Visitors flock to the Monterey Peninsula for the variety of activities it has to offer. From breathtaking views, incredible hiking trails, exotic marine life, and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, there are activities for everyone. Summer sparks particular interest in a favorite pastime for Monterey’s adult travelers, wine tasting. Monterey’s cool climate makes for exquisite chardonnays and fabulous Pinot Noirs. Cabernet fan? Lucky for us, Carmel Valley is home to much warmer weather, producing the some of the tastiest of these full bodied reds! The Monterey Wine Festival kicks off summer on June 7th, with tastings, and delectable small bites from chefs on the peninsula. Tickets are available now, starting at $40.00.

   

If festivals aren't for you, check out the other areas on the Peninsula you can enjoy tasting at your own pace:

• Want to stay local? Check out Figge Winery in Marina, only a 3 minute drive from the Resort!
• If you are looking to try all the wines Monterey County has to offer, without the commute, head over to A Taste of Monterey on Cannery Row, where they feature over 90 local wineries in one tasting room!
• What better combination than wine tasting near the ocean? The Wine Walk in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers 14 tasting rooms, among shopping, restaurants, and art galleries.
• There is no better place to enjoy the outdoors then the warm climate of Carmel Valley. Over a dozen tasting rooms are located within a 2 mile radius, making the venture from winery to winery effortless and enjoyable. Try a pizza from Corkscrew to curb your hunger!
• AG Ventures hosts wine tours and site seeing, and best of all will pick up and drop off right at your hotel! Location will vary depending on date, so ask your concierge for more information!

TripAdvisor announced that it is awarding Sanctuary Beach Resort the highly rated accommodations  2013 Certificate of Excellence Award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.

To qualify for the Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

"TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travelers on the site," said Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business. "The Certificate of Excellence Award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve.

Each year Conde Nast reviews the top resorts in Northern California and presents the winners with the coveted "Readers Choice Awards."  This year Sanctuary Beach Resort was selected as one of the top fifteen resorts in Northern California.   Conde Nast presented Sanctuary Beach with the award seen on the left of this page.  

When you come to our hidden resort on the Monterey Bay and settle back into our luxurious rooms, feet up, looking out at the crashing waves, you will agree with Conde Nast's evaluation.  

 

Spring equals Green!
In the spring, California turns green. After the winter rains, flowers burst into bloom, turning trees into clouds of beautiful blossoms. Sanctuary Beach Resort offers countless chances to cure your spring fever and find adventure.

Did You Know?

International Mother Earth Day is celebrated each year in April to remind each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.

The goal is to achieve a balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity. Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness around the world regarding Earth’s natural environment.

Sanctuary Beach Resort is committed to programs that benefit our earth:

• Recycling programs are in full force throughout the hotel.
• Energy efficient lighting is spread throughout hotel. We use low voltage, compact fluorescent bulbs and solar lighting throughout public areas, guest rooms and suites. Every room entry area is equipped with motion detector light sensors.
• Non-toxic cleaning products are utilized in the hotel laundry and housekeeping department.
• Our offices and guest amenities contain post-consumer recycled content

Upcoming Events:

As winter turns to Spring, enjoying the outdoors on Monterey Peninsula gets better and better. Days are longer and the temperatures are warmer.  Monterey County is a premier destination for those who love the outdoors. Biking, hiking, walking, boating, horseback riding and whale watching are just a few of the activities that entice visitors to Monterey. Whether you want to watch the whales or climb a mountain, there is no more spectacular place to than the Monterey Peninsula. 

    PRO-AM is back on the Peninsula! 

 

Recently, I was invited to experience an ATV adventure at Hahn Estates in the Santa Lucia Highlands, overlooking the breathtaking Salinas Valley. I consider myself an adventurous person; consequently I jumped at the opportunity. 

Quiet beaches, fresh seafood and coastal culture: Something the locals know and many travelers overlook is that the fall season is widely considered to be the best time of the year to visit the beautiful central coast. The beach crowds leave, hotel rates drop significantly, and temperatures are perfect for beach walks, tennis and golf, nature tours, outdoor dining and much more.

The Salinas Valley and the Monterey Peninsula are home to some of the most fertile farm land in the country. The valley is framed by mountain ranges to the east and west. The north end of the Salinas Valley opens to the Pacific Ocean and cools the valley which makes it possible to harvest a wide range of crops, many of which grow throughout the year. 

The highest percentage of acres is devoted to cool-season vegetables, such as artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, Asian vegetables, lettuce, and spinach. In the county's southern half, farmers grow warm-season vegetables, including carrot, pepper, potato, and tomato. Monterey County is also home to a sizable wine grape industry and approximately one-third of the state's annual strawberry yield.                                               

Upcoming Events:

Big Sur Food & Wine

November 1-4, 2012

Big Sur Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo

November 16-18, 2012

 

 

Yesterday for our monthly meeting, we decided to head into Moss Landing for lunch (just 10 minutes north of the Sanctuary Beach Resort). After much discussion on where to eat, we finally came to a consensus. The choice, “The Haute Enchilada” and an excellent choice it was! This place is more than a restaurant; it is a relaxing oasis. The weather was pleasant, so we grabbed a table outdoors. The ambiance was peaceful.  Fountains flowing... flowers, plants and succulents galore! The staff was attentive and accommodating. And the food… absolutely delicious. 

The dishes are inspired and creative, with bursts of flavor in every bite. For a remarkable meal make sure to visit the Haute Enchilada!

Stay At Sanctuary Beach Resort while attending the Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Luxury, style, relaxation along with natural beauty!

 The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance began as a small social event held in conjunction with the first Pebble Beach Road Race through the pine and cypress forests of Pebble Beach. The show has now evolved into the top-ranking collector car show in the world. Pebble Beach Automotive Week begins with The Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance presented by Rolex and the Concours Kickoff Party on Thursday, August 16.  Tour d’Elegance is an annual driving event that highlights the early history of Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Tour is open to all entrants and spectators.

 Event Details

August 16, 2012

7:00 AM- 8:00 AM Cars line up near Collins Field in Pebble Beach
8:00 AM Tour departs, tracing portions of 17-Mile Drive and nearby scenic roads
11:30 AM- 12:00 PM Tour arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea
12:00 PM- 2:00 PM Cars are displayed on Ocean Avenue
2:00 PM- 2:30 PM Tour returns to Pebble Beach
3:00 PM Concluding Champagne toast for participants
6:30 PM- 10:00 PM Annual Pebble Beach Auto Week Kick-off Party sponsored by Jaguar
The Beach and Tennis Club, Pebble Beach- By invitation only

 Pebble Beach RetroAuto opens on Friday, August 17, the destination for the true automotive enthusiast. RetroAuto pavilion features rare collectibles and memorabilia from our automotive past, as well as the latest luxury goods and technological tools to enhance today’s driving experience.

Event Details

August 17 – August 19

10:00 AM- 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday
8:00 AM- 6:00 PM on Concours Sunday

The Auction presented by Gooding & Company occurs on Saturday and Sunday, August 18 & 19. This is the most attended and anticipated collector car events of all Pebble Beach Automotive Week.

Event Details

August 15 – August 19
Viewing Days
Wednesday, August 15 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 16 - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday, August 17 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 18 - 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday, August 19 - 9:00 AM 5:30 PM

Reception by invitation only
Friday, August 17

Auction
Saturday, August 18 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 19 6:00 PM

And the finale- 62nd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is on Sunday, August 19.