Bernardus Lodge and Spa

The Spa. They sent a “pool closed” email the week of our visit—not when we booked—so we left no time to linger. Pool was open after all. Too late. We had commitments. They charged us anyway for the privilege of eating lunch on the deck, where the wine list categorizes crémant rosé as a white. Neither the color nor the bubbles. At check-in, I left the add-ons boxes unchecked. In the treatment room, the therapist upsold hot stones and CBD. When I set my water on the bench, she said, “I don’t want your water there. I want your robe there.” So: a sales rep and a micromanager. Then the massage. I felt like I was in trouble. She didn’t like where my arms were. Then my shoulders. Then she uncrossed my feet—while not working on anything requiring alignment. I could not shake the sensation of being at cooking school. As the item being prepared. Not bread being kneaded by Poilâne. Poultry on the work station, being handled. Every time she applied pressure, the table creaked. Tighten the screws—a metaphor for the whole experience. The walls are thin enough to hear every pipe flush next door. The lockers are implausibly small. Come in a tank top and flip-flops. Bring nothing. There is no way to secure a tote or purse while you shower. At. All. Which is why my Loewe bag was poolside when the waiter spilled an entire glass of white wine on it and my coat. I’m not naming names. This is a management problem.

We spend a few days at the Lodge & Spa every January; this is our 5th year in a row. From the moment we set foot on the property, everything and everyone project an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. The rooms are very comfortable and well appointed, the staff is uniformly helpful and responsive, the spa is first rate, and the new chef at Lucia has brought the cuisine to a new level. We had a truly wonderful visit this year and would recommend Bernardus to anyone seeking a place to chill out and be pampered.

Experienced Bernardus as a getaway with my husband, and the experience did not disappoint in any way. From arrival to departure, the Bernardus staff delivered an exceptional level of service. The property is incredibly serene and was exactly what I needed after a busy weekend. Lucia, the on-site restaurant, provided an outstanding foodie experience—from breakfast to dinner and even in-room dining. On our first morning, we enjoyed the Eucalyptus steam room and warming pool at the Spa, which left us wishing we had booked massages as well (next time for sure!). The Mercedes Drive program was a fantastic touch, and we thoroughly enjoyed the 24-hour infinity jacuzzi. The housekeeping staff were warm, polite, and attentive, as were the front desk, valet/bell, spa, and restaurant teams. I’ve already told several friends and family members that Bernardus is a must-experience destination. Until next time—thank you for such an amazing stay.

We had a truly magical stay at Bernardus with my wife and our 7-year old daughter for our anniversary. The room was just a dream. I believe it was the smallest size they offer, but it was still luxuriously large. We stayed 3 nights and never ended up even leaving the property, as we so enjoyed lounging in our room, having room service and eating on the balcony, playing games by our fire, having a dance party with my daughter while my wife relaxed in bed... Big enough room to feel like a small home for a few days, and my daughter refused to leave on the last day! Comfy bed, nice couch, lots of little thoughtful amenities, etc. Room was super clean but still homey, just lovely. The grounds are lovely. Beautiful trees and plants, sun setting over the hills from the infinity Jacuzzi, and we had a blast playing tons of croquet, bocce ball, and even putted a bit on the green. The Pool was delightfully warm and the jacuzzi just perfect! The customer service is just excellent as well. From the complimentary (and delicious) wine they offered my wife and I, so my wife and daughter could sit by the beautiful fireplace in the lobby to the rapid responses to all of our requests, we just felt perfectly pampered. Then there's Lucia, the restaurant. I simply don't have words to describe the food! I know Chef Gus's work so I wasn't technically surprised, but still - how can food taste that good?! My wife is from Paris and is often disappointed by food in California. But not for these three days! We had feasts for every meal and literally every single item we ordered was just delicious. The lamb chops were a huge and regular favorite for us, and the beef tenderloin on the kids' menu is higher quality than any steak I normally can find at a nice restaurant on the adult menu! But if you want the most preposterously delicious culinary ever, we both absolutely lost our minds over the latkes with caviar. Literally one of the most delectable things I've ever eaten.

This is a truly lovely property in a peaceful and beautiful setting. It scores high marks on almost all levels, but for the fitness center (workout room). The guestrooms are top-notch, the property is beautiful, and the dining service is excellent. The fitness center (too small, too and under equipped for today's expectations) was our only disappointment.