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This month, many of you will be visiting Carmel Valley to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we hope you’ll let Chef Cal and the rest of us at Bernardus make your Valentine’s weekend the most memorable yet. On Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, you can savor a decadent four-course Valentine Celebration Dinner featuring Chef Cal’s favorite seasonal ingredients. Each of the first three courses consists of at least three options, among which you’ll find chilled “Morro Bay select” oysters, cured duck salad, lobster bisque, Maine diver scallops, oak-grilled prime beef filet, and more. For dessert, indulge in either the crème brûlée napoleon or the sinfully delicious Meyer lemon pudding cake. On the afternoon of Saturday, February 15, you can also join Director of Food & Beverage and Certified Sommelier Chris McLean at For the Love of Bubbles – Champagne Tasting & Seminar. Chris will take you on an enchanting and informative journey through the history of champagne as you sample a range of exclusive sparkling wines.

Growing up on a 240-acre farm in Tennessee, Patricia Qualls never imagined she would one day find herself living and working as a successful California artist, but that’s exactly where the creative spirit of the frontiersman has taken her since her days as a child on that Tennessee farm, followed by several years working as a stockbroker in Nashville. Today, Patricia spends much of her time creating dazzling abstract expressionist paintings, some of them towering as high as eight feet on the walls of her Carmel Valley gallery and studio. During your stay with us, we highly recommend a visit to the Patricia Qualls Gallery. You can also experience her impressive artwork in prestigious collections exhibited in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, NYC, LA, Phoenix, San Francisco, Sacramento, and many other cities across the nation and the world.

Address: 15 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

You’ll start with one of the many rejuvenating Bernardus Spa services, which include massage, body treatments, facials, salon services, and more. Our expert health and wellness professionals will be glad to customize a session to meet your individual needs. Next, you’ll have the chance to indulge in complimentary Winter Solstice activities such as chakra balancing, fire dancing, wine tasting, hot chocolate yoga, and an enchanting starlight swim.

In addition, culinary maestro Chef Cal Stamenov has several gourmet dining events in store for you this holiday season, starting with his 5^th annual Pure Decadence Dinner (Thursday, December 12), Christmas Eve Dinner (Tuesday, December 24), Christmas Day Dinner (Wednesday, December 25), New Year’s Eve Dinner (Tuesday, December 31), and New Year’s Day Brunch with Live Music (Wednesday, January 1).

For over two decades Chef Cal has devoted himself to perfecting his artistry at Lucia Restaurant and Bar, where the dedicated staff work tirelessly to bring his vision of classic European fare, reimagined for a contemporary West Coast palate, to your table every morning, afternoon, and evening. Before founding Lucia, Chef Cal studied and worked under some of the most acclaimed and exacting chefs in the world, including Michel Richard, Jean-Louis Palladin, Masa Kobayashi, Pierre Gagnaire, and Alain Ducasse. Today, he not only oversees one of the most renowned fine dining venues in the country. He also cultivates two acres of organic herbs, fruits, and vegetables right here on the grounds of our hotel, meaning your meal will always be prepared from the freshest, healthiest ingredients available. In addition, Chef Cal’s onsite apiary provides one-of-a-kind honey for select specialty cocktails, and with a 25,000-bottle wine cellar to choose from, you’ll always get the perfect wine pairing for your meal.

Seasoned hikers are especially fond of the Arroyo Seco Ridge Trail, a four-mile journey through the wilderness that's moderately difficult and maximally breathtaking. Trust us when we say you’ll want to have a camera in hand as you trek through majestic Horse Canyon and lush sycamore woodland. The rocky terrain means you'll get a solid workout, so we definitely recommend bringing some snacks along to replenish your energy. Your four-legged friends are more than welcome on the trail too, as long as they’re leashed. If you feel at all sore the next day, just drop by the acclaimed Spa at Bernardus. Our expert massage therapists and other wellness professionals will be more than happy to customize a soothing and restorative session just for you.

If you’re feeling exhausted from all your active vacationing, or from the stressors of work and your everyday routine, the Spa at Bernardus has just what you need to feel relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on whatever adventures life has in store. Our expert massage therapists, aestheticians, and other wellness professionals are eager to provide personalized services, including aromatherapy, body scrubs and wraps, yoga, massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, and much more. The Spa at Bernardus welcomes guests of all ages and genders. Complimentary amenities for guests age 18 and up include the warming pool, dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and locker rooms. Treat yourself to a day of indulgence at the Spa at Bernardus. You deserve it!

