Monterey offers everything from exceptional accommodations to world-class dining this winter.
Stunning views punctuate a stay at CordeValle in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
As winter settles over Monterey, Carmel and beyond, the coast and highlands come alive with cozy escapes and stunning scenery. Here’s our guide to the top experiences in this land of waves and breathtaking views.
WHERE TO STAY
Tickle Pink Inn
This captivating coastal retreat nestled in the lush Carmel Highlands has welcomed travelers worldwide for over 60 years. Overlooking the breathtaking Big Sur coastline, the inn offers unforgettable Pacific Ocean views that set the stage for complete relaxation. Guests are treated to an array of thoughtful amenities, from the newly expanded, three-level Cliffside Deck with panoramic ocean views to a cozy evening wine and cheese reception by the fire as the sun sets. The Ocean Spa Tub, tucked into the hillside, provides a serene spot to soak in dramatic ocean vistas. With 34 luxurious ocean-view rooms and suites, a complimentary continental breakfast and dedicated service, every detail at Tickle Pink Inn ensures an exceptional and memorable stay. 155 Highland Dr., Carmel, 800.635.4774, ticklepinkinn.com
Guests at Bernardus Lodge & Spa enjoy 28 acres of gardens and amenities in Carmel Valley.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Nestled on 28 acres of lush vineyards, orchards and gardens in Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge & Spa is a historic estate offering refined luxury and relaxation. The lodge creates a serene village-like ambiance with 73 elegantly appointed guest rooms, suites and villas in charming adobe-style buildings along a terraced hillside. The Spa at Bernardus offers a personalized menu of treatments and wellness experiences, while outdoor amenities include a bocce and croquet lawn and a 2-acre organic garden and vineyard. Lucia Restaurant & Bar, the resort’s culinary gem, is celebrated for its seasonally inspired cuisine, much of which is sourced directly from the lodge’s gardens and complemented by an award-winning wine collection and curated cocktails. New winter programs include brain wave vibration (dynamic meditation) and Baths by Bernardus (Carmel Valley bath rituals with curated products). Insider’s tip: Choose the Pure Decadence Package, which includes a welcome bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, a private candlelit dinner for two with a curated menu, an 80-minute couples massage, a private vineyard tour, lunch accompanied by a musician and photographer, and a daily in-room breakfast for two. 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, 831.298.5389, bernarduslodge.com
CordeValle
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, CordeValle is a serene retreat that pairs Northern California’s stunning landscapes with the sophistication of a luxury resort. Top travel and golf publications recognize CordeValle as among California’s finest. The resort spans 1,700 acres of scenic countryside south of San Jose. Inspired by the Spanish El Corazón del Valle (“the heart of the valley”), the resort’s name reflects its tranquil setting amid rolling meadows, wooded hills and natural streams.
Guests can enjoy a range of refined experiences, from championship golf and local wine tastings to Northern California-inspired dining. With elegant event spaces, The Spa at CordeValle and an on-site Tuscan-style winery, CordeValle offers an idyllic escape for relaxation, wellness and renewal. 1 Cordevalle Club Dr., San Martin, 408.695.4500, cordevalle.com
Visitors enjoy kayaking with Cannery Row as a backdrop.
WHAT TO DO
Cannery Row
Cannery Row’s timeless charm and rich history draw visitors from around the globe, making it the premier destination on California’s Central Coast. With its luxurious waterfront hotels, inviting restaurants and eclectic boutiques, this legendary street offers an ideal spot to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Monterey Bay. Ideally situated, Cannery Row boasts its vibrant dining, shopping and entertainment and serves as an excellent gateway to the endless adventures Monterey County has to offer. Downtown Monterey, canneryrow.com
The Tickle Pink Inn provides captivating views for guests on the Big Sur coastline.
WHERE TO WINE & DINE
Located on 15 acres of vineyards and lush gardens in Carmel Valley, Folktale Winery (folktalewinery.com) beckons guided tours and delightful lunches in the scenic Wine Garden (order a sparkling rosé, chardonnay or pinot noir). Carmel-by-the-Sea features 18 wine-tasting rooms, including Caraccioli Cellars (caracciolicellars.com), a family-operated gem offering brut cuvée, brut rosé and pinot noir sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands.
The recently opened Chez Noir (cheznoircarmel.com), a Carmel-by-the-Sea standout, earned its Michelin star just 10 months after its debut. The seafood-centric, Mediterranean-California fusion menu also boasts exquisite Monterey County wines. Meanwhile, Sarah and Boo Simms, twin sisters and co-owners of Los Angeles’ renowned Lady & Larder, returned to their Monterey roots to unveil their second outpost: The Carmel Valley Lady & Larder (ladyandlarder.com), a haven for artisanal cheeses, natural wines and delectable charcuterie boards.
Photography by: COURTESY OF CORDEVALLE; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND
