Towering eucalyptus trees line the road leading up to Chaminade Resort & Spa, while outside the entrance, over-the-top landscaping brims with colorful flowers. Inside, the lobby has a lodge-like feel, with wooden beam ceilings and a fireplace. There are plenty of spots at the resort to benefit from the bird's-eye view the mountaintop affords: Guests can take in the views during breakfast at the Sunset Restaurant's wooden deck or at dinnertime at Linwood’s, which has some cool fire pit tables on its patio. The wooded nature trails also offer views of Monterey Bay. Grassy lawns and pine trees make for a scenic backdrop. The property attracts business conventions and is a popular wedding spot in summer months.

Chaminade Resort & Spa is located on a wooded mountainside, a 15-minute drive to both the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and UC Santa Cruz. There are three golf courses within a 15-minute drive, and the area has plenty of wineries. The city of San Jose -- where the closest major airport is located -- is around a 45-minute drive north.

Rooms at the resort are a bit of a letdown and don't align with the hotel's pearl status. Blue-and-gold patterned carpeting and red accent walls make for an overall dark feel, while lodge-inspired decor such as leather chairs and heavy headboards feel a bit dated. Bathrooms are worse, with orange walls, granite floors, and shower/tub combos. All rooms have 37-inch flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, bathrobes, and BeeKind toiletries. Some also have rustic, wooden balconies with forest views that add a charming note.

Chaminade Resort & Spa has lots of outdoor amenities, including an outdoor pool and whirlpool, four lighted tennis courts, and courts for volleyball and basketball. Two nature trails offer views of Monterey Bay. The hotel has a breakfast restaurant as well as a lunch and dinner restaurant with a bar and outdoor dining with gorgeous views. A dog-friendly menu is available at the “Yappy Hour” on the patio. There's also a large fitness center with a variety of equipment, and the spa on-site has an outdoor whirlpool and offers massages and body treatments. There are 12 meeting rooms as well as outdoor space, which are available for private events; team-building exercises, such as chili cook-offs and a ropes course, can be arranged. The hotel also has a business center with two computers and a printer, and Wi-Fi and parking are free.