In short, driving can be real drudgery, but it can also be one of the most thrilling experiences of your life. Over the past four-and-a-half decades, the Skip Barber Racing School has trained thousands of drivers just like you who yearn for a true NASCAR experience. At the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, a professional race track located less than 10 minutes from the Bernardus Hotel and Lodge, you can participate in the school’s one-day training program that will culminate in an unforgettable adventure as you tear across 2.238 miles of raceway at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour. In addition to a 180-foot elevation differential from the track’s lowest to its highest point, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca also boasts eleven adrenaline-pumping turns, including the storied “corkscrew.”

Address: 1021 Monterey Salinas Hwy, Salinas, CA 93908

Now, almost four decades and over 3000 miles later, Chef Cal has amassed a truly exceptional CV, which includes some of California’s most acclaimed restaurants, such as the Highlands Inn in Carmel and the Domaine Chandon Restaurant of Napa Valley. The crowning achievement of Chef Cal’s career, however, is the Lucia Restaurant & Bar at the Bernardus Lodge and Spa. At Lucia, Chef Cal utilizes a lifetime of gourmet expertise to bring you a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, combining the best of European tradition with a farm-to-table philosophy, enabled by California’s fertile soil and mild climate. Lucia serves the freshest seafood harvested just off the California coast, coupled with the finest organic produce cultivated on six acres of Carmel Valley land. Join Lucia and Chef Cal today for a unique dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Starting at 7 A.M., early risers can enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast at Monterey’s Fire Station #1. In addition to the delicious pancakes, sausage, eggs, and coffee, there will also be plenty of arts and crafts activities to entertain the kids. Afterward, head over to the Independence Day Parade itself, which steps off from the intersection of Alvarado and Pearl Streets at 10 A.M. The parade attracts around 15,000 revelers and features fantastic floats, colorful costumes, and live all-American music. The fun continues from 11 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. at the lawn party in front of Colton Hall, where you can indulge in carnival games, face painting, more live music, and mouthwatering BBQ. History buffs will also want to check out Living History Day from 11 A.M. – 3 P.M. in the Memory Garden, behind the Pacific House Museum. This fun and informative event features actors in period dress, historical military demonstrations, games, rope-making, basket weaving, dancing, and much more. Still going strong? Stick around for Monterey County Pops’ free Independence Day concert at the Golden State Theatre at 7 P.M. Finally, when the conductor lays down his baton, you’re just an easy 25-minute drive from the exquisite comfort of the Bernardus Lodge.

Greet the morning with a refreshing sunrise stretch yoga workshop, or opt for an invigorating walk around the Garland Park Loop. Later on, you can enjoy a friendly bocce ball or croquet match on the immaculately manicured lawn. Looking for a more vigorous way to spend the day? We’ve got plenty of activities to get your adrenaline pumping, whether you’re in the mood for a dip in our recreational pool, a fast-paced game on the tennis court, or a guided hike to gorgeous Carmel Valley vistas. Our acclaimed spa also provides a wide-ranging menu of wellness services, including facials, body wraps, massage therapies, nail and hair care, and much more. For a comprehensive list of our wellness offerings, check out the official Bernardus Wellness Program page.

Though it would be impossible to truly pay mom back for all she’s done over the years, on Sunday, May 12, Chef Cal Stamenov and his outstanding culinary team are very excited to bring you the most delicious Mother’s Day Brunch in Monterey County. As always, Chef Cal insists on using only the very best local, organic vegetables, naturally-raised meats, and seafood. In addition to traditional brunch favorites, the gourmet buffet will also feature sushi, a selection of artisanal cheeses, and several sumptuous desserts. Could a meal be more heavenly? We’re glad you asked. Brunch attendees will also be treated to the dulcet sounds of classical harp. After your meal, join mom for a stroll through our renowned rose garden, where she’ll marvel at over 150 varieties of heirloom roses. We insist that you take one before you go.

The wine-making here is second-to-none, of course, and there’s ample opportunity venture out into the gorgeous rolling hills and mountains of the Santa Lucia Range. If you’re looking to enjoy a day in the great outdoors, we highly recommend Garland Ranch Regional Park, where you’ll find over 4000 acres of pristine terrain ideally suited for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Prefer to explore the charm of small-town Americana? We’ve got that too. In Carmel Valley Village, the eclectic blend of specialty shops, cafes, and art galleries strikes the perfect balance between old world enchantment and contemporary sophistication. Be careful, though. Once you’ve experienced life in our halcyon valley, you may never want to leave.

