Blog

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