In and of itself, Bernardus Lodge & Spa always delivers a luxurious experience. The chic resort, located in bucolic Carmel Valley, features a central pool and hot tub, verdant gardens in which to stroll, a pampering spa, an expansive 10,000 sq. foot bocce lawn, and destination dining. It’s just a ten minute drive from charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and is less than a mile from nearly 25 wineries and wine tasting rooms along Carmel Valley Road. Yet despite the overt appeal, it’s the smallest of niceties that set Bernardus apart from the region’s hospitality crowd.
More than just a luxurious retreat, Bernardus offers an experience. While the beauty of its grounds first captivates, it is the subtle but thoughtful details that elevate Bernardus from a beautiful getaway to a destination of true indulgence. Here, luxury is found not only in the spacious and sumptuous rooms, but in curated moments that surprise and delight, such as a glass of chilled rose offered at check-in, or a mini-fridge stocked with beverages for the taking. It’s in the lobby’s live piano music, and the Mercedes Benz program that provides guests the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary drive. Luxury here is found in the lobby’s complimentary morning coffee service, and in Friday and Saturday morning poolside yoga. And it’s especially found in the resort’s “Silver Linings” philosophy, in which intuitive staff adeptly lead guests to a place of calm with a warm and welcoming manner.
Bernardus celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and its staying power is attributed to all of these aspects, as well as its destination dining restaurant Lucia where an all-season, nearly al fresco dining terrace is an enchanting spot in which to dine, as is the chandeliered main dining room. Executive Chef Christian Ojeda’s style is progressive, with a fresh take on classics which he infuses with local, seasonal influences. Many of his ingredients, such as Meyer lemons and fresh herbs, come directly from the restaurant’s two-acre organic garden and some dishes feature honey gathered from the property’s apiary program that features Italian honey bees. (Guests can take pre-dinner stroll through the herb garden where they are invited to pluck fresh rosemary or lavender to enhance their own meals.) And with a 15,000 bottle wine cellar and a garden-to-glass craft cocktail program, guests are sure to find the perfect aperitif and wine pairing.
The resort’s staying power is also attributed to the revered The Spa at Bernardus. Offering an in-depth, individualized approach to wellness, the spa features luxe treatments infused with botanical ingredients, many culled from the local vineyards and on-site gardens. Indulge in more traditional facials and massage, or take your wellness journey in a different direction with a tarot card reading, a healing crystals workshop, or an intention setting session with the resort’s wellness and reflections provider Destynee Gray, an experienced practitioner whose guest interactions yield powerful and life-changing results. Before or after your treatment, enjoy the spa’s private warming pool, or pull up a chaise near the larger pool that overlooks the bocce courts and outdoor terrace. And don’t miss the spa boutique’s great assortment of clothing and gifts, particularly the line of eye-catching women’s swimsuits, made expressly for the resort.
Bernardus’ 73 large rooms and suites are equipped to please even the most pampered traveler. Scattered throughout the property and overlooking either the main pool, the central bocce and croquet lawn, or the rose and chef’s gardens, each is the epitome of ranch house chic featuring refined décor, comfy furnishings, and heated bathroom floors—a highly under-rated indulgence, especially in the cold of winter. The resort’s villas are the choice for those seeking a little more living space. Plus, they provide quick access to the adults-only infinity whirlpool and fire pit, the elevation of which provides lovely mountain and vineyard views. At 1050 and 2100 square feet, these deluxe quarters feature vaulted ceilings, French doors, large master baths with free-standing hammered copper soaking tubs, al fresco showers, double sided fireplaces, and fully furnished private patios with fire pits.
Bernardus provides little reason to leave its property, but if you must, the resort is within arm’s reach of hiking and biking trails, championship golf courses, working ranches, a 4,000-acre regional park, and Refuge, a two-acre water park of thalassotherapy pools. The concierge team doesn’t just provide recommendations—they craft personalized itineraries. Whether it’s securing a last-minute reservation at a nearby restaurant, arranging a private wine-tasting tour, or even organizing a bespoke yoga session in the vineyard, every experience is tailored to guest preference. This ease and thoughtfulness with which wishes are met is a Bernardus trademark.
A Bernardus stay, and its seamless blend of nature, luxury, and warmth, make it so much more than just another resort. The thoughtful touches, the immersive experiences, and the dedication to detail ensure that guests leave with a sense of enrichment, peace, and connection. It is a place where time seems to slow down, and every moment feels like a gift.