Monterey - Off the Wagon | Galavante.

com

11/20/12 8:33 PM

!"#$%&'()*+,#-.#/)01()0120

3+4* 78998:)6;9;<;=>?)

5+64* )

Search. . .

HOME

DESTINATIONS

COOLING YOUR JETS

BEST OF THE BEST

THE GOODS

FAMILIES

REVIEWS

THE DAILY

!"#$%&'$%(&#
()*+%,-./0*+1230*450+62*+72)*+849434,:0-+'*2),/+:;0 <2*9/=

September 12, 2012

!"#$%&%'()(*++($,%(-./"#
By Colleen Chen, Galavante Contributor

!@#)6&5&, &* !#)54$ !

Stay: Elite Carmel La Playa Carmel Eat: Andres Bouchee Mundaka Restaurant 1833 LokaL Drink: Constance Vesuvio Wrath Wines Heller Estate Extras: Looking for some RELAXATION? TRY: Refuge Spa in Carmel Stargaze in Big Sur Poolside at La Playa Carmel

56/(78&9(3.26+"&#6. Good For: Outdoor adventurers, romancing couples, gal pals on a girlfriend getaway, and anyone who loves wine and wants to recreate a scene or two from Sideways. The Highlights: Stargazing from lodging hidden by the expansive cliffs of Big Sur; dining at farm-to-fork restaurants; being silenced by natural beauty. Relaxation reigns, but it feels so much better after youve earned it: Trek the Central Coast and then unwind at the inviting Refuge spa. What to Know: High-end accommodation ranges from rustic to contemporary cool, but all keep the luxury traveler in mind. Montereys historic wine region may be one of the largest in California, but its also intimate its Napa Valley without the crowds. Plus, Monterey has variety and convenience: The contrast of communities keeps things interesting, and key areas are just ten to fifteen minutes apart.

!@#)4!4* #/&/'

Day I Hike Point Lobos Lunch at LokaL Wine-tasting in Carmel Valley Cocktails and dinner at Vesuvio Refuge at sunset Stargaze in Big Sur 0.(12.'.(3.&4%2

http://www.galavante.com/travel/destination/2012/9/monterey-wagon-0

Page 1 of 3

Monterey - Off the Wagon | Galavante.com

11/20/12 8:33 PM

Suggested Stay: 3 days Where relaxation isnt a privilege, its a way of life, Monterey County is the refuge for Silicon Valley to abandon high tech and tend to their organic gardens. And its where suit-and-ties convert into casual kicks to open quaint B&Bs. In short, its the kind of place thatll make you want to leave everything behind. Or at least seriously consider telecommuting. This is also Eastwood territory, where Clint, pre-Invisible Obama, once ruled as mayor. And then theres the wine: Led by cult vintners, Monterey is the casual version of Napa a low-key wine region where you can tour quiet vineyards and sample tasting flights poured by the winemakers themselves. In between bottles, hit the coastal trails: The oceanfront region is known as the greatest meeting of land and sea, where the Pacific pounds the coast at Big Sur. Elite Sleeps Five-star luxe properties can be found throughout the Monterey Peninsula, but some of the regions best sanctuaries are only accessible via private homes, like Elite Carmels country-chic, ocean-view Big Sur cabin. No mainstream property delivers such a low vantage point and personal view of the Pacific while positioning you near phenomenal hiking spots. The secluded two-bedroom property is revealed only after an adventurous drive down a path just past the famed Bixby Bridge. Sunsets and stargazing take on new meaning here. Amenities are not forgotten though, as Elite Carmels off-site concierge services are just a quick call away. Carmel 2.0 In Clints day, Carmel-by-the-Sea was all cobblestone streets and quaint boutiques. It still has a small-town charm, but a youthful energy is gaining momentum. One result is the multi-million-dollar renovation of La Playa Carmel hotel, with eco-friendly rooms that command ocean views. Just two blocks from the village, the hotel is convenient to the areas new wine-tasting rooms and charming restaurants like Andres Bouchee. Carmel has no street addresses and very little street lighting, but there is nightlife in the shadows. Mingle with locals over Pinot Noir at the new wine bar Constance, and sip cocktails on the rooftop lounge of Vesuvio, where California girls (and boys) are showing off more than their tans. Or, bond over a Spanish porron and live DJ tunes at the cozy tapas restaurant Mundaka.

Day II Explore Highway 1 Drive to Carmel Lunch at Andres Bouchee Carmel Wine Walk Bythe-Sea Shop Carmel boutiques Cocktails and tapas at Mundaka Bonfire at Carmel Beach Day III Champagne breakfast at La Playa Carmel Drive to Monterey via 17Mile Drive Lunch by the ocean at Schooners Relax poolside in La Playa Carmel courtyard Dinner and cocktails at Restaurant 1833

%#$!4*&!4+*$)&/A@4,#

NOVEMBER 2012

Galavante Confidential The Rules of Jetiquette

October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011

Grape Escape For those who have a heart for wine, brace yourself to fall in love hard. Monterey Countys wine country has an impressive history: The Franciscan Friars of Soledad Mission first introduced wine grapes here over 200 years ago. The wine region is one of the largest in California yet its not overwhelmed with tourists. Try Montereys must-sip varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, at wineries like Wrath Wines in Carmel and the organic Heller Estate in Carmel Valley. Zero Gravity Pampering is perfected at Carmel Valleys spacious spa Refuge, which bills itself as Americas first co-ed relaxation spa perfect for that first weekend away with your hot date. Refuge has 10 mineral pools, zerogravity chairs, a eucalyptus steam room, and the nations largest Finnish cedar sauna. Do as the locals and go at sunset, as the surrounding

May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010

http://www.galavante.com/travel/destination/2012/9/monterey-wagon-0

Page 2 of 3

Monterey - Off the Wagon | Galavante.com

11/20/12 8:33 PM

Monterey landscape slowly fades to black, and the stars brighten the sky.

0":.0(;%<$.8&.#$ Cuisine Scene Here on the Central Coast, one of Californias chief agricultural regions, farm-to-table isnt just a trendy catchphrase. In Carmel Valley, head to LokaL to feast on organic dishes that are enhanced by herbs from the garden. Explore the different stylish rooms of the James Beard-nominated Restaurant 1833 in Monterey, where social hour means truffle popcorn and inventive cocktails from the bars spirits guru. At dinner, go for the truffle chicken or olive oil-poached sea bass you can work it off with hikes in Point Lobos. And, for those seeking something more elicit, order the tableside absinthe service. Just watch that absinthe, lest you find yourself getting Dirtier than Harry. (Photo: La Playa Carmel, courtesy of La Playa Carmel, LokaL Restaurant, courtesy of LokaL Restaurant)

About Us

Contributors

Newsletters

Press Room

Contact Us

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

2012 The Galavante Group LLC. All rights reserved.

http://www.galavante.com/travel/destination/2012/9/monterey-wagon-0

Page 3 of 3