The Sanctuary Beach Resort

My mom and I stayed here last week as a post-graduation treat, and I truly enjoyed every part of our visit. It was my first time at the resort, but it certainly won’t be my last.||From the moment we arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming. We were greeted kindly and given a golf cart ride to our room, which was a lovely way to start the stay. The room itself was spacious, very clean, and had a beautifully designed bathroom. We also found a handwritten welcome note waiting for us, which was such a thoughtful and personal touch. Throughout our stay, the staff continued to be friendly and attentive.||Our oceanfront room gave us direct views—and sounds—of the waves, and it was just a short walk down to the beach from the patio. Since the resort faces west, we had an incredible view of the sunset each evening as it dipped below the horizon. It was truly stunning.||Sanctuary extends to more than just people - the property also feels very connected to its surroundings, nestled into a unique coastal dune ecosystem. There’s a real sense of care for the natural environment, and the design of the resort reflects that. Simply walking the grounds felt like part of the experience.||If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic way to experience the beauty of Monterey Bay, I highly recommend staying here.

Best experience! Our room was literally on top of the sand dune with nothing between us and the ocean. Wonderful service, very clean resort, tons of great lighting and modern yet comfortable furnishings. Very comfortable bed and lots of space and spots for our dog. We loved the pool and hot tubs and couldn't believe how big they were! We couldn't find any pictures of the pool online so it was a nice surprise. We had a delicious dinner at Salt and enjoyed many walks on the beach. This place truly is a sanctuary. We would have taken more pictures but we were caught

The concept is lovely however it should not be billed as a Sanctuary. The walls are incredibly thin. I don't know what the upstairs folks were doing but it sounded like elephants stomping around. Breakfast arrived cold and without utensils. I'm a special needs mom and was looking forward to some quiet... Hot tub is nice. The dunes are beautiful. The room itself is also very nice.

This place was beyond incredible. I am obsessed with my dog and wanted to take her on a quick trip for her 2nd bday. I had been wanting to stay at The Sanctuary ever since I heard about them but wanted to save it for a special occasion since it is a bit pricey. But I have to say it was worth every penny. We stayed one night on a weekday and were able to check in early (around 2:30) which was great since I wanted to get all our stuff in and settled. I booked an Ocean View Deluxe with the Pampered Pooch Package and we were upgraded to a room closest to the waterfront. The room was STUNNING. Upon arrival in the room, there was a water and food bowl in front of the fire place with my pups name on it, treat jars and poop bags. Shortly after check in we got doggy room service where my pup was brought a platter with white rice, bone marrow and treats along with a note for her bday. Their restaurant on site has a dog menu and they even brought her snack out with a birthday candle and sang happy bday! I'm telling you, if you love giving your dog their best life THIS IS THE PLACE TO DO IT. The property is large so they will shuttle you all over with one of their cool golf carts. The only one minor thing that was a downside was that our neighbor ordered breakfast around 6am and because the room doors are so close to one another, we were woken up by the food being delivered/knock on the door was kind of loud. Beach access is a short walk from any room and super uncrowded which was so nice. We were only here 24 hours but it couldn't have been a better experience. Can't wait to come back!

Beautiful location right along the sand of a state beach. It’s quiet and foggy and peaceful. I booked a Partial Ocean View Suite because, while I like a good view, I like my bath more, and the Oceanfront Suites only come with a shower. So Partial Ocean View for me. I checked in at 7am on a Wednesday morning in April, leaving my bags while I went whale watching with Blue Ocean off Moss Landing. When I returned at 1pm and was taken to my room I was very disappointed to be given a room staring at a wall when all the other PV rooms had expansive views of ocean, sand, pathways, and sky. When I asked for a different room I was told they were completely booked out. (Really? On a Wednesday in April?. With a quick check of the website I could easily see my room type was fully bookable. When I showed the young man who drove me to my room in the golf cart that there were indeed rooms available, I was then told there was a big group that had just left and the rooms were instantly snapped up since I checked in but it hadn’t appeared on the website yet. (Um, that’s not a thing and also it was a ghost town). Then I was told no one had the authority to move me except the manager who was “in a meeting”. Remember, I checked in at 7am on a Wednesday in April. They were absolutely not booked out. So I told them I would wait for the manager to finish their meeting as I would like to be moved into one of the plentiful “partial ocean view suites” that was NOT directly against a brick wall. I took the cart ride back to the lobby where I made myself a cup of tea and got comfortable by the outdoor fire pit until, magically, the manager appeared and another room became available. | The new room was very nice. There is a well appointed mini-bar (fyi the “pour over coffee” they frequently mention is actually a tea-bag-style situation). The chairs face the ocean and with a bit of rearranging I was able to work remotely with an ocean view, which was super peaceful. And the bath and bed were very nice. The onsite restaurant is fabulous. They could use better signage to find your way around the facility but it’s easy walking distance to get around. I suggest bringing food for daytime as there is no store, nearby restaurants, or daytime meal service. But DoorDash is available (limited options) and happy hour is 3-5pm in the restaurant and then dinner service begins. The bar is also lively and excellent. | Overall t’s not an inexpensive place to stay and for the price, honest service and providing the best rooms available would be the respectful way to treat your guests. For me that was a huge fail in an otherwise very peaceful (if pricy) getaway.

We have stayed here on two separate occasions and although they make a nice first impression with a beautiful lobby and nicely decorated rooms, there are some very odd idiosyncrasies. In our most recent stay, the hot water heater in our coastal suite did not produce enough hot water for anymore than a one minute shower or bath when we brought the problem to the front desk and management we were told we would get a call back. Unfortunately, our concern was ignored And we received no call back. This place has some beautiful views, but just some very unusual aspects That seem to be outside the norm of the usual hotel stay and expectation. Also, when or if you opt to stay be prepared for extremely chilly and windy conditions.

