My Favorite Weekend

Romance novelist Judith Krantz

Romantic Getaway: Friday mornings, my husband, Steve, and I go to our beach house in Balboa. We stop at the Daily Grill and I have my ritualistic tuna melt, then we go to Farmer’s Market in Fashion Island so I can stock up on flowers. I like to buy gerbera daisies, lilies, deep blue irises and sunflowers to brighten up the house.

Taking a Spin: After we watch the sunset from the sand, we light a fire and spend the night dancing. We built our beach house around a wood dance floor because we love to ballroom dance--the waltz, samba, tango, fox trot and rumba.

Table for Two: Valentine’s Day is special for us because we got married on Feb. 19, 44 years ago. For a romantic dinner, we like Renato in the Portofino Beach Hotel. Or we get dressed up and go to the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel to dance.

Room With a View: Our house is right on the sand near the Wedge, which is the most famous bodysurfing spot in Southern California. We see a lot of wave action and there are always wonderful sailboats from Newport Harbor gliding by.

The Write Moment: I enjoy working at the beach. I have taken the smallest guest bedroom and covered the windows with shutters and lace curtains so there is no view to distract me. I have just finished writing my latest book, “The Jewels of Tessa Kent,” which will be out in November.

Date Night: Balboa is a ‘50s town with old-fashioned charm. There are several wonderful old bars like the Saloon with dartboards and billiards. We also enjoy the famous Crab Cooker restaurant.