Surf, sand, sun and good food are basically the essentials of a perfect getaway. But we’re always looking for new ways to mix up a tried and true formula, and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa has pretty much outdone themselves with their new “Surfing with the Chef” experience. Executive Chef Pierre Albaladejo came up with the program as a way to merge his two loves—cooking and surfing—to take advantage of the resort’s prime location right on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.

“As a French-born and trained chef from a surfing town in the southwest of France, I naturally love the ocean,” says Chef Pierre. “Having held positions in St. Thomas, Pebble Beach, Hawaii, and now Southern California, surfing is in my blood and this exciting new offering allows me to share my passions in and out of the kitchen, while offering guests an out-of-the-box and unforgettable travel experience.”

The day starts in the kitchen where you will prepare breakfast alongside Chef Pierre. You can observe his technique, ask him questions and receive guidance in this intimate setting. Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to hit the waves for a surf lesson at one of the local Carlsbad beaches. Afterwards, there’s no doubt you’ll have worked up an appetite, and will be ready for another delicious meal by Chef Pierre. He’ll deliver a “toes in the sand” meal right there on the beach so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view. Each participant will be presented with their very own personalized longboard surfboard that you can keep which will be shipped back to your home.