrong. Until the Wedding Planner goes missing and half the wedding party is left back at the Dock.  A night filled with audience interaction performed aboard the William D. Evans Sternwheeler – filled with love, agony, betrayal, improvisation and romantic ballads this is sure to be an evening to remember while sailing on Mission Bay.

Once Upon a Wedding, the new hit interactive musical comedy, boasts a talented nine-member cast filled with sign a long hits.  Complete with a three-course dinner, dancing and live entertainment, aboard the William D. Evans Sternwheeler.  Each guest will delight on a delectable menu–Spinach Salad with Orange Segments and Candied Pecans accompanied with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette and Ranch Dressing Grilled Breast of Chicken with a Cabernet Wine Sauce, Served with Honey Glazed Carrots, and Garlic Whipped Potatoes and of course Wedding Cake. Champagne toast with the Bride and Groom and a cash bar is available.

The cruising musical comedy is priced at $55.00 per person, $35.00 for children 12 and under, price for registered hotel guest is $45.00, including tax and gratuity.  Boarding begins at 6:30 pm at the Bahia Resort Hotel. Reservations are required and tickets can be purchased at or at www.onceuponaweddingthemusical.com

About the William D. Evans:

The William D. Evans is a beautifully handcrafted 99-foot vessel, which can accommodate up to 600 guests and provides all modern amenities while still maintaining nineteenth century grace and charm.    The breathtaking upper deck ceiling is a stained glass vaulted skylight 42 feet long and 18 feet wide.  The skylights radiant colors are created with over 50,000 pieces of imported European stained glass.

The Bahia Resort Hotel, located at 998 West Mission Bay Drive in Pacific Beach, is ideally situated on a wide stretch of white-sand beach and is owned and operated by Evans Hotels, the premier purveyor of resort accommodations throughout Southern California, including the Catamaran Resort Hotel on Mission Bay, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla.  For more information on the Bahia Resort Hotel please call 858-488-0551 or go online www.bahiahotel.com.

Riemer served as the Executive Sous Chef of The Lodge at Torrey Pines for eight years. As a member of the opening team in 2001, he was instrumental in the creation of the Lodge’s signature market-driven cuisine.  During his tenure, The Lodge culinary team won a number of prestigious awards and received many accolades for its market-driven California-American cuisine.

Prior to the Lodge, Riemer  was Chef de Cuisine of the Club Grill at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. During his tenure at the Ritz he cooked for and alongside such culinary legends at Pierre Troisgros and Paul Bocuse and represented the Ritz at James Beard House, NYC.  While his experience at the Ritz grounded him in classic culinary technique,  Riemer’s partnership with Jeff Jackson at The Lodge gave him the opportunity to build a strong, flexible kitchen program from the ground up, as well as collaborating with Jackson on the development of inventive seasonal menus.  In January 2010 Steven took a sabbatical from work to travel and explore regional food and wine trends in restaurants, cooking, and farming across America.

This fall the Catamaran’s signature, bay-front restaurant, the Atoll, will unveil a new culinary identity under Chef Riemer’s direction. We welcome Chef Steven Riemer and his passion for food to the Catamaran Resort Hotel.  He can be reached at 858.539.8655 or by email at sriemer@catamaranresort.com

Located on the beach on Mission Bay in San Diego, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa features 313 guestrooms and suites offering spectacular views of Mission Bay and the Pacific, as well as award-winning dining, luxiorious spa, and a San Diego Family Tradition.  The Catamaran Resort Hotel is owned and operated by Evans Hotels, San Diego. For special room packages and reservations please visit www.catamaranresort.com.  Inquiries regarding media and information please contact Jamie Cheng, jcheng@evanshotels.com.

Mission Bay Tradition Summer Luau Season Features Fun and Enjoyment for the Entire Family

San Diego, California (May 2011) – On Friday July 1^st, The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa will celebrate its 11^th Annual Summer Sunset Luau celebration on the shores of Mission Bay.  Running Tuesday’s July 26^th- August 23^rd and every Friday evening through September 2^nd.

Featuring authentic pacific island food and entertainment amongst lush, tropical plantings and fiery tiki torches, this not to be missed classic Polynesian extravaganza is, “Truly the best Polynesian celebration on the mainland” Mike Staples, Catamaran General Manager.  “Whenever you’re at a Hawaiian luau, you are ‘ohana — family. We would love you to come join our ‘ohana”.

Each season, the Mission Bay Beach transforms into a tropical island for our guests to enjoy on Friday evenings. Based on a tremendous demand we have added a second show on Tuesday showcasing two Luaus each week starting July 26^th.

The show runs from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and includes a sumptuous Polynesian menu that features roasted Kalua Pig and Pork Loin, Miso Glazed salmon with Ginger Lime Cream, Guava Chicken with Grilled Pineapple, Shredded Coconut Ginger Stir-fry Snowpeas, and a number of salads and tropical deserts to choose from. Special Kids Luau Buffet is available featuring Hawaiian Pizza and Coconut Crusted Chicken and Tater Tots.   Tropical Tiki Bars serve exotic drinks such as mai tai’s and pina coladas.  Once the sun sets, the “Pride of Polynesia” performers take to the stage for an exciting evening of song and dance.  Accompanied by traditional music, the dancers take guests through a musical tour of Polynesia – from captivating hulas to fiery torch dancing.

Named San Diego’s Best Summer Luau, by San Diego Magazine.  Luau prices are $ 58 for adults and $ 25.00 for children 5-12 under 5 free.  Hotel guest rates are $37 for adults and $15 for Children.  Tickets can be purchased at The Catamaran Resort Hotel, inside the gift shop, or at www.catamaranluau.com. For more information, contact Jamie Cheng at 858-777-6712 jcheng@evanshotels.com

SAN DIEGO, California (February 2011) – The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is offering a number of fun activities for you and that special someone over Valentine’s Day and the week leading up.  At the spa, enjoy a number of rejuvenating treatments including:

Chocolate Couple’s Massage — Share the ultimate in relaxation with a close friend, family member or significant other while two therapists perform simultaneous massages in the same room with your choice of refreshing chocolate mint, mouth watering chocolate cherry or decadent chocolate cake massage oil. Fri. – Mon. $230 PER COUPLE | Tues. – Thurs. $200 PER COUPLE

Crimson Cranberry Facial- Crimson Cranberry Facial — $95
Give your face a healthy glow with this anti-oxidant and nourishing botanical facial. The combination of natural fruits and botanical enzymes provide a gentle exfoliation while nourishing and hydrating the skin with age-fighting vitamin A and anti-oxidants. Our Crimson Cranberry facial stimulates cell regeneration and will leave your skin cleansed, hydrated and silky smooth. 50 minutes, Regular Price: $115

Chocolate Scrub — $95
This luxurious body exfoliant will leave your skin cleansed, silky smooth and revived, as the Vichy shower melts away tension. Finish with a whipped white chocolate body soufflé application that will deeply moisturize your skin and leave your body ever so soft and supple. 50 minutes, Regular Price $115

Chocolate Pedicure — $65
Chocolate sugar scrub infused with natural oils and minerals will leave your skin soft andThis sweet chocolate treat starts with a foot soak in our chocolate foot bath. Then a smooth. Your feet are then re-energized with a stimulating chocolate foot mask. A calf and foot massage is performed with your choice of chocolate or vanilla moisturizer. Finish with the perfect polish. 50 minutes, Regular Price: $75

After you are finished with your treatment, head on over to the Atoll Restaurant and enjoy a 4-course menu while overlooking Mission Bay, which includes an appetizer, salad, entrée and desert for $78 per couple.  The Atoll offers a California-Pacific Rim cuisine with the following menu being served for the Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Amuse Bouche
Prosciutto wrapped date grilled with Gorgonzola drizzled with Balsamic Glaze

First Course

Endive Salad
Purple endive, Watercress, Toasted pine nuts, Goat cheese crostini, Sherry vinaigrette

Butternut Squash Soup
Homemade creamed-spinach Ravioli, Hazelnut Crème Fraiche

Sweet Chili-Glazed Shrimp
Mango, Cucumber and Avocado Stack, Cilantro Lime Butter

Second Course

Pink grapefruit Sorbet

Third Course

Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon
Citrus glazed, Fennel puree, Sorrel sauce

Spiced Rub Top Sirloin
Bacon-wrapped, Truffle garlic French Fries, watercress salad, Béarnaise

Free-Range Crispy Fried Chicken
Braised wintergreens, Buttermilk mashed potatoes, Rosemary infused gravy

Fourth Course

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Roulade
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Chocolate Lava Cake

After your meal, cap off the night by taking a ride on one of our two 1800s era sternwheelers, The Bahia Belle or William D. Evans for a romantic cruise with live music and dancing.  These boats are replicas of nineteenth century Mississippi riverboats. Each ship is magnificently adorned with rich woods, etched glass and polished brass fixtures bringing back an era of fine service and elegance.

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is owned and operated by Evans Hotels.  For more information, go to www.catamaranresort.com.  For spa and dinner reservations, call 858-488-1081

San Diego is practically synonymous with Sea World, and Shamu’s Christmas show is a must-see event. The family-friendly orca and dolphin spectaculars have delighted audiences for decades. Don’t miss this and other great holiday shows like Clyde and Seamore’s playful sea lion rendition of the Night Before Christmas at Sea World San Diego just minutes away from Mission Bay.

If you prefer a walk on the wild side this winter, head to the world famous San Diego Zoo for Jungle Bells. The zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland with a nightly tree lighting ceremony as well as interactive shows and holiday-themed critter presentations. The Zoo also features winter camps and art camps which explore animals and animal artistry in fun and interactive ways.

Younger visitors this holiday season will surely enjoy Legoland’s Holly Jolly Holidays. Festivities include a life-size Lego brick Santa and reindeer, Lego Christmas tree and lighting ceremony, the Let It Snow musical, and nightly fireworks between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Keep an eye out for miniature Santa and his little reindeer delivering toys and gifts throughout Miniland USA.

Quite possibly the most anticipated winter event in San Diego is the 33rd Annual December Nights in Balboa Park. This open to the public two-day festival features free museums, extraordinary food, and winter festivities and celebrations from around the world. Music, entertainment, and tradition fill the whole of the park to create one of San Diego’s most popular events.