I cannot express enough how incredible this stay was. A whole week with my family and it wasn't enough time. The bon fires on the private beach overlooking the bay was spectacular. The hot tub... yes!!! The pool.. amazing. My 13 year old son didn't want to leave the property he was in that water day and night. Had to pry him away from the pool to explore Monterey. Best part was the front desk. Very accommodating with the best customer service I've gotten in years. Polite and prompt. Need a ride back to the room? Sir we can take you in the golf cart if you like? Need a really nice bottle of wine for a nice evening with your spouse? No problem great little selection. Did you forget the sticks for roasting marshmallows at the bon fires for smores?? They have you covered! And the restaurant... is it expensive yes.. is it worth it? Absolutely it is. Salt wood is incredible. The drinks are amazing the food is incredible and the staff are just as friendly as the front desk. 10/10

We originally thought this hotel was in Monterey. I was pleasantly surprised. We appreciated the location and seclusion. Our suite was perfect. Normally, we find something we don’t like about a hotel, but everything was perfect. The decor, the cleanliness, the snacks, the view. There was a wedding outside of our room on our first day, it was beautiful. It actually inspired us to finally set a date for our wedding. We loved how it was family friendly but it didn’t seem crowded with kids. We would definitely come back with our family.

This is our second trip and we have loved each visit. This is my wife's favorite place to visit. She absolutely loves everything at the Sanctuary and we have a great time. This trip we never left the grounds! The on site restaurant SaltWood is fantastic. The portions are large and the food is always delicious. Even their burgers are amazing. You can order in room delivery service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The location is the real gem here. A short walk out of your room and you're on the beach. There's plenty of Adirondack chairs and space to spread out. There's also fire pits in the evenings. It's an amazing thing to go to sleep every night hearing the oceans roar. Just so peaceful and soothing. The staff is very nice and accommodating. Call for service and they'll be at your room shortly. There is decent WiFi and the TV has chrome cast so you can stream your shows and movies etc. The bed is very cozy with high quality linens and very comfy. You also have a mini bar fridge and microwave, tea and coffee etc along with some complimentary snacks. The suite was very nice. Huge deep tub with a spray wand, very nice and relaxing. Ample size shower and all well appointed. The room is a nice size with a sofa, coffee table, chairs and a window reading nook that's padded next to the window with great views. The patio is fantastic with large Adirondack chairs, a faux wood stump table and lovely views of the pacific. The price can be a bit much. So I can see that being a turn off for some. But we came in the off-peak season each time and it's much more reasonable. Note, that this is the Monterey Bay and even in summer it can be chilly and windy, so the weather in January is only marginally colder. So it works out great for us. You're not going to get service with someone waiting on you hand and foot. It's not the Ritz. But it's also not a bargain motel. You can get some privacy, have your own little beach cottage feel and unwind and relax. You have to decide if the price is worth it to you.

It's ok. Not worth the price. Had a beach front room but had to walk 15 mins to get to the car. Saw lots of carts driving around but nobody offered a ride and often wouldn't even make eye contact. Room was smaller than expected and you could hear anytime the people next door were leaving. We brought dogs, but the only grass was for the world mark timeshare guests and not for the $600+ a night sanctuary guests. Beach was nice and the only redeeming piece of the stay. Would not go again.

We had a absolutely AMAZING time here! The service and kindness of all of the staff was unsurpassed. We got an ocean front room and it was breath taking. Yes pricey, but you get what you pay for. We watched the sunset every night and used the fire pits. Went to the restaurant on sight and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. For anyone wondering, the mini bar stuff is INCLUDED with the room, as well as any snack goodies that are stocked. I've never been to a fancy resort and I'm used to them charging for everything but at this resort it's included and they also gave us one of their coffee cups. If you are looking for a getaway, I HIGHLY recommend The Sanctuary. It's just a hop over to Monterey too. Made memories here we'll never forget!

As soon as you pull in you feel like you're in a Sanctuary! Susan was such a delight as she checked us in provided all the details to help make our stay as comfortable as possible. She handed us off to Julio who helped us to our room. Julio was also so helpful and provided us with some more recommendations. Beautiful clean rooms with all the amenities. Beach front suite with beautiful views! Highly recommend for a peaceful retreat.

As a pet owner this place is such a gem. It's not always easy to get away without a reliable pet sitter, so to be able to bring them with us is worth the price for the extra peace of mind. The resort is exceptionally pet friendly and even with all the families that brought pets it felt like there was plenty of space for everyone to co-exist. There were tons of accessible bag stations and trash cans and the beach is so clean. We came in Nov so there weren't a ton of people on the sand in the afternoon, unless up by the fire pits, so our dogs had so much room to run around. We stayed in the Oceanfront Deluxe #607 and the room was super comfortable and was right by the entrance to the beach which was convenient. The room was clean and we had a mini bar full of beverages and snacks, all complimentary. There was a Fellow kettle and complimentary pour over coffee and tea, but you could also pay to order in from the restaurant. The in room fireplace can get a bit warm if you're sitting right in front of it, but we had the slider open most of the time so we could see the ocean, so it wasn't too bad with the breeze. The patio is also super relaxing to sit on. The one thing that would really make this place ideal is if there was a gym. Other than that, highly recommend if you're looking for a place to relax and need to bring the fur kids. We'll be back for sure.

What a gem! The staff is attentive and caring. Fresh coffee in the morning and cozy fires welcoming always in the lobby. Bonfires at sunset on the beach. My cottage on the ocean was beyond wonderful. An elegant seaside retreat. Private. Charming and brand new! Every amenity you could dream of. Dogs welcomed and everyone brought theirs. . Tesla chargers yay. The hotel and beach location were a 10

So dog-friendly. Our little guy had the time of his life. Only downside was the shower was never hot. Really warm, at best. But the staff assured us it was on the list of repairs for future visits. We had such a good time that we intend to make this our end of year tradition. We have so much more to explore in the Monterey/Carmel area. Love this place.

Fire pits. Pet friendly. They have amazing service! It's expected for resorts, but this place is overpriced.

