Pacific Grove in Bloom

This small town of 15,000 sits at the tip of the scenic

Monterey Peninsula in Monterey County and is

known for its beaches,  golf courses, its Monterey Bay 

Marine Sanctuary, its Monterey Bay Aquarium, its

Monarch butterflies and for having one of the oldest

 operating lighthouses in the country.  It is also

 referred to as "America's Last Hometown" because

 of the vast amount of Victorian homes (many of which

 have been turned into bed and breakfast inns).

There is nothing better than strolling along 

Ocean Avenue.  On one side you have

the gorgeous Monterey Bay....

...and on the other side of the street you have the

stunning architecture of homes, inns and 

restaurants...

 ...and as you are walking along thinking it just

cannot get any prettier than what you have already

witnessed, you stumble across this...

 ...and just about the time you cannot imagine anything

more beautiful, you are in for a real treat as it 

just gets more and more beautiful...

The beautiful coastal town of Pacific Grove shines

exceptionally bright during the months of April and 

May when the Mesembryanthemum flowers (more

popularly known as "carpet flowers") are in full bloom.

The carpet flowers do not come around much, 

but that will not be the same for me....

...after all, you still get this view year round!

MAY YOU FIND BEAUTY IN YOUR WALK OF LIFE...

TRAVEL M GIRL

Drink Up The Good Life at Bernardus Lodge & Spa

I count myself lucky when I have an encounter with a place

that I know will live within me long after I am gone.  

Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley is one of those places.

On a foggy, chilly day along the coast, it was as if Heaven's gates

opened up and greeted us as we drove along the road to Carmel

Valley to crystal clear blue skies and rolling hills in Northern
California's wine country.

You probably have heard of Bernardus wine, which is a must

try if you have not already, but equally as rich and elegant

 as the wine itself is their 57-room hotel which sits on 26 acres.

 From the moment you drive up you are overwhelmed

by the subtle vineyard entrance that lets you know you have
 arrived. If you are looking for bells and whistles that will deafen
 your senses, then you need to head to Las Vegas.  But, if you are
  looking to refresh your soul, then Bernardus is just the ticket.

Bernardus just re-opened April 3 after an extensive

remodeling and it is absolutely breathtaking.

Sophisticated, yet refined describes its decor.  Walls

have been knocked down in its lobby interiors that

have given it an open feel to the point you sometimes 

forget whether you are inside or out.  

Looking for a dining experience that will match your 

desire for exquisite wine and a culinary feast of locally 

sourced California cuisine?  Then look no further 

than their dining restaurant called Lucia.  Whether you

sit indoors or outdoors, it's all just what you have 

been craving to experience.

The bar leads to the outside patio and dining area by 

the pool.  Once again, the openness of all of the

interior rooms to the lobby and to the outdoors

adds so much to the ambience.

The rooms start at 525 square feet and all offer

views to the mountains, vineyards or pool. 

If the views, dining, swimming, playing tennis or just lounging

in your room have not awakened your senses, then head over

to their spa.  Most treatment rooms open up to a lounge

and spa pool.  Choosing which service to get will be your 

only stress.  It is just the perfect way to rejuvenate your soul.

Take note, the Bernardus Lodge and Spa is a must for

busy people who want to get in touch with the tranquil side

of life in a stunning setting.

www.lhw.com

www.bernarduslodge.com

831.658.3400

MAY YOU ALWAYS BE INSPIRED

TRAVEL M GIRL