Two stays, one unforgettable stretch of coastline
Monterey County reveals itself differently depending on where you wake up. Across two visits—one centered on the serenity of The Sanctuary Beach Resort and another immersed in the waterfront energy of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa—I discovered a destination that balances restoration, adventure and a strong sense of place.
An Oceanfront Reset
There are plenty of destinations that promise attendees a chance to slow down. Monterey County actually delivers.
My first stay took me to The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina (60 guest rooms and 2,495 sq. ft. of meeting space), where the property is intentionally designed to help guests disconnect. Nestled among the dunes overlooking Monterey Bay, the resort feels worlds away from anything, despite being just a short drive from both Monterey and Carmel.
Upon arrival, I headed down to the beach for the resort’s fondue experience. Gathered around a fire pit overlooking the water, guests shared fondue while enjoying one of Monterey County’s most reliable amenities: a great sunset. The experience demonstrated how destinations can turn something relatively simple into a memorable group activity without requiring elaborate production or logistics.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette, highlights the soul of Monterey through a menu rooted in coastal California ingredients. Guests can settle in with oysters, chowder and fresh catches, or opt for more substantial fare such as steaks and other seasonal offerings.
While I appreciated The Sanctuary’s ocean views and laid-back atmosphere, my dog may have been the true luxury traveler in the family. The resort offers a room-service menu for canine guests, so I ordered the bone marrow for her. She made quick work of it and has seemingly adjusted her at-home expectations accordingly.
Life Along the Bay
A few months later, I returned to Monterey County for a stay at Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa (285 guest rooms and 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), a waterfront property situated along Cannery Row with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
The experience began with brunch at Coastal Kitchen, the hotel’s Michelin-recognized restaurant. Perched above Monterey Bay, the meal unfolded as a leisurely multi-course experience accompanied by sparkling wine and uninterrupted ocean views. Watching waves crash below while working through beautifully plated dishes set the tone for the days ahead.
Later that afternoon, I visited Vista Blue Spa for a classic massage. Between site visits, meals and activities, it provided a moment to pause—a luxury that often feels increasingly valuable both on the road and at events.
That evening, I joined fellow guests for cocktails in the hotel’s Presidential Suite, a sprawling oceanfront retreat complete with an expansive outdoor deck overlooking the bay. As a short bout of light showers produced an up-close rainbow, it was easy to imagine the suite serving as a memorable venue for executive gatherings or intimate VIP events.
Dinner at Schooners followed. Positioned directly above the water, the restaurant delivers exactly the kind of coastal dining experience visitors hope to find in Monterey. Fresh seafood, local wines and panoramic views combined to create a meal that felt polished without being overly formal.
Exploring by Land and Sea
The following day offered a different perspective on the destination.
After touring the hotel’s meeting and event spaces, I joined a bike excursion through Pacific Grove, Asilomar and portions of the famed 17-Mile Drive. Organized through Mad Dogs & Englishmen, located directly within the hotel, the outing provided an accessible way to experience Monterey’s dramatic coastline.
Dinner at Stokes Adobe showcased another side of Monterey’s culinary scene. Set within one of the city’s oldest adobe buildings, the restaurant blends history and contemporary California cuisine in a way that feels distinctly local.
The next morning, I traded land for sea. After launching with Adventures by the Sea, I kayaked through Monterey Bay’s famed kelp forests alongside harbor seals and sea otters. The experience offered a reminder that Monterey’s natural assets aren’t simply attractions to observe from a distance.
Later, a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium reinforced why it remains one of the region’s most iconic experiences. Even for repeat visitors (as I very much am), standing before towering kelp forest exhibits and watching marine life move through expansive habitats inspires the same sense of wonder.
The trip concluded with a tasting menu dinner at Coastal Kitchen, where each course highlighted ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. It was a fitting finale that celebrated Monterey County’s connection to the ocean.
This article appears in the July 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
