Bernardus Lodge & Spa Announces Multi Million Dollar Renovation

Set on 28 sweeping acres of lavender and vineyards, this Forbes Four Star 57-guestroom property will showcase a dramatic shift in architecture and design as it's poised to become one of the West Coast's most coveted escapes. Shouldered by the rugged Santa Lucia mountain range with Big Sur to the south, the new Bernardus Lodge & Spa will reflect a long-held vision of new ownership to create a sophisticated and serene experience deserving of its surroundings.

DESIGN OF THE TIMES

Driving the new vision is ARYA Group, Inc., a Los Angeles-based architectural/design firm renowned for its high-concept celebrity residential portfolio. Keeping with the property's authentic aesthetic, a rustic-chic ranch estate concept will unfold reflecting Bernardus' inherent epicurean spirit and soothing soul. Key design elements include the opening of public spaces to provide invigorating vineyard views, redesign of the hotel lobby, retool of all luxury guest accommodations, a re-envisioned pool and spa experience with a wellness slant, new and expanded event venues and an entirely new dining concept. The Lodge will showcase rich Italian stonework, mosaic tiles, grass cloth, French oak floors and dramatic chandeliers set in neutral tones of olive leaf, mascarpone, charcoal and oyster. Oxidized copper and seagrass accents will be showcased throughout matched with punches of aqua and green lichen.

RESTAURANT CONCEPT

Under the helm of renowned Chef Cal Stamenov, a dramatic new restaurant concept is anticipated for award-winning Marinus. Christened Lucia Restaurant & Bar, playing off the lauded Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, the anchor restaurant will be redesigned to include an additional 2,300 sq., ft., alfresco terrace and striking new interior. Debuting a California country cuisine concept, the spring menu will reflect Cal's enviable larder of farmers, foragers and fisherman spiked with sophisticated undertones. Expanded private venues and an award-winning 25,000 bottle wine cellar round out the dining options. Seating will be expanded to serve 120 with a separate bar rolling out a new craft cocktail program.

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Hosting groups of 10 to 150 with 4,300 sq. ft., of flexible meeting/banquet space and 5,000 sq. ft., of lush alfresco venues, the retool includes upgrades to all meeting spaces with state-of-the-art technology and expansion of the coveted Meritage Ballroom. The Harvest Room, key for culinary events, will showcase an upgraded exhibition kitchen with pecan floors and Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances with a distinctive contemporary flair.

BACKSTORY

Perennially recognized by discerning readers of Travel and Leisure's "World's Best Hotels" and Conde Nast Traveler's "Top Hotels" and as well as a Wine Spectator Grand Award recipient (2001-2014), this Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing. Opened in 1999, Bernardus Lodge and Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 57 luxurious guestrooms, the signature Spa at Bernardus Lodge, Lucia Restaurant & Bar, two swimming pools, an alfresco bocce court and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Woodside Hotels (www.woodsidehotels.com), a Bay Area operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties, is the new management company for the property which is located on the Monterey Peninsula, 120 mi./193 km, south of San Francisco and 330 mi./531 km., north of Los Angeles. For information, contact Bernardus Lodge at 831-658-3400 or visit www.bernarduslodge.com.