Page 110 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2021 REDISCOVERING CALIFORNIA'S CENTRAL COAST

e love cruising. In the last decade, we’ve Cannery Row and known as the ‘grand dame of the
probably been on four dozen cruises all bay. The 290-room Monterey Plaza is as close to
Wover the world. We especially enjoy the ocean as you can get and not be a ship. It’s
transatlantic cruises — the joy of sitting on a bal- built on pillars above the roiling waters of Mon-
cony in the middle of the ocean with a sea breeze terey Bay, offering an ocean experience like few
in our faces and listening to the sound of the sea. other hotels in the world.
Our last cruise from Cape Town to Dubai in Jan- There are more similarities between Monterey
uary was cut short by the surging pandemic. And Plaza and a luxury cruise ship experience. Both of-
we’ve had four scheduled cruises canceled for the fer dramatic views from rooms, the spa and the fit-
same reason. Thank goodness for the Monterey ness center, and restaurants. Like a luxury ship’s
Plaza Hotel. Once again we could sit on the ve- suite, Monterey Plaza rooms have the classic
randa, feel the ocean breeze and hear the song of decor and modern amenities with a sea view and
the sea while waves crashed directly below us. veranda where watch graceful sailboats or even
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is just a block from glimpse playful sea otters and dolphins.

110 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2021