Carmel
- Carmel Valley Ranch (831.625.9500; www.carmelvalleyranch.com) completed a $35 million renovation that included the refurbishment of its 139 guest suites, the restoration the Pete Dye-designed golf course and the addition of amenities that include a full-service spa, a kitchen for cooking demonstrations, a saltwater pool, bocce courts and several new indoor and outdoor event spaces.
Monterey
- The Portola Hotel & Spa (800.342.4295; www.portolahotel.com) recently earned Silver LEED certification in recognition of its green initiatives.
- Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com) will begin daily nonstop service between San Diego and Monterey June 4.
- The Monterey County CVB (831.657.6400; www.seemonterey.com) named Tammy Blount its new president and CEO. Blount, who assumed her new role Feb.1, was most recently president and CEO of the Tacoma [Wash.] CVB.
Pacific Grove
- Asilomar Conference Grounds (831.372.8016; www.visitasilomar.com) recently added free wireless Internet connectivity in all guest rooms. The property also completed a renovation of the historic Phoebe A. Hearst Social Hall, which included the addition of a cafe.
Santa Cruz
- The Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz (831.427.2900; www.marriott.com) recently opened with 84 units and 1,770 square feet of meeting space. Each unit is a suite with distinct living and sleeping areas, a microwave, a mini-fridge, coffeemakers, a work area and an entertainment center. Free Internet and continental breakfast are included in the rates. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a bocce court, an exercise room and a business center.
- The final phase of a property-wide renovation was recently completed at the Beach Street Inn & Suites (831.423.3031; www.beachstreetinn.com). Formerly the Terrace Court Motel, the upgraded property is now a boutique hotel with 45 guest rooms, some featuring ocean views and kitchen facilities, and all equipped with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. The hotel offers a pool, a picnic area and conference space for groups of up to 25.
- The Windy Oaks Winery (831.731.0463; www.windyoaksestate.com) recently opened a 500-square-foot tasting room with a curved tasting bar made from recycled redwood and glass doors opening onto a patio overlooking the vineyards. The winery, which is part of the Corralitos Wine Trail, also offers a picnic area.
- The Mount Hermon Conference Center (831.430.4357; www.mounthermon.org) added a zip line attraction called Redwood Canopy Tours. The two-hour guided canopy tour features six zip lines up to 440 feet long and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet. Each tour accommodates eight people and is led by guides who share their knowledge of the ecology of the Santa Cruz Mountains.