Santa Monica offers some good deals for the credit-crunch traveller

Santa Monica has long conjured up an image of being a vibrant coastal city and favourite location for the beach-bound Hollywood elite – but it is not necessary to have a Hollywood pay cheque to get the best from what Santa Monica has to offer.

Santa Monica is offering visitors some wonderful deals that enable a great experience for the discerning traveller on a budget, demonstrating that quality doesn’t need to be compromised in order to get a real taste of Southern Californian lifestyle in Santa Monica.

Burke Williams Spa
A relaxing break from shopping on the Third Street Promenade is the Burke Williams Spa, an oasis of luxury and tranquility on 4th Street. For USD$ 40, guests can enjoy the spa facilities that include the lavender steam room, whirlpool spa, meditation room, showers, vanity as well soft robes and sandals to enhance the experience.

Border Grill
Eating out doesn’t have to be an indulgence! Having undergone a full refurbishment, Border Grill on Fourth Street has a daily happy hour, from 4pm – 7pm, offering a huge bargain. Border Grill restaurant has an urban and hip atmosphere with a menu that features modern gourmet twists on authentic Mexican dishes. Enjoy reduced rate drinks and appetisers such as the delicious green corn tamales for just USD$ 3. Border Grill is conveniently located one block from Third Street Promenade.

Exhale Spa
Visitors can be inspired by the healthy lifestyle of Santa Monica and let off some steam during a Core Fusion class at the Exhale Spa on Main Street. The pace is very athletic, but be prepared for a real sense of peace and relaxation with the exercises. A 60-minute class costs just USD$ 20. Packages are also available for visitors. After the class, refresh with an all-natural fruit smoothie at One Life Health Food Store.

Yoga on Santa Monica Beach
Embrace spirituality with instructor Vanda Mikoloski, a highly experienced yogi who creates an eclectic style of yoga to suit individual needs. She is also a well-known stand up comic whose motto is ‘Enlighten up!’. Vanda doesn’t charge a set fee but accepts donations from USD$1–20.

Coast Café at Shutters on the Beach
Dine at Coast Café, Shutters on the Beach, an elegant and charming place to relax with an incredible ocean view. Every Wednesday night at Coast Café there is a Farmers Market Meal which includes an appetiser, entrée and dessert all for USD$ 28. In environment-conscious Santa Monica style, the dishes are based on whatever is fresh and in season, and chosen by the Chef at the farmers market that morning.

Violet on Pico Boulevard
Violet on Pico Boulevard offers every Tuesday and Wednesday, a “Seven before Seven” menu, where seven of the menu items are USD$ 7 and select wines are USD$ 7 a glass, before 7pm. On Sundays, Violet features a three-course fixed price dinner for USD$ 25 along with a bottomless glass of wine for USD$ 10. Violet has a buzzing atmosphere and menu full of classic dishes created with a creative twist, such as a Mac and Cheese with Serrano ham, leeks and Gruyere.

Santa Monica is a beautiful city that overflows with diverse attractions and delicious food that do not necessarily need to damage your bank account, within walking distance to the beach and the main attractions of Santa Monica.

For more information, log on to Santamonica.com.