Vintage Travel Hits A High Note In Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Jan 09, 2013, 08:00 ET

CYPRESS INN'S NEW "RETRO RENDEZVOUS" GETAWAY SHAKES THINGS UP ALONG THE PACIFIC

- Learn the Art of Mixology, Take a Chauffeured Spin on Iconic 17-Mile Drive & Cash In on Off-Season Deals -

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A fresh twist on vintage travel debuts in the new year and it isn't on a train. Carmel-by-the-Sea's iconic Cypress Inn, a 1929 landmark property co-owned by legendary Hollywood actress Doris Day, shakes things up along the Pacific with a new Retro Rendezvous escape set for February 1 – April 30, 2013. The two-night stay includes a spin at shaking up the perfect sidecar, private roll along Pebble Beach's scenic 17-Mile drive, classic cocktail flight, deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast and silver logoed martini shaker to go. Rates start at $220.00/night, double. www.cypress-inn.com.

CHARLES, MY CAR PLEASE

Pack the fedora and a sense of adventure. Three short blocks from this Mediterranean gem lies one of the nation's top scenic stretches (and Travel & Leisure's "Top 10 Scenic Roads") -- Pebble Beach's 17-Mile Drive. The 5,000 acre Del Monte Forest packs a guilt-free peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, without the down payment and weaves a wealth and eye-popping views. Included in the package is a private 60-minute tour in a chauffeured vintage auto with key stops at Ghost Tree and the famed Lone Cypress - one of only two native Monterey Cypress groves in the world.

SHAKEN OR STIRRED

The art of crafting the perfect cocktail comes full circle with Cypress Inn's expanded Classic Cocktail Menu which plays off Doris Day's legendary leading men. Curated by lead mixologist Drago (who bartended for Davis, Sinatra and Bishop) the line-up of '20s -'40s-era hand-crafted cocktails speaks to the real deal. The Retro Rendezvous includes a 45-minute spin at crafting the perfect libation including the finer points of creating a sinful Sazerac, French 75 or complicated Clover Club. For non-traditionalists, the Sidecar's cousin – Between the Sheets – is also up for a rattle. A Classic Cocktail Flight for two rounds out the adventure, backed by a silver logoed martini shaker to go. Mixology session available Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons; advance reservations required.

HOLLYWOOD HIDEAWAY

From the ornate entrance to the clubby Terry's Lounge and Fidos in fedoras, everything about the Cypress Inn speaks to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Inside, the Mediterranean-style landmark folds into 44 crisp, contemporary guestrooms featuring vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces and meandering courtyards with village and ocean views. A vintage vibe threads throughout the property, which has long been a magnet for celebrities and film industry gurus attending the annual Carmel Art & Film Festival (October), which the Inn hosts. Guest slipping in for the Retro package can also slip out for a spin around Carmel village including 80+ galleries, the new Carmel Wine Walk by the Sea, Carmel Beach and nearby Point Lobos State Reserve – the inspiration for Treasure Island.

RETRO RENDEZVOUS PACKAGE ELEMENTS

Deluxe Accommodations/Daily Breakfast
45-Minute Mixology Session
60-Minute Chauffeured Tour of 17-Mile Drive
Classic Cocktail Flight for Two
Silver Logoed Martini Shaker Amenity
Starting at $220.00/night, double. Two night minimum, based on availability. Does not include taxes; blackout periods apply.
Reservations: www.cypress-inn.com

BACKSTORY
An iconic landmark since 1929 and part of the elite collection of Carmel Boutique Inns, Cypress Inn embodies Hollywood-by-the-Sea elegance with casual seaside charm. Co-owned by legendary Hollywood actress and animal rights enthusiast Doris Day, the 44-guestroom property is set in a Mediterranean footprint with vaulted ceilings, airy courtyards, in-room fireplaces and a crisp, contemporary decor. Ideally located just blocks from Carmel Beach and walking distance to 100+ art galleries, Cypress Inn offers afternoon tea, a pet-friendly Yappy Hour and sustainable dining menu at Terry's Restaurant & Lounge, Carmel's first and only Seafood Watch program participant. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one square mile of incorporated city set along Carmel Bay on the Monterey Peninsula. It is located 120 mi./192 km., south of San Francisco and 350 mi./560 km., north of Los Angeles. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) is served by non-stop flights from Denver (DIA), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN) and San Francisco (SFO).