Linwood Grill offers outside dining and stellar views of the Monterey Bay from Chaminade Resort and Spa, Santa Cruz
Some people associate Santa Cruz with hippies and certainly the beach, but there is much more to Santa Cruz than The Beach Boardwalk and surfers. Did you know Santa Cruz has a thriving wine industry? There is also a historic steam train in the Santa Cruz Mountains of nearby Felton, California. But who needs distractions when you have access to three miles of hiking trails on 300 acres, a heated outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor Jacuzzis, lighted tennis courts, volleyball, badminton and croquet in one convenient Santa Cruz location?
Chaminade Resort & Spa Room #605 with two queen beds and forest view
The Chaminade Story
What started off as a Jesuit school for boys in the 1920’s (named after Father Chaminade) has now morphed into a wooded retreat with excellent views of the Monterey Bay. Situated on 300 acres in Santa Cruz’s “banana belt,” the 156 room Chaminade is a sweet spot for weddings or hanging out with your honey. There was a wedding taking place on the terrace, next to Linwood Grill during dinner and my next door hotel neighbor was celebrating an anniversary with her husband. Yes…love is in the air.
Some Chaminade Resort room’s come with a forest view.
Forest View Rooms
While you may be able to see the Monterey Bay from the restaurant, don’t expect your hotel room to come with an ocean view. Instead, request a forest view and look out to the canyon below. My room, #605, had two queen beds with forest view and rented for $179. – $199. on a Saturday night in April. Check online for the best rates and package deals.
The resort is spread out – plenty of room to roam. From the swimming pool to the hiking trails, you’ll be able to work off dinner if you opt to dine at Linwood Grill on property. I had corn chowder soup and a tasty piece of halibut, lightly breaded with panko crumbs and coconut. Of course, the hot lava chocolate cake was calling my name. If you like chocolate, alongside vanilla ice cream, you’ll want to order this mini volcano of simmering goodness.
Enjoy the headed, 50-foot outdoor pool and Jacuzzi at Chaminade Resort & Spa
New Spa Menu at Chaminade
As this is Santa Cruz, guests may expect a “green spa experience” with holistic treatments and natural products. From cucumber mint hand and feet treatments, to a warm bamboo Chaminade Signature Massage or Instant Lift Facial, guests can keep the Zen experience going while relaxing at the pool or on the private spa patio.
Dog-friendly Chaminade
In an effort to make your stay a tail-wagging success, Chaminade now accepts pets. The charge is $75 per night/ per dog, but these pets need to be on the petite side – 40 lbs. or less. Plus-sized dogs may be allowed into the hotel at the Director of Rooms discretion. Does this mean we can expect to see German Shepard’s on the tread mill and Labrador Retrievers swimming laps in the pool to meet the 40 pound weight limit?
Insider Tip
The family-friendly Chaminade Resort offers complimentary pack n’ plays with padding and linens provided for the little ones. For those needing extra assistance, there are shuttles on property to whisk you from your room to the restaurant.
Check-in: 4:00pm/Check-out: 12:00pm
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If You Go:
Chaminade Resort & Spa (800) 283 -6569
Check prices online at Hotels.com, Booking.com or Expedia
Article and photos by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Chaminade Resort & Spa.
