Bernardus Lodge and Spa
Bernardus Lodge & Spa. We’d give it an “A” at 4.6 stars. If we found ourselves in the area again, we’d certainly go back to Bernardus Lodge & Spa, which is perhaps the only true test of any vacation accommodation. The short drive to/from Carmel-by-the-Sea is convenient and enjoyable; plus, the weather in Carmel Valley (warmer blue sky) seems far more desirable than staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea (more typically colder hazy, foggy or overcast). IMO you’re better off staying at Bernardus than staying in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Friendly Tip: from Bernardus early one morning, take the short drive south to Big Sur — beautiful natural views of the California coastline, tall pine trees and the Bixby Bridge. Great picturesque photo opps.
Pros. The landscaping at Bernardus is truly beautiful. The groundskeepers are to be commended for maintaining such beautiful, fanciful, colorful outdoor spaces. The hummingbirds enjoy it, too. Friendly staff (Sara especially) and super responsive valet. The fact that the valet service gets a “shout out” tells you how really exceptional (ie, better than the Ritz or Four Seasons) it is — really quick, polite, helpful and top notch hospitality! Our accommodation was a spacious King suite villa with high quality furnishings, fixtures and decorations. Color palette is refined, neutral and natural. Beautiful bathroom with attractive tile work and heated floors at the double sink vanity. Double showers inside the bathroom and a private outdoor shower. Comfortable bed. If you’re a foodie, the best meal of our trip was at Bernardus’ restaurant, Lucia. We also had dinners at Rustica in Carmel Valley and Seventh & Delores in Carmel-by-the-Sea (both worthwhile), but Lucia was the best food and service (sat outside on the front patio — Dave is an outstanding server). Enjoyed trying Bernardus wines (when in Rome) but Lucia has a good, diverse group wine list. The spa at Bernardus is excellent; guests can use the steam room, sauna and warming pool without additional charge. Go to the spa early in your visit to check it out. Great cozy bar in the main building behind the Reception Area and Restaurant Lucia. Fun spot for late night drinks. Try the Spa Day Spritz, cucumber vodka cocktail with chareau aloe liqueur! Bernardus also seems to commonly have “live music” in the lobby / bar area / outdoor dining area, a real bonus to round out the experience.
Cons. The cons are really minimal and might not apply to anyone else’s experience. First, it’s odd, given how beautiful the landscaping is, but the exteriors of the Bernardus villas and suites appear somewhat cheap (ie, in need of repair and/or improvement). The main Reception Building’s exteriors are far nicer than the accommodation quarters. And while you might imagine your “vineyard villa suite” being a stand-alone, private villa suite in the middle of a remote, isolated patch of the Bernardus vineyard, the truth is all of the Bernardus accommodations are side-by-side / conjoined and the backside of your villa (where there’s a fire pit and sitting area) likely will face the backside of another row of villa buildings as opposed to looking into a vineyard. Second, there’s little-to-no chair-side drink service at the pool. I realize this is a “first world” critique but — let’s be honest, you’re an Inspirato member for a reason. At the Bernardus pool there appears to be ample staff to serve guests chair-side and, as a business owner and business investor myself, this is not only an inconvenient annoyance for relaxing guests-on-vacation but probably a missed revenue opportunity for Bernardus. Friendly Tip: when you go to the pool, stop first at the poolside bar and tell the bartender to “keep the drinks coming.” If you just park yourself on a poolside lounge chair and simply wait for drink service, you might not get it. Third, the gym didn’t / doesn’t open until 8 am. That’s odd, since one would think guests would be able to exercise 24/7 at a spa, but Bernardus appears to keep its gymn doors locked from about 6 pm until 8 am California time. Fourth, Bernardus is completely “smoke free” so if, from time to time on vacation, you like to enjoy a fine cigar or other kind of fire stick, you’ll have to enjoy it somewhere off premises. It may come as no surprise, California isn’t altogether cigar friendly. Just drive a few minutes north to Pebble Beach to smoke your favorite cigar.