Looking for a romantic escape that’s not too far, not too close to the San Francisco Bay Area? Check out Monterey Bay. It’s just the right spot for your special rendezvous.
Overlooking a scenic stretch of the Pacific, Monterey and nearby Carmel have been favorite romantic destinations for decades. Luckily, they’re as charming as ever. Here are a few tips to jump-start your getaway plans.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a tranquil, yet luxurious lodge to get away from it all, choose the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. The hotel is made up of a series of low-rise buildings rambling over 22 grassy acres studded with Monterey pine and live oak. For total peace and quiet, request a room or suite overlooking the 18-hole championship Del Monte Golf Course. It’s the country’s oldest golf course west of the Mississippi. Better yet, there’s no traffic noise at night, and no one tees off until a civilized hour in the morning.
Where to spa
You’ll be even more relaxed after visiting the Hyatt’s gorgeous Accista Spa. The 12,000 square-foot, two story spa was part of the hotel’s recent $60 million renovation. It features massage rooms for one or for two. Before your couples’ treatment, you can soak together in the outdoor hot tub or separately in indoor steam rooms and dry saunas for men and women. After your massages, head upstairs to the peaceful relaxation area. Find a secluded space by the fireplace to enjoy complementary fruit, nuts and cheese. To put your spa experience over the top, order a glass of wine or bubbly.
Where to dine
Speaking of wine, every romantic escape includes an intimate dinner. How about one where the dramatic ocean views rival the exquisite cuisine? Take your sweetie to Pacific’s Edge, an award-winning restaurant literally perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll overlook the Big Sur coastline through walls of glass while you dine. Order a delectable appetizer of Monterey Bay abalone. As to entrees, the pan-seared filet mignon with béarnaise sauce or wild mushroom ravioli with toasted pine nuts are beautifully presented and taste fabulous. The talented Wine Director, Paul Fried, will help you select fine wines to pair with each dish.
You’ll find this superb restaurant at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For those who remember, yes it’s the same, legendary Highlands Inn that opened in 1917. Hyatt Hotels purchased the property in 1999 and continues to win accolades for fine dining, excellent wines and the 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms.
Back in the day, trains ran from the East Bay all the way to Monterey. Now, Amtrak runs from Oakland to Salinas with connecting coach service to the Hyatt Monterey station stop.
On the other hand, San Francisco residents can drive to Monterey Bay in roughly two hours. That’s the good news, because you will want to return.
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