Sanctuary Beach Resort

We loved the location, the staff, the nightly beach bonfires, the restaurant, the morning breakfast delivery.

Felt a little pricey, but I didn’t walk away feeling like we’d wasted money.

The location is nice

The food was terrible. This property claims is super dog friendly but they didn’t provide any items even tho we requested them(dog bowls beds and blankets). We got put in a room next to construction site and were woken up by excavators working.

Beautiful property, peaceful little community feel, helpful and friendly staff, awesome massages, and e-bike riding was a great way to see a bit of the coastline.

Nothing!

This is our second time there and I almost don’t want to review this gem. If you know California at all, anything close to the water is normally criminally expensive or totally beat up. This little slice of heaven is right in the dunes and the rooms are amazing. You can walk the beach for miles. The amenities are top notch, as is the staff.

Nothing

In some ways, this place felt too good to be true. And its regular presence on the Instagram algorithm sharing swoon-worthy experiences for dog lovers added to our concern. We shouldn't have worried for one minute. Sanctuary Beach Resort lived up to the hype and more! We went on a blustery weekend in late April. The temperature didn't climb much above 60F/15C all weekend and was overcast most of the time. This is typical for the Monterey Peninsula, so we came prepared. We were so cozy in our room, which had a gas fireplace, tons of storage, one of the most comfortable hotel beds we've ever slept in, lots of seating (a side bench, a table/chair, a love seat in front of the fire), a wet bar area with an electric kettle, ample mini-fridge and microwave, and a roomy bathroom. This was a room, mind you, not a suite, though we did opt for an oceanfront deluxe. It was worth it for the beautiful view of the waves and the sunset, though you are near the beach no matter where you stay on the property. Even the lodge, set back from the beach, is not that far. The room amenities and layout were what made us never want to leave. In addition to coffee and tea, there were some snacks, and the fridge was stocked with non-alcoholic drinks . We also came with snacks and wine, since the resort is right on the beach, not super close to a business district. Extra points, too, for the vestibule and brush/towels outside the door to keep the sand from the beach out of the room. They truly thought of everything. It was so comfortable --the perfect place for a relaxing weekend with our pup. We never wanted to leave. The beach access is great for a morning/afternoon romp. There are chairs to admire the view, and big nightly bonfires (though come prepared--those clothes will smell like a campfire for the rest of your stay). We were also so pleased at the acknowledgment of my wife's birthday with some beautiful macarons and bubbles. What an unexpected treat! We highly recommend the Sanctuary Beach Resort, especially if you have already done Monterey and Carmel, as we have, and are looking for a true getaway where you can unplug and relax.

Just got back from a stay at The Sanctuary after losing my husband in February. It was exactly what I needed! The place is indeed a sanctuary. It was peaceful and beautiful. The massage I had was amazing, the food was delicious, the staff were incredibly helpful and kind. I felt safe as I was able to grieve and heal with that big 'ol beautiful ocean! Oh, and they are dog friendly!!! Thank you to everyone at The Sanctuary! Michelle