Monterey, CaliforniaMarina
The Sanctuary Beach Resort
Windswept dune cottages
Windswept dune cottages
Low-slung cottages sit right in the dunes, running as a car-free coastal settlement where trails lead straight to the surf.
“This classic, though renovated, resort sits atop the windswept sand dunes of Monterey Bay’s coastline... It feels timeless.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Nightly beach bonfires with s'mores and loaner electric bikes across nineteen oceanfront acres.
Notable
Restored coastal dunes shelter native buckwheat along trails opening onto Monterey Bay.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
it feels secluded, even remote, its low-slung buildings surrounded by dunes and scrubland.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Marina Dunes Preserve borders the grounds, and downtown Monterey is a fifteen-minute drive down the coast.
1 of 5
The rooms
Every room has a gas fireplace and a private deck, with binoculars on hand for spotting passing whales.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated outdoor pool and hot tub sit on an open concrete deck surrounded by sand dunes and cottages.
The spa
Curtained daybeds furnish the relaxation lounge, and three treatment rooms offer coastal bodywork using seaweed skincare.
Restaurant
Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette
Chefs work a live-fire wood hearth and raw oyster bar, while banquette seating extends onto a fire-lit patio.
How it began
The site was once an industrial sand quarry, restored in 1999 with native plants to protect endangered dune wildlife.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.