Bernardus Lodge & Spa
CARMEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
bernarduslodge.com
Seasons in pristine Carmel Valley evoke a sensual experience reminiscent of the beauty of faraway Provence. Fragrant fields of lavender ready for harvest, gardens of organic vegetables and aromatic herbs nurtured in rich valley soil, a floral celebration of color hosting over 180,000 resident Italian honey bees, orchards of olive and fruit trees, and Autumn’s picturesque perfection of heavily laden vines awaiting harvest, seductively frame the idyllic setting of the valley’s Forbes 12-Star award winning Bernardus Lodge and Spa.
The Bernardus Lodge and Spa is open and welcoming guests with warm (masked) hospitality to this luxe retreat tucked in California wine country. The Lodge is known for elegance in accommodations and locally-sourced fine cuisine divined by Chef Cal Stamenov, The Bernardus Winery, and a parade of annual events celebrating foraging season, the coveted Alba white truffle, heirloom tomatoes and the annual lavender harvest. Bernardus is truly a celebration all year long.
Just minutes from the coast and the charm of Carmel by the Sea, easily reached from San Jose and San Francisco, Carmel Valley is blessed by nature, sunshine and perfect climate, artfully surrounded by the picture perfect vistas of the Santa Lucia mountains. Bernardus transports guests with a distinctive blend of California contemporary ranch design and decor with elements of Mediterranean charm, from the luxury of the custom copper stand-alone soaking tub for two to house-crafted lavender soaps, sumptuous Frette linens and plush robes, the romance of king size feather beds and divine down comforters, a butler’s pantry stocked with Bernardus Winery wines, Nespresso coffee maker, artisanal teas, designer seating areas and French doors opening to stellar views of vineyards and lavender fields from your private patio or balcony. Each guestroom, opulent suite, or the lifestyle two bedroom villas are a sanctuary of warmth and comfort indulging couples, families, and friends with modern amenities centered with stone fireplaces, sophisticated essentials of crafted rich woods from floors to lofty beamed ceilings and inviting palette of colors and textures gracing bespoke furnishings in between, enhanced by sparkling glass and metal accents.
Luminous in design, The Spa at Bernardus is a first class stunning indoor and outdoor retreat embraced by verdant splendor and designed to provide an intimate soothing and invigorating experience. The professional team provides healing and restorative treatments designed to recalibrate, relieve stress, and replenish energy and spirit through individualized massage and uniquely Bernardus treatments incorporating the qualities of botanicals from the vineyards, lavender fields and gardens, baths and therapeutic soaking pool. An unforgettable journey to wellness awaits.
Guests discover a gracious pace with a well-appointed swimming pool, an extensive lawn with bocce courts, croquet, and inviting picnic spots, tennis courts, and nearby trails for running and casual strolls through the vineyards. Bernardus is a resort retreat recognized for its elegant luxury in accommodations, setting, extraordinary cuisine, and Spa experience by Forbes Travel, Conde Nast, Wine Spectator, and AAA among others.
Expressing a gourmet artistry bound to the land, Bernardus Executive Chef Cal Stamenov creates a culinary odyssey highlighted by the bounty of his own backyard. A farmer at heart, Chef Cal, as he is affectionately known, is master of a two acre organic garden overflowing with picture perfect rows of seasonal fruits and vegetables, clusters of esoteric aromatic herbs, more than 150 fruit trees, three bee boxes with domestic and wild Italian honey bees, and his pampered cache of 13 pedigreed egg bearing chickens.
For two decades Chef Cal has showcased his talents at Bernardus Lodge, debuting Lucia Restaurant and Bar in 2015, bringing his life-long passion, his years of study under world renowned chefs, his respect for quality, creativity, and sustainability to our kitchens and our land. His friendships with local fishermen, foragers, and growers inspire his artisanal creations and daily menu surprises with the possible personal delivery of a basket of Big Sur’s coveted chanterelle mushrooms or an unexpected catch of Monterey Bay spot prawns.
Chef Cal presents enticing cuisine with a healthful flourish, his masterful creativity bringing flavor and freshness, reenvisioned classics and inspired combinations. Dining at the Lucia Restaurant and Bar is memorable from chef selected garden fresh vegetables and herbs, wood fired meats, handcrafted olive oils, artfully presented appetizers, curated wine pairings, to creative cocktails and decadent desserts.
The staff and management of Bernardus Lodge and Spa have welcomed guests to the splendor of Carmel Valley with attentive assurances designed to ease concerns for health and safety with enhanced protocols for preventative disinfecting, distancing, and protective masking while maintaining the beautiful getaway experience for all.
