New Villas & Suites Debut at Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Set on 28 lush acres of vineyards, gardens and fragrant lavender in Carmel Valley, this unparalleled new entry is set to raise the bar in luxury hospitality, August 2, 2016. Rates ranging from $950.00 to $2500.00; www.bernarduslodge.com.

Following the successful 2015 restoration of the Forbes Four-Star 57-guestroom Bernardus Lodge & Spa, the Villas & Suites offer an unparalleled experience deserving of the lodge's wine country estate-style environment. Elegant and evocative - these stunning new lifestyle accommodations will transport guests to a private sanctuary paired with butler services, complimentary Mercedes-Benz convertibles, alfresco rain showers and a three-to-one staff ratio focused on exceeding guests' expectations.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

Curated for epicureans and romantics alike, the sophisticated ranch -chic design reflects Carmel Valley's inherent beauty as a seasoned hideaway. A private entry leads guests to a secluded infinity Jacuzzi and fire pit with mountain and vineyard views, setting the tone for a sequestered stay. Highlights of the spacious 1050 sq., ft., to 2100 sq., ft., accommodations include alfresco fire pits, master baths featuring hammered copper free-standing soaking tubs, wet rooms with wall and rain showers, radiant heat floors, vaulted ceilings, French doors, double-sided fireplaces and private bath patios and terraces featuring vineyard or Santa Lucia Mountain views.

San Francisco Bay Area-based AXIS Architecture and Arcsine, Inc., interior design is credited with bringing this vision to reality. Accommodations are designed with a strong indoor/outdoor aesthetic with interiors set in soft sand and celadon tones fused with warm mixed metals and punches of rich plum and Terra Cotta. Soothing buttery cognac leather upholstery, rustic European oak floors, cerused ebony furniture, dramatic bronze chandeliers with hammered iron beads and antique silver leaf accents and soft honed limestone fireplaces are showcased throughout.

Ideal for families, bridal parties or executive retreats the two-bedroom 2100 sq., ft., Villa Carmelo and Villa Sol feature custom live edge walnut dining tables for 12, Carrera marble wet bars with antique mirrors, three 55-inch flat screen televisions, complimentary wine bar & butler's pantry, and two alfresco fire pits. An element of warmth underscores the great rooms with rich hand-woven wool and bamboo rugs set in shades of sand, sable and soft coral paired with hammered bronze accents. The light-infused master guestrooms are flanked with black bone inlay furnishings, bronze metallic textured wall coverings, spacious weathered oak and antique iron luxury canopy featherbeds dressed in Italian Frette linens and custom abstract paintings by local artist Patricia Qualls.

The luxury guest bathrooms are nothing short of a work of art with an airy mix of handmade geometric tile finished in cracked celadon glaze, hammered copper freestanding bathtubs for two, custom hand-carved porcelain bathroom sinks, handsome textured marble countertops and deluxe ribbed-glass showers offset with fluted antique brass fixtures. Spacious floor-to-ceiling windows open up to a private, bougainvillea-strewn patio featuring alfresco showers set on hand-made Moroccan mosaic tile. For guest who enjoy entertaining, the expansive private patios and balconies include an outdoor sofa, table and teak furnishings, alfresco gas fire pits and the availability of a 36" professional Wolf Gas Grill for DIY repasts (Villas only).

Paired with the new debut, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is unveiling a series of top-line butler services with a specific focus on luxury baths, bocce, yoga and family or romantic movie nights.

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. Originally opened in 1999 and restored in 2015, Bernardus Lodge and Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 71 luxurious guestrooms, suites and villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus Lodge, Lucia Restaurant & Bar, two swimming pools, an alfresco croquet and bocce court and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Woodside Hotels (www.woodsidehotels.com), an operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties throughout Northern California, 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.