Release Your Inner Animal

Monterey County's "Wild for Nature" Package Spotlights the Region's Natural Assets

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. October 14, 2008

MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, January 3, 2007. Go wild this winter-but tame your wallet-when you book a stay at one of 30 local properties offering deep discounts and value-added promotions through the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau's "Wild for Nature" promotion. From offbeat estuary safaris to nature tours, kayaking with sea otters or bedding down at an exotic animal training farm, the options are endless for travelers seeking an "eco-tourism" escape with nature. Available January 1 through February 28, 2007, the "Wild for Nature" promotion can be reserved via www.wildfornature.com. Don't forget to pick up a Travel Offers Card when you check in at your hotel for more details about wild deals and steals!

From birders to botanists, Monterey is one of the nation's top migration treks for a variety of birds and whales. Bald eagles, sea otters and a litany of lively critters make a stay along the bay a true outback adventure. Factor in 99 miles of prime Pacific coastline, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and a string of national parks from Big Sur to the Pinnacles National Monument, and winter on the coast is a win-win.

HOTEL DISCOUNTS

Thirty lodging properties throughout Monterey County are promoting special "Wild for Nature" rates this winter, ranging from the Monterey Hotel (from $49/night) and Portola Plaza Hotel (from $139/night) in downtown Monterey to the family-friendly Monterey Bay Travelodge and Hyatt Regency Monterey, to unique escapes like the Captain's Inn and Sandpiper Inn B&B. Additional special offers abound at more than 50 area hotels, restaurants, wineries, golf courses, attractions and shops-including unlimited golf at Quail Lodge in lush Carmel Valley and free dinner and breakfast for two at the rustic Big Sur River Inn.

Book now for best availability. Details about these great off-season values are available at www.wildfornature.com. For more information about Monterey County attractions and events, visit www.montereyinfo.org or call the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-221-1010.

OUTBACK ADVENTURES

Wild Things

Lions, tigers and... reindeer. Take a walk on the wild side and meet 110+ wild animals used in films, television and advertising. Kangaroos, primates and reptiles round out the two-hour visit led by a trainer/naturalist. Couples can enjoy an optional overnight stay with breakfast delivered by a resident pachyderm. Deal: One child free with a paying adult on daily one-hour tour. www.wildthingsinc.com.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Dive in for a day of play at the nation's top-rated aquarium, home to 250,000+ animals and plants representing more than 700 species of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, birds and plants. Book a Morning Rounds: Behind-the-Scenes Tour for a rare opportunity to interact with the aquarium's exhibit animals as an aquarist would. The morning begins with a private viewing of the 8:30 a.m. sea otter feeding and training session and continues behind the scenes with a rare look at where food is prepared for the animals, and how they get their morning meals as the aquarists get the exhibits ready for the day. At the end of the tour, everyone who takes part in "Morning Rounds" will have a chance to feed some of the animals in the aquarium's Discovery Lab classrooms. Deal: $5 off gift and bookstore purchase of $40 or more. www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Elkhorn Slough Safari

All aboard this thrilling pontoon ride scouting some 1,400 acres established as a Globally Important Bird Area. Reaching nearly seven miles inland from the coast, the slough's freshwater wetlands and marshes are home to some 340+ types of birds, 400 plant species and 80 species of fish. Deal: Buy one full-priced ticket, get 50% off second ticket (weekdays). www.elkhornslough.com.

Whale Watching

Nutrient-rich and naturally wonderful, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the United States' largest protected region and a prime viewing area for exotic species including blue, gray, humpback, minke and orca whales. Winter delivers the magnificent California Gray Whales on their annual migration south from Alaska to Baja, California. For more information, visit www.montereyinfo.org.

Sea Kayaking, Surfing, Biking

Rock the boat aboard a guided sea kayak tour of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Adventurers after a true adrenalin rush can hit the surf on their own or take to the two-person kayak for a little speed at sea program. Surf lessons and biking rental/tours along the popular waterfront Recreation Trail round out the offer. For more information, visit www.montereyinfo.org.

Sailing the Bay

Take the helm aboard a yacht and delve into the deep under the command of one of the region's top captains. Abundant marine mammals and avians await the avid enthusiast. For more information, visit www.montereyinfo.org.

SPECIAL TREATMENT

Prefer to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of the indoors? You may choose to pamper your body with one of these spa treatments that look to Mother Nature for inspiration.

Allegria Spa at Ventana Inn

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Big Sur and head to Ventana Inn's Allegria Spa for its El Sur Grande Hot Stone Therapy, a combination of nature's heated basalt stones and massage to release stiff muscles and relieve joint pain. Hot stone therapy may be performed in the Zen Garden (upon request, weather permitting). www.ventanainn.com/spa.asp.

Spa on the Plaza

The Rain Drop Therapy treatment at the Portola Plaza Hotel's Spa on the Plaza begins with a cleansing sea salt aromatherapy bath, followed up by a soothing aromatherapy treatment which involves the application of organic essential oils to relax and revitalize the body. In the tradition of Monterey County's Esalen Indians, the body is saged with a Californian sage "smudge stick" for enhancing the body's etheric shield. www.montereyplazahotel.com/spa.htm.

The Spa at Bernardus Lodge

The spa at Carmel Valley's Bernardus Lodge offers an Ancient Volcanic Ritual treatment designed to purify, revitalize and tighten the skin. The ritual begins with a geranium grape seed body scrub to soften your skin. Next, you'll receive an application of the spa's aromatic botanical mask made from volcanic ash and china clay, two of nature's most powerful detoxifiers. This ritual is completed with a moisturizing geranium lotion application. www.bernardus.com/live-the-dream/spa.php

FREE FOR ALL

Hit the ground running this winter via a free self-guided nature adventure at one of these top stops.

Bald Eagles Retreat at Lake San Antonio

One of the largest winter habitats for bald eagles in Central California, Lake San Antonio is also home to deer, rabbit, quail, and a variety of other wildlife. The lake covers 5,000 acres and birders can explore 40 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails and 60 miles of shoreline. www.lakesanantonio.net.

Ventana Wilderness Society

High tail it to Big Sur or the Pinnacles National Monument for a glimpse of the majestic California Condors overhead. Both parks are successful designated release areas for the recovering native species. Or, visit the Ornithology Lab at Andrew Molera Park in Big Sur to watch bird banding activities. Winter banding is weather dependent, but normally takes place on Mondays and Tuesdays. www.ventanaws.org.

Pt. Lobos State Reserve

Hike the scenic trails of the 554-acre state preserve. See wandering deer, watch sea otters and sea lions frolic in the surf. Pt. Lobos is also a great picnic or day hike destination. www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=571.