WITH A ROLL OUT OF CRUSH-WORTHY COCKTAILS, PLATINUM PERKS AND HARVEST CELEBRATION
Two Decades of Hospitality Leadership on California’s Central Coast
Fresh off receiving a coveted eight Forbes Travel Guide stars, Bernardus Lodge & Spa announces its 20th anniversary with a roll out of programs throughout 2019. The line-up includes a classic showcase of platinum-inspired cocktails, luxury Platinum Plus guest package and Bernardus 20th Platinum Anniversary, Grand Tasting & Craftsman Exchange event set for Sunday, October 27, 2019.
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Debuting in 1999 with 57 guestrooms, the Spa at Bernardus and Marinus restaurant led by chef Cal Stamenov, the lodge’s double decade evolution has raised the hospitality bar along the California coastline. In 2014, new ownership and management set out to recreate an intimate and stylish experience more deserving of Bernardus’ surroundings. Set on 28 acres of sweeping vines and lavender, the lodge debuted a multi-million dollar renovation in 2015, launched Lucia Restaurant & Bar under chef Stamenov and added its suites and villas product the following year. Curated for epicureans and romantics alike, the 16 spacious 1050 sq., ft., to 2100 sq., ft., suites and villa lifestyle accommodations feature alfresco fire pits, master baths with hammered copper free-standing soaking tubs, wet rooms with wall and rain showers, radiant heat floors, double-sided fireplaces and alfresco showers and terraces featuring vineyard or Santa Lucia Mountain views. In 2019 Bernardus Lodge earned the World’s Best Room award from Forbes Travel Guide, an honor shared by only 41 hotels in 17 countries.
Bernardus Platinum Anniversary, Grand Tasting & Craftsman Exchange; Sunday, October 27, 2019
The ever popular Craftsman’s Exchange takes on a platinum patina this year, combining the region’s top toques – a salute to Stamenov’s alumni – with a line-up of iconic purveyors for an afternoon steeped in fine wines and decadent tastes. The expanded event will be set alfresco on the lodge’s tournament size Croquet Lawn.
Not surprising, Stamenov’s kitchen has been a luminous launch pad for a variety of area chefs mentored over the past two decades. Joining the grand tasting will be Tim Wood/Carmel Valley Ranch, Ben Spungin/Alta Bakery, Matt Bolton/Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, Jerry Regester/Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, Jerome Viel/Carmel Valley Market and Cal Stamenov and team from Lucia Restaurant. A party for the palate, graze the day away with an amazing line-up from Delamotte Champagne, Bernardus Winery, Newport Meats, Swank Farms, Sciabica Olive Oil, Earthbound Farms and Morro Bay Oyster Company, among several other notable purveyors. Certain to be the event of the season, the Platinum Anniversary party will be backed by live music and the stylish sophistication Bernardus Lodge is known for. Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., $99.00/person++.
Platinum Playground – Stirred, Not Shaken
Lucia Restaurant & Bar’s craft cocktail program steps up with a triad of new drinks worthy of exploration. Resisting a Platinum Blonde can be tough, especially when it’s crafted with Beluga ‘Noble Russian Gold Leather’ Vodka, Contratto Bianco Vermouth and garnished with a crave-worthy dollop of caviar. Playing off Prince, “…Like its 1999” also delivers with a tasty WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, stirred with Vermouth Royale and Angostura bitters, topped with a platinum leaf Luxardo Maraschino cherry. Rounding out the offerings, the dreamy Little Silver is certain to be a showstopper, combining Patron Rocca Reposado Tequila, Cointreau Noir and garden fresh lime, served up with a platinum Maldon salt rim. $50.
Platinum Plus Package
1. Pampering hits a high note with the new Platinum Plus package, offered through December 31st. Slip into the sanctuary of a spacious 1,050 sq. ft., Bernardus Villa Suite for a two-night escape. Steeped in luxury with a wine country twist, Bernardus villa suites provide a secluded stay with its signature contemporary design, three fire features, romantic hammered copper free-standing soaking tubs for two and full pantry of complimentary wines and snacks.
Guests will enjoy daily breakfast and a round of celebratory platinum cocktails for two. As the sun sets, the 1999 theme continues with a vintage bottle of 1999 Bernardus Marinus Bordeaux blend backed with canapes and delivered in-room with two keepsake glasses.
Day two the Spa at Bernardus ups the ante with two deluxe spa treatments certain to soothe the senses. Slither in for a 2+ hour Platinum Facial using the newest technology. From an in-depth cleansing to a regenerating peel, lymphatic massage, firming mask and microcurrent therapy, skin will rejoice with a smooth refined finish that both tones and defines. A hand and eye treatment complement the service as well as a takeaway customized home care kit from Eminence Organic Skincare.
Glass in hand, artisanal cheese plate on tap, the Platinum Pedicure kicks off with an antioxidant-rich chardonnay bubble bath, pure cane sugar and chardonnay grape seed scrub, reflexology and creamy chardonnay moisturizer to calm and tone, followed by a detailed nail care and polish treatment. 50 minutes. Hotel package starting at $3,383 midweek, double occupancy, including taxes and resort fee.
ABOUT BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA
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 (2001-2019), this Forbes Travel Guide Four Star property has long set the gold standard for wine country vacationing. Reopened after a full resort renovation in 2015, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is set on 28 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender and boasts 73 luxurious guestrooms, suites & villas, the signature Spa at Bernardus, award-winning Lucia Restaurant & Bar, a junior Olympic size swimming pool, a hilltop adults-only infinity Jacuzzi, an alfresco croquet and bocce court, two tennis courts and 4,300 sq. ft. of meeting space. Woodside Hotel Group (http://woodsidehotelgroup.com), an operator of a portfolio of distinguished independent luxury properties throughout Northern California, is the management company for the property, which 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 http://bernarduslodge.com.
