"And then sometimes the class is just a dud. But then Asilomar on the Monterey Penninsula is a wonderful place to spend 5 days."
This, exactly this. My husband and I would attend a conference related to his work once a year at Asilomar for a decade. Same people year after year, it was like one long party especially for the accompanying spouses. Carmel, the Carmel Valley, the Missions, Monterey, Pacific Grove, San Simeon Hearst Castle. Point Lobos Natural Reserve (so beautiful that three of us plan to have our ashes scattered there) Steinbeck country, the artichoke fields, Moss Landing. SOOO very much to see and do. One year I stumbled onto a quilt retreat taking place there. Amazing quilts displayed in a hall that looked like a church, great quilt store in place for the conference only.....inviting yes. But I told my husband I didn't think I could ever stay indoors long enough to sew. The ocean and the valleys call. PS there are sea otters visible from the beach walks. So if the classes disappoint the surroundings will make up for it.