Luxury Hotel Review: Bernardus Lodge
Welcome to Bernardus! First impressions and the grounds:
Pulling into Bernardus Lodge and Spa, you will be instantly hit with that California-vineyard feel, that until now, you only thought existed in Napa. Rows upon rows of vineyards border the entryway, and if you happen to vacation here in the fall, it looks as if fields of gold surround you.
The lodge successfully combines luxury and charm. It balances both a family friendly vibe, with an intimate get-away. It was not overrun with kids, but families dotted the hotel grounds, as well as those visiting for a relaxing adults get-away.
Be sure to explore the grounds one afternoon. The lodge is not massive, but offers all that you need for a perfect vacation. Near the entrance you'll find the chef's garden, as well as a beautiful flower garden. If you're going to spend a day at the lodge, you can enjoy the bocce ball court, the pool, reading by the firepits, or indulge in a spa treatment.
Your room and home-away-from home:
The staff at Bernardus Lodge know how to make the locals shine! Not only do the rooms reflect the local aesthetics, but everyday the room was stocked with snacks from local shops. I always appreciate a hotel's commitment to support local businesses and products!
Our room (Valley Villa Suite #62) checked all the boxes.
Welcoming interiors? Check.
Ample room to "move in" with a baby? Check.
Conveying a feeling of relaxation and coziness? Check.
Here's what to expect: The room was beautifully designed with high vaulted ceilings, 2 bathrooms, 2 gas fireplaces, a 4 poster bed with king sized mattress, a separate living space, an outdoor deck/balcony (with its own fireplace), and a bar/sink. This particular room was on the second floor, affording beautiful views of the vineyards and mountainside.
Time to eat!
The restaurant Lucia Restaurant and Bar, showcases farm-to-table food prepared fresh to order. I wish the restaurant offered more vegetarian options (this is California after all!), but overall, I still enjoyed dining here. It is the only restaurant on site, and is worth venturing to for both breakfast and dinner.
That's a wrap!
We enjoyed 4 nights at Bernardus, and I still wished we had just one more day to relax at the hotel. We spent much of our vacation exploring the surrounding area of Carmel and Big Sur, but would have equally enjoyed a day of "down time" here. It's not too far from downtown Carmel (about 15 minutes) and so it's the perfect base to explore both the valley and the coast.
I hope this article has inspired your own family getaway to Bernardus Loge. If you have any questions, or your own travel tips, please leave them in the comments below. Also, don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter, packed with travel tips, upcoming news, and access to FREE destination itineraries.
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