3 minute read
Stay & Play: Carmel Edition
www.DanvilleLivingCA.com @DanvilleLivingCA #DanvilleLivingCA
By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008
Shhhh, it’s a secret. Carmel, California is the ultimate location for a “Stay & Play” weekend getaway. Fall, to those who live in Carmel, is known as “the secret season.” Carmel-by-the-Sea has charm, fresh salty air, streets lined with unique shops, restaurants that pique your taste buds, and is rich with history. This one square mile village doesn’t even have street numbers. The Carmel Valley, on the other hand, boasts stunning hills and grapevines for as long as the eye can see, which produces some of the world’s finest wines. When you combine all that Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley have to offer, then add in some of the best & exclusive golf courses, such as Quail Lodge & Carmel Ranch, you have the making for a weekend Stay & Play you won’t be likely to forget. The winding roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Highway 17 to the Coastal Highway 1 that lead you from Danville to Carmel, take you through Redwood Forests, Eucalyptus Groves and on to the natural habitat of the Monterey Pine, Monterey Cypress & Coast Live Oak Trees.
Quail Oaks Lodge Golf Course, hole 10, along the treelined bluff.
As I arrived, I already knew I would not be forgetting this Stay & Play for a long while. Pulling up to La Playa Carmel, a historic and quaint hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea, my senses were tantalized by the sophistication and location, so close to the ocean. Right away, I saw the Carmel Mission look-a-like stained-glass star window in the shadows which was historically familiar, being a native Californian. We were welcomed with personal attention and care. Our room, on the main level was front and center with 5 windows to the ceiling that gave us the million-dollar view of not only the hotel grounds, but the ocean. La Playa, as this 115 year old hotel is known, was designed and built by an artist for his wife as a gift. The mansion is now a prestigious 75 room hotel located two blocks from the ocean, minutes from the heart of the town and in an exclusive neighborhood. It has the very first swimming pool built in Carmel. Each afternoon, the guests are welcome to gather in the lobby for wine tasting, of several local wines, where the fireplace is crackling in the background. As night falls, fresh chocolate chip cookies and cold carafes of milk make everyone smile from the sweet scent that wafts through the foyer and down the halls as they are brought out. The morning champagne brunch is perfectly arranged with varieties to tempt every guest’s taste buds, including made to order waffles and omelets.There is attention to detail at every turn. The bar and restaurant, they say, looks much like it did in the 40’s. Can you imagine the conversations and secrets, of the famous artists and celebrities who spent weekends socializing long into the night, that lie within these walls?
The Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course, Par 3 & elevation with views of the valley.
The “stay” part of the weekend at La Playa Carmel was already more than amazing. The “play” part of our Carmel weekend was spent at two courses, both were courses I would love to play again very soon! Quail Lodge & Golf Club was designed in 1964 by Robert Muir Graves. Every part of the course is beautifully maintained and manicured to perfection. The scenery and landscape of hills, bluffs, and old growth trees are magical, which feels good to the soul. The Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course is surrounded by vineyards, hills, and is the only Pete Dye designed Bent Grass golf course in Northern California. The 18th hole leads you to the clubhouse, a peaceful retreat where you can reflect on your game and sip on some of the finest wines that were created right there in the Carmel Valley. There are firepits and lounge seating as well as tables out on the patio overlooking the expansive and beautiful valley.
The first pool ever built in Carmel was at La Play Carmel Hotel
These two courses have the price tag you would expect, but if you’re looking for some great deals, I recommend looking online first. I found great packages on golfmoose.com. Getting such deals on these two courses made the weekend even better!
Carmel, by-the-Sea or the Valley, is a place that you will no doubt want to visit again and again.
Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel - lynneharrosh@me.com
