Capping this year’s Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award for Bernardus Lodge & Spa and chef Cal Stamenov’s signature dining venue – Lucia Restaurant & Bar- Carmel Valley’s esteemed hideaway for epicures on escape has again raised the hospitality bar with the Forbes 2019 World’s Best Rooms Award, one of 41 hotel properties in 17 countries and just six on the West Coast. Nearly 1700 worldwide hotels were included in the review process.
Achieving perfect scores on guestroom and bathroom standards related to luxury, guest comfort and convenience, this award underscores Bernardus’ mantra on superseding guest expectations with meticulous attention to design, ergonomics, and elegance. “This is an incredible honor, one that speaks to our philosophy and passion as well as recognizing our hardworking staff,” according to Sean Damery, vice president and general manager of Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
Opened in 1999 and celebrating its platinum anniversary, the 73-room vine-swept lodge has long set the standard for luxury lodging on California’s Central Coast. Tucked on 28 acres of sweeping lavender, grapevines and olive orchards in Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa speaks to today’s experiential traveler with a showcase of guest accoutrements including spacious 525 sq., ft., to 2100 sq., ft., lifestyle accommodations, many featuring vaulted ceilings, double-sided fireplaces, private patios and terraces featuring vineyard or Santa Lucia Mountain views as well as a complimentary wine bar and butler’s pantry. Standout elements include Suite and Villa accommodations featuring alfresco showers and fire pits, hammered copper free-standing soaking tubs and rain showers. Two pools, an adult-only infinity Jacuzzi, tennis, apiary program, croquet, and bocce courts and the sleek 5,300 sq. ft., Spa at Bernardus round out the property.
ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE 2019 WORLD’S BEST ROOMS
Forbes Travel Guide’s Verified Lists provide guests with an objective, data-driven source for making informed choices. These Illustrious properties have been thoroughly tested and verified to ensure that the rooms are of the highest quality – not just beautiful, but impeccably functional, luxuriously comfortable and elegantly appointed. Elements of luxury standards reflect detailed attention to the level of sumptuous comfort, as well as luxurious choices and conveniences provided to guests including linens of exceptional quality and style, high-quality amenities and/or technology appropriate to the destination, exception attention to interior design, notable pieces of artwork, high-quality soft goods and bathroom amenities that are exceptionally luxurious. Comfort and convenience standards encompass guestrooms that are well-sound-proofed, extremely fresh upon arrival, generously spacious grooming areas, advanced lighting, and technology that is easy to navigate.
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. The anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service. The only way to receive a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through Forbes’ independent inspection process. A full list of awards is listed at www.forbestravelguide.com.