UPDATE: I had to update this review since someone made a comment on my review of it being overly expensive for a ghetto place and I should of went to Cannery Row. There was a reason why my husband picked this place over Monterey bay. The sanctuary offered the availability of a beach front room WHILE being pet friendly. BTW I did went to the Monterrey bay aquarium. I walked passed the hotels on Cannery Row. what a busy busy place and you have to deal with traffic. NO THANKS. Ill stick to the Sanctuary. Where it was easy to pull up. My husband decided to surprise me and treat us to a vacation for our birthday. I must say, this is the most fanciest and MOST expensive hotel I ever been at. My husband chose this resort over other because they are extremely pet friendly. The resort is extremely beautiful. The morning lady at the front desk is so welcoming! She makes you feel good every time you talk to her. Now, the evening clerk, well she is not so friendly. We were here for 4 nights in the beginning of June. The weather was not so friendly. It was mostly cold and overcast. This is going to be a long review. The lobby area is beautiful. They have a fire burning going in the middle. The nice lady at the front desk greeted us and gave us all the information we needed. If you brought your pet with you, they have a sign in the front welcoming your pet with their name on it. I thought it was so thoughtful! You cannot drive your car to your room. So you park it near the lobby area and a golf cart takes you to your room. When we first open the door, everything was so amazing. The panoramic view of the beach right from the patio of your room was breathtaking. There was champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries for your pleasure. We had a nice king size bed, big full bathroom with a big tub on one size and the shower on the other. They have a couch that is right against the wall, you can watch the beach wave while sitting there eating your breakfast and drinking coffee in the morning. They give you a breakfast menu you fill out and keep it on your door knob the night before. In the morning you get breakfast in bed. The only thing i do not like about it, is that when you stay there for more than a few nights, you get REALLY tired of the same breakfast over and over again. They have your option of potatoes, eggs, and toast. I do not understand why they did not have waffles or pancakes. The first night we were there we had dinner at salt wood. I am honestly not impressed with their food. Their portions were small, and overpriced. They used lemon a lot I feel like everything was sour. Anyway ill be leaving a more detailed review under the Salt wood restaurant. On the resort side, they give you complimentary wine cards you can take to Salt wood. BUT, the only wine they giving you with the card is the same FULL bottle of wine that they left you in the room. Which honestly defeats the purpose of it. Would of been nice, if you had a choice of different wine. If you have your pet with you, you will be sitting on the patio, which for us was a windy day so we were cold. We walked to the private beach which was beautiful! There isn't much people on the beach I think due to the weather. I enjoyed walking on the sand holding hands with hubby. They have binoculars you can use at the front desk. We saw a seal that was getting up close to the fishermen at the beach it was cool to see. We also got to sit near the bon fire and watch the sunset. it was romantic. I slept like a baby in the room listening to the waves clashing all night while using the fire to keep the room warm. The last day we were there we spent it swimming in the pool and hot tub. The pool deep inn was only 4 1/2 ft tall. Which is awesome for short people who cannot swim like me. The hot tub was nice and hot. We ended our day by ordering dinner in our room. The menu is a little different from ordering in your room and having it at Salt wood. They said you can order food off your tv which was a lie. You can only see the menu but you have to call the restaurant to actually order. I did not know this, and when I called the front desk asking for help, she just very rudely transferred me to the restraint. PRICE: I had an amazing wonderful time here. But frankly, it was extremely expensive it was 800 a night, along with $50 pet fee. Would we come here again? Maybe? if it was more affordable. I feel like this was a once in a lifetime thing. The restaurant was not worth their overpriced and mediocre small portion food.

When I booked the room I was concerned with such a late check in. 4pm. called to see if there was an earlier, was told it shouldn't be an issue and they put in the notes. Arrived at 2pm and wasn't let in until 4pm.We sat in the lobby for two hours with a 3 year old and 1 year old. Watched numerous others come after me and get let in before me. No sense of customer service. Got the room with the pullout bed, felt every spring in the bed. Creamer in fridge had turned and was moldy, as was the kettle in the room. Very disappointed for the price. Look elsewhere I don't recommend staying here.

Let me start by saying it is a 5-star experience for comfort & relaxation...I am only giving it 4 stars because it is definitely out of my realm and, at least to me, not worth the money spent. It is definitely a swanky place so be prepared to spend money. If you like being pampered (for a price) or for an anniversary experience (like we had) it is a very relaxing atmosphere. Here are the details of our experience. The Good - AAA members get a slight discount on rooms - The place is VERY well kept and clean - Very supportive, professional, & accommodating staff. If you need a ride to your room/car they are happy to do it (we did a couple times since it was windy/cold) - Bottle of champagne upon arrival (LaMarca Prosecco $10-15 value) which we paid extra for but also had half a dozen macaroons - Bag of jelly beans & trail mix (from their on-site restaurant), very comfortable robes and slippers, steamer for clothes - Received 2 drink tickets to the restaurant which we unfortunately did not use - On site water dispenser for bottles, pet friendly...we saw lots of dogs there, and ability to rent bikes. - Activities like Jazz night and bonfires Things To Consider - We bought the breakfast which seemed reasonable...I believe $15/day per person. This gets you a $60 budget for breakfast which won't go far if you can eat. Portions are good, but expensive. Avocado toast is $17, a "complete" breakfast (bacon, potatoes, eggs) is $32. Breakfast ALSO has a delivery charge and a tax. Anything over the $60 gets charged to your room - Lots of tipping opportunities. So tip them when you get a ride back and forth, your breakfast delivery, etc. - If I am correct, the "Ocean View" and "Ocean Front" are not that different. We had Ocean View and the next closest to the ocean was only 30-40 feet ahead of our room - The beach was nice, secluded, but riddled with little blue things called "sea rafts" that literally covered as far as I could see (pic included).

Love this little resort! It is a secret slice of heaven! Very private beachfront suites in a stunning setting snuggled into Marina, CA alongside the Monterey Bay. Room service arrives in a picnic basket, ready for you to pick up and head out to the beach! Wood burning fire pits are lit each night for you to sit next to with friends and enjoy the sunset. The food is very yummy, service is quick, staff are all very nice and helpful. The property is very clean and well manicured. There is a nice little beach volleyball court and bocce ball set up too! The pool was a comfy 85 degrees and the huge hot tub was perfectly hot. There is a kiddie pool for the littles, and plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the pool area. The accommodations need a little updating, but it appears as though that was already happening in about 20 of the suites we saw under construction while we were there. It is such a special spot. This is an absolute must-see for anyone in or passing through the area. We will be back for sure!

For every visit, Intercontinental has been our preference of choice when in Monterey. It's central to the internationally known Monterey aquarium and more. That will have to change after having a five star experience at the Sanctuary Beach Resort. Off the main road and tucked away you will find an open parking lot that is complimentary. Bonus right there. Valet alone at other hotel establishments can range from $40- $50 a night. There is no hustle and bustle of tourists in sight. You can hear the ocean waves from a long distance out. Another sign we were going to continue having a wonderful evening. Behind the doors is the welcoming lobby with a small gift store of treats and such. There even is a variety of tea and coffee for your stay at no charge. The staff assisting us was very clear in fees including the environmental and dog fee etc. After checking in we were driven to our room by golf cart. How fun! From what we were told the golf cart service is 24 hours and can be used by contacting the office. Our room was on the second floor towards the back of the property. It was nearing sunset when we arrived. The room was decorated by the sun setting and the fireplace was plenty enough to keep us warm no matter where we were in our room. The open balcony is set with two wooden chairs for use. The room itself is equipped with what you need including a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and more. We didn't partake in the room service this time around, but it was the first time seeing a well rounded breakfast of hearty options. My husband would have preferred the bed to be less firm as he felt it didn't support his back. Personally, I didn't mind. Priority for me is clean sheets and that is all I ask for. Yes, they were clean! The vanity with two sinks is perfect for couples or families trying to ready themself. On opposite ends of the bathroom there is both a shower and a bathtub. I mean come on! The property is absolutely stunning and feels as if you're on the beach. It is only a walking distance to the Marina Dunes. If weather permits they will light the bonfires at night. There are personal chairs provided by the hotel where you can sit and relax. How peaceful and at ease we both were after our getaway. What about the sights and cannery row? Just a 15-20 minute drive to the familiar famous attractions. The only complaint is I didn't know about Sanctuary Beach Resort until now!

This review is for the amazing reiki session I went to on Sunday! Jennifer was so lovely and really made space for everyone in the group energetically. She was great at explaining what was happening, making sure everyone felt comfortable and spent a lot of time talking to people about their experience afterwards. She is an asset to this business and I can't wait to go to more of her classes.

Exceptional place. Rooms are nicely appointed and the views are gorgeous. The evening fire pits on the beach are another delight. The staff are very professional. The spa is a dream. Best Swedish massage I've ever had. Ask for Kumari, her technique is magic. Would definitely stay here again.

If my review was solely based on my most recent stay at the end of January 2024, then this would be a 2 star review. I am bumping it up to a 3 star because of past experiences which were far superior than my most recent stay. The location is unbeatable with the cozy cabins facing Monterey Bay with direct access to the beach at Dunes State Park. One reason I enjoy staying here is the fact that each room has a gas fireplace and a sliding glass door out to a private patio. At night, I love to turn the fireplace on and keep the window open with the screen closed to listen to the ocean waves crashing on the beach all night long. They also offer an in-room breakfast delivered at your preferred time in a cute picnic basket. In the past, it was a lighter breakfast, but on my most recent stay the options were full plates (a little heavy/greasy) and not as easy to eat out on the private patio since the table outside is tiny. However, I had several disappointments during my most recent stay. I booked an oceanfront suite, but upon check-in they tried to assign us a room that was very far away from the beach (coastal view). When I brought up my reservation, the front desk agent had to talk to a manager and was gone for about 20 minutes. Upon her return, she said it would be a couple hours until the room was ready. Ok, I went to the restaurant and had a glass of wine and watched the football game at the bar. When the room was finally ready, I was bummed that all the decor was out of date and beat up. The bathroom felt like a truck stop restroom with a dull fluorescent light and a toilet that seemed to flush 10 gallons of water per flush. Almost all of the furniture was either dirty or broken. Upon my first morning, I noticed that all of oceanfront suite buildings which I'd stayed in previously were fenced off and under construction. It made me wonder why I was able to book the room on their website if they knew that room type was under construction. Anyways, on my second day, a huge fumigation tent went up on one of the timeshare buildings further from the beach (but close to where my original room was supposed to be). That grossed me out a bit. The hotel staff did comp me $100 for the restaurant for the inconvenience with check-in which was a nice gesture. I am optimistic that The Sanctuary Beach Resort is doing a very thorough renovation (the rooms need it). I would potentially come back when the renovation is complete, and after I am able to see some proof that things are clean and cared for again. The price per night is too high to allow for the dirty, dated stays--even with the beauty of the ocean right in front of you.

Stayed at this place for a girls trip and was horrified about his downhill this place has gone. Bugs in the room. You could see through the sheets the giant yellow pee stain (at least we think it was pee) that coveted the majority of our mattress. The chairs you couldn't sit on because they were so filthy. Hair in the bathtub. They brought us a cot since the mattress was so gross and I kid you not the cot collapsed when our party member sat on it. They used to have s'mores kits in the room. Now you can only buy their $40 kits in the lobby. This place used to be amazing. Not sure what's happened but it's a total train wreck.

I had a poor experience here that wasn't restful. I'm only mentioning it here because I feel this situation could have been avoided by letting me know about construction that would be performed right infront of my bungalow during my 2 night stay. The beginning looked so promising- the staff was super sweet and the room was amazing and looks out onto the ocean situated directly on the beach. BUT THEN at 9 am , a truck started hauling sand around right in front of my patio, with equipment placed on my patio while they were working ( blowers- which I find menacing just to look at). This went on NON STOP all day- even though I tried a couple of times to voice complaint - because every public indoor space in the hotel was also CLOSED- so no spa, no restaurant, only outdoor places to retreat to- and it was freezing out!! Because I was recovering from surgery, I couldn't walk on the beach and was stuck in my room with this construction noise going on , next to my bed- right outside my window so no way to escape. I must have spent a full hour talking to various employees and managers. What a waste of precious vaca time!! It was torture, I found no peace - and ironically the place is called The Sanctuary! I complained to the front desk and spoke with several managers who were very apologetic. The finale was the workman then began hammering and building a sidewalk , ALSO RiGhT by my bedroom window. The manager was extremely sorry and gave me the dinner and breakfast complimentary on the hotel. This was helpful. All in all- the staff was very nice and the food was exceptional! I feel that i can't blame them for this incident- but they should let people coming in from across the country who only have 2 nights to relax and option ahead of time to pick a different and more quiet room, away from any planned construction. The place is not cheap after all. So why waste $600 per night to pull your hair out!

