Bernardus Lodge and Spa

We had a really peaceful stay. We were in one of the new suites and it was amazing. Loved the huge bathroom with private outdoor shower and outdoor fire pit. Def worth the splurge for the suites. Amazing restaurant...we ended up staying and eating both nights at Lucia, even though we had originally planned to go to Carmel For a night. We hiked the nearby Garland Ranch trail...loved it.

Just returned from Bernardus Lodge. Have been there many times and it just keeps getting better! The rooms are large and beautifully decorated with great amenities including wine and snacks all included. Staff is excellent, they really care about your comfort. Restaurant Lucia is the best in all Carmel area, right up there with the best in SF although not overly too formal. Try it! You'll like it !!

My husband and I stayed here for the night after wanting somewhere to stop between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The road to Big Sur is currently shut, so we thought this would be a lovely treat. We weren't disappointed! The rooms were lovely, and incredibly comfortable, with everything we could possibly need. We were in a ground floor garden room. We had dinner in the restaurant, and it was delicious. The waiting staff were also incredibly helpful. We were woken a little early by the child in the room above, so do check to see if there are any small children staying in the room above! We did mention this to the front desk and the manager could not have been more apologetic and helpful to sort out the issue. We will be back (I hope!)

It was California’s inclement weather and subsequent mudslides at the beginning of the year that brought us here: our first choice - The Ventana - became suddenly disconnected from the road network and had had to close. Their website helpfully suggested that we consider their sister resort, The Carmel Valley Ranch. It was considered briefly, but the website was all golf courses and perfect, grinning families and we were in search of peace and quiet, not the unwelcome intrusion of ‘other people’s children’. Bernardus is a proper retreat but done with all of the five star luxury and trimmings that you’d expect from an establishment on the California coast. On arrival, helpful hands relieve you of your car keys, luggage and other personal effects and direct you to a reception desk at which you sit down in comfortable chairs to complete the check-in formalities. Before all of that begins though, a glass of Bernardus chardonnay is proffered. Our villa was a spacious, two room suite with high ceilings, hardwood floors and substantial, heavy doors. Both bedroom and sitting room were equipped with real flame gas fires and the outside patio area had a fire pit as well as comfortable outdoor furniture. The bathroom had a shower for two (separate shower heads and a huge central rainfall shower) and a two person, copper bathtub. During warmer weather, I’m sure we would have availed ourselves of the outside shower too. Bed and bedding were of the highest quality - and I am someone who is extremely picky about these things: sufficient pillows for every taste and sufficient bed space for even the most unreconciled couple. Since I had just stepped off a flight from London, we opted for room service on the first night and thoroughly enjoyed a platter of local oysters, washed down with more local chardonnay. Bernardus is much more a resort than a traditional hotel: vast grounds dotted with groups of luxury dwellings and a central area that houses the bar, reception and restaurant. If ever I suffered severe trauma or when I experience bereavement, I feel it would be the ideal place to mend my broken spirit. Upon arrival, the staff seem to have coined a new greeting that almost sounds like something from a sect; “welcome in�, they say softly. Welcome to Hotel California! It is certainly not somewhere for anyone on a budget: tips seems to be required here, there and everywhere - $5 to the guy who valet parks the car, $10 for those who hefted the luggage. The tipping continues in the first rate spa: treatments are already high at $160 for a massage and $295 for a facial, but the agony is piled on with a ‘standard’ 20% premium on the bill, which one can vary according to one’s pocket and inclination. Honestly, the treatments are so good - and I speak as a regular spa dweller - that the 20% is easily cushioned by the post treatment glow that lasts for a good couple of hours. Spa guests are encouraged to linger in a comfortable lounge area with another open fire, availing themselves of the various teas and other beverages. And outside there is a ‘warming pool’ in which to prolong one’s enjoyment. Given that everything else at Bernardus was spotlessly clean and well maintained, the warming pool felt a little bit neglected with it’s top layer of dead leaves and floating insects. Although prices are very much top end, Bernardus will not disappoint those who want relaxation, pampering, peace and quiet and a space to think. Would I return? Absolutely - and I will have plenty of $5 and $10 bills to hand.

Look, is Carmel beautiful? Yes. Was the food delicious at Bernardus? Of course. Was the wine upon checking in and drinking throughout our stay amazing? Duh. Besides all those elements, why would I choose to go back to Bernardus over all the cute other hotels in the Carmel area? Because of the staff, that's why. Never have I ever had the chance to deal with such lovely people. Everyone from the valets, to the front desk staff, to the restaurant staff, banquet managers, catering managers, sales people...the list can go on and on because not one person on the staff there did not help or check in with me to see how things were going. Go to Bernardus for the scenary and the relaxation, but stay a little longer to get the treatment and hospitality so many other establishments are lacking nowadays. The price is worth it.