Sometimes all a Diva needs is some peace and quite. And now that the new year is in full swing and Valentines’ Day is over, isn’t it time to steal away for a few days of peace and quite?

For a relaxing getaway from the bustle of San Francisco, try Monterey. Monterey’s charm is its size. The wine region and small town is not a commercial giant, so there is still a sense of genuine ownership and pride.

Check in at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. There, you can get a room overlooking the crashing waves below. Enjoy a casual lunch at Schooners Coastal Kitchen and Bar . For those who love a great Bloody Mary, you will be impressed with Anne’s award winning Bloody. Menu items include local favorites such as the roasted Castoville artichokes and Schooners’ seafood platter with crabmeat, oysters, Bay shrimp, pepper tuna poki, and poached sweet shrimp.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel has a world-class spa as well as a workout room overlooking the water. Guests of the hotel can unwind at the rooftop deck that sports two hot tubs and a sunny lounge area. Really, what could be better than a day alone, basking in the sun after a wonderful massage?

Try a deep tissue massage or a facial. Whatever treatment you choose, it will be five-star and very relaxing, since the staff is there to make sure you have a wonderful experience. The spa has a dry sauna, showers, lockers and robes.
Spend the late afternoon strolling Cannery Row. There you will find many small winery shops offering wine tastings.

Dine at one of the many seafood restaurants on the Row, or return to the hotel for room service and a long bathtub.
For those who love crab cakes, brunch on Sunday morning at Schooners is a must. They serve the most decadent crab cake eggs benedicts on the planet. Follow that with a mimosa and an afternoon on the roof deck spa and you have a perfect weekend.

WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS IN MONTEREY COUNTY:

Boekenoogen Wines
Santa Lucia Highlands
831-595-7741

Chateau Julien
8940 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel
831-624-2600

www.chateaujulien.com

Scheid Vineyards Wine Lounge
751 Cannery Row, Monterey,
831-656-9463
www.scheidwines.com

Pierce Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room
499 Wave Street, Monterey
831-372-8900

www.piercevineyards.com

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

400 Cannery Row

Monterey, CA 93940

www.montereyplazahotel.com

Telephone: 831-646-1700