The Secret Garden is a great option for couples seeking a more affordable wedding venue…read more We ultimately decided against this venue because our guest count felt a bit too large for the space. While it would have comfortably accommodated a smaller wedding, a party of 150 seemed likely to feel cramped. My communication with Kendra through The Knot was efficient and responsive, and Christian did an excellent job touring us through the venue and preparing our final quote. =PROS= *Ceremony site centered around a charming gazebo, complemented by natural elements such as a towering tree, flower pots, and a picturesque hanging swing *Included feature wall perfect for signage, backdrops, or neon displays *Reception space featured high ceilings and an elegant, neutral aesthetic *Packages included tables, linens, and glassware, with upgrade options available for different styles and colors *Large inventory of complimentary decor, including signage, draping, and string lights *DJ and coordination services included *Complimentary engagement photo session and discounted wedding photography *Affordable in house catering with flexibility for outside vendors *BYO bar option available *Free photobooth included *Discount offered for cash or check payments =CONS= *Parking area was somewhat hilly and may be challenging for elderly guests *Bridal and groom suites were small and noticeably dated, with furniture showing significant wear *Bathrooms, particularly the men's, felt informal and somewhat resembled those found in elementary schools *Some of the greenery appeared wilted and lacked the lushness shown in promotional materials This would have been an excellent choice for a wedding closer to 100 guests, but it felt like a squeeze for our anticipated attendance. Ironically, the venue's strongest selling points were not the garden itself, but rather the extensive planning support and complimentary services included in the package. The greenery was pleasant but not especially striking, so couples may want to allocate additional budget toward florals and decor to elevate the space.

We got married at The Secret Garden Las Vegas snd I truly cannot put into words how magical the…read moreexperience was--but I'm going to try. From the moment we started planning, Shannon (our wedding planner) was nothing short of exceptional. I had such a terrible experience at another venue and when we made the decision to change venues to Secret Garden, she metaphorically took my hand and turned planning into the BEST and MOST magical experience. She made what is usually (and had been) a stressful process feel effortless, organized, and honestly... SO much fun! She's upbeat, enthusiastic and clearly LOVES what she does, which makes everything feel exciting. She anticipated needs before we even knew we had them, handled every detail with precision, and made us feel completely taken care of the entire time. Not only that, she made us feel special, seen, heard and adored. Her magical energy made the whole process feel like we were planning our wedding with people who cared for us like family! And, every visit to secret garden -before, during our ceremony, and after to pick up decorations - she greeted us like we were family! We felt so welcome and so special. On the day of, Cheryl (our wedding coordinator) brought everything to life seamlessly. She was calm, kind, incredibly on top of everything, and made sure every moment flowed beautifully. She even put bandaids on my bleeding feet and helped sew my ripped dress. I never once felt stressed or pulled in a million directions--she held the entire day with such grace and professionalism, which allowed us to actually be present and soak in every second. And, the whole time it felt like she was going above and beyond to make sure we loved our day. And the vendors... WOW. Every single one exceeded expectations! The DJ Harry O was AMAZING! He even captured photos for us and sent them to us after the wedding. He was such a delight. The efficient made sure paper work was taken care of effortlessly. But, my favorite detail of all were the decorations and the flowers! Vanessa and her family who have been doing flowers for generations are AMAZING! They were beyond stunning--elevated, romantic, and even more beautiful than I could have imagined. The arrangements felt like they were pulled straight out of a dream and completely transformed the space. She went so far above and beyond to make my vision come to life. Truly unforgettable. This is a family owned business and it feels that way from start to finish! What stood out most is how above and beyond everyone went. This wasn't just a "service"--it felt like a team of magical people who genuinely cared about making our wedding perfect. Every detail, every interaction, every moment felt thoughtful and intentional. If you're considering getting married here--do it. This team delivers not just a wedding, but an experience that feels magical, seamless, and deeply personal. We'll be reliving this day forever

I had an amazing time at The Hot Spot in 4S Ranch!!…read more I took my friend for her birthday and we had a blast. A fun, creative art workshop where you can pick from a variety of options from painting pottery to making candles to building your own garden pot. The prices are clearly written on the item and it's all inclusive (the item, all materials, and use of their facility) so no additional fees other than tax. Most items were between $20-35. The owner was friendly and welcoming. There's plenty of free parking in the large shared lot. You're allowed to bring your own drinks and food as well. We opted to make candles and it was really fun. You start with picking out your glassware, then cutting up the colored wax pieces you want to use and fill them in your glassware, then choosing which glitter color and scent you want. They pour hot wax to mold it all together and the candles ready to go within 15 mins. A great activity for all ages including adults. This would be a great option for any type of celebration, date night, hang out with friends, or spending time with your kids. There's something for everyone.

We booked a Paint and Sip night with HotSpot 4s Ranch for my bachelorette and accidentally drove to…read morethe wrong location. Mellissa, the owner, was super understanding and allowed us to come in late, and she very graciously stayed open just for our party. We had explained that we were on a tight schedule and did not know if we would be able to come in the next day, but once we arrived, she was very friendly and welcoming. I would highly recommend this spot if you are ever in the area. It was perfect for our occasion!

This is a fabulous place to host an event in NCSD. The moonlight terrace view is one of the best…read moreyou will find in the county. We attended performances of three bands on a Thursday evening organized by the Six String Society. We were there to see the band, Daring Greatly. They won, Song of the Year at the 2023 San Diego Music Awards. The Centre is located above the Lexus dealership and attached to Vintana Wine + Dine, owned by Cohn Restaurant Group. A limited menu and cash bar was available. The food provided by Vintana was excellent, the beverage line much too long. As someone who has planned events in every career role I have had, I feel the space could have been better arranged. The Centre has various venue choices of different sizes. They are used for weddings, reunions and celebrations of all types. They may not need to be booked but it would be great to see more non- profit, charitable and flex functions here in the future. Note: Rocket not included. On the night of the event a rocket was launched into space from Vandenberg that could be seen through parts of SoCal., Go see Daring Greatly & eat at Vintana. #TheCentre #VintanaWineDine #MoonlightVerandah #RocketNotIncluded #DaringGreatly

After visiting several venues where to have my daughter's quinceañera, we fall in love with the…read morecentre! On top of that we wanted to have delicious food and they succeeded our expectations. Genevieve was our event coordinator and we had great communication from day one. At the day of the event Rebecca and Holly were amazing in control of things making the night stress free for us. Garret our bar tender made delicious drinks and kept the schedule smooth according to plan. There were no surprises since everything was very clear in our contract. Thank you for making a memorable night for my daughter!

What a beautiful venue!!!! We were guests for a wedding reception and Wow!! The caterer and venue…read moreboth did a great job and we really enjoyed the evening. One tiny thing I wanted to mention is myself and many other guests got bitten by mosquitoes as soon as we arrived. Maybe suggest some repellent wipes or something so the mosquitoes don't eat us for their dinner.

I am a wedding planner and am familiar with most of the venues in the area. This is one of the best…read moreI've worked at. The venue manager and owners are really kind and helpful. I can tell they actually care about each wedding and want it to be exceptional. The venue itself is beautiful. I love that it's a historic home with a gorgeous garden. It feels very warm and welcoming. I also like that it has built in market lighting, and includes many rentals.

The Fairbanks Ranch Association's Director of Community Events, Jacqueline Hicks' professional and…read morecourteous nature is unmatched. Just last week, two amazing clients of mine had a wedding at the Clubhouse and it was simply perfection. We were hired 10 days before her wedding and if it wasn't for Jacqui (and Coast Catering's amazing staff), we would have gone into the day with a little uncertainty. Jacqui is hands-on, with a willingness to roll-up her sleeves and help -- a trait that isn't always seen from venue coordinators. From start to finish, Jacqui was responsive, accessible and good-natured. Though it was our first time at the Clubhouse, she made us feel at home and like we have been working there for years. The property, as one can imagine, is simple gorgeous (though one must be a member of the association, or a family member of one living there to have an event). I highly recommend the Clubhouse for your next social event, especially with Jacqui at the helm.

We live near this winery and it is the only place I can find my FAVORITE wine. I refuse to say…read morewhich wine it is because then it will sell out! I have turned all my friend's onto it & I am so thankful to have such nice & kind people running this winery. They have always been so generous with their pours & they have always figured out a way for me to get my hands on my favorite wine. I also visit this winery when my family participates as a vendor during their craft/vendor fairs a couple times a year. I bring my daughter with me & sometimes a friend of hers & we always have a really great time. I have been here several times, well, more than several times. Though I am not a member, I sure feel treated like I am a member. I have attended & held fundraisers here & I have been here for live music or just a quiet place to have girlfriend talk. I love that there are different things happening different days, but it isn't overwhelming like other wineries that get so incredibly busy that they lose their charm completely. I appreciate Koi Zen for the zen it brings me. I would 10/10 recommend if you are looking for a place to enjoy wine with friends and/or family. Looking forward to my next visit, even though I just walked out with 3 bottles of my favorite wine tonight! Lisa & Darius & their staff are all great & deserve all the kudos. They all work really hard. With love, The birthday girl

This local winery has very good red wines and they have events and classes every week. Glad to have…read morea place like this in the Carmel Mountain area.

This place is an absolute gem hidden off of Melrose! You turn down in here and you see so many…read morebeautiful things. There are peacocks during the early morning time roaming around. They have a beautiful little movie theater where you can watch a show about how it all began and a tiny little gift shop. Then you can walk around and see all of the horse stables, houses, and beautiful reflection pool.

We got the opportunity to walk with a docent/guide during a light rain we had in May. It was s nice…read moreto walk in the rain and hear stories of the past at Leo Carrillo Ranch. The cacti were in blossom which was a unique treat! We saw peacocks, a wide variety of local biota and enjoyed talking story with a knowledgeable elder.

This is a nice resort with different activities to engage in: boating (kayak, SUP, electric motor…read moreboats), golfing, pool, biking, and even Taylor guitar! They have various types of room available. We have the lakefront view room which was really nice and calming to look at the lake, the mountains, and to just allow the kids to look at the boats. We didn't eat on site since we had plan for various places to eat nearby such as Buona (a fresh pasta place) which is next to Wynston's (a local ice cream with delicious local flavor such as roasted pineapple with cinnamon). This place is a good midpoint to Legoland and SD Zoo Safari Park. The only deduction to rating is due to the lacking guest services agent while checking in. The lady manning the counter was not welcoming, no smiles, and seems to just be annoyed. So much for a nice place when the guest services agent doesn't seem happy to welcome eager guests. Was not even offered welcome drink and I didn't bother to ask less getting more attitude.

Nice getaway resort if you don't want to travel far. It has a lot of good amenities. Rooms are nice…read moreroomy and comfortable. They have a fridge and coffee maker. You get a pass to to rent paddle boards or kayak but kids can't do it so you will pay $20 to do a paddle boat. They have a fire pit and give you smore packet to make smores. The reason for the 3 stars goes toward the staff and manager Andrew. They told me over and over that they offer shuttle service to and from golfing and their restaurant which is less thank half a mile away. Walking distance. When I called for them to pick me up, the girl at the restaurant never got a hold of someone so I waited. When I went back she's like no one answered and I said well were you ever going to tell me? She calls again 3x no answer. I call with my phone some guy answers. Said that someone from the restaurant needed to call. I pass the girl the phone. I hear him tell her we are busy and can't pick anyone up. He was on speaker. She noticed he was being unprofessional and she took it out of speaker. Get back and talk to a manager Andrew to tell him the experience. He basically sweeps it under the rug and said he was the only one there and he didn't answer the call. Other reason for low rating is the wait time in the counter. Seems like There's a lot of people in the back but only one person helping. People had to wait for bikes and check in checkout. It was a bit of a cluster. Overall nice stay. The cleaners and maintenance crew were super nice and friendly. Worth the money paid for the experience and the amenities.

This is for the Spa…read more.. The spa opens at 7 AM and there I was. I came in through the gates of the gated community and parked in the self parking lot at the spa. Waited in front for five minutes and the doors opened! I felt like putting my face against the window while I waited and say, "open, open, open". I was greeted by a lovely young woman who checked me in and walked me around the grounds to show me around. As I came so early, I had the place to myself for the first two hours. I used the gym, took a swim, went in a couple of Jacuzzis until my girlfriends arrived at 9:30 AM. I'm more of an introvert, so it was perfect. Altogether, we took a yoga class at the beautiful yoga pavilion. We sat by the pool and had a lovely lunch. The food was excellent, including the complementary treats and banana bread. The only negative about the pool was that we were told if we left for more than 20 minutes our belongings would be removed. We couldn't hold our chairs for the day. That was news to us. It was a warm 90° day on a Friday in March and the community and hotel is allowed to use the spa grounds and they all showed up. Every lounge chair was full. Note to self: come Monday through Thursday. The massage: I'm going to say it's one of the best massages I've ever had in my life (and I've been to other five star spas). Pure bliss. Jackie was my masseuse. She listened to me when I asked for stronger pressure and then from there, I went into another world of goodness. She had such love in her eyes when it was all done. This is the most expensive massage I've ever had in my life. Around $400 for a 60 minute massage (with tax and tip) not including lunch. But treating ourselves once in a while is worth it. We felt like we were princesses. Yes, we'll be back. Maybe a while from now to save up our pennies, but we will be back.

I've been going here for years- usually annually for my birthday as a special retreat; Really love…read morethe Balancing Gemstone Massage &/or Deep Tissue Massage. Depending on my energy level, I will sometimes take a yoga class prior to my massage. If this review were solely for the Spa, it would be hands down a 5 star! However, it is also for the restaurant by the pool where most of us go post-treatment for lunch. Yesterday I had Lila, & as soon as I put in my order, she had asked if I were staying there & since I was not a hotel guest, she asked me upfront for my card on file. Typically when I have gone there for lunch, they wait until the end to charge you out and/or assist you with the bill. It felt a bit off, considering that after I sat down, another Caucasian lady and her daughter found a spot to sit near me. Alex was their server, & as he took the order, he didn't ask if they were hotel guests &/or if he could put their card on file. Later I happened to walk by the bar area where the servers hang out, & I asked to speak with Lila. I let her know I have been coming here for years & no one has ever asked for me to give them my card on file upfront. I asked her if they have had a few Dine n' Dash situations? She let me know she has been there under a year but she has been asking for cards b/c some people think their food is taken care of when they leave the pool & then check out for their treatments. As a result, they are out of tips and can't go after the customers. I told her it is disappointing to hear that at such a nice place at Rancho Valencia that people would do such a thing. Even if people are coming for the first time, most humans would ask what is the best way to charge out and work it out with the waiter and/or when I have been there, the waiter or waitress will ask if I need anything else, and if not, then they will bring me the check (or I tell them hey I am ready to cash out). I had just had a fabulous massage with Noel (who is my new favorite therapist there) so to have this awkward experience when I am ready to eat and relax by the pool was really not great. To be fair, there are regulars who go there, but it was clear that she didn't recognize me & so decided to ask me upfront for my card. Whereas Alex another server, helping customers next to me, didn't ask the Caucasian lady for her card upfront. And what is so funny is that when the Caucasian lady got her food, the order was all wrong - they put dressing in her salad, put tofu on the side, and put bacon in her salad when she asked for bacon to be taken out etc. Alex was super apologetic for the mix-up in the kitchen, and the whole time I kept thinking, I wished he were my server because he was so nice and treated the lady next to me the way I have always been treated -when I have come here. Lila was more defensive and kept saying "Oh we ask for cards here and you can speak to my manager etc." I didn't come out and ask why there was a disparity from how she asked for my card upfront versus how other servers just took orders like a normal restaurant and then let guests relax and pay at the end. I still love this SPA and will come to get a treatment, but the inequality I felt from being asked for my card upfront was a subtle jab that made my overall experience not as pleasant.