Fall 2024

Bernardus Lodge & Spa at 25 Years The Ultimate Monterey County Wine Countr y Retreat B Y AME L I A WARD C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 4 145 A s Bernardus Lodge & Spa celebrates its 25th anniversary, the accolades continue to flow in. Just this April, the resort was givenTwo Keys in Michelin’s inau- gural Hotel Guide—one of only three to receive the accolade in all of Monterey County (the other Michelin Key recipients are Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana Big Sur). Bernardus is consistent- ly rated a Forbes Four Star Hotel and regularly awarded Four Diamonds from AAA as well as topping the U.S. News and World Report “Top Resorts in California” list. The name “Bernardus” has been associated with Carmel Valley since the early 1980s, when Bernardus “Ben” Pon, a native of the Netherlands, first settled here. Pon was an Olympic skeet shooter and professional race-car driver with a serious passion for wine. He came upon Carmel Valley while on a trip to the peninsula to golf at Pebble Beach and race at Laguna Seca and fell for the valley with its natural beauty and excellent terroir. Pon bought land, planted grapes and built a winery soon known for its award-winning vintages. After nearly two decades of making exceptional wines, Pon saw the opportunity to start a new venture when a unique 28- acre parcel became available.The property, flanked by Carmel Valley Road and Los Laureles Grade, had most recently been home to the Carmel Valley Inn, a 57-unit lodge built in the 1950s. The land was once part of the 6,625-acre Rancho Los Laureles, a Mexican land grant made to José Manuel Boronda in 1839— the family’s Mexican-era adobe still stands on near by Boronda Road. Pon purchased the proper- ty in 1999 and Bernardus Lodge & Spa was born. As a local, I find it surprising that Bernardus Lodge & Spa is already celebrating 25 years— since its inception, a stay at the beautiful Monterey County Wine Country resort has been on a list of things to do. Having enjoyed many a celebratory dinner and sunny Sunday brunch at the Bernardus restaurants over the years, I’ve watched the hotel guests frolicking in the pool and delighting in other resort activities with a tinge of envy, wanting to see and experience more.This spring, I had the opportunity to do just that, and what I found was a relaxing oasis just a The welcoming lobby houses reception and comfortable seating areas to socialize and enjoy a glass of Bernardus wine. Photo: Renato Films