If romance is particularly on your mind this month, we hope you’ll consider spending your Valentine’s Day weekend at Bernardus Lodge and Spa. Holiday specials include a Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Champagne Tasting Menu for just $28 per person. This decadent pairing of exclusive champagnes with a sinfully indulgent three-course chocolate tasting menu is the ideal way to cap off your V-Day lunch at Lucia Restaurant and Bar. Later in the evening, you and your significant other can enjoy the elite Valentine’s Day Dinner. For just $125 per person, you’ll be treated to Chef Cal’s special four-course lovers’ menu in an intimate candlelit, fireside setting. And of course, our expert staff at the award-winning Spa at Bernardus will be more than happy to arrange a personalized couple’s spa treatment so you and your beloved can pamper yourselves together as you strengthen your bonds of romance on this very special holiday.

Such is the case for Carmel Valley’s own Patricia Qualls. Born on a 240-acre farm in Tennessee, Patricia’s first transformation occurred when she moved to Nashville to take up the fast-paced urban existence of a stockbroker. After venturing west to California, she transitioned to the field of clinical psychology, taking up painting as her own personal form of therapy, and she now creates her abstract expressionist masterpieces full-time. Her dynamic and imaginative works can be found in collections in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Switzerland. To see the artist herself at work, and perhaps purchase one of her many brilliant paintings, your best bet is to visit her splendid 1200-foot gallery and studio right here in Carmel Valley.

Address: 15 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924

On Friday, December 21, we’ll be celebrating the Winter Solstice with a day of ritual and renewal that will invigorate your body, mind, and soul. As part of the festivities, you’ll indulge in one of the luxurious massage, bodywork, facial, or salon services at our award-winning spa. In addition to this exquisite pampering, you’ll also enjoy a range of complimentary Winter Solstice activities such as hot chocolate yoga, chakra awakening, wine tasting, and a thrilling fire dance. That’s not all we have going on this Yuletide season, though. Master Chef Cal Stamenov has planned several sumptuous feasts for you, including Chef Cal’s 4^th Annual Pure Decadence Dinner (Thursday, December 13), Christmas Eve Dinner (Monday, December 24), Christmas Day Dinner (Tuesday, December 25), New Year’s Eve Dinner (Monday, December 31), and New Year’s Day Brunch with Live Music (Tuesday, January 1).

First, the artistry of Chef Cal Stamenov, who spent years honing his craft as an apprentice to some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs before founding Lucia. Second, our 28-acre estate’s vast organic vineyards and gardens, where herbs, vegetables, and fruits abound year round. Stop by for a healthy, hearty breakfast or lunch, a refreshing afternoon cocktail, or a robust gourmet dinner. Dinner guests can choose to dine à la carte or instead opt to experience the unfettered brilliance of Chef Cal with the five-course tasting menu and wine pairing. When you sit down to a meal at Lucia, no matter the time of year, you know you’re getting the freshest seasonal fare available anywhere on the West Coast.

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a moderately difficult trek through the wilderness, we highly recommend Arroyo Seco Ridge Trail. Your four-mile round-trip journey will take you through sycamore alluvial forest and the iconic Horse Canyon as you negotiate creek crossings and rocky terrain. The hike is a great workout, and the views are absolutely stunning, so bring your camera, and don’t forget to pack a snack. You’ll be glad for the energy boost. Traveling with a furry, four-legged family member? Bring Fido along too. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they remain leashed. Once your journey’s done and you’re feeling delightfully exhausted, head back to Bernardus Lodge & Spa to enjoy the exquisite creature comforts of our world-class luxury hotel.

After a fun-filled day of active vacationing, we want to make sure you give your body the rest and devoted care necessary to stay feeling balanced, healthy, and energized. At the Spa at Bernardus, you can indulge in a wide range of services, including yoga, massage, exfoliation, full-body scrubs and wraps, aroma therapy, manicures, pedicures, facials, and other treatments from our expert massage therapists, aestheticians, and fitness professionals. All spa guests age 18 and over are welcome to use complimentary amenities such as the locker room, eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, and warming pool. Perfect for men, women, and couples, the Spa at Bernardus has everything you need to achieve that profound level of relaxation and rejuvenation you never even knew you were missing.

For more than forty years, the Skip Barber Racing School has offered regular folks the chance to fulfill this dream at locations all across the country. One of these tracks, the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, is located less than 10 minutes from the Bernardus Hotel and Lodge. Your one-day racing school experience will include a three-hour introduction to the basics of the sport, followed by the chance to take the wheel and see what it feels like to whip around 2.238 adrenaline-pumping miles of professional grade raceway. If you have the need for speed, contact the Skip Barber Racing School and make this vacation one you’ll never forget.

Lucia’s sterling reputation is due in large part to its eminent chef, Cal Stamenov, who got his start almost forty years ago at the renowned Four Seasons restaurant in Manhattan. He then made his way west, landing coveted culinary positions at the Domaine Chandon Restaurant of Napa Valley and the Highlands Inn in Carmel. At Lucia, Chef Cal blends sophisticated European tradition with farm-fresh California fare. His kitchen is stocked with organic produce grown on six acres of local land and fresh seafood caught just off the California coast. Lucia isn’t only about the food, though. It’s a fully immersive experience for all the senses. From the moment you walk through the door, the sweet scent of burning wood from the fire pits sets the tone for an evening of indulgence you won’t soon forget.

If you’ll be staying with us on July 4th and are looking for some lively patriotic festivities, we recommend checking out the annual Downtown Monterey Independence Day parade and lawn party, just a short 20-minute drive from our hotel. The parade, which kicks off at 10 A.M., draws a crowd of around 15,000 and will feature musicians, dancers, baton twirlers, costumed characters, and floats decked out in all manner of celebratory themes. The lawn party, which runs from 11 to 4:30, will showcase top-notch food vendors and live local bands on an outdoor stage. There will also be plenty of activities for kids, including games, carnival booths, balloon art, face painting, and an inflatable bouncing house. Best of all, after a long day of celebrating, you can return to the sweet luxury of Bernardus Lodge and Spa.

From fitness classes and daily yoga practices to restorative spa rituals and treatments, it’s easy to tailor your journey. We’ve put together a few of our favorite ways to tap into a higher sense of being. Start with a sunrise stretch, complimentary on weekends, and unlock your senses. Then, head to an al fresco lunch and fuel up for a guided hike in the afternoon. We recommend the Garland Park Loop for a leisurely hike. Take a load off of your feet and indulge in a full body massage using essential oils at our spa and then end the day with a guided meditation in our garden. Ready to say “Om”? See a full lineup of wellness offerings here.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the best ways to treat Mom this Mother’s Day. Our culinary team will fuse the best local and organic ingredients, including vegetables, naturally-raised meats, and seafood, to create an inviting brunch buffet. Did we mention there will be a sushi bar, cheese station, decadent desserts, and traditional brunch favorites?

Get in on an early reservation and prepare for an elegant afternoon, complete with a classical harpist, all set amongst our world-class location in Carmel Valley. If this doesn’t impress Mom, we aren’t sure anything will! Want to score even more brownie points? Consider staying overnight and adding on a little pampering session at the spa. Happy early Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

Perfectly located in the Santa Lucia mountain range, Carmel Valley truly is one of the finest wine growing regions in California. And, while we do love wine, the splendor of our city doesn’t stop there. Spend a day at Garland Ranch Regional Park featuring more than 4,000 acres perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Then, cruise along Carmel Valley Road and take in the quaint Carmel Valley Village. A host of specialty boutiques, shops and art galleries offer visitors a variety of unique items. Up for some celebrity sightings? The beloved Betty White and Doris Day may just be out and about during your time with us. Come and spend some time in Carmel Valley, and let us show you around! Start planning your trip here.

What’s in a suite? They say the journey is part of the experience. With our newly-designed Villas & Suites, we’d have to slightly disagree. Rooted in a rustic ranch, country chic mentality, the warm, sophisticated style of our new accommodations is truly Instagram-worthy. A few of our favorite design elements, perfect for snapping, include select outdoor fireplaces that bring the inside out, soaking copper soaking tubs (no filter required) and total wet rooms that offer a true spa experience in the comfort of your own room.

With all of the new, unique design perks, you’ll want to stay just one more night. To help make that dream a reality, we’re inviting you to take some extra time on us. Stay 2 nights and enjoy the 3^rd night complimentary. Learn more now and get ready to elevate your Instagram feed.

Bring the romance to the Vineyard and take in a luxurious weekend curated for a relaxing, decadent, luxurious and indulgent experience. Start the journey with a 100-minute Vineyard Romance Couple’s treatment featuring a cabernet grape seed exfoliation, followed by an outdoor lavender grape seed bath meant to relax, culminating to a full-body warm grape seed oil massage. Retreat post-treatment to deluxe accommodations for a Dream Bath for two and, of course, a sweet treat of chocolate and red wine. 

The decadence doesn’t stop there. Put a $150 dining credit to use and start the evening with a signature cocktail at Lucia. Insider tip: we love Leather & Lace made with Bulliet Bourbon, Brovo Rosé, Vermouth, Strawberry Aperol and Burlesque Bitters. Book the Vineyard Romance package and cheers to love!

We’ll be paying homage to this natural, annual event with specialty offerings including a guided yoga session and chakra awakening meditation that will bring the solstice to life through your mind, body and soul. We’ll start on December 21 at 10 a.m. and take the celebration into the evening with a holiday cookie and cider hour, wine tasting, a fire dancer performance, and even a special starlight swim. What better way to soak in the seasonal spirit and welcome in the new solar sun? All spa guests who book a 50-minute service will receive complimentary access to this yearly event. Make the most of the shortest day of the year and get the full details here. We’ll see you under the solar solstice stars!

Step inside our organic garden with Chef Cal Stamenov, the culinary mastermind behind Lucia Restaurant and Bar. From seasonal mushrooms to fresh-picked peaches, each home-grown dish brings the flavor profiles of the earth to life. The menu changes daily, think: alder smoked Sonoma duck breast with foie gras and peach mustard, local artichoke basil ravioli, garden sandwich full of vegetable goodness, beet salad with hass avocado and diver scallops with snow peas and pickled pearl onions. And you can taste your way through the freshness of the organic garden during breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. See rotating menu samples, including our specialty cocktail and wine list, perfect for pairing, and make a future reservation at www.bernarduslodge.com/wine-cuisine/menus/.

Come and explore the moderately strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike, sure to set your thighs and vacation on fire. Be prepared for a work out; the Arroyo Seco hike will take you through the rich riparian habitat of Horse Canyon and sycamore alluvial woodlands. With multiple creek crossings and rocky terrain, this hike is for seasoned hikers seeking to challenge themselves and take in the beauteous sights of Carmel Valley. The hike will begin promptly at 8am and space is limited so arrive early. Hikers should bring swim wear, water, a change of clothing, and shoes. For more information and registration, email Amber Leon at asleon@bigsurlandtrust.org. 

Meeting place: 24 E. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley 93924

From fueling your active life with restorative yoga to the use of holistic healing to get your body intone for fall Bernardus Spa has it planned for you. Choose from the regular menu of relaxation services including massage, bodywork, and facials, and explore deeper transformation and relaxation with complimentary Autumn Equinox activities. Activities are free for guests of Bernardus Lodge and include 9am Sun Salutations, mid-day spiced apple cider and Chef Cal’s classic cookies, 2pm Chakra Activation & Awakening, and 4:30pm wine tasting that’s fun to enjoy but also provides clarity and space for self awareness. Be intentional about your transition into fall during your trip to Carmel Valley and enjoy the complimentary Autumn Equinox Activities, Friday, September 22, 2017. Bernardus’ Spa provides the best for the best.

Are you ready to put the pedal to the metal and make your Need for Speed days a reality? The Skip Barber Racing School gets your butt in the seat with a 1-day Intro to Racing program located at The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The 1-Day Racing School includes a 3-hour intro to racing curriculum, then an adrenaline pumping opportunity to get behind the wheel. This is the perfect program for the motorsport enthusiast seeking the race of a lifetime mid vacation. Don’t hesitate to find yourself a spot in the program during your trip to Bernardus Lodge and Spa.

For more information visit Skip Barber Racing School.   

Well look no further because the dining experience you’ve been dying to tell your friends about resides on the grounds of Bernardus Lodge and Spa. The hotel's esteemed eatery, Lucia Restaurant and Bar, features upscale Californian cuisine in a sophisticated, country-chic space. The atmosphere is set as soon as you walk thru the door with the deep aroma of burning wood from the fire pits, and the bar will continually be raised throughout your night. From superb service, excellent food, live music, and outdoor seating with a spectacular view of Carmel Valley-- Lucia Restaurant and Bar delivers the best vacation dining experience. So, as you’re planning your stay at Bernardus Lodge and Spa don’t forget to pack your little black dress for a dining experience at Lucia Restaurant and Bar that is sure to leave you speechless.

Valley Greens Gallery is a fine art gallery in the heart of Carmel Valley, featuring local, regional, and national artists with hand-picked beers and ciders to match. Valley Greens Gallery takes creativity on the canvas and in your glass to the next level with beer and cider pairings, painting workshops, and an intimate space for private events. Visit with friends during the day, indulge in an after dinner tasting, or check their monthly calendar for morning art classes for children. The ‘Sip and Paint’ atmosphere, a mere 2.2 miles from Bernardus Lodge and Spa, is sure to leave a lasting impression on your visit!

Valley Greens Gallery, 415 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley 93924