Is it possible to savor first class California wines, superb California cuisine while enjoying a top notch Carmel Valley lodge? Of course it is. The Bernardus Lodge Carmel is the gateway to an experience that will thrill all of your senses. Located on one of the best Carmel wineries, the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel offers a unique vacation opportunity.

Ben Pon, the owner of the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel believes that winemaking is one of the highest art forms. He dreamed of making his Bernardus Wine as fine as the best Bordeaux. He chose the Carmel Valley for his incredible vineyards and Carmel wineries. He then decided to build a Carmel Valley lodge so that vistors could enjoy his Carmel wineries for a few days at a time.

When Ben Pon created the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel, he did so with the same passion and creativity he used when he built his Carmel wineries. His Carmel Valley lodge has 57 suites, and a full service spa and salon. The 5,300 square foot Spa at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel is a marvel! It features eight elegant treatment rooms, a "warming room," an exercise room, men's and women's locker rooms, sauna and steam facilities, and a beauty salon. An open-air "warming pool" and meditation garden, complete with flowing fountains allow you to soothe your body and spirit with a therapeutic herbal soak.

The Marinus gourmet restaurant at this deluxe Carmel Valley Lodge often presents culinary seminars. Zagat’s Survey rates the Marinus as one of the top restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area. Your dinner will be perfectly paired with any one of 1800 wine selections. These wines will of course come from the Bernardus Lodge Carmel wineries.

Upon arrival at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel, you are greeted with a vintage wine and cheese welcome. The wine grotto mini-bar is one of the unique amenities in your room. Enjoy your wine, then head off to sleep in your oversized feather bed, complete with Italian linens. In the morning, step out onto your private balcony and enjoy your views of the mountains.

The Premium Garden or Croquet rooms are 525 square feet on the ground floor. The Santa Lucia rooms are 525 square feet on the second floor. Luxury Croquet or Santa Lucia rooms are 625 square feet on the first or second floor of a two-story building. For the ultimate relaxation, choose the Luxury Spa room, which features 625 square feet in a single-story building, with a patio and an outdoor whirlpool spa.

While you are sure to appreciate all the fabulous amenities at the Bernardus Lodge, Carmel, the highlight of your stay will be your visit to the Bernardus Vineyard, which is one of the best Carmel wineries in California. Even if you are not staying at the Bernardus Lodge, you owe it to yourself to visiting the tasting room. Ask about Mr. Pon’s reserve pour, which includes a complimentary wine charm.

If you are staying at any Carmel Valley lodge around the time of the Monterey Wine Festival, be sure to attend. The Monterey Wine Festival features wine tasting, cooking demonstrations and educational seminars. This exciting event attracts a large number of visitors to the Carmel/Monterey area. Make sure to make your Carmel Valley Lodge reservation as early as possible. The Monterey Wine Festival is an extremely popular event.