The Lodge at Pebble Beach

By Karina Y. Sotelo

Silently tucked away on the edge of a wildly breathtaking coastline on the scenic 17mile drive, is this timeless award-winning treasure. The Lodge at Pebble Beach Resorts is one of the most enduring and desirable hotels on California’s central coast, attracting glamorous guests—famous golfers, notable celebrities and not—since 1919. No question that is, in part, thanks to its distinguished golf courses, rich history, and stunning seascapes, but perhaps it is mostly because nothing else truly embodies the essence of Pebble Beach quite like it does. The centuries old property is unapologetically elegant yet inviting. Guests immediately feel important and pampered the minute they arrive, as they are ushered to the lobby by an attentive white-glove service staff.

Interiors are bathed in old time glamour and modern decadent design with a neutral, but regal color scheme of grays, blues and sandy browns. Hallways are lined with an impressive collection of glass encased trophies and distinctive oil paintings that pay homage to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Guestrooms, all 161 rooms and suites, are opulent and spacious but manage to give off a super cozy and intimate feel—each outfitted in dark-wooden accents, fine decor, leather armchairs, gas-burning fireplaces and picturesque views of lush gardens and the sea beyond. Ocean view rooms are highly recommended especially if you want to wake up every morning to a scenery that is something out of a John Steinbeck novel: majestic cloud formations hovering over the mountain tops and fairways, the sound of waves gently clashing against the seawalls and, if fortunate enough, you’ll spot wild deer peacefully grazing on the pristine manicured greens. Truly, a magical sight to behold.

THE FOOD & DRINK

There are plenty of dining options to choose from. For an artful culinary experience in a sumptuous and intimate scene, Stillwater Bar and Grill is the place to indulge. The menu is mostly California coastal with a seared sea bass, yellowfin tuna, and cedar-roasted salmon as the highlighted dishes. If you’re looking for something a little meatier, The Tap Room serves high quality, sustainably-raised steakhouse fare in a dimly lit comfortable setting. But for a wine-drenched evening under the stars and cozying up next to a warm firepit, The Bench is exactly where you’ll want to be. The restaurant has a chic, relaxed vibe and overlooks the 18th hole and Stillwater cove, the perfect ambience to sip wine or have a proper cocktail. Don’t leave without trying the lavender lemon drop martini, it’s certainly a thirst-quenching treat.

THE THINGS TO DO

Though spending all your days golfing on world-class and legendary links will be very tempting, you’ll want to explore the other side of the green grass, too. The resort has a world of top-notch services and amenities to uncover, including high-end boutiques and shops, tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and an award-winning spa. For something more adventurous and scenic, opt for the horseback riding excursions or any of the personalized guided tours. But whatever you decide to do, do not forget to take a leisurely ride down 17-mile drive—where you’ll travel through a dreamy forest of Monterey Cypress trees, white-sand beaches, historic landmarks and sweeping ocean views that are simply unforgettable.

THE VINTAGES TRAILER RESORT

By Karina Y. Sotelo

Spend the night in a retro-chic trailer while exploring Oregon’s fabulous wine country. Surrounded by luscious rolling hills, orchards, and beautiful fields of grain, The Vintages Trailer Resort is an old-school American dreamland primely situated in the rich wine-growing region of Willamette Valley, just 35 miles outside the city of Portland. The 14acre trailer resort, which neighbors an RV Park, is home to a stylish community of 35 refurbished mid-century travel trailers, including the iconic Spartans, shiny metallic Airstreams and candy-coated Shasta Airflytes. Think classic 1950’s style vibes and exteriors, where each trailer lot boasts a wooden deck and patio area that is complete with lounging chairs, striped sunbrellas, fancy propane grills, a designated driveway and perfectly manicured lawns that are randomly embellished with hot-pink plastic flamingo garden ornaments. Design-wise, all accommodations uniquely exude a homey feel but are given personality with era-themed touches and furnishings—honeytoned woodwork and cabinetry, aluminum trimming, overlapping patterns and fabrics, shag accessories and black and white framed photos that all simultaneously transport you back in time. Needless to say, every trailer comes equipped with all the overnight glamping essentials you could think of: comfortable bedding, wet rooms with flushable toilets and eco-conscious bath products, televisions, airconditioners, cozy portable fireplace-heaters, kitchenettes fully stocked with cookware, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Thoughtful extras include snug robes and slippers, premium pour-over coffee, hot cocoa, and—well, duh—two bottles of the finest locally produced wine. If you run out of your pinot gris or pinot noir, there is an on-site general store that has some more, they also have snacks and vintage glass-bottled cola refreshments just in case you get a little hungry. For fun, there is a swimming pool (located next to the super clean shower facility) and complimentary cruiser bicycles that guests can freely use to go on leisurely bike rides through the neighborhood. After spending the day wine-sipping at the local vineyards (there are 47 surrounding wineries), you’ll want to bring your mug full of hot chocolate and cozy up next to one of the three fireside pits where wonderful views of prolific vineyards and grain gently swaying in the wind beckon.