Escape to Luxury at Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel, California
I fell head over heels for Carmel, California, this year, but not for the obvious reasons. While the dramatic cliffs and endless ocean vistas are breathtaking, the true highlight was an unforgettable stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa lavishes its guests with impeccable service and sheer luxury. Each stay feels fit for royalty, with attentive staff granting your every wish.
Should you find yourself planning a visit to Carmel, do not hesitate to treat yourself to Bernardus’ full hospitality. You will feel cared for in ways you never thought possible, leaving you renewed and deeply fulfilled. Some opportunities are too precious to miss, and this is surely one of them.
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Welcome to Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is an exclusive luxury 28-acre resort in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, just a 20-minute drive from Carmel by the Sea.
As you approach the resort, lush vineyards, and immaculate gardens greet you as you drive up to the elevated ranch-style lodge, which houses the main lobby and restaurant. Nine smaller adobe-style guesthouses and villas dot the landscape, exuding a rustic yet luxurious vibe.
The lobby’s olive and gray tones, with pops of color from the florals, provide a warm welcome, much like visiting a Sonoma winery. Upon your arrival, a Bernardus sauvignon blanc awaits you. The personalized welcome is just the beginning of incredible service.
Many standout features make this resort unique and memorable. If you book a stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, here’s what you need to know.
Standout Features of Bernardus Lodge & Spa
- Rooms: Luxurious accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, and villas with plush bedding, modern amenities, fireplace, and scenic views.
- Location: Situated in the serene Carmel Valley, near attractions like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, offering a tranquil environment perfect to return to for relaxation.
- Amenities: Offers a full-service spa, award-winning dining, wine tasting, tennis, an outdoor pool, and complimentary services like Wi-Fi and parking.
- Value: High-quality accommodations and services justify the premium pricing, with added benefits from dining and spa treatment packages.
Location
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is in Carmel Valley, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Monterey County, California.
The lodge is a short drive away from popular tourist spots, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, and the renowned Monterey Bay, known for its Aquarium and some of the best whale-watching along the California coast.
Accommodations at Bernardus Lodge & Spa
As you overlook Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa creates a peaceful atmosphere with fragrant lavender and greenery lining the walkways which meander through the property leading to the rooms.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa Room Tour
There are three levels of accommodations: premium, luxury, and suites, called villas.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa offers rates starting at $300 nightly. In my opinion, the experience justifies the cost, making it ideal for a luxurious getaway or memorable celebration. The value received during the stay undoubtedly makes it worth the price.
I stayed in a premium room, but the luxury and comfort emanated from every corner. The massive king-sized bed is the most noticeable feature, with a goose-down comforter and Italian linens. All of which makes for a restful and peaceful night’s sleep.
A full-sized sofa is nestled in front of the fireplace, providing a cozy spot to relax and unwind after a long day. The patio doors lead to a covered patio, which offers a stunning view of the property. The indoor table and chairs are quaint and create a relaxing ambiance in the room.
The bathroom is equally impressive, with a giant two-person soaking tub perfect for a relaxing bath. Special touches like bath bombs and a personal loofah add a golden touch. The extra amenities like the plush bathrobes and the radiant heated floors scream luxury.
Once settled in, you will notice the amenities, such as the HDTV, complimentary WiFi, and Bluetooth Pill wireless speaker and sound system, right away. It’s the smaller touches, such as the artisanal tea, Nespresso coffee maker, mint-infused distilled water, local snacks, and refrigerator filled with Bernardus wines, that you will definitely notice later.
These complimentary amenities add to the overall experience and create a sense of comfort and convenience. You will feel pampered and well-cared for during your stay.
I felt like I was in heaven in one of the premium rooms. I can only imagine how much more luxurious and comfortable the Valley or Vineyard Villas, which are 1,050 square-foot suites, and the even larger two-bedroom villas must be.
The open-air outdoor shower and balconies with fireplaces in the villas overlooking the Santa Lucia Mountains would be worth the extra cost.
Dining at Bernardus
At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, contemporary European cuisines await you at Lucia Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy your meals on the outside patio or the terrace, or indulge in alfresco poolside dining. Additionally, you can order room service to enjoy on your Villa’s patio.
Meanwhile, Cooper’s Den in the main building, just off the lobby, offers community wine table services featuring local wine flights.
In addition to the outstanding food, foodies might enjoy the culinary classes and demonstrations or simply enjoy the chef’s garden nearby.
Though I didn’t have the pleasure of dining on-site, rave reviews and accolades highlight the exceptional quality of the dining options.
Activities and Amenities
At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, guests have an array of amenities and activities.
Dive into relaxation in the heated lap-length pool, relax in the infinity edge hot tub, or engage in friendly competition on one of the two tennis courts, croquet lawn, or bocce court.
Mercedes-Benz Guest Experience
Guests at Bernardus Lodge & Spa are in for a delightful treat with the exclusive Mercedes-Benz guest experience. Bernardus Lodge & Spa is one of a handful of hotels and resorts that partner with Mercedes-Benz to allow visitors to explore the picturesque surroundings of Carmel Valley in style.
By simply inquiring at the front desk, guests can obtain the keys to a sophisticated brand-new Mercedes-Benz vehicle, complimentary for a half-day use.
This coveted amenity is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but I had no difficulty securing both a convertible and an SUV for two days on my visit.
This unique experience allows for unforgettable moments. Cruise the picturesque 17-mile Drive to Pebble Beach in a convertible or explore the stunning vistas of Big Sur in an SUV. Not many people can say their resort gives them a Mercedes to use for the day!
The Spa at Bernardus
The indulgence continues at the Spa at Bernardus. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, guests are pampered with treatments using organic botanicals, many sourced from the lodge’s own vineyard.
You can enjoy adult-only experiences that embody a “garden to soul” philosophy that ensures a holistic and rejuvenating experience.
Feel Good About Your Stay
When you stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa, your indulgence is not just limited to personal pampering. Through the Kind Traveler initiative, the hotel gives back to the community with every reservation.
In particular, Bernardus contributes to the Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, which helps troubled high school students through service. By choosing to stay at Bernardus, you directly support this noble cause and create a ripple effect of positive change.
Pets are Welcome
At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, even furry companions are pampered guests.
The property welcomes dogs for a fee, providing them with a plush dog bed and food and water bowls for comfort.
Additionally, guests with pets receive a newsletter detailing pet-friendly restaurants and local spots. This way, you can visit local spots where your four-legged friends are welcome.
What to Expect From Your Stay
A Bernardus Lodge & Spa stay promises luxury, warmth, and exceptional service.
With year-round warm temperatures averaging 71°F in summer and 61°F in winter, there is no bad time to visit.
Expect positive interactions with attentive staff. The staff ensured a seamless and memorable experience and truly made the stay enjoyable. From valets to ice attendants to nightly turn-down service, every encounter was pleasant.
Plus, the unique opportunity to drive a brand-new Mercedes is a definite perk.
Checking Out
A stay at Bernardus Lodge & Spa invites you to indulge in luxury, celebrate time with loved ones, and reconnect with nature. Although the lodge is suitable for families, its elevated ambiance seems tailor-made for adults. It’s ideal for couples seeking tranquility or a memorable girls’ getaway.
Bernardus embodies a relaxed mindset, providing a therapeutic sanctuary while on vacation. Whether you’re visiting for the warm temperatures year-round or the array of amenities, Bernardus Lodge & Spa exceeds expectations. Because of these things, Bernardus tops my hotel recommendations for those seeking an unforgettable escape in Carmel.
