Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Item: Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Rating: 48
Author: Garrick Ramirez

The stylish new lobby, thanks to a recent remodel.

Guests are welcomed with a glass of sauvignon blanc or iced mint tea in the foyer.

Dinner draws a crowd at smart-looking Lucia restaurant, but don't miss the exceptional breakfast service.

Lucia opens up to a lovely, al fresco terrace with firepit and views.

The bucolic property is surrounded by oak trees, vineyards and chef's gardens.

Build your day around this.

A large courtyard lawn is set with bocce ball and croquet.

This space -- plus expert cocktails served on proper stemware -- just works.

Spacious suites include living area and private decks with teak loungers.

Amenities rule here: spa facilities are open to all guests and the free mini bar is like having a corner of Whole Foods to yourself.
Guests are encouraged to take a shiny new Mercedes coupe or SUV out for the day.
Diners can reserve the chef’s table, a cozy booth inside the kitchen with a back wall signed by everyone from Julia Child to Leonardo diCaprio.
A large outdoor fireplace set with adirondack chairs is perfect for cool, California evenings.

Total: 48/50

Type
Luxury Resort
Vibe
Rustic, wine country chic.
Location
Property is tucked away in a quiet countryside, but it's only 20 minutes from the popular coastal towns of Carmel & Monterey. The valley's wine tasting rooms are even closer.
Rooms
57
Music
Unobtrusive enough to not notice.
Year Opened
Originally opened in 1999 and completely remodeled in spring 2015.
Designed By
ARYA Group, Inc.

Health & Wellness
A large pool is ringed by loungers, open cabanas, hot tub and bar with food and drink service. Gym is petite but modern and stocked with towels and water.
Restaurant
Bernardus is food and wine focused. Lucia -- named for the resort's location in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation -- is an all-day restaurant with a locally-focused menu of refined yet unfussy CA cuisine (the brick-oven pizzas are killer). The longtime chef is well-regarded in the area.
Bar
Yes, the handsome space is great for a pre or post-dinner drink.
Minibar
Complimentary mini bar includes a giddy amount of craft beer, local wine, French sodas, goat cheese, and other nibbles.
Children
It’s mostly adults, but you’ll see a few families too.
Price
What you’d expect for a high-end resort: $500+

700 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

7250 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

3344 Paul Davis Dr # 6, Marina, CA 93933

415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Hotel Location 415 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924