Carmel Valley

The Hidden Gem of Carmel Valley Bernardus Lodge and Spa

By Karina Y. Sotelo

Ensconced in the heart of Monterey County’s beautiful Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge and Spa is an intimate and luxurious countryside retreat that embodies the quintessential wine country escape. The prized winemaking estate is set among 28-acres of serene verdant gardens, groves, orchards and boundless rolling hills of lush grapevines that effortlessly meld into the breathtaking Santa Lucia mountains in the distance. Designed to exist in perfect harmony with nature and resound its peaceful surrounds, the 73room property emanates sophistication and relaxation in its contemporary California ranch-style layout and Mediterranean influence and flair. Sun-soaked ochres, creamy toffees, and rich terracottas wash the entire exterior, exquisitely complimented by traditional Italian stonework. The interior combines the simplistic characteristics of oldworld Tuscan charm and accessorized with sumptuous new-world comforts: exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings with dark stained wooden beams, French patio doors and oak floors, adorned with rustic-chic wooden furnishings, custom antique-style accent rugs, and opulent crystal chandeliers. There are a myriad of activities and indulgences found on the premises, including an elegant farm-to-table restaurant with an exclusive chef’s table, an indoor and outdoor bar, a wine cellar, a decadent spa, heated pools, and tennis, bocce, croquet lawns and courts. But, perhaps the most romantic feature about this resort is its garden, a whisperquiet sanctuary where countless brides and grooms have recited their vows amid twoacres of fragrant roses and sweet lavender, organic herbs, seasonal vegetables, edible plants, and splendid water fountains. The garden is also an apiary to hundreds of thousands honey-producing bees that create the purest ingredients for the kitchen, bar and the spa.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS Inspired by the colors and elements of nature, the property exhibits sheer luxury and countryside living in a collection of single and two-story rooms, suites and villas. The 73-guestrooms are spacious and lavishly styled in rustic and eclectic décor, uniquely appointed with high-end conveniences including fireplaces, dining tables, cozy chairs and sofas, a bar thoughtfully curated with select Bernardus wines, indulgent twoperson soaking tubs, and ultra-comfortable king-size featherbeds with fluffed pillows and high-thread count Italian linens. Single and two-story premium rooms have sizable balconies and patios with wonderful views of the pastoral scenery. Suites and villas are sophisticated and extravagant in every sense, but there is an intimate and relaxing vibe that manifests throughout these refined accommodations. Each space is classically designed in an inviting earth-toned palette with punctuations of elegant purples and rich plums that echo the beautiful hues of lavender and grapes from the outside gardens and vineyards. Notable features include: an airy, commodious living room that is wealthily furnished in weathered wood grain textures, layered patterns and custom fabrics, sparkling crown-shaped chandeliers, a mirrored wet bar with glass shelves and a pair of creamcolored French doors that brighten the entire room and open-wide to patios, terraces or balconies bedecked in a combination of

shaded dining tables, pillowed rattan lounging chairs, hanging cocoon hammocks, firepits or fireplaces, and the most jaw-dropping and otherworldly panoramic displays of the rolling hills beyond. Bedrooms are separate from the living room and are minimally outfitted with warming fireplaces, dressers and regal midcentury-inspired canopied beds. However, the most sumptuous amenity in the suites and villas, is the master bathrooms. These ultra-calming and grandiose wet rooms encourage guests to go bare and completely succumb to relaxation; showcasing naturalfibers, wooden and brassy accents, ribbedglass walls, a multi-jetted rainfall shower and glossy jade-hued handmade wall tile that accentuates the oversized hammered copper tub centerpiece. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to an alfresco shower where guests can quite literally bathe in nature. The outdoor shower is enclosed by a cedar slatted fence with climbing vines and vibrant-green foliage, giving guests ultimate privacy while lathering under a balmy breeze and sunny blue sky. The bathroom is finished with plush robes, exfoliating products, and handmade aromatherapeutic lavender soap-bars and eucalyptus mint-scented bath gels that spiritually transport guests to the spa. Here, with all the indulgent sensibilities thinkable, guests will find all the reasons not to ever leave the comfort of their peaceful abode.

THE FOOD & DRINK An authentic epicurean destination that goes beyond the typical wine-sipping and charcuterie and cheese pairings, the culinary artistry at Bernardus Lodge and Spa offers a proper garden-to-table and vine-to-glass experience. The multi-awardwinning restaurant and bar, Lucia—named after the picturesque mountain range that it overlooks—captures the distinctive flavors and essences of California’s central coast, in both an alfresco and private-room fine dining atmosphere. The kitchen is at the direction of world-renowned culinary genius, Chef Cal Stamenov, whose creativity and talents has imagined delectable seasonal menus and country-style cuisine focused on sustainable methods and techniques, incorporating freshly handpicked organic ingredients, most of which are cultivated and harvested from the house garden and vineyards, or mindfully sourced from local purveyors.

Following the changing patterns and rhythms of the natural seasons, Chef Cal and his team are constantly updating and revolutionizing their recipes and plates to reflect the region’s rich bounty. This summer, a new Colors of the Season menu was introduced that caters to a more health-conscious and plant-based lifestyle. Highlighted starter items include a tasty roll of crunchy red striped beets, fresh cilantro, velvety avocado, olives and spicy hummus wrapped in a thin translucent pastry sheet of rice. Other savory courses embrace traditional components of Mediterranean summer entrées but have Chef Cal’s unique innovative touch, like the green gazpacho that blends avocado, celery, padrón peppers, and leafy greens in a chilled creamy soup, as well as the baked ratatouille with marble potatoes, rosemary, olives, and homemade spaghetti. High quality pasture-raised meats, poultry and wild fresh-caught seafood are also available on a separate menu. And, of course, desserts. There is a glorious list of delicious seasonal confections, ranging from refreshing strawberry sorbets, to decadent chocolate cakes and specialty goatcheese cheesecakes. Indulge in any of the homemade ice creams, the pistachio flavor is hands-down the most rich, aromatic and silky-smooth frozen treat imaginable.

Guests that crave a more personalized multicourse gastronomic encounter, can reserve a private table at the resort’s countless unique dining options. The chef’s table—a fiveperson nook-style dining accommodation that is secretly tucked away in the heart of the kitchen—gives front row access to impressive behind the scenes artistic culinary performances. Here, Chef Cal and his staff of brilliant culinarians, will provide a variety of dishes that are tailored to satisfy the palate and match guests wine preferences (the chef’s table has been frequented by many gastronomes and celebrities alike, including Julia Child, Clint Eastwood and Leonardo DiCaprio). Not only does the wine cellar bottle an impressive collection of wines (25,000 to be exact), but it is the perfect place for wine lovers and connoisseurs to swirl, smell and sip in a bespoke dining concept. At the cellar, 12-guests will go on a sensational four to six-course journey, pairing the complex characteristics of particular wines, handselected from the cellar, to the distinguished aromas, textures and flavors of seasonal fare specially made by the kitchen. A Chef’s Tasting Menu can be enjoyed at the resort’s ultra-luxe and intimate seven-foot round table in the Magnum Room, where 16 discerning guests can open their senses to Chef Cal’s

Aside from upscale dining, Lucia proposes hedonistic food and drink experiences in a laid-back ambiance, too. Guests can relish in an open-air lunch or dinner among luscious green lawns, flower wrapped arbors and pergolas, and a dramatic mountainside as the backdrop. For casual sipping, the restaurant’s lobby bar provides an extensive list of house-made pinot noir, red blend varietals, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, along with small plates. Though most known for its house wines, the bar is also one of the valley’s most popular destinations for unique mixology experiences. Handcrafted cocktails are infused with fresh garden produce, herbs, botanicals, and sweet honey and nectar that is organically extracted from the hives of the on-site wild honeybees. There are dozens of potent drinks to choose from, but the most creative and thirst-quenching is the Butterfly Potion—a lemon gin-based elixir that is served like a magical potion, combining ginger liqueur, pure honey-syrup, and a purple concoction made up of lavender bitters and butterfly-pea flower tea—it is so delicious and spellbinding that you will be tempted to have more than one.

THE SERVICES & AMENITIES Ultimate relaxation and high-style pamperings begin the moment guests arrive the property. A friendly and distinguished staff welcomes each and every guest with a generous glass of Bernardus sauvignon blanc or a mintedlemonade refreshment that sets them into full vacation mode before they even witness the abundant luxuries of their room. Once guests do arrive their room, they may find it very hard to leave, but the resort is replete with first-class amenities that they will want to discover. Besides meandering through dreamy rose and lavender gardens, guests will spend most of their days playing tennis, croquet or bocce, or casually sipping on wild honey-infused libations poolside—at either of the properties’ heated swimming pools, hot tubs or the adults-only infinity-jacuzzi. There is a fully equipped fitness center that operates around the clock for those looking to participate in strength-training or cardiovascular activities at any hour of the day or night. The concierge team also offers customized services that encourage exploration of the great outdoors, including hiking, golfing and equestrian excursions and adventures. Upscale extras grant access to a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that guests can freely borrow to go on wine-tasting escapades, cruise through small towns and villages, visit nearby beaches, or go on long scenic drives through the gorgeous Monterey peninsula. Guests that seek a more tranquil respite, can head to the resort’s on-site spa, where they can luxuriate in a series of transformative, nourishing, and soothing vinotherapyfocused and fruit-infused treatments. Opt for the Chardonnay body polish massage, a hydrating and exfoliating body therapy that uses Chardonnay grape-seed extracts to smooth and revitalize the body and skin. The spa is also home to a eucalyptus steam room, sauna and outdoor thermal pools where guests can lay back, unwind and listen to the gentle and soulful melodies of nature.

Where the Senses and Soul Connect to the Earth