Coastal Getaways: A scenic road trip through California’s Central Coast

Set along one of the most scenic stretches of the famous Pacific Coast Highway, California’s Central Coast, renowned for its natural beauty and laid-back charm, offers a blend of walkable small towns, quaint wine country, legendary surf spots, mission-style architecture, Michelin restaurants, and luxury resorts. Set out on a journey to explore California’s hidden gems, distinctive flavours, and more on a memorable road trip for the luxury seeker.

Monterey: The first stop in the Central Coast groove is Monterey, a destination celebrated in famous works by writer John Steinbeck and more recently depicted in HBO’s Big Little Lies. A cosy stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is the perfect way to bask in the sundeck views after getting pampered at Vista Blue Spa. Step back in time at Cannery Row, visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and savour fresh catch at The Sardine Factory. Get up-close-and-personal with marine life on a guided kayaking excursion in the marine preserve or Elkhorn Slough. Nearby Pebble Beach is a golfer’s paradise with six courses including the #1 public golf course in the country, Pebble Beach Golf Links. Additionally, Pebble Beach Resorts offers three luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, a spa, an equestrian centre, the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive and more.

Carmel: Carmel-By-The-Sea in Monterey County has welcomed Hollywood royalty over the decades—including local resident Clint Eastwood, who once served as the town’s Mayor. Here, one can explore art galleries and indulge in shopping while strolling along the wide sandy beach lined by cypress trees. Enjoy a living-like-a-local experience at the newly opened, adults-only Villa Mara in the Carmel Point residential seaside neighbourhood. For a more full-service resort and spa experience, check into the 500-acre, all-suite Carmel Valley Ranch, or equally ranch-chic Bernardus Lodge & Spa. No matter where you stay, exquisite dining experiences await at top-rated Aubergine and Lucia Restaurant & Bar.
Big Sur: The most famous, winding stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway brings you through majestic, mystical Big Sur. Rugged natural beauty, a sense of solitude and impeccable hospitality await at Big Sur’s luxury lodging duo: Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Big Sur. Hike among redwoods in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, horseback ride on the beach at Andrew Molera State Park or simply relax and enjoy your resort amenities. Nepenthe and Sierra Mar are Big Sur’s two dining “musts”.

Paso Robles- Drive inland to immerse yourself in Paso Robles Wine Country, part of San Luis Obispo County. Luxury-leaning lodging options include the elegant Hotel Cheval and Italian-inspired Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Enjoy elevated food and wine pairing experiences at Niner Wine Estates and the Restaurant at JUSTIN, two popular options among 200+ wineries in the area. Book a private guided wine tour with a sommelier or go horseback riding among the vines to delve deeper into the wine region known for its cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel. Also, Tin City is a fun industrial-style destination to discover emerging winemakers, distillers, and brewers, while Les Petites Canailles is among the region’s best restaurants. Set aside one evening to feast your eyes on Bruno Munro’s Light at Sensario art installation illuminating the undulating hills. San

Luis Obispo: An easy-going college town, San Luis Obispo has recently undergone a boutique hotel renaissance with properties such as Hotel Cerro, Hotel San Luis Obispo, and Granada Hotel & Bistro, offering the best of luxury amenities. Do not miss the Thursday Night Farmers’; Market in downtown SLO, which also makes a great home base for wine tasting in the Edna and Arroyo Grande valleys at refined wineries such as Biddle Ranch and Talley Vineyards. Quaint beach towns like Cambria, Morro Bay and Avila Beach are also just a short drive away.


Santa Ynez Valley: The Santa Ynez Valley is a collection of small towns in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country to the south of San Luis Obispo. That one small walkable town alone is a wine lover’s dream, with at least 50 tasting rooms pouring boutique wines. More wineries are nestled throughout the rolling hillsides dotted with oak trees, from Happy Canyon and Foxen Canyon Road to the Sta. Rita Hills outside of Buellton, a prime pinot noir territory, as depicted in the movie, Sideways. Charming western towns like Santa Ynez and Los Alamos serve up quality shopping, dining and wine tasting experiences. Plan and secure a chef’s tasting menu dinner reservation at Michelin-starred Bell’s in Los Alamos. Its sister restaurant Bar Le Cöte serves up seafood-centric fare in nearby Los Olivos, while Solvang’s Coast Range & Vaquero Bar is another solid choice for stand-out seafood, steaks, and cocktails. Stay in luxury at Auberge Resorts Collection’s Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos.

Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara, known as The American Riviera, personifies laid-back sophistication in a picture-perfect setting. Santa Barbara has a thriving Urban Wine Tasting scene which pairs nicely with a seasonally inspired feast at The Lark. Upscale shopping can be found in Montecito’s Upper Village and along Coast Village Road as well as Arlington Plaza downtown. Hit the beach, hiking trails, bike paths, tennis courts and golf courses. Take a chartered sail to the Channel Islands National Park or sunset cruise along the coast. Major cultural happenings worth planning a trip around include Santa Barbara Bowl concerts, Music Academy of the West Summer Festival performances and Santa Barbara International Film Festival screenings and tribute awards. Among the numerous luxury resort offerings are San Ysidro Ranch and Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, the oceanfront The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Hotel Californian at the gateway to the Funk Zone and Belmond El Encanto perched in the Riviera neighbourhood.

Ojai: Wind down for a restorative stay at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, where a spa day entails tranquil steam and sauna facilities, pampering treatments, and dining by the sun-soaked swimming pool. The resort is a destination for wellness, golf, culinary experiences, and rest and relaxation of the body and mind. Later, head over to the town centre which is dotted with independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Side street explorations call for stops at Bart’s Books, the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, new-age shops with tarot readers and wine bar boutiques. Be sure to stop to watch the sunset to catch the signature pink moment reflected on the Topa Topa Mountains, before ending your trip in the most relaxing and fulfilling way.