A Pleasant Surprise Minutes from Monterey, California - Marina, California, USA
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Stumble It!As we recently discovered, California's coastline roads often hide neat surprises in the most unexpected places. Ten miles north of Monterey scattered across 19 acres of secluded sand dunes, we found a perfect example where location is a resort's defining amenity.
Marina Dunes Resort opened its doors in 1999. It was the first oceanfront development approved by the California Coastal Commission in 24 years. It must have been a challenge to secure approval, as owner and San Luis Obispo developer, John King, would probably confirm.
The main questions for us was how King managed to gain permission to build the resort, and how would it affect the environment? Marina Dunes is regarded as one of the most important dune systems in California.
To give you some background, the area was formerly an industrial site and sand quarry. Some locals pointed out to us that before King came along, it was often used as a dumping ground where debris, antiquated machinery and old tires could be found scattered all over the place, along with the remains of concrete structures that once had been used for refining and storage. It had also been subjected to a great deal of sand mining. Not a pleasant sight!
In order to gain approval from the Commission, the resort's operators had to agree to ameliorate the area by way of a dune restoration plan. This would include the seeding of indigenous plant species, as well as protecting endangered wildlife. Consequently, the resort committed itself to funding a permanent dune restoration program, making this the first of such programs on the Monterey Peninsula. (This is a good example as to how government and private industry can work together to protect the environment.) The program entailed the eradication of ice plant and the planting of native dune species in the hope that eventually these dunes would be returned to their pristine condition. It also necessitated the protection of rare birds such as the Snowy Plover, as well as providing buckwheat for the Smith's Blue Butterfly.
To cut down on noise and air pollution, guests are provided with golf carts. They are informed that their cars are to be left in the parking lot. This caused some friction between my wife and myself - we both wanted to sail through the property's brick paved pathways to our bungalow.
To finance the program, there is a fifteen dollar per day restoration fee that is tacked onto your bill.
Romantic Getaway
The splendid setting of Marina Dunes Resort makes it easy to focus on romance. Whether a couple is getting married, on their honeymoon or celebrating their anniversary, the resort provides an environment where they can enhance their feelings for one another and celebrate the reasons they are together. It is a magical place to put the heart at ease.
The resort is the perfect refuge, world's away from the pressures of everyday life. You can enjoy nature, listen to the sound of the ocean gently lap the shore at night from gorgeous ocean view rooms, while snuggling up with a glass of wine in front of a cozy fireplace. How about a stroll along the shoreline of the state beach just minutes from your cottage, where you can surf fish, beach comb, picnic, sunbathe, bird watch, walk the boardwalk, hang glide, or simply set in for a nap on a chaise barely aware of the resort in the background.
Marina Dunes Resort is justly proud of its accommodations. The design of its ranch-style bungalows and their subtle colors blend in with their surroundings, so as not to distract from the natural beauty of the dunes and the Pacific Ocean. Our bungalow had a sizeable ocean view deck that was great for admiring the dunes and its surroundings.
Rooms are beautifu and come with a wet bar, king-size bed, bath/shower combination, remote control television, honor bar and telephones with data port capabilities.
Premium designer fabrics are used in quality bath linens, luxurious bedding and soft furnishings. Suites have separate sitting areas with a leather loveseat and chair, wrought iron and small dining tables, two chairs, two televisions and a granite-topped desk. The bathrooms come with double sink vanities and a separate shower. It should be mentioned that about half the lodgings are operated as time-shares; however, the bungalows facing the ocean are only for resort's guests.
Besides the bungalows there is a free-standing, 120-seat restaurant, branded A.J. Spurs and a year-round, heated swimming pool, an oversized hot tub as well as a children's pool, a massage and spa service, a recreational trail that follows the coastline - begins minutes from the resort. If you are really up to it, you can walk all the way to Monterey - a distance of several miles.
Wedding Destination
As a wedding venue, the resort offers more than space. You have the option of exchanging vows on a serene stunning beach looking across Monterey Bay, or on the resort's gorgeous lawn behind the main lodge. The latter can accommodate up to one hundred and twenty seated, or two hundred standing guests.
If your celebration is smaller or more intimate, indoor weddings take place in the Gallery. It can accommodate thirty seated guests. The Sunroom is another option. Both feature large picture windows and a romantic fireplace. The reception can also take place in the main lodge that accommodates up to fifty seated and ninety standing guests.
For additional information, see the Marina Dunes Resort website.
Norm and Lily Azerad-Goldman are a husband and wife team who meld words with art focusing on romantic destinations. They are the publishers and editors of sketchandtravel.com. Norm is also the editor and publisher of the book reviewing and author interviewing site, bookpleasures.
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