This location is a hidden gem! Looking for a place to take your dog? Look no further. This place lists your dogs name on the billboard as you enter the front desk. Rooms have food and water bowls with your pets name on them. The rooms are pristine and well appointed. The food was exceptional and room service is delivered in a picnic basket. The room is stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages. Just a wonderful place to relax.

Wonderful place to stay & a great value. I booked a 2-night stay at the Sanctuary Resort via an Airbnb listing. The resort was accessible to private beach access with ocean views. Upon checking in, we were given 2 coupon cards for two Complimentary glasses of sparkling wine to be used at Salt Wood Kitchen (the restaurant on site) which was a nice surprise! The unit was as described in the listing. The 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo was located on the Worldmark timeshare side of the resort and is managed by Wyndham. The condo was remodeled and extremely clean. Check- in was easy. Prior to arrival, I contacted the property to request a first floor unit as we were traveling with my elderly grandparents. We were assigned a first floor unit, close to the pool area. The resort was also able to accommodate a later check- out time. The resort is only a 15-20 minute drive away to Monterey/ Pacific Grove area. The resort grounds are beautiful. There was ample free parking. Looking forward to a return trip.

People should know that this place sounds like a haunted house. The wind is so loud! I called to complain at the front desk, and the answer I got is that this is the first day the wind has ever blown like this... you have a hotel right on the ocean and you say the wind never blows? I wasn't born yesterday... Also, they give you a coffee maker, but absolutely no condiments for the coffee. I don't get it. You get more at a Motel 6 than you do here. The room was nice. The views were amazing. The restaurant was also very nice. But, when I pay this much for a room, I expect better amenities and quiet!

Nice staff, beautiful setting, nice fire pits, in room amenities good, but for my one night stay, they gave us a bottle of sparking water, an , , dates to start the day, with tickets for free champagne at Salt Wood. The only negative which is a big negative in my book and my wife's is shower (bathtub shower combo) is less than to be desired, pressure is poor, but then again the shower head calcified. And the tub drain doesn't drain. It could just be my unit, reminds me of the Bates Motel. Motel 6 has better showers. For the avg price of this establishment, I would think all this would be resolved prior to my stay for my wife's birthday. The shower is one of the important things in a room. Next time, I'll just stay at the Hampton up the block, and then drive and park in the public area at Sanctuary, and walk to the beach if needed. The staff said the bungalows will be renovated end of the year and the facilities should be more modernized.

The Sanctuary resort has upgraded their rooms and it certainly shows. This was the 5th time that we have stayed at the resort and the experience was wonderful. From the furniture to the refrigerator and bath area things have been upgraded and renovated. The breakfast that can be ordered delivered to the room is outstanding as are the meals that can be picked-up or delivered from the Salt grass restaurant on site. But most of all is the beach setting where right from the patio you can watch the whales and dolphins heading into the Monterey Bay during the day, and enjoy the great fire kettles on the beach at night.

Let me first start off by saying, I am not one to spend in large amount of money on myself and actually spoil myself. Yet I had a twitch in my eye and could tell I really needed some extra comfort. to stay at a hotel. I've been saving this place on my "must do's" for years and I have to say that I didn't regret the cost on bit. So I book the room, grab my pup who is now 10 and getting old and we headed to Sanctuary Beach Resort. Upon arriving a bit late and I was immediately greeted by David & Michelle at the counter. Who had my room reservation ready me and small doggie treats for Zoey. After joking around a bit about my dog getting a nice treat. Michelle was nice of enough to offer a bottle of Chard to help decompress from the long drive. Well the Chard was amazing!! Entire staff was extremely friendly. Love the dog menu at the restruant and got the mental reset I need. Totally returning!!

THE WORST!!!! if i could give this place 0 stars i would! my boyfriend and i stayed here for valentine's day and it was honestly the worst experience we've ever had which sucked considering it was valentine's day. i called to ask if it was possible to check in early, lady on the phone said yes then when we got there the man at the front was incredibly rude and said we had to wait another 2 hours even though when i called they said it was ready. don't know how that man still has a job there. incredibly unenthusiastic and just seemed like he hated his life. the room was terrible and SO outdated, noisy, and smelt like an old basement. our blinds were also broken and people walking by had a view into our room. also, no hand soap which was weird. PLEASE SAVE YOUR MONEY!

I'd love to give more stars but our trip was far from perfect. I took my son and dog in hopes that we would fall in love. We stay at seascape resort in Aptos often, and we're so excited to make this our new favorite resort bc this time we could bring my dog. (Seascape does not allow dogs over night) when booking we were told dogs have to be with you at all times- but assured me dogs could be in pool area seeing as they cannot be in the room alone. At check in I was told dogs are NOT allowed in pool area. It was a bit cold and windy at the beach so we were definitely planning on using the pool so that was the first disappointment. 2nd was we waited 2 hrs to get checked in, and didn't even have dog bowls in the room.- I called the front and was told they were on the way, we waited 30mins, nothing. We got a snack at the restaurant and an hr later returned - still no dog dishes. Knowing I was going to a very dog friendly resort I didn't bother packing his. Side note- our room was great and the view was beautiful but I thought it odd to room a dog in an upstairs room. My dogs really old so that was pretty tough on him but I didn't want to risk waiting longer for a different room. I was pretty irritated by this point and let the cart guy know- HE was very understanding and apologetic and even dropped off a bottle of wine for the trouble. Lastly we ordered dinner to go so I didn't need to drag my dog out again after a long day and well the food was meh, and they forgot an appetizer which was delivered later after i let them know. All n all this place is beautiful, rooms are great. But the communication needs a huge improvement. My son n I left a bit disappointed that our trip was not how we had hoped- but agreed we may have just gotten unlucky and may give it another shot next fall

We stayed in a beach-front villa. High-end quality, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The beach was very inviting with Adirondack chairs and fire pits for enjoying the cold, windy evenings. A great location for beginning a southward tour of the Pacific Coast Highway. Carmel is 15 minutes drive and we'll worth it.

