While attending a travel show in Long Beach we picked up several brochures about California getaways, thinking that one day it would be useful, so we started to flip through the stack until we found one that we agreed on. Our choice ended up being PALA Casino and Spa, because it seemingly had it all. The place offered a Las Vegas-like experience much closer to our home in Los Angeles, and with a much wallet-friendlier budget.

After a few hectic weeks at work my husband and I were close to exhaustion. During the work week we are both busy scheduling meetings, placing phone calls, running errands, exercising, cooking, and if we're lucky, eating our meals together before falling asleep as the next day's craziness starts over again. My husband Jack and I were having dinner one evening when I noticed he could hardly keep his eyes open at the dinner table. It was at that point I decided to take a break from our daily routine, so I embarked on planning an escape to recharge our batteries. 

We drove only an hour and half on the freeway before turning onto a small tree- lined street. The winding road leading to the casino forced us to drive slower. Consequently, it resulted in our minds slowing down as well, and finally, we started relaxing. We noticed the smell of the grass, the peacefulness of the majestic evergreen trees, and leisurely people walking in the serene setting, a stark contrast to the always-smoggy, and rushing, city we live in.  

We checked in, and had a little time to kill before our spa appointment, so we headed pool-side and ordered a cocktail. As I sipped my gin and tonic, I looked around to see who the average visitor to this place was. I noticed the range of guests at PALA was quite diverse. The most pleasantly surprising thing I noticed the second I sat down was how family-friendly the environment was. There were several families, with a handful of children each, having the greatest time ever in the pool. There were middle-age people, elderly couples holding hands, and a variety of ethnic groups was represented. The one constant I observed is that all were having a great time as evidenced by the abundance of smiles. 'Many of these people come here weekly. Some spend three, four nights a week here gambling.' said Luis Partida, Casino Host. 

'I stay in the hotel once a month with my fiancé', and we come here to play at least four times a week. I love this place. The hotel staff call regular guests by their names, they host dinner parties as a form of appreciation, and reward returning players with free nights,' said Jose Sabalas, an often returning local guest.  When it was time for our spa visit, we were shown to separate areas to get changed into cozy bathrobes and to start unwind. The spa features sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, bamboo garden, and reading room on both the male and female side. Everyone seemed to find something for their liking. Jack soaked himself in the Jacuzzi while I tortured myself in the hot sauna, until a smiley spa attendant came to gather me for our long-awaited couple's retreat.

 Our 'Half Day Indulgence Package' started off with a 50 minute couples massage. The therapists worked hard to loosen up our tense muscles. They massaged lavender oil into our temples, put sage smelling pillows onto our eyes, and played lounge music quietly in the background. 50 minutes passed by as if it had only been five.  

After the massage we had an hour to relax in our own private spa suite. First, we washed off the oil from our bodies in the hot tub with some bubble bath, than leisurely drank champagne in the bamboo garden until it was time to get our 50 minutes facial.  

Jack received the Gentlemen's Facial. This detailed facial has been specifically designed to target men's skin. The service started with deep cleansing and followed with a series of steps to exfoliate and nourish his skin. Meanwhile, I received a European Deep Cleansing Facial, a traditional deep cleansing facial. Only highest quality products were put onto our faces, such as Phytomer or Kerstin Florian by undeniably well trained hands. I loved every minute of our spa treatment.  

I've been to spas in Europe, Las Vegas and Asia, and I can honestly say the spa at PALA took my breath away. The facilities are second to none, and the attentive staff caters to your every desire. Every staff member I spoke with underscored how much they loved working at the spa. They didn't have to - it was obvious by the smiles on their faces, and ours. 

The accommodations at PALA are outstanding. Our suite was spacious and contained every amenity you can think of - including a Jacuzzi tub. I received a box of Belgian chocolates with a personal note from the hotel staff ' a very nice touch.  I was very tempted to order room service and curl up on the sofa and watch television in our comfortable suit, but we had a reservation for the Mama's Cucina Italiana restaurant for dinner. I am glad that we did not miss out on the well presented, delicious and carefully selected feast.  

We started off with the antipasti plate filled with garlicy bruschetta, spicy salami, imported olives, grilled marinated vegetables, and gourmet cheeses  absolutely delicious. I opted for the fresh Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese and Roma Tomatoes with Fresh Basil and olive oil, while Jack had the Classic Ceasar Salad. I was extremely impressed with the freshness and quality of the ingredients.  

For main course Jack opted for the Filet Mignon served with Green Peppercorn Truffle Sauce. I wanted to stay with the Italian theme, and ordered the Tonno Mediterraneo. It proved to be a great decision as the fresh tuna bites melted in my mouth infused with grilled onion and caper. It was so flavorful that it was reminiscent of a Tuscan meal where ingredients rarely contain additives, or preservatives. It tasted just like in Italy  outstanding! 

The Italian dinner could not have been completed without a cup of cappuccino, some fresh fruits, tiramisu and crispy cannelloni.  This place deserves four diamonds, said Richard Wolfe, an international travel agent. I am very pleasantly surprised and impressed by the level of the service, quality, and value PALA provides! 

We took a short walk trough the casino to help our body digest the hearty dinner. The casino was filled with colorful people. Some relaxed and enjoyed their games while listening to the band playing on stage. Others buried their focused-faces behind their cards. I am not a huge gambler, but every now and then I try my luck with black jack while Jack plays craps.  

Early next morning we walked in the garden, smelled fresh air, and listened to the birds in the lush setting. Shortly after sipping the last drop of the hot coffee, we had to head back to Los Angeles and start another busy week at our professional lives.  

The weekend getaway provided us with a Vegas-like experience at a much more affordable rate. I was pleasantly surprised with the family-friendly environment, the phenomenal spa, and the delicacies found at Mamas Cucina Italian. Overall, the value is hard to beat. We would much rather spend time at PALA than in Las Vegas. We truly discovered a gem near Temecula, but I fear our secret will soon be let out. 

We had one of the most relaxing, rejuvenating, and in-a-way romantic, weekend in a long while, so for sure we will be back for more.