TOKYO SHIFTOrange County-based Wild Thyme Restaurant Group, which boasts dining concepts throughout Arizona and California—including Newport Beach’s Shorebird—is bringing a taste of Japan to Huntington Beach. Enter Kai Lounge, a 6,500-square-foot restaurant and nightlife venue, led by culinary director Jay Bogsinske and executive chef Tin Nguyen. Located at buzzing Pacific City, the new space will offer patrons flavors ranging from pork belly bao buns and miso-marinated Japanese black cod to lemongrass lamb chops and bonein filet mignon. A sushi bar and whiskey room invite guests to experience myriad dining experiences—including an 18-course omakase led by Nguyen. Meanwhile, Topher Bray, director of bar operations, will leave imbibers in high spirits with Japanese-inspired cocktails, sakes, wine and beer. Cheers! kailounge.com
From cleansers to serums, Facial Lounge’s signature line of products allows clients to bring founder Amber Rose Johnson’s holistic approach home. PHOTO COURTESY OF: FACIAL LOUNGE
FACE TIME Corona del Mar’s popular Facial Lounge has added a second location to its burgeoning beauty empire. The brainchild of founder and esthetician Amber Rose Johnson, Facial Lounge’s new Costa Mesa address on Irvine Avenue boasts nine well-appointed treatment rooms with interiors by Nicholas Felix Design and art by Catherine Spinowitz. Known for its custom vegan facials, the spa elevates skincare through LED light treatments targeting acne and aging, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and more. Post-glow, shop Facial Lounge’s in-house line of skincare products that are vegan, organic, gluten-free and non-toxic to achieve dazzling derm daily. Welcome to the skin crowd. faciallounge.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
BLISS POINT Before the holidays raise your stress level, rejuvenate your mind and body at Newport Beach’s Balboa Bay Resort. Available through Nov. 30, its new Wellness Your Way package scores you 15% off accommodations, spa products and outdoor recreation rentals—think Duff y boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and electric bikes. Complimentary protein-forward treats from Blend, plus transportation to Newport Beach’s Back Bay walking trails or Crystal Cove’s hiking routes, ensure you’ll get a jump-start on those New Year’s resolutions. Finally, up the relaxation factor at Th e Spa at Balboa Bay Resort, where the refreshed space recently introduced an updated menu of massages, skin treatments and body therapies. Book a signature Balboa massage, featuring Swedish techniques, aromatherapy and a foot exfoliation, before unwinding in a whirlpool, sauna or steam room. How’s that for R&R? balboabayresort.com
This $110,000 necklace, from Mikimoto’s Tanzanite Collection, includes akoya pearls, diamonds and a 16.05-carat aquamarine pendant. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
MOTHER OF PEARL A new look awaits at South Coast Plaza’s Mikimoto boutique. Tucked on level one in the Nordstrom wing, the reimagined store takes shoppers on a deep dive into the storied Japanese brand’s 128-year-old history, modeled after its flagship in New York City. As jewelry lovers explore the new Passionoir collection, featuring Black South Sea cultured pearls, and one-of-a-kind designs from the high jewelry collection—like the showstopping necklace above—they’ll also discover nods to the pearl’s aquatic home. A custom chandelier resembling a school of fish illuminates the boutique while curved architecture makes waves. Book an appointment in the store’s VIP salon to enjoy consultations with Mikimoto’s elite jewelers. Splashy! mikimotoamerica.com; southcoastplaza.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
THE GOOD LIFE Newport Beach’s Lido Marina Village continues to add to its retail lineup with the unveiling of Goodlife Clothing, the first California brick-and-mortar for the New York-based brand. Known for its supersoft T-shirts, Goodlife has expanded its apparel offerings with limited-edition tees, sweatshirts and exclusive collaborations. Stock up on basics in a variety of colors in the 750-square-foot boutique, tucked between Clare V. and Malibu Farm Home. Aah, the good life! goodlifeclothing.com; lidomarinavillage.com
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