This serene oasis was the birthplace of my exploration into the profound link between our minds and our finances, the place where I discovered the secret to mental peace and financial prosperity. I invite you to come and experience this transformative journey with me. If you've read "The Connection", you'll already know the power of mindfulness in shaping our lives. Now, It was inspired by the Sanctuary's opportunity to delve deeper, to experience firsthand the tranquility and inspiration that this haven provides. see the breathtaking landscapes that inspired my book. #TheConnection #ConnectedRetreat #Mindfulness #FinancialWellbeing #Transformation #JourneyToSelf #ConnectWithYourBestSelf"

What a great stay. The beach is large and lovely and as a bonus we got a guided tour for free from the hotel lobby teaching us about the dunes. The property is quite and peaceful, and has a large heated pool, a heated kiddie pool and a big hot tub. The restaurant is pretty overpriced, but you can get other food locally and enjoy on your balcony or the beach. There are bonfires they light at the beach first come first served each night. They arranged whale watching for us, which was delightful and we saw a humpback as well as some gray whales.

I wanted to love this place so bad! Hubs, pup and I stayed here while attending my brother's wedding nearby. I've been eyeing this place for a while as it was highly recommended to me by a couple coworkers , and it was the perfect opportunity to book a stay! AND they're "dog-friendly" which in our eyes was a major plus, because that meant we wouldn't have to board our pup anywhere & he could adventure with us (..but more on this later)! We booked a king bed ocean view junior suite. The room size was pretty standard. It had a fireplace, 2 TVs, a shower, bath tub (not pictured), small living room area. Some patio furniture outside, and a bar area. Keurig coffee machine. The price was higher than other places in the area, but my guess is because of the location--you're literally ON the beach! Check in was smooth, but it was not til then that we were informed that we were not allowed to leave our pup unattended in the room. Other "dog-friendly" hotels we have been to did not have this policy in place, so we were left stressing and scrambling to find a place to watch after our boy during the actual wedding and reception. Luckily, my sister was staying at another actual dog-friendly hotel, and we were able to leave him there for a couple hours. Parking situation was a little strange. You park by the main office, and all the rooms are up the hill. Staff is available to golf-cart you and your luggage up to your room; but there was one night where no one was available and it was freezing outside! That, and walking up that hill in heels while pregnant was not fun. Anyways, like I said, the location is amazing. It's what you're paying for, really. You step out of your room, and you're literally ON the beach! Mornings were nice and quiet and it felt like we had the beach to ourselves. We even saw some whales one morning! We enjoyed our stay, and I know our pup enjoyed the beach . Not sure if we'll stay here again due to the price, but all things considered we had a good time.

I have to admit I had no idea what was in the store when we booked this room. We came here on a Tuesday night and fares were pretty reasonable in comparison to other hotels that are dog friendly in the area. My partner has been here several times and highly recommended it so we came here on a birthday whim! Upon checking in, they will pick you up in a golf cart and take you to your cottage by the ocean. Our room felt very private with a fireplace and full kitchenette! We stayed in the junior suite with use of the bonfire and ocean at night! After settling in, we didn't wanna make the drive to Carmel and we took advantage that we could get picked up and taken to the restaurant on site Salt Wood which was amazing btw There really is no reason to leave this literal sanctuary. It has a private beach, it's dog friendly, you can use the pool,they have bicycles to ride .. and a couple sports options! This place is beautiful for a family retreat or a wedding as well. I simply can't wait to come back here!

Motel 6 Experience in a White Lotus Setting The $795 per night room is literally a quarter mile from the front desk. That would be no problem if the room was adequately equipped. No coffee no utensils and oddly no nightstands on either side of the bed.? The beach here is nice but not worth the price.

First, the view and staff were wonderful. Can't beat the location right on the beach and everyone was so friendly and accommodating. With that being said, be prepared to spend a lot of $. Very pricey restaurant. Their s'mores kit is $150 so we went across the street to Walmart to get our own but The bonfires and chairs are not private so people from the public come up and use them so keep that in mind. We got our rooms for a discounted rate since booking last minute but the rate for our room was normal $800+ a night and for that price everything should be working and pristine. The bikes are rusted, broken, and only 3 were offered for the entire resort. Our fireplace didn't work and one of our windows didn't open. Biggest complaint was the hot tub being broken for the price everyone pays they should be able to afford to fix the motor. We would come back if we got the rooms for $400 again just for the good views and friendly service.

The spa is amazing. Best massage i have ever had! Please ask for Venia!!! She is amazing and so perfect. I will be booking again before I leave Marina and will connect with her every time I come back!

The Sanctuary is aptly named because if you are looking to get away from the busyness and noise. I recommend the ocean view suites. You can see the view in my pictures for a reference. My wife and I are busy people so the drive from Sacramento was long enough to decompress but not too long. The views on the later part of the drive are beautiful and relaxing. The staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable to help mark your stay an experience. When you arrive they have staff to take you to your room on extended golf carts. The property has a fine dining experience which is great for a romantic dinner or to celebrate something special. So enjoy the experience.

Although my girlfriend and I were excited to visit this resort as it seemed to offer everything we desired, including top-notch rooms, a private beach with dedicated chairs, and a high-end restaurant, our positive experience came to an abrupt halt when we received our final bill. Admittedly, during our stay, we added an extra day, but the charges that appeared on our account after we departed left a sour taste in my mouth. In my opinion, the resort's billing practices amounted to theft, and I will detail below just how unscrupulous they were. $442 - Day #1 $382 - Day #2 (Even though front desk lady quoted us $279) -------------------------------------- $822 - TOTAL for stay Here is a breakdown of the additional charges the resort added to our bill, without any prior warning or disclosure on their website. $40 x 2 - "Environmental Fee"? $50 x 2 - "Pet Fee"? $50 x 2 - "Occupancy Tax"? $50 X 2 - "Room Charge" $54 - Salt Wood Room Charge -------------------------------------- $434 - TOTAL HIDDEN CHARGES The concealed charges that the resort added after our departure were shockingly high, amounting to over half of the total cost of our stay. The "Pet Fee" I can understand but these other so-called charges like "Occupancy Tax" and "Environmental Fee" seem dubious to me, as I have never encountered such charges at any other hotel or resort. During our stay, we ordered room service on two occasions and noticed that the bill included a delivery service fee ($15) and a server tip, which was understandable. However, we were perplexed as to why an extra $54 was tacked on "Salt Wood Room Charge" without any apparent explanation. It almost appears that they fabricated some of these charges on a whim thinking we wouldn't notice them. To compound matters, I made several attempts to contact the resort for an explanation regarding these exorbitant fees. Despite sending my concerns to three different email addresses designated for addressing such issues, they never bothered to respond or even call us. In light of our unpleasant experience, I have given them a 1-star rating. I urge anyone considering staying at this resort to be extra vigilant in reviewing every charge on their bill to avoid experiencing the same situation we did.

I came here on my actual birthday with another couple who recommended this place. I didn't know what to expect when coming to this place based upon the reviews some reviews stated the establishment was old and some reviews stated this establishment was nice but there were a lot of mixed reviews and the price of the hotel was not cheap with that being said I'm glad I came here. Our room was gorgeous yes it was an older room however it was definitely worth it. I loved our fireplace and the his and hers sinks. The balcony, the ocean front view and the fire pits. Everything made this experience nice, cozy and romantic. Next time I think we'll bring a few more couples with us. I tried to post the room but for some reason the pictures will not come up. Next time, I'll post them right away

It's exactly what the doctor ordered! :) The Sanctuary was very incredible. After a long week of work, we decided to take a vacation together, and we had a wonderful time there. We reserved a hotel that overlooked the ocean, and from the deck of that suite, we were able to observe the sunrise, the sunset, and even some dolphins. The daily bonfires were a lot of fun and were held right on the sand. Despite the fact that we hoped it had been warmer when we went, we still had an incredible time overall! The staff was really warm and welcoming to all of our needs. The people who work in the office are extremely helpful, polite, and nice. It is peaceful, and there is a private beach that is only three to five minutes away on foot. A lovely spot to take in the breathtaking sunset. "due to COVID," the spa is currently closed. Meh!

The place is neat and pretty lobby. The unit we got was not "very senior"-friendly. We had out 90yr old folks with us. Dad fell right off after taking a few steps from the car because the step down was not in different color. We arrived at night so it looked like it's on one plane. Unfortunately he suffered a fall and hit his chest on a square post. No signs that there is a step. So we had to make a trip to urgent care to get him x-rayed. Fortunately there were no broken bones. Just bruised all over. The service is spectacular though. The unit has ocean view. It's beautiful and peaceful. The entrance driveway though is a problem. Only one vehicle can fit. and a big rig got broken diwn and blocked the way in or out. We got stranded for 5 hours. If there was an emergency, the emergency vehicles will have no way to get in.

The only positive thing about this place is the location and the views. Rooms are in desperate need of updating. Rooms are grungy and outdated. Bed mattress was so uncomfortable I could hardly sleep. Bathroom fixtures are old and disgusting. Shower water pressure is terrible and temperature can get scalding to the point of being dangerous. Rooms are poorly insulated so you can hear all the noise on the floor above. The stone tiles in the kitchen area are uneven. My daughter tripped and went splat hard. My mom almost did the same. I'm never coming back.

Stayed here for a night and the first time we really stayed away for a night since COVID started. We really needed a night away, and thankfully this spot took all the necessary precautions which was great. The room itself was nice, but a bit overpriced for what you're getting, but I guess it's the location. It's right by the ocean and you'll have easy access to the beach from your room. Our room didn't have a heater, so it got a bit cold during the night though. Overall, it was a good experience. Only major issue was that the front desk lady was a bit rude and wouldn't even consider giving our room early as we got there about two hours before check in. They said they would call if it was available earlier, but they never did. My wife went in after an hour and they let us check in then. Strange.

We have stayed here a handful of times and each time we've become more disappointed by the quality of the rooms. It's beyond time for updates and the price does not match the quality. A couple of years ago the hotel updated their lobby and added a new delicious restaurant. To be honest, both are divine. However, our $700+ room left a lot to be desired and mostly left us with much disappointment and a sore back from really bad quality beds. 1/Unfortunately we walked into the entrance of our room to a mangled bird all over the welcome mat. The bell-mail laughed mostly because we were all uncomfortable. Although, no one ever came back to clean it up. See pic. 2/We had upgraded to a suite. To realize the couch had huge holes in the couch cover. It was so terrible, we didn't even sit on it. See pic. The gas fireplaces have been replaced with cheap electric fireplaces. Made you feel like you were in a bad bar too late. 3/We woke up to a flapping sound in the wind. That was the rooftop that needed replaced. See pic. Honestly, we are bummed. We used to love coming here, but until they invest their money into their rooms for their guests, we won't be back. We moved on to Carmel the next evening and paid about the same to stay at (4.7 Stars) L'auberge Carmel (Michelin rated). It's beautiful and we were greeted with care and a lovely bottle of Champaign. Save your money and look elsewhere.

We really love the vibe of this place. It is so peaceful and relaxing, but with the prices they charge we definitely think the rooms need to have some upgrades done to them, but over all we love this place and everything it has to offer.

We recently took a trip to Marina (Monterey) for our anniversary. We were so disappointed when we arrived to hear that the pool and hot tub were not functioning. Couples were checking in at the same time as us and were also upset. They had called in the morning to ask if the pool and hot tub were available, but the pump had stopped working mid-day. The manager, Michelle, was incredible at handling the many of us who were upset in the lobby. She treated us with immense kindness and professionalism. She even called us once we were settled into our room. We had the best room we have ever had during our stay at the Sanctuary. We love to come annually and now we will be hoping to get such a clear ocean view every time!

On arrival check in was easy and the front desk staff explained where our room was, activities included and confirmed that I brought my dogs. Fyi its 50/pet per day and an additional 100 for incidentals. They assured me I would get an invoice on check out. I wish fees were more clear online as I thought it was 50/day for cleaning when you travel with pets as I didn't know it was a charge per animal. In any event staff were friendly and we were shown to another staff member to load our luggage and dogs onto a golf cart to be driven to our room. I do like that the rooms are far from parking since you can't hear any traffic but there's the inconvenience of being far from your car. Room: we had room 612 and were at the far edge of the property with an ocean view. I paid extra for the view and private patio which I would say is worth it if you're traveling with dogs as you have easy access to the beach. Just outside was an activity area with volleyball court, bocce ball and ice machine. They also have heated swimming pool and jacuzzi. It was too windy and cold during our visit but I would think they would be very nice during summer. Our room did not correlate with the price paid. It was quite cold and had a fireplace as the only heat source but it wasn't very warm. I ended up calling on the first night to ask for extra blankets. The tub and shower combo was unimpressive and the tub was way too shallow to enjoy with your partner or even by yourself. Bathroom fan was terribly loud. Bathroom in general was ice cold during our visit, and didn't seem very well insulated. Layout of the bathroom makes little sense, toilet on the far side with closing door, sink across from toilet with no place to hang towels for washing hands, shower and tub next to the toilet sink and an additional sink near the door with one towel rack. Lighting for the sink was strangely bright. They provided body soap, shampoo and conditioner and the usual qtips and face pads but no shower cap or sewing kit. Bed was bare bones with plain sheets, no blanket or comforter unless you pulled the thin brown blanket from the closet. I believe other reviewers have mentioned but the counter space and general layout of the room is poor. No bedside tables or lamps, no hook near the shower to place the towel or clothes. The bathroom counter is very small and there is no place to hang towels. Things to do: if you're looking to getaway from all the things this would be it. As mentioned, your room is far from the parking lot but there are activities on site: heated pool and jacuzzi, corn hole, volleyball net, bocce ball, fire pit both on the grounds and at the beach. However, if you go during winter/February as we did, it was quite windy and rained enough that we couldn't use these. We dressed in several layers during the entirety of our trip so make sure to look at the weather beforehand, beach getaways come in many shapes. We went on the Saturday morning nature walk which is guided by a naturalist and informative. This was an easy walk you can bring dogs on. We finished at the beach but you can loop back to the lodge as well. They have yoga at 9:30am but we couldn't use this as you can't leave the dogs alone. Restaurant: I heard this place is dog friendly and indeed they have a patio but it is not heated and they could only offer blankets. It was troublesome to travel with our dogs here so I wouldn't recommend bringing large dogs just because it limits so many activities and plans. We got dessert to go and cancelled our dinner reservation which is a shame as I wanted to try the oysters. Overall: service and interactions with all staff was very good but the value of our room was disappointing and I would hesitate to book again given how poorly the room was set up for resort level prices. Resort would probably be much more enjoyable in warmer months.

The one star is for the view. It really is a beautiful location. I hope that my experience is a very off event for this property. To premise this... I'm not one to post very negative comments. We stayed here two nights in October. I paid to upgrade the room to a more beach front location. We had requested early check in but after paying for the upgrade it was delayed since the room was not ready. Not a huge deal. When we got to the room it was nice. As we settled in we realized the toilet was running and loudly. We also noticed that the wine and chocolate that we paid additional for were not in the room. We call the front desk and told them we were missing items and the toilet was making loud noises. They sent someone to drop off wine and chocolate and fix the noise. We then went to dinner. When we arrived back went to bed to awake to the rather loud toilet again. My husband did his best at fixing it and went back to bed. We had ordered room service for breakfast which arrived in the am. It was strange and not as expected. You pay $23 per person for only option available and your pick of eggs, meat and juice. It came in a bag and was put in a small paper box. It tasted ok. Just strangely expensive for what we received. It reminded us of more of a grab and go gas station meal. Would not order again. Shortly after breakfast we put our boxes off to the side and got ready for a beach day. As we went to clean up and dispose of breakfast we realized ants were covering the boxes and the counters. Lots of ants...Then the toilet began to run again this time even louder. So at this point we started laughing because this was a bit crazy. This property is expensive and had not been up to par. I called the front desk again and explained the situation. They said they would send someone. He then tried to fix the running toilet and sprayed bug spray for the ants. The toilet was off and on running all night again. The next morning at check out I explained again the situation. The front desk person said a manager would be in later and would address my concerns. Several days later still no contact. I called the property and left a voicemail for the Resort General Manager. He later emailed back and said " Your feedback is essential in our effort to improve our service standards. I apologize for the ants and the running toilet. We have an annual contract with a national pesticide company and will increase the frequency." He said that he would offer a discount on a future stay. I immediately responded that I would appreciate to be taken care of for my recent stay/experience. There was no response. I called and left another voicemail. Nothing. Finally I received an email stating "Thank you for your response. I understand that your last visit was less than satisfactory due to the ant and 'running" toilet issues. We will stay with our initial gesture of assisting you upon your return with a non published discount of our Best Available Rate." And a free breakfast for two. I waited and gave ample time for them to make this right. I get things happen. But, for this lack of service and truly the lack of care...I would *NOT" recommend staying at this property. Super disappointing.

Another Update! We just returned from what was likely our favorite visit at The Sanctuary. Special thanks to Robert LaForgia the Director of rooms for listening to our concerns after our last visit. Everything was perfect! We really appreciate the customer service! We enjoyed two dinners at the Saltwood. We sat on the patio because we had our dog with us. They were very accommodating and made sure we were warm with heat lamps and blankets. As always the food was delicious. We also enjoyed breakfast delivered a couple of days. Lots of food, and some great options. Friendly, and helpful staff! A young Gentleman named Bopon? who mentioned he was new to the job welcomed us, and was especially friendly. He also picked us up in the golf cart when we needed to check out a little early. We are looking forward to our next visit. Hopefully soon!

OMG, Breathtaking View of the ocean. All rooms facing the ocean some with partial viewing. Right from the start after checking in, you are taken to your room by a golf cart. There a nice restaurant in the facility named: Salt Wood, check out their Happy Hour

We paid for an OCEANFRONT view and got barely an oceanfront view. They put us on the bottom floor in a tiny room because we paid through a third party company. They should be trying to put people on the balcony level especially if they check in right at 4:00 pm, which is their check in time. For the amount of money we paid for we're thinking of going back to the Tides. The Tides are a lot less expensive and there's not a bad oceanfront view there. Next year anniversary I think we should go to the Tides. At least if you're put on the bottom floor the ocean is right at the front door. VERY DISAPPOINTED