A fortress greeted me as my Uber pulled up. Spanish Revival architecture loomed overhead, its terracotta tones glowing in the sun as I stepped out into the sleek, elegant valet area. The moment my car door opened, the smell of saltwater and the sound of ocean waves wrapped around me — a reminder that I was exactly where I wanted to be: the beach. It’s a feeling I’d been missing since I moved from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles.
The best part is that this tranquil beach is only a short trip from Los Angeles. In under two hours, you can step away from the city’s hustle and bustle and escape to Oxnard, a true beach town — pastel-colored houses, flip-flops, and soft sand included. That’s where you’ll find the sanctuary that is Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Inside Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Photos: Sage Causie
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach is the design. Popular in California, the resort’s Spanish Revival style blends colonial and modern elements. The palette pulls from the natural world, with shades ranging from light to deep terracotta and medium to dark earthy tones. You see it in the grand staircase that greets you, the wrought-iron fixtures, the cannons at the front of the resort, and the graceful arched walkways. It feels like you’re about to embark on a new adventure the moment you step into the lobby.
Inside, the resort is calm and quiet, so much so that I found myself curling up by the lobby fireplace’s warmth after one evening out. The pool area is the heart of the property. You’ll pass it as you make your way to your room, surrounded by cabanas, a jacuzzi, and plenty of lounge seating that’s both family-friendly and welcoming for solo travelers. The design sensibility continues here, with stone fireplaces around the pool and restaurant area, paired with plush chairs to sink into. In the evenings, the glow of string lights and the warmth of the fireplaces make the courtyard feel like its own little village. By day, the same path takes you past the pool to the open gates of the beach, where soft sand and the sound of waves are only steps away.
The rooms at Zachari Dunes Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Photos: Sage Causie
After taking in the view of the beach on my first day, I headed inside to my suite, which became my own private escape within the large calm of the resort. My room was peace within peace. After socializing with the resort staff and guests, I’d retreat to my beach-view suite and relax. There’s something about falling asleep to the sound of real waves that no YouTube “ocean waves” playlist can match. Waking up to that natural soundtrack was the perfect reset. My two-bedroom suite included a sofa bed, a balcony, and a coffee maker, which made for the ideal slow morning ritual, sipping coffee while watching the waves roll in.
It’s that kind of slow morning that makes you realize how easily Zachari Dunes at Mandalay Beach adapts to different kinds of travelers. All of the rooms are suites, allowing for flexibility in group size, and the property is pet-friendly — I saw plenty of guests enjoying the grounds with their dogs (though pets aren’t allowed in the restaurant). You can choose from beach-facing rooms with ocean views or courtside rooms overlooking the pool and courtyard, with rates ranging from $293 to $400 per night depending on the room type. If you’re looking to splurge or traveling with a family in tow, residential suites are available for around $2,000 a night.
Activities and amenities at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Photo: Sage Causie
As someone who likes having plenty to do, I appreciated the variety of resort amenities. Beyond the pool and jacuzzi, there’s a dive-bar-style lounge that doubles as a game room and a full-service spa where signs remind guests to be mindful during treatments. I loved that small touch — it shows how intentional the resort is about creating a relaxing environment. Another detail that stuck with me is that there are wipes provided for you right by the entrance after you leave the beach.
The same thoughtful approach extends to how you explore the area. On property, Henry’s Rentals offers six-seater bikes, electric bikes, and cruisers. Rentals prices range from $16 to $45 depending on the bike type. Since I love a daily walk (or ride) I opted for a cruiser, which let me explore the beach town at my own pace.The bike paths here are wide enough for three or four people to ride side by side, making the whole area feel pedestrian-friendly. You can ride along the coast, loop around the back of the resort, or head to the park next door, where you’ll find hotel guests with their kids on the playground or others in a morning yoga class. It’s tranquil, with everyone soaking up the ocean air or enjoying the park’s greenery.
Dining at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Photo: Sage Causie
After working up an appetite, the on-site dining didn’t disappoint. The main restaurant is called Ox and Ocean, where the lobster roll and grapefruit cocktail were the perfect post-activity meal. The resort describes the restaurant as a place “where land meets sea,” highlighting locally sourced ingredients and fresh Pacific seafood where possible. This is most evident in the dinner offerings (Ox and Ocean also serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch) with the menu split into three categories: farm (think organic green salad or crispy potatoes), ocean (think crab cakes or halibut with leeks and lentils), and ranch (think steak tartare or half Jidori chicken).
The resort also has an Airstream turned food truck called Sugar Beats that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Tuesdays, it hosts Taco Tuesday with two tacos and a margarita for $15. Ox and Ocean also offers happy hour Sunday through Thursday (the chili sesame wings for $10 are worth it), and the restaurant recently won an award for its menu. The manager told me they plan to bring live music on certain nights, which would fit perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere.
Excursions and events at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Photos: Sage Causie
When I wasn’t indulging in the food, I was out exploring the coast. The resort partners with Channel Islands Expeditions, an independent outfitter located about a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Zachari Dunes. From there, guests depart from a public pier to begin their adventures.
The package I chose was the Epic Sea Cave Kayak and Snorkel Combo, an eight-hour excursion ($265 for adults). It’s a full-day experience, so be sure to pack lunch, water, and snacks, though the crew provides wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins to ensure that everyone is well-prepared to get up close with the ocean and its wildlife.
The day starts with kayaking into the dramatic sea caves, and because the water was calm that day, it was the perfect introduction for a first-timer like me. After exploring the caves, we traveled about 10 minutes by boat to a second location where we had the option to snorkel. If you’re not comfortable getting in the water, you can relax on the boat and enjoy the snacks you’ve packed (be sure to bring lunch since it’s a long day out).
As someone who’s both afraid of water and the dark, I was surprised at how safe and supported I felt thanks to the crew. Breathing in the ocean air, slipping through caves carved by nature, and snorkeling among marine life was unforgettable — the kind of adventure that makes you feel both small and completely alive.
When I returned from my kayaking adventure, the resort’s courtyard was alive with music from a DJ and the chatter of guests and locals mingling. I had stumbled into the Summer Market, a monthly event where tables and booths showcase handmade jewelry, screen-printed shirts, and other crafts from local makers. It’s held on the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 to 6:30 PM. Beginning in the fall, the event will take on a festive twist as the resort renames it the Holiday Marketplace for the rest of the year. The market felt like discovering a hidden part of the town’s creative scene, a space where the resort opens its doors to the community and gives travelers the chance to bring home something truly local.
On my last night, I went back to Ox and Ocean, greeted again by the friendly team. By then, Zachari Dunes felt like home — I knew the curve of the walk to the restaurant, the sound of kids playing by the pool, the laughter of families gathered by the firepits. It was the perfect reset from city life. I ended my evening by the firepit, letting the sound of the waves carry me into my final night’s sleep.
On the morning of checkout, I made one last stop at Ox and Ocean for a latte to go, savoring the moment before heading back to reality.
