Page 262 - The Bite Magazine - Spring Summer 2013

bitetravel
Central Coast in California boasts
350 miles of the world’s most
gorgeous coastline between Santa
lara, south of San Francisco and Ventura,
north of Los Angeles, extending through
the counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito,
Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa
Barbara.
With seafood, surf and scenery,
California’s epic Central Coast has so
much to see and do. The Pacific Coast
Highway is one of the most famous road
trips in the world, and it’s not surprising.
Pass through magnificent Big Sur, towering
redwood forests and past beautiful sandy
beaches. Away from the sea you can find
prime wine territory, cute little towns and
activities to keep you busy for a lifetime.
This is a great base from which to
explore Monterey and the area. The
rooms are newly renovated, and we
loved the Executive Harbor View Rooms,
overlooking the beautiful bay. They’re larger,
based on the top floor with private access
and command the best views. After dinner,
sit on the comfy window seat or on the
balcony and watch the bay twinkle at night
– the wharfs are lit up and Monterey bustles
below.The room decor is distinctly nautical.
Stripes in red, blue and white abound, and
pictures are generally boats or shells. The
beds are huge and feather topped, and the
vast LCD TV is there if you ever get bored
of the view...We really loved the little touch
of being given hot, fresh, soft chocolate chip
cookies on the arrival.Yum!
If that wasn’t enough, Spa on the Plaza
is on hand – a serene environment with a
holistic approach to spa therapies.There are
more than 60 treatments on offer. There’s
also a fitness centre and an outdoor pool
with cabanas.
EATING
The hotel has a choice of dining. Jack’s
Restaurant offers local Central Coast cuisine,
featuring regional, sustainable ingredients.
Peter B’s Brewpub is Monterey’s only
microbrewery, and a local favourite. Try one
of the seasonal brews with some bar food.
THINGS TO DO
Try your hand at kayaking in Monterey Bay,
visit the world-famous Aquarium, go and
watch the sea lions. Nearby Monterey Bay
Coastal Trail is one of the top bike paths in
the US, and if you’re feeling energetic you can
hire a bike and exercise whilst you sight-see.
www.portolahotel.com
Santa Barbara and the quaint towns of Montecito and
Summerland make up the “American Riviera”, and
it’s here that you can find the Inn on Summerhill,
reclining in a seaside atmosphere with all the amenities of
a boutique hotel. Cosy rooms are individually decorated
with canopy beds, all with sea views, and the private
ANNABEL GOLDIE-MORRISON REVIEWS SOME OF THE BEST HOTELS,
EATERIES ANDACTIVITIES AVAILABLE INTHE CENTRAL COAST AREAS.
Discover Central Coast
PORTOLA HOTEL MONTEREY
INN ON SUMMERHILL
SUMMERLAND