Mid-coast California

Best Things Nearby:
Hearst Castle
Winery Tours
Beaches


Best Things About the Resort:
View
On-site amenities

Resort Experience:
We were given a one bedroom with a gorgeous view of the bay and harbor in the Sunterra section which is a smaller one bedroom than the RCI side. The explanation given was that it was Easter break and the only Imperial units were golf course view. Given the choices we took the Regal unit. The nice thing about the Sunterra side is that it is very private. No one can look up and watch you on your deck.

The unit was fine for 2 adults and a child but I wouldn't cram 4 adults in the 542sq ft space. Well equiped kitchen with service for 4, generous with the cooking gear and actually had sharp knives! Welcome pack of coffee, creamer and sugar. Dishwasher detergent and dishwashing liquid were also provided as well as coffee filters for the week. The bathroom was very large in relation to the unit size. It was a country mile to the elevators though and we used the stairs in our wing often to and from the pool area.

The space is well set up and decorated nicely with no readily apparent wear. The only strange thing was there was no bureau in the bedroom so you have to make do with the TV cabinet drawers in the bedroom and living area.

The pool area is very nicely done with separate kiddie pool and small spa all of which are heated to about 80 degrees. Nice glass walled exercise room overlooking the pool and an arcade/game room. The pool area is designed with low buildings surrounding it to cut the breezes from the ocean.

All the common areas of the resort are well maintained. Daily trash take-out and towels with mid-week cleaning and linen change are provided.

Activities included a welcome continental breakfast on Saturday, all sorts of Easter activities for the children, winery tours and the San Luis Obispo market. There are movie nites in the owners' lounge and games that you can borrow.

SLB is ideal for a romantic getaway or for families. Avila Beach is what you make it. There is golfing, tennis and beach right at or very near the resort. There is a 3 star quality restaurant. Everything else is a drive, including a supermarket. Absolutely gorgeous area and we would go back but Avila is by no means a "happening" place. It is romantic and quiet and an ideal location for a relaxing vacation.

We would give San Luis Bay Inn Resort an 8 because of its isolation and distance from major airports (225 miles from SFO, 200 miles from LAX).

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Very Good
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

Unfortunately we only had about two and a half hours to spend here at Point Lobos as we could have spent all day. We walked two separate trails. The first trail we took at the advice of the Park Ranger, called "China Cove". This was an easy walk up and around a cove where we were able to spy six mother harbor seals with their pups. Many artists had set up easels to paint the cove the seals are in and the stunning cliffs with wildflowers.

The second trail was "Cypress Grove", which includes dramatic shore views and one of only two remaining natural stands of Monterey cypress trees. I can't express the natural beauty of this treasure, so I've included some photos. I cannot imagine the violence of nature that created this awe-inspiring place, but Point Lobos is one of the many reasons we will be heading back to the central coast of California.