Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel, CA

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel, California is a 6-7 hour drive from Los Angeles.  We wanted the shortest route and took the 5 Hwy to Hwy 101 then got off in Salinas to get to Carmel.  Once off the main highway, the drive toward the Pacific Ocean is quite beautiful with rolling hills, sheep and vineyards.  We decided to visit for the first time with our best friends of over 30 years, Steve and Janet.

Arriving at the Old Gate House
Greeted by the first of The Ranch's 7,000 lavender plants

I am so happy that we discovered Carmel Valley Ranch.  The 139 all suite property is spread over 500 acres.  As we drove past the security gate, we saw gardens, bee hives, deer and beautiful native flowers.

We were warmly greeted and escorted to our rooms.  The rooms at Carmel Valley Ranch are huge.  They are romantic, yet intimate and spacious enough for families.

As I entered my room, I noticed a large TV, refrigerator, desk and a wonderfully large sofa with a queen sleeper inside.  The bathroom is nice and I especially loved the hotel's bathroom amenities which were a mix of lavender and mint.  The only negative in the bathroom was the lighting for makeup.

 

The Lobby in the Carmel Valley Ranch Lodge,
home to Roxy, The Ranch's English Bulldog

The bedroom is comfortable with a TV and a gas fireplace.  The turn down service was nice as well.  There is a Keurig coffeemaker in the room with a choice of coffees and teas.

The property is absolutely lovely!  It is peaceful and even though the resort was almost at 100% occupancy, it was quiet.  The 30 plus year old resort went through a major refurbishment 2 years ago.  Everything is in wonderful shape.  They keep their pools heated to 82 degrees year round.  

Also, did you know that there are over 300 days of sunshine in Carmel?

The Lodge Pool, Carmel Valley Ranch's "quiet" pool for Children at Heart
(Children at Play are welcome at the River Ranch Pool)

Carmel Valley Ranch's spa is next to the pool.  You make the arrangements through the gift shop desk (wonderful products there!), then you are escorted to the spa which is next to the adult pool and adult Jacuzzi   My friend, Janet and I had great massages on their heated massage tables.  Ask for Amber!

I love the resort's family concept.  They have a separate area for families.  Family pool, family/kids activities and club including a wonderful play area. 

Living Room in a spacious Garland Suite, featuring a cozy fireplace and
comfortable queen-sized sleep sofa.
The Ranch's 139 guest suites average more than 800 sq. ft.

Bedroom in a spacious Garland Suite, including fireplace, flat-panel television,
and Carmel's classic warmth

The resort has a beautiful golf course, tennis courts, bocce ball, herb garden and most unique a bee keeping class.  There are activities galore here including the children's Ranch Hand activity from 5:00-9:00 which keeps the children busy at the dinner hour so the parents can have a quiet dinner together.  The fitness center has a yoga center, tennis clinics, barre strength and more.

Carmel Valley Ranch's signature Bee Experience,
led by resident beekeeper and lavender expert, John Russo

Right now, the resort is offering a Stay 4, Pay 3 promotion during certain dates.  Carmel Valley Ranch is a Virtuoso property so daily continental breakfast for 2, a one time $100 activity credit and an upgrade based on availability upon check in is included with my reservation.

As always, please call for details and rates.


The World is Our Playground!

Mari