Bernardus Lodge, a luxury resort near Monterey Bay, California, makes a great base for exploring the Monterey area.

The first time I turned off Carmel Valley Road and headed up the drive to Bernardus Lodge, a luxury resort near Monterey Bay, I was sure I’d made a wrong turn and somehow ended up in Napa Valley. To the right, the property’s vineyards overlooked the valley below. I could see lush green in every direction as I parked, and the entrance rivaled any resorts I’ve visited in northern wine country.

Not to mention the food. Visit Monterey arranged my visit, and I didn’t quite understand why they had sent me and my husband to Carmel Valley for lunch until I tasted that first bite—a seasonal salad of grilled peaches, pea shoots, beets, and goat cheese. The food was so fresh and wonderfully prepared that if someone invited me to dine there again today, I’d board the first plane I could.

Bernardus Lodge is located in beautiful Carmel Valley. Photo by Teresa Bitler

So, when Cooper Tire invited me to test their new Cooper Zeon RS3-G1 tires at Mazda Raceway in nearby Laguna Secca, I jumped at the chance, in part to cross “drive a race car” off my bucket list, but also because our media group would be staying at Bernardus Lodge.

Upscale and Elegant Bernardus Lodge

On my second visit to Bernardus Lodge, I again felt like I had somehow ended up in Napa. Those same pinot and chardonnay grape vines greeted me on the drive to the entrance. At the front desk, which was a desk with comfortable leather chairs, I received a glass of Bernardus Chardonnay to sip while I checked in.

The lobby area also matched what you’d find at a Napa resort. Intricate chandeliers hung over French oak floors while fresh flowers added a pop of bright color in vases on nearly every table and desk.

Bernardus Lodge has its own vineyard, organic garden, olive grove and 73 guest rooms. Photo by Teresa Bitler

As I followed the bellman to my room, I noted the patio where Jerry and I had enjoyed lunch a few months earlier. Friends, wine glasses in hand, congregated around a nearby fire pit, and a family played croquet on the lawn. Based on my experience so far, I knew I would have difficulty leaving in two days.

Special Touches at Bernardus Lodge

My room exceeded my expectations—and I had pretty high expectations. Located at the far end of the croquet lawn, it featured a sitting area, limestone fireplace, and French doors opening to a private garden patio. I had planned to pour a glass of Bernardus wine from the room’s complimentary wine bar and relax on the patio but, unfortunately, never got the chance.

Rooms feature heated marble bathroom floors, garden patios (or balconies), and complimentary wine and snacks. Photo by Teresa Bitler

I also didn’t have as much time to spend in what ranks as one of the best hotel bathrooms ever I’ve encountered as I would have liked. The floors were not only marble but heated marble, and the shower featured a handle with a temperature indicator so you could precisely control the water temperature. I’m usually not a bath person, but the large, oval tub was tempting, especially after a day at the racetrack.

Special touches set the 73 rooms at Bernardus Lodge apart from most other resort rooms. In addition to the heated bathroom floors and complimentary wine bar, my room had Italian linens on the featherbed, adjustable reading lights on either side of the headboard, and complimentary snacks in the butler’s pantry.

The Grounds at Bernardus Lodge

I had just enough spare time to explore the property before dinner the first evening. On my way to the organic garden, I passed several of Bernardus Lodge’s 3,000 lavender plants interspersed between roses, wild grasses, and other greenery.

The path leading to the organic garden. Photo by Teresa Bitler

On my previous visit, I could tour the organic garden with Chef Cal Stamenov, who pointed out his favorite herbs, some of the 30 types of vegetables grown there, and the bee garden that played a role in Bernardus’ honey production. This time, I enjoyed the beauty of the space with its colorful planters, rose garden, vine-covered walkway, and lawn perfect for weddings.

Besides the gardens and vineyard, Bernardus Lodge boasts an olive orchard, a 4-star spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and an adults-only Jacuzzi.

Dining at Lucia Restaurant and Bar

Named for the Santa Lucia Range, Lucia Restaurant & Bar is the resort’s only dining option. It’s also the only 4-star Forbes-rated restaurant in the area and has hosted many famous guests, including Leonardo DiCaprio. As a result, reservations are strongly recommended.

The seasonal salads feature fresh produce from the organic garden and the chef’s home garden. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Lucia is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The seasonal menus can change daily depending on what’s available from local vendors and in the organic garden. In addition to the onsite garden, Stamenov uses produce from his garden, which includes more than 150 fruit trees and heirloom vegetables. He also gathers eggs from his heirloom chickens.

Specialties at Lucia include Stamenov’s seasonal salads, foie gras four ways, Wagyu beef, and brick oven pizzas. Order a bottle of wine from the 15,000-bottle wine cellar or a craft cocktail from the bar to accompany your meal.

In the Monterey Area

Bernardus Lodge makes a great base for exploring the Monterey area. You can hike in Carmel Valley, shop in neighboring Carmel-by-the-Sea, horseback ride on the beach or cruise the 17 Mile Drive. More than 25 nearby tasting rooms give you the opportunity to sip local wines, and at Quail Lodge just a few miles west of Bernardus Lodge, you can drive off-road at the Land Rover Experience, one of only four Land Rover off-road driving schools in North America.

While staying at Bernardus Lodge, you can off-road at the nearby Land Rover Experience, visit Monterey Bay and sample wines at local wineries. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Just 20 minutes from the resort, Monterey offers plenty to do. Visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, explore historic Cannery Row or step back in time at Monterey State Historic Park.

Of course, I’d recommend driving race cars the next time Lucas Oil School of Racing brings its training program to Laguna Seca or, at the very least, watching a race.

Sign up if Lucas School of Racing is at Laguna Seca during your stay. You won’t regret it. Photo by Teresa Bitler.

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