Rustic, quirky, yet sophisticated and genuine
Just six miles east of the small, quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, once presided over by none other than Clint Eastwood, lies Carmel Valley, a sprawling land reminiscent of the wild west or bygone hippie culture, boasting 300 days of sunshine per year.
Perched atop some of the best acreage within the valley is Carmel Valley Ranch, a 139-guest-suite property that embarked on an exciting transformation last year. It’s emerged as a completely new style of resort that encourages guests to play, engage and connect. Taking full advantage of the majestic landscape, the 500-acre resort offers programs and activities such as beekeeping, early morning hikes and fitness classes, along with a Pete Dye championship golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tubs, organic garden, vineyard and the new Spa Aiyana.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” says General Manager Dan Korn. “We do take our guests’ time very seriously. We don’t force them to engage – we encourage them without intentional focus. Our visitors are educated, curious people and their offspring, renaissance children. So they want to engage in every way possible.”
PICK-IT-YOURSELF DINING
Guests can get involved through the organic garden tours or even picking their own items from the garden, returning to the ranch’s adventure kitchen and putting them together in a cooking class taught by the executive chef.
And if you are not inspired by the many activities, Korn says, “People love coming here, sitting by the fireplace, playing a board game all weekend long.” Ultimately, everyone – children and the young at heart – venture up to the lodge pool area and gather ’round the fire pit for s’more making every evening. “We think of all our guests as children at heart. There’s something about this elixir of life that is a little reminder you can make the most of your time without taking a lot of time; you can learn without feeling you have to be taught.”
THE LOVE OF LAVENDER
Besides the two-acre organic garden, there are 7,000 lavender plants and more than 70,000 Italian bees living in the ranch’s hives. Ranch staff cultivated 100 pounds of honey from these hives last year and use most of those on the property. From the restaurant (lavender Crème Brule, anyone?) to guest amenities and spa treatments (sweet lavender poultice massage), honey, and lavender oil distilled from the plants are used in many ways at the resort.
“All the activities, programs and relaxation are a reminder that luxury and play can fit together extraordinarily well,” reflects Korn on what he hopes guests will remember about Carmel Valley Ranch long after their vacation.
