Opulence Abounds at $11,000 Per Head Passover Event
One wants for nothing at the second-annual event at St. Regis Monarch Beach.
— -- From the curated vintage wine to the Viennese dessert buffets to the nightly entertainment performed by renowned Jewish comics and daily speakers such as Ted Cruz, one thing is absolutely certain: This isn't your bubby's Passover.
Well-heeled families from all over the country will be kicking off an extravagant week of holiday celebrations tonight as part of the Prime Passover Experience at St. Regis Monarch Beach hotel in Dana Point, California, where a week's worth of accommodations, meals and teachings with rabbis will run guests between $5,600 and $11,000 per person.
"We have great rabbis giving speeches and classes around the clock," said Joey Allaham, an organizer with the The Prime Experience, an extension of the Prime Hospitality Group. "People care more about the rabbis and scholars who are speaking than anything else. We are giving people the full feeling of the Jewish holiday and that to me comes first before the celebrities or athletes."
But for those who enjoy their Seder with an A-lister or two on the side, there is a full schedule of entertainment and extracurricular activities that will satisfy, as first reported by the New York Post.
"Spend Passover learning the true meaning of 'perfection' at this palatial property, a regal oasis of tranquility and elegance with majestic ocean front views, sparkling crystal clear waters, dazzling white sand beaches, private balconies and spectacular weather," beckons promotional materials for the event. "With three pools, private beach, kayaking, surfing, paddle boating, championship golf, eight lighted tennis court, unique singles programming, fitness center and Spa Gaucin, the St. Regis Monarch Beach is the ultimate Passover experience."
Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the NFL's 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year, will be on site to throw the ball around with children at sports clinics, as well as Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, who returns for his second year in a row.
For kids uninterested in football, a petting zoo featuring animals from the San Diego Zoo has been relocated to the resort and may appeal. There is also trapeze instruction, a flight simulator and a trampoline park.
Meanwhile, adults can take in standup routines by renowned Jewish comedian Modi and the musical stylings of Lipa Schmeltzer, a.k.a “The Jewish Elvis.” Add-on excursions, such as shopping trips to Rodeo Drive or free time at area theme parks can also be arranged.
"This year there is a lot of variety," Allaham told ABC News. Only in its second year of operation, The Prime Experience offers similar events at St. Regis Aspen and W Resort Viecques Island.
Truly, guests enjoying Chol Hamoed at the Prime Passover Experience want for nothing--even their favorite comfort foods.
Popular noshes such as pizza, paninis, bagels, burger and hot dog buns will all be on offer at the hotel during a week when leavened breads are typically traditionally verboten. The savvy culinary trick? All of the dishes have been prepared using potato dough.
"Being gluten-free has also become such a concern recently," added Allaham, "[Potato dough] actually makes our lives much easier. But most important, Kosher standards are observed and we have a rabbi overseeing every leaf of every vegetable."
Allaham estimated that staff of 180 people will be working around the clock for the next week, as guests enjoy their family time and indulge.
"I wish I was a customer, believe me," he said. "My wife does too. We work 18 hours a day."
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