Joining an elite team of five California properties sharing the coveted triple crown, Bernardus Lodge & Spa was awarded a stunning 12 stars from Forbes Travel Guide. The honors include four stars each for the Lodge, Lucia Restaurant & Bar and The Spa at Bernardus. This marks the fourth consecutive year the property has received this award.
Underscoring the property’s unparalleled commitment to top shelf service and hospitality standards, this recognition distinguishes Bernardus Lodge among the world’s top tier hotel properties. The stringent rating process, conducted over the year, focuses on all elements of hospitality from front-line service protocols to housekeeping, dining and art. Only 11 U.S. hotels share this prestigious triple four-star award in 2023.
SETTING THE BAR
The hospitality industry has endured challenging times since 2020, with guest expectations and protocols shifting daily. An award at this level underscores Bernardus’ commitment to setting and exceeding high standards across the board. “As a leader in the luxury travel market, we’re honored to be recognized and continually raise the bar for our guests,” said Sean Damery, Vice President and General Manager of Bernardus Lodge & Spa. “We’re proud to offer an authentic Carmel Valley experience that has evolved organically over time. As a team, we are always striving to serve from the heart, and our high rate of return guests confirms that.”
CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
Sporting 73 guestrooms on 28 acres flush with lavender and vineyards, the property has enjoyed a quiet evolution since opening its doors in 1999. In 2015, Bernardus underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation followed by the debut of its Villas & Suites product, including spacious 1,050 sq., ft., and 2,100 sq. ft., lifestyle accommodations ideally suited for reconnecting with extended family. In 2022, Executive Chef Christian Ojeda of Montage Deer Valley Resort joined Lucia Restaurant & Bar, lifting the dining experience to new heights. The 90-seat restaurant, named after the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains which provide a dramatic backdrop to the 2,300 sq. ft., alfresco dining terrace, is set in contemporary tones with expansive views. Interiors feature rich white Italian leather paired with rustic treatments crafted in marble, oxidized copper, teak and reclaimed wood. Chandeliers and stunning exterior firepits grace the mixed-use table layout with a focal point fireplace marking the main entrance.
In addition to the lodge and restaurant, Forbes awarded four stars to the Spa at Bernardus, a spacious 5,300 sq. ft., facility offering specialized services in an elegant wine country setting. This sun-drenched sanctuary, flanked by two pools and hot tub, features a curated wellness component with a garden-to-soul philosophy. From blooming lavender to aromatic rosemary and local olive oil each season inspires new cutting-edge treatments. The road to wellness includes guided intention setting, full moon rituals and crystal workshops as well as bespoke wellness programs.
ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE
Forbes Travel Guide is the originator of the prestigious Five Star Rating system and has provided the travel industry’s most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against up to 900 rigorous and objective standards, providing consumers the insight to make better informed travel and leisure decisions. Forbes Travel Guide is the gold standard for luxury hospitality ratings worldwide. Forbes Travel Guide combines the objectivity and heritage of the Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating system with insightful recommendations from a hand-selected group of travel experts, tastemakers and Forbes Travel Guide inspectors.
BACKSTORY
Perennially recognized by discerning readers of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Resorts” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top Resorts” and as well as a Wine Spectator award recipient (2001-2022), this Forbes Travel Guide twelve-star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing. Reopened after a full resort renovation in 2015, Bernardus Lodge & Spa features 73 luxurious guestrooms, suites & villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus, award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, hilltop adults-only infinity Jacuzzi, alfresco croquet and bocce court, two tennis courts and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Bernardus Lodge & Spa is located on the Monterey Peninsula, 120 mi./193 km, south of San Francisco and 330 mi./531 km., north of Los Angeles.
For information, contact Bernardus Lodge & Spa at 831-658-3400 or visit www.bernarduslodge.com.
