A few weeks ago, my hubby surprised me with a birthday trip to Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, CA. I had never been to Carmel Valley before and it is SO gorgeous. I keep thinking it would be such a perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. :) Bernardus Lodge is on the the Monterey Peninsula and has been listed on the Conde Nast “Gold List” and Travel and Leisure’s “Top Hotels.” I can totally see why! One of the things that stands out as a bit different about them is when you arrive there is no front desk! YAY! They offer you a glass of wine and take you to your room. Once you are there in your room, then you officially sign in – how great is that? Then they bring you a cheese plate to enjoy with your wine. It was so perfect – especially when you’ve probably been driving a while to get there :)
Bernardus is known for their epicurean flair with 2 amazing restaurants. I was in foodie heaven! They also have a gorgeous spa, a bocce ball court (so fun especially playing with a glass of wine!) and a winery right there. It’s so beautiful that I felt like we were in Italy. They also do weddings here and I kept thinking it would be a perfect spot for a destination wedding, with the amazing food + gorgeous views – you don’t really need much else! I know I would love to be a guest at a wedding here. :) And I also have to say that everyone that worked here was seriously the nicest! From the valet team, to our waitstaff to Sue in sales who showed us around – such a plus!
During the day you can travel less than 2 miles down the road where there are a bunch of wineries that offer wine tasting. Lots of great chardonay’s and pinots here. There was also a great breakfast spot with the best huevos rancheros called Toast – yum! If you love hiking, Carmel Valley also has lots of great places to hike.
You could also check out the town of Carmel (I found this super cute gourmet spice shop where we made our own salt mix + a great cheese shop) or also take a trip over to Monterey – both so different from Carmel Valley, but equally as pretty.
Then why not drive back down the coast through Big Sur? It’s such a pretty drive! And what’s more romantic than a drive down the coast with your honey. :) Who wouldn’t love a honeymoon spent driving along the California coast and stopping in all the cute places along the way – right?
Hope that brings some inspiration for a honeymoon or anniversary trip! Did anyone go – or planning to go – to Carmel Valley for their honeymoon or take a trip driving along the coast? I’d love to hear about. :)
photos courtesy of Bernardus and green wedding shoes
i’m getting married next month and we are going to carmel for our honeymoon! thanks for the tips! we are really looking forward to this trip.
I’ve been thinking that a getaway with the hubby is in order and this looks magnificent! Thank you for the beautiful post!!! The photos are FAB too!
Always love a destination that is not a beach
I am getting married on 7/1 and this looks like a contender on our list!
Such gorgeous photos and such a great write-up! We’re glad you enjoyed our area.
Driving along HWY 1 is one of my all time favorite trips to take! My fiance and I have driven to Oregon and Washington from Santa Barbara on several occasions and blogged about it each time. Here’s a link if you’re interested! http://emmiebean.typepad.com/emmiebean/adventures/page/3/
I’m getting married in Carmel Valley in October! We are renting a 120 acre summer camp for the weekend with rustic cabin lodging on the premises. For our wedding night we have booked Bernardus Lodge! It is truly one of the most beautiful locations in California. Highly recommended.
aahhhhh… swoon!!! Nothing is more magical than Carmel and that drive up 1! So glad you got to experience it for your birthday lady!
I live in Santa Cruz, just 40 minutes from Carmel- it’s great to see it featured here! It really is a gorgeous area.
How stunning!
I love this! I grew up in Salinas and live in Monterey. Carmel is such a sweet place. I actually also work for a small textile company that works for Robert Talbott! (the clothing end, obviously) I hope you tried there Kali Heart. It’s THE BEST!
Hi Amelia! Yes, we loved the Kali Heart wine – we bought a bottle of the chardonnay and the pinot noir! :)
I think instead of a honeymoon destination, I’m going to put Carmel Valley as a “let’s pack up and move here” destination. Such beauty, I can’t stand it!
I grew up in Carmel Valley! and am getting married there in June, down the road from Bernardus. It is such a gorgeous place, nice to see it featured on here. Glad you liked it and had a good time:)
I couldn’t agree with you more that this is a great choice for a honeymoon! We know the area well, and frequent it ourselves when we need a special “ocean fix”.
Awww, that’s my hometown!! I love it with all my heart. :) It was a magical place to grow up, and it would be a wonderful place to honeymoon!