CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif.
Carmel Valley Ranch, the 500-acre resort on California’s central coast near Big Sur, completed a $20 million revitalization that includes the addition of 30 indoor-outdoor suites, a new adults-only pool and a reimagined Valley Kitchen farm-to-table restaurant featuring an expansive outdoor dining terrace, fresh produce from its organic farm and its first-ever wine releases from its pinot noir vineyard.
The resort has also introduced new experiential programming led by the artisans of The Ranch including a new archery program, a well-being workshop with horses and bird watching excursions.
“Carmel Valley Ranch is designed to be a magical place where families, couples and groups will experience something new every time they visit and leave with a new found sense of discovery,” said Kristina Jetton, general manager of Carmel Valley Ranch. “Through our new suites, culinary offerings and activities, we continue to stay true to our roots of offering a quintessential California experience of the best of what guests enjoyed at summer camp and endless options for creative learning.”
Carmel Valley Ranch began its new chapter in spring 2015 with the addition of several new activities. The remaining resort enhancements, including new suites, Valley Kitchen restaurant and adult pool, unfolded throughout the summer with completion in August 2015 and include the following:
30 Indoor-Outdoor