The Spa at Bernardus Caps Multi-Million Dollar Property Restoration

April, 2015 marked the debut of the 57-guestroom lodge following a four month, multi-million dollar renovation with the re-envisioned 5,300 sq., ft., Spa at Bernardus taking center stage.

New this season is a deep-rooted wellness and fitness program complimenting the fresh redesign of the spa facility, which is set in soothing tones of olive leaf, charcoal and oyster with oxidized copper and seagrass accents. A musing mix of patterns and texture play a key role, with contemporary custom Belgian linen sofas and rich Italian leather chairs offsetting the key focal point, a 360-degree copper fire feature flanked by two arresting copper beaded chandeliers and expressionist oil paintings by local artist Patricia Qualls. Equal parts stylish and sexy, this new setting mirrors the Lodge's ethos of redefining luxury and revitalizing the senses. www.bernarduslodge.com.

GARDEN-TO-SOUL PHILOSOPHY

This sun-drenched sanctuary, flanked by two pools and a new hot tub, now features a curated wellness component with a garden-to-soul philosophy rich in rewards. From couples to corporate retreats, the new road to wellness includes moonlit yoga,
hypnotherapy, guided meditation, sunrise stretch classes, a reinvigorated tennis program, curated endurance hikes and programming centered on longevity.

(Spa at Bernardus Pool Pedi)

Boasting two additional state-of-the art treatment rooms for a total of nine, the full-service spa, salon and 24-hour fitness facility features dual eucalyptus steam and dry sauna rooms, a Vichy shower, private al fresco couple's soaking tub with bar service and inviting 100-degree warming pool. The reimagined main pool experience features a dramatic new entry, private luxury cabanas, custom furnishings and a dedicated food and beverage program.

From the new in-suite Dream Bath Butler to the Lavender Bliss body indulgence -- culled from the property's organic gardens, every step of the spa experience is infused with the purest botanical ingredients delivered by top-flight practitioners. Utilizing the award-winning Eminence Organic Skin Care line, the spa's new services include:

Energy & Balance Ritual - a vigorous exfoliation using warm ginger grass and bamboo followed by a cherry blossom buff, yuzu mimosa sea algae cleanse and shiatsu inspired silk massage.

Japanese Balancing Massage - incorporating a vitalizing mix of shiatsu inspired techniques used to open energy pathways with a kinmoxei wild lime silk oil to energize, warm and restore the body to perfect balance.

Sticks and Stones Massage - combining smooth Birchwood sticks and warm basalt stones in flowing massage movements to induce relaxation and tension release.

Rejuvenation Wrap - a total body resurfacing treatment focusing on the removal of dry and dead skin cells followed by a Vitamin D infused body cocktail wrap to rehydrate and ultra-charge the surface.

Cashmere Well-Being Massage - the ultimate quench massage featuring seasonal fig-mandarin aroma blend combined with expert massage techniques to ensure the ultimate top flight experience.

Cranberry Hydration Facial - Ideal for winter warriors, featuring an analysis, deep cleansing, exfoliation and farm-fresh cranberry hydration mask to soothe the signs of aging and leave the skin feeling nourished and hydrated.

Winter Antioxidant Ritual - a total body revitalization treatment utilizing all natural ingredients such as green apple and pear, combined with cinnamon and a super antioxidant biocomplex to detoxify the body, leaving skin with a refreshed glow.

Bernardus Prestige Facial - A new spin on the 2 ½-hour signature treatment boasting the ultimate in skincare, utilizing the finest ingredients and latest technology. Service includes a deep cleaning, generating peel, lymphatic massage, firming mask, microcurrent therapy, toning serums and rejuvenating eye treatment.

Pampering hits a high note with the re-envisioned Carmel Valley Escape, a five-hour ritual inspired by Bernardus' abundant on-site gardens. From a Lavender Bliss scrub to a full body Bernardus Essential Massage, Radiance Facial and signature Spa Manicure and Pedicure, no stone is left unturned in the quest for ultimate renewal.

Other unique services include the Tuning Fork Ritual, Garden Meditation and Private Hypnotherapy as well as services for the well-groomed man.

Guests can kick the day off with new complimentary Sunrise Stretch Yoga at the pool pavilion or set the pace via the new alfresco Spin Program featuring aluminum Schwinn AC Sport Bikes' new Virtual Contact Resistance Technology. On weekends, complimentary guided hikes to nearby Garland Ranch Regional Park kick in as well as new tennis butler services at the resort's dual courts or a leisurely game of croquet or bocce ball on the main lawn.

CURATED GROUP PROGRAMS

Ideal for bridal parties, incentive programs and corporate retreats, the spa offers a variety of new curated programs specifically created for small groups. Wellness workshops and lifestyle activities include Vinyasa & Vino, Group Endurance Hikes, Culinary Cultivation, Vineyard Yoga Flow, Beach Boot Camp, Starlit Yoga, Lavender Harvest (seasonal) and Spajama Parties for the bride-to-be and entourage.

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 Award recipient (2001-2015), 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 Forbes Four Star 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.