Its name means “Jewel by the Sea” and even has a mention in the Beach Boys’ song Surfin’ USA, so the San Diego seaside town of La Jolla is certainly a good place to catch a wave or two.
The 417-room Hyatt Regency La Jolla has partnered with Surf Divas, a local business that originally started as an all-woman’s surf school and now offers lessons, camps, programs and even surfing trips to Costa Rica, to offer groups a truly Southern California experience.
“Reinventing the ‘board’ meeting since 1996” is Surf Diva’s motto when it comes to corporate events and teambuilding. The team believes that taking on the surf and sharing the experience creates a special bond and builds confidence in each other. Hyatt and Surf Divas can also arrange for non-surfing beach activities like yoga and team challenges.
Inspired by one of the most popular cuisines of residents and visitors to Southern California, the Hyatt Regency La Jolla also offers groups the chance to learn the art of sushi making.
The class is taught by Executive Sushi Chef Jerry Warner of the hotel’s Cafe Japengo’s and gives participants the change to roll up their sleeves and master the skills of making sushi. Using the freshest ingredients, students learn about the different fish used in rolls, how to handle sticky rice and even get insider tips on where to buy sushi tools and ingredients in town, as well as a history lesson on the culinary art. Groups can also include sake tastings and pairings.
Cafe Japengo, which opened 26 years ago, is often credited for bringing modern day sushi to the city of San Diego and is still recognized as serving some of the best in the region. Chef Warner is part of the original team that opened Cafe Japengo in 1990 and served as a personal apprentice to Master Sushi Chef Osamu “Fuji” Fujita from 1990 to 1996, and was then promoted to executive sushi chef.
The property offers 42,000 square feet of meeting space, including 21 breakout rooms.