The first thing you’ll notice is the lavender. A lush carpet of the fragrant purple flora heralds your arrival, leading the way through the Bernardus Lodge entrance. Beyond, you’ll find a landscape of white roses and deep burgundy and bright green aeoniums that set a breathtaking garden stage. The effect is mesmerizing, transporting even the most stressed and anxious to a near instant state of bliss. Offered at check-in is a glass of Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc to further soothe the soul.
This Forbes Four Star property has long served as Carmel Valley’s gold standard resort. Nestled inland in the pastoral river valley about 11 miles from the sea and set amongst 28 vineyard-filled acres with spectacular views of the Santa Lucia mountains, you’ll not find any lodging quite as chic and effortlessly elegant in the area. Add a plush spa, a world-renowned restaurant, and the recent addition of several sumptuous suites and villas, and the luxe quotient further soars.
Accommodations: The resort’s new-ish suites and villas (above) are the choice for those who like a little more living space – plus, they have quick access to an adults-only infinity whirlpool and fire pit with mountain and vineyard views. (below) At 1050 and 2100 square feet, these casually elegant quarters feature vaulted ceilings, French doors, large master baths with free-standing hammered copper soaking tubs, al fresco showers, radiant heat floors, double sided fireplaces, and fully furnished private patios with fire pits. Take note of the many dramatic chandeliers and lighting fixtures – works of art each. Plush interior design includes buttery cognac leather upholstery, rustic European oak floors, cerused ebony furniture, and honed limestone fireplaces.
Wallflowers none are Bernardus’ other rooms – large by industry standards and luxuriously equipped to please even the most pampered traveler. Scattered throughout the property and overlooking either the main pool, the central bocce and croquet lawn, or the rose and chef’s gardens, these premium and luxury guest rooms are the epitome of ranch house chic and feature refined décor and comfy furnishings perfectly juxtaposed with the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Lucia: Chef Cal Stamenov has helmed Bernardus’ on-site restaurant since the resort’s 1999 opening. Originally called Marinus, a proposed revamp and rebranding two years ago of the beloved eatery sent shudders through the culinary community. ‘Why mess with a good thing?’ was the communal cry. But Chef Cal knew exactly what he was doing in creating Lucia. (above) He personally oversaw the 90-seat restaurant’s renovation and ushered the vibe from formal elegance to relaxed sophistication without missing a delectable beat. Rich white Italian leather pairs with rustic elements such as the focal point stone fireplace. The effect, echoed in Chef Cal’s menu choices, is California casual. There is something for everyone on the Lucia menu, as well as a place for everyone – from the 10-seat private wine cellar, to the exclusive four-seat Chef’s Table where appreciative guests (including well-known personalities) show their Chef Cal appreciation with black sharpied, hand-written messages, to the 12-seat Magnum Room. Culling from the Lodge's organic garden and cornucopia of fruit trees, heirloom vegetables, honey-filled bee boxes and cache of Plymouth, Barred Rock, Rhode Island, Speckled Sussex and Ameraucana chickens, Stamenov highlights the best of each season in his creative dishes. Be sure to check-out Lucia’s varied culinary events, often matched to the holidays. Enjoy Father’s Day with barbecue, beer, and bocce, for instance, or take part in the annual Lavender Harvest Celebration and feast on a lavender inspired buffet lunch with ingredients from the garden and vineyard. Click here for more information on culinary offerings.
The Spa: Enveloping guests in total relaxation, The Spa at Bernardus offers in-depth, individualized services that addresses individual lifestyles and stresses. Luxurious treatments are infused with botanical ingredients, many hand-picked from the on-site vineyards and gardens. Try one of their signature services: Tuning Fork Ritual - sound waves created by OM tuning forks travel the meridian channels and acupressure points to dissolve disharmony and tension. Island Lomi - A lomi lomi inspired massage restoring a sense of harmony and balance to mind, body and spirit. Japanese Balancing Massage – incorporates a mix of shiatsu inspired techniques to open energy pathways with a kinmoxei wild lime silk oil to energize, warm and restore the body’s balance. Sticks and Stones Massage – combines smooth Birch wood sticks and warm basalt stones in flowing massage movements to induce relaxation and tension release. Before or after your treatment, enjoy the spa’s private warming pool, (above) or pull-up a chaise near the larger pool that overlooks the bocce courts and outdoor terrace.
Kick-up the Luxe Quotient: Raise the bar on your Bernardus stay with one of these bespoke escape packages: Bourbon & Beef – An Epicurean Adventure: Check-in and then check-out in a secluded Bernardus suite for a two-night bourbon and beef fueled getaway. After an afternoon spin in a complementary Mercedes-Benz convertible, slide into Chef Cal’s private Chef’s Table for an Angus to Wagyu epicurean adventure. Day two delivers a heady mixology session/B&B Flight at Lucia Bar including three new seasonal, herb and aromatic-infused bourbon cocktails. Later, enjoy a fireside sunset sipping session of handcrafted, single-barrel bourbons delivered by Bernardus’ Bourbon Butler. Hearts & Vines – Hip Camp for Adults: This two-night suite stay starts with a private R44 Raven helicopter ride that gently lands among the vines at Bernardus Winery. Guests will enjoy chef Cal’s signature white glove picnic service and vintage Bernardus Winery wines. A VIP winery tour and tasting follows, with free time to hike and explore this unique region tucked deep in Carmel’s Cachagua Valley. Later, back at the Lodge, allow a Bernardus butler to prepare a perfectly nuanced yoga session, lead your group in a game of Bocce, or draw you a bath followed by a fireside dessert display. Your butler can even arrange the perfect movie night. (Call the resort for further details.)
