5 New Features at the Revamped Bernardus Lodge & Spa

Just when you thought the lavish Bernadus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley couldn't be anymore plush they go and up their game once again. The premiere luxury hotel nested on Camel Valley Road amongst vineyards and views of the Gabilan Mountain Range has just debuted its multi-million makeover.

Not only are there chic décor upgrades but the property also has gone through a dining and value-added services overhaul. Here's a round-up of five of the most noteworthy upgrades and services you can look forward to on your next stay.


1. Free Mercedes

No, this is not "Oprah's Favorite Things" but you can utilize a Mercedes vehicle for free during your booked stay. The new Mercedes-Benz Drive Program allows guests to check out some of Monterey County's scenic drives in a comfortable Mercedes GL or SL convertible; talk about a perk!


2. Lucia Restaurant

Don't worry, award-winning chef Cal Stamenov has not gone anywhere. Previous onsite restaurants Wickets Bistro and Marinus have morphed into the Lucia Restaurant & Bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Chef Cal Stamenov continues to "wow" with his "California Country" cuisine using fresh and local bounty. Might we add that the chicken fried quail is delicious!

This completely renovated space successfully blends together contemporary and country décor with both cozy booth seating and group table arrangements. The expansive outdoor patio complete with fire pits is perfect for soaking in the Carmel Valley sunshine.


3. Swanky Chandeliers & Décor

The main lobby gives you your first taste of the ritzy yet rustic refresh throughout the property. A glitzy light fixture is the first eye-catcher followed by warm up-lighting, Italian stonework, oak floors and elegant furniture which permeates into each of their 57 guestrooms. You can't help but stare into the light at all of the uniquely different chandeliers scattered throughout the property.


4. Sun-Drenched Pools

Bernardus Lodge clearly know how vital pools are in Carmel Valley. Two crystal blue pools and a hot tub attract guests like magnets with an outdoor bar and several surrounding lounging options. The two-person shaded canopy beds are great for couples looking to get cozy while the tented cabanas are great for families and those looking to mingle.


5. Wellness Program

Bernardus Lodge has introduced a completely revamped Wellness Program for those truly looking to find their inner-peace. The new service hosts everything from guided hikes, yoga classes, stretch classes to hypnotherapy. The onsite spa also offers a plethora of amenities sure to have you leave your stress at the door including a variety of therapeutic massages and a private steam room with invigorating Vichy shower.


Book your stay now!

Find Your Inner Peace at Carmel Valley Lodge

Carmel Valley- known for its grassy rolling hills, award-winning wines, ample sunshine and now a revived and rejuvenated Carmel Valley Lodge. The countryside lodge located just off of the Carmel Valley Road has recently just changed ownership; coming with it revamped rooms, outdoor fire pits and the introduction to their complimentary breakfast known as Rainbow Ssambap (more on that later).

The 31 room resort is sprawled out over 3 acres full of well-manicured gardens, an array of flowers and stunning views of the valley. Fully renovated rooms stay true to their cozy country roots with upgraded modern amenities including secluded outdoor patios and furniture, gas fireplaces, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi.

Quite possibly the most integral selling point of the retreat is the crystal blue pool and stone outdoor fit pits, both a necessity in sunny Carmel Valley. You simply can not top this gorgeous setting with the rolling hills in the distance; a perfect area to bask in the abundant sunshine, enjoy a glass of Carmel Valley's finest Pinot Noir and at night congregate around a cozy outdoor fire with your loved ones.

The nearby gazebo and meditation tent are also new additions to the pool area where guests are encouraged to reflect and tap into their inner creativity.
The most unique feature about this property is their complimentary breakfast created entirely by Carmel Valley Lodge's owner Tong Kim. After his own personal research and exploration he has crafted a raw vegan concoction known as Rainbow Ssambap (Korean for burrito); he even has an entire book on this stuff!
The meal (which Mr. Kim eats exclusively for breakfast, lunch and dinner) is full of over 20 different ingredients including beans, berries, nuts and fruit. I had the pleasure of trying this interesting mashup and to my surprise was delighted with the combination of tastes and textures. Mr. Kim notes that the most important ingredient for the flavor is a Meyer lemon, so important in fact that he has planted over 100 trees around the property.
The cornucopia of fruits, veggies and legumes is certainly a nutritious way to start off the day. I am not sure I could eat this dish all day everyday but Mr. Kim's youthful energy and appearance may have turned me into a believer.
Want to try this Rainbow Ssambap yourself? Book a room at the Carmel Valley Lodge of just follow the easy recipe below.

Rainbow Ssambap Recipe:

You will need-

Nuts

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 beet
• 3 tomatoes
• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 1 carrot
• Lettuce
• Cabbage
• Any other vegetables that you want to eat

Legumes

• Beans

Fruits

• Apples
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Meyer Lemons
• Avocados 

1) Make a base - Put five sliced tomatoes the bottom of the blender, put one sliced beet, one carrot, two bananas, one avocado, 20 almonds, 20 cashews and five walnuts on top of it and blend them all together.

2) Pour it into a large bowl up to 1/3 of the bowl.

3) Add blueberries, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, one chopped apple, half of a lemon, some lettuce and any other vegetables, nuts or fruit you want to eat.

4) Mix and eat it.