Page 113 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

The elegant interior, much of it covered with pampered escape. The spa is on the top floor of
rich polished wood, reminded us of interior one the hotel, with panoramic views from the sun-
of our first cruise to Hawaii on the classic wood deck. Travel & Leisure’s named it one of the top
paneled Celebrity Century. In some ways, stay- 25 spas, and for three years in a row, one of
ing here was better than cruising at sea. There’s Conde Nast’s top 75 hotel spas in North Amer-
no mandatory lifeboat drill and the beginning of ica.
a stay, you won’t get seasick in stormy weather, Hotels like cruise ships can have all the luxury
and you can take a short walk to world-class and features in the world, but if it doesn’t have a
restaurants and the rooms and bathrooms are staff fully committed to their guests’ comfort
much larger than ship’s cabins and suites. And and wellbeing, it won’t meet the potential for
you can kayak, whale watch, catch some rays on greatness. Our interactions with everyone from
the beach or ride an electric bike anytime you the valet who greeted us to the front desk and
feel the urge. managers who made sure our experience at the
Spas are a big deal on cruise ships. Mary loves Monterey Plaza was an excellent one. We
to get facials and we both enjoy a great massage. strongly suggest your next cruise should be in
Again, Monterey Plaza shines with their state- this incredible hotel.
of-the-art Vista Blue Spa. Guests are in for a

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