Green is color of the season in Monterey, CA. Portola Hotel & Spa, the luxurious seaside hotel, has recently received the prestigious LEED certification. Portola Hotel & Spa is now the third of all California hotels to ‘go green’ and only sixth in the nation.
On a trip to Monterey to find out what was new to do in 2011, I wanted to know if staying at such an eco-friendly place meant I had to use bark for toilet paper, use lights sparingly and sleep on burlap sheets?
Welcomed with a freshly baked cookie when I checked in, I had a clue that my fears of sacrificing comfort for the good of the environment were unsubstantiated.
With tranquil views of Monterey Bay and sounds of seals happily barking, my posh nautical-themed decorated room further assuaged my concerns. I did notice the Green from Natura bath amenities and energy saving TV and fridge, but beyond this, the LEED certification did not interfere with a pure five-star experience.
To further investigate Portola Hotel & Spa, I went to Peter B’s BrewPub for a beer pairing lunch. Even the water and hops used in the brewing process on site are being recycled to farmers for watering crops and feeding cattle.
With a full belly of Chef Jason Giles American gourmet bites and brewmaster Kevin Clark’s craft beer, I sauntered to the spa for a massage with Lawrence, the most requested massage therapist by the locals. Be-robed with lychee-infused champagne in hand, I explored Spa on the Plaza’s relaxation and steam room, plunge pool, fitness center, and outdoor Jacuzzi. Wish I had more time to experience the Japanese-style bath but it left me reason to return.
After an intuitive session of Thai stretching and Swedish technique with Lawrence, I knew why he was the favorite. Lawrence possesses the perfect balance of knowing when to apply pressure and when to back off – with very little talking, which I prefer. Also, his facial massage around my jaw line, eye sockets and temples sent me to la la land for the afternoon.
At this point, I could have happily curled up in my 310 thread-count white linen sheets but an adventure in Paddle Boarding was calling my name. Always wanting to try it out, paddle boarding in Monterey Bay was an ideal setting to experience it among the sea lions, seals, otters, giant starfish and sea gulls.
Frank Knight of Adventures by the Sea, with the patience of a saint, specializes in taking both first-timers and pro kayakers and paddle boarders on water safaris of sorts. Once I mastered the scary maneuver of hopping up to standing on the board, the ride among the sailboats and marine animals was sublime.
There was a sticky moment with an irate, barking sea lion when I couldn’t figure out how to put my board in reverse fast enough to back away as I was getting too close for its comfort. But other than one wild encounter – paddle boarding in Monterey Bay is like gliding through an ocean zoo with up close views of the rolly-polly sea lions and seals basking in the sunlight on the docks and offshore boulders.
Having worked off the corn dogs and espresso tart from lunch, I went off to discover Restaurant 1833, Monterey’s newest fine dining hotspot, opened in June. Housed in the Stokes Adobe built in 1833, the slick, modern décor tied in its checkered history with black and white portraits of past owners (who are known to haunt in a friendly manner), memorabilia from the 1950’s swinging Gallatin’s Restaurant and even a few ghost stories the staff will happily tell.
The ‘Painkiller’ Cocktails like Penicillin No. 2 pay tribute to the pharmacy and Stokes hospital of 1837. The menu features local nuances like grilled artichokes and squid salad prepared with New York sophistication. No surprise of New York influence as 1833’s Chef Levi Mezick hails from NYC restaurants such as Per Se, Daniel and Café Boulud. The crispy hen eggs, bacon-cheddar biscuits and the charred baby octopus are appetizers you won’t want to miss.
Entrées range from more basic but elevated pizzas and pastas to elaborate like fresh sturgeon and grilled bone-in ribeye. The hyper local wine list with sommelier Ted Glennon’s expert advice makes 1833 a wine connoisseurs’ dream.
Checking out Portola Hotel & Spa’s new LEED certification turned into a perfect weekend getaway in Monterey, CA… For reservations, visit www.portolahotel.com
For your own mini excursion to one of California’s most stunning seaside towns, Monterey, CA, here’s a recap:
- Stay at Portola Hotel
- Indulge in a treatment at Spa on the Plaza
- Get a craft beer education with beer flights at Peter B’s Brew Pub
- Kayak or paddle board with Adventures of the Sea
- Wine & dine at Restaurant 1833
With a weekend getaway like this in Monterey, CA, you’ll be gliding through your Monday like I did – with a zenned-out, glowing grin.
Want to line up other golden moments in your Monterey, CA trip? Visit www.seemonterey.com for endless ideas.
