Greer's OC

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MONTEREY MARVELS

05.18.10

by Joanne Tucker

The city of Monterey highlights what’s best about a top travel destination: jaw-dropping ocean-meets-surf scenery, quaint seaside restaurants and shops, the historical landmark of Cannery Row (immortalized by John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name) and the world-class Monterey Aquarium, a must-see attraction that delights and educates millions of visitors every year.

Perched on a cliff overlooking dazzling Monterey Bay, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to enjoy the gentle sounds of the surf and the scent of fresh sea air while sipping a glass of California wine on your balcony. The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa offers 290 deluxe guestrooms, including ten luxuriously appointed suites. All rooms and suites feature classic Biedermeier-style furniture, decorator fabrics, European duvet bed coverings and custom-designed refreshment centers.

Vista Blue Spa, located on the top floor of the hotel, features its signature Monterey Bay Salt Glo exfoliation treatment, along with a host of other luxury treatments. We enjoyed the hotel’s Duck Club Grill restaurant, which juts out right over the bay for a truly dramatic view.

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Cannery Row and just a ten-minute walk along a scenic recreation trail to Fisherman’s Wharf. Along the way, you’ll see harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in natural habitats on the waterfront of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

The hotel is also within easy walking distance to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Plan to spend at least five hours meandering around the super cool exhibits here, where you’ll find loads of sea creatures, lots of interactive kid’s activities and new pink flamingo and sea horse exhibits.

For an on-the-water experience, launch a kayak from the beach next to the hotel. There’s also easy access to whale watching, sailing and scuba diving in the protected waters of the National Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Land-based activities include golf, bicycling and shopping or take a drive to the nearby wine countries of Carmel, Soledad or Salinas Valleys for some award-winning tastings and tours.

Surf & Sand Paradise

05.11.10

By Sheryll Alexander

Did you know the OC has its very own French Riviera? Oui oui! South Laguna Beach is known for capturing that earthy, yet fun-in-the-sun coastal European attitude. The two “rivieras” have much in common: sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, spectacular ocean views, white sandy beaches, golden cliffs and tiny romantic coves. South Laguna Beach also rivals any chic coastal French town with its sophisticated art galleries, stylish boutiques, gourmet eateries and hot night life.

The absolute gem of South Laguna Beach is Surf & Sand Resort. This slice of Orange Coast paradise sits so close to the water that waves hit the concrete foundation during high tide. Plus, Surf & Sand Resort has all the upscale amenities you need for girlfriends, families, couples, weddings, honeymoons and even sacred solitude getaways.

The property feels like it is built almost into the tall golden-colored cliff, which sits mid curve in one of South Laguna’s prettiest coves. Most of the impeccably-decorated guest rooms have an almost unbelievable ocean view and a private balcony. Rooms have a comfortable feel with stylish California décor, plush beds, cozy sofa, ergonomic desk, flat screen TVs and marble bathrooms.

At Surf & Sand Resort, you literally awaken to dolphin pods swimming just 50 feet from your terrasse. Look down and you smile wide as Laguna Beach walk their dogs along the shore, kids make sand castles and surfers catch a wave. The resort has excellent contemporary California food, cocktails and wine at its Splashes restaurant, which specializes in super fresh seafood. Had enough of the beach? You can lounge in the sun or under a large canopy at the resort’s ocean view pool.

Make sure to spend a morning or afternoon at the resort’s Aquaterra Spa. This spa has a highly organic feel. We enjoy the sun-drenched jacuzzi just outside the women’s lounge. The stimulating lilikoi lemongrass sugar scrub is followed by a warm Vichy shower and a blissful body massage.

And although you feel like a million miles from civilization here, busy Pacific Coast Highway and South Laguna’s multifaceted diversions are but a few steps away.

Surf and Sand Resort & Spa at 1555 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 949.497.4477

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