UPFRONT PLACES | PERSPECTIVES | HAPPENINGS
CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
Although the Pacific Marine Mammal Center typically hosts student field trips and other public visits , it will be closed for about a year during major renovations and expansion ; the visitor yard closed Oct . 22 and is expected to reopen in fall 2024 . During this time , PMMC ’ s pinniped patients will be housed in a temporary facility nearby at the north end of Laguna Beach Dog Park . This structure — which was completed in late November and is also closed to the public — includes a triage unit , field hospital and additional pools allowing the center to continue caring for seals and sea lions that are sick or injured before releasing them back into the ocean once they ’ ve recovered . Meanwhile , at the center ’ s permanent site , a new facility will be constructed with a state-of-the-art treatment room for surgeries , ultrasounds and other procedures . More patient units and pools will also be added to increase capacity as needed during busy periods and the center will also build a water reclamation system that is expected to cut its water usage by almost 90 %. Current classroom space will also be doubled to accommodate even more students ; distance learning capacity will
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is closed to the public for the next year while undergoing renovations .
be enhanced , too , in order to broaden the center ’ s reach outside of Orange County . During the temporary closure , PMMC will maintain its connection with the public via engaging educational content through webcams , virtual programs , social media and other online resources . ( 949-494-3050 ; pacificmmc . org ) — S . S .
A Heavenly Haven
Whether you ’ re an out-of-towner looking for the perfect hotel for your crew or a Laguna local seeking a serene staycation , Montage Laguna Beach has got you covered with not just its resort rooms but also its collection of villas . And now , the largest of the bunch has debuted , just in time for the holidays . Villa Le Ciel is located on the north side of the property and rings in at 3,000 square feet . With the ability to sleep up to 10 guests , the three-bedroom villa , designed by Jeffrey Maynard of Maynard Design , features a modern design with touches of Japanese minimalism . Within , you ’ ll find textured natural stone , cashmere drapery , pendants reminiscent of Japanese lanterns , white oak cabinets , marble bathrooms , custom artwork by Japanese and Californian artists , and a private patio with panoramic ocean views . The large , shared space is perfect for spending the holidays in style with loved ones close by , and the resort ’ s many seasonal events and dining experiences just add to the appeal . ( 949-715-6000 ; montage . com ) — A . R .
Montage Laguna Beach has added its largest villa yet to the collection , just in time for the holidays . At 3,000 square feet , with space for up to 10 guests , Villa Le Ciel boasts three bedrooms and an ocean-view patio .
TOP : COURTESY OF PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER ; BOTTOM ROW : COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH ; OPPOSITE PAGE : LEFT : ZIHUI SONG / OFSTUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY
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