New Venue in San Andreas

Driving down the Great Ocean Highway off to the coast side of the road is a sprawling Spanish-style villa with stucco walls, red-tile roof, and huge arched carved wood doors.  The sign still reads Pacific Bluffs, but that will soon change to become Amistad Beach Resort and Club.   

I have some time to spare, so I take a stroll around the patio, taking in the breathtaking view of the pristine beach below and the sparkling blue Pacific.  The spacious pool area won’t be ignored either, looking crisp and clean and refreshing, complete with an outdoor bar, lounge chairs, tables, and umbrellas.  It’s beautifully landscaped too,  which made me wish I had worn some diaphanous white sundress, pretty sandals, and a Margarita instead of the suit and cell phone I’d chosen for the occasion.

I’ve come here looking for a first-hand view of the place, and I’ve arranged a meeting with the Club’s accountant, Diarmaid Rafail, but I’m most pleasantly surprised to see him approach me accompanied by Vlad Tod, CEO, and proprietor of the club.  We have a seat at one of the tables on the sunlit patio, and not long after introductions are made we are approached by staff offering drinks. I decline, I was working after all, despite how badly the location called for a Bloody Mary, a Margarita, or if it were earlier in the day, a Mimosa!

I’m not sure if it’s the relaxed atmosphere of the club, but my conversation with the gentlemen is pleasant, casual, and easy.   Despite the pending construction and refitting of the place, Mr. Tod assures me the club is fully staffed and operational as can be seen by the number of well-tended guests milling around us.   I should note that it seems that the safety and security of the guests is of utmost importance to Mr. Tod, assuring me that the property has a fully staffed security team.

Mr. Tod went on to explain some of the amenities that will be offered once the refitting and construction are completed:

“… there will be live events hosted here, where people can relax, sit and drink at the bar outside.  There will be a bar and lounge inside.  We are hoping to have a few gambling tables, such as Texas Hold’em, and a wide variety of activities…  We will also be having a helicopter pad for aerial tours for any tourists that come by, as well as a dock for fishing, excursions or anyone who wants to rent out a jetski.”

When asked what type of events could be hosted at the club, Mr. Tod said they were open for “anything and everything–honeymoons, weddings, live music events, car shows.”  In fact, they are having a car show this Saturday.

Among other things, the club will be offering lodging and dining, as well as tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts, so if you are looking for a venue at which to host your next event, be it a convention, company party, wedding, or maybe you are just looking for a place to watch the sunset with friends, Amistad Beach Resort and Club seems the right place.