The document summarizes spring editorial and story ideas for Monterey County, California. It discusses the multi-million dollar transformations of Bernardus Lodge & Spa and Carmel Valley Ranch as well as new haute chefs and restaurants. It also covers the region's wine tourism opportunities and new wellness retreats focusing on hydrothermal therapy, meditation, and plant-based diets.

1. Monterey County News Angles Spring 2015 | Reuters
PR Newswire
MONTEREY, Calif., April 30, 2015
MONTEREY, Calif., April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Spring Editorial and Story Ideas:
LUXURIOUS TRANSFORMATIONS-
2015 marks the long-awaited debut of Bernardus Lodge & Spa following a four-month, multi-million
dollar transformation. Set on 28 sweeping acres of lavender and vineyards, this Forbes Four Star
57-guestroom property will showcase a dramatic shift in architecture and design as it's poised to
become one of the West Coast's most coveted escapes. At the helm of renowned Chef Cal Stamenov,
a dramatic new restaurant concept has been unleashed where the former award-winning Marinus
stood. Christened Lucia Restaurant & Bar, the anchor restaurant will now include an additional
2,300 sq., ft., alfresco terrace and striking new interior. Debuting a California country cuisine
concept, the menu will reflect Chef Cal's enviable larder of farmers, foragers and fisherman spiked
with sophisticated undertones. This summer, Carmel Valley Ranch will be adding 20 rooms and a
brand new pool while nearby Quail Lodge & Golf Course just reopened their revamped links style
golf course to the public that includes new tee boxes, bunkers, irrigation system and a completely
redesigned layout.
VINO VACATION- Diversity defines this wine region which boasts 45,000 acres of vines, 175 unique
vineyards, nine distinct AVAs and enough small lot, handcrafted juice to keep the country of Bhutan
buzzed. Seek and secure some of the more obscure varietals (42 in all) on Monterey Guided Wine
Tours with a day of trekking along the bucolic River Road Wine Trail, or board the more budget
friendly Grapevine Express into Carmel Valley village. If you are on the peninsula, wander through
Carmel-by-the-Sea with the Carmel Wine Walk By-the-Sea Passport; combining the pleasures of the
Pacific with a tight combo of 14 wine tasting options laced within a few blocks. Rest up after your
viticulture adventure at Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites, offering 18 suites decorated by 13 local
wineries to create a unique guest experience celebrating the bounty of Monterey County's vineyards.
NEW HAUTE CHEFS FIRE UP THE STOVES- Chef Jason Franey, a three-time James Beard Award
finalist, and a Relais & Châteaux "Grand Chef", brings over 20 years of experience and modern
techniques to the new menu and revamped look of Restaurant 1833. The menu boasts spring
ingredients with dishes that are both contemporary and approachable including "Buffalo Style"
Sweetbreads with smoked mango and Pequillo pepper "hot sauce." Groups of six or more will be
tempted to gorge on the Whole Beast selections of Whole Suckling Pig, Whole Roasted King Salmon
and Wood Fired Baby Goat. New Executive Chef Evan Lit of the Beach House at Lovers Point is
bringing his 20 years in the industry--and 13-plus as a chef--to this local favorite. Don't miss his
Sunset Supper Menu (between 4-5:30 pm) with eight entrée choices for under $10. Looking for
something more casual? Head over to Seaside's brand new Googie Grill, featuring 1950's futuristic
architecture, American cuisine with a twist and wood-fired pizzas.
SURREAL WELLNESS- Whatever your age, gender or state of health, we are all driven to gain a
connection with our body and achieve a sense of freedom, joy and liberation; which is the concept
behind new owner Tong Kim's recently rejuvenated Carmel Valley Lodge. Achieve inner

2. enlightenment while enjoying the new stone crafted fire pits, meditation tents and poolside gazebo.
The complimentary breakfast he has created is a raw, vegan concoction known as Rainbow
Ssambap. The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20
different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. Refuge in Carmel Valley has redefined
relaxation as the country's first sanctuary solely dedicated to hydrothermal therapy. 10 mineral
pools of various temperatures work to relieve stress; relaxation areas include zero gravity chairs and
a Eucalyptus steam room. Just off Cannery Row, Wave Street Wellness offers daylong guided
workshop experiences that feature wellness practitioners and special guest teachers. Workshop
packages vary from learning about specialty foods and drink, massage, yoga and movement classes,
sonic healing and social support to leave you feeling sublime.
MEDIA CONTACT
John David Van Kirk/Monterey County CVB
831-657-6413; JohnDavid@SeeMonterey.com
VISITOR INFORMATION
Monterey County is located 120 miles/192 km south of San Francisco and 345-miles/552 km north of
Los Angeles along the classic California corridor. The region boasts 99 miles of prime Pacific
Coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, three historic missions, 45,000 acres of
premium vineyards, 26 golf courses and over 250 lodging properties. Monterey County includes the
Monterey Peninsula, Big Sur, North County and the Salinas Valley. The Monterey Peninsula Airport
(MRY), just three miles from historic downtown Monterey and minutes from the area's major
attractions, is served by non-stop flights to and from Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Los Angeles

3. (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).
Visit www.SeeMonterey.com for more information.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-
releases/monterey-county-news-angles-spring-2015-300075594.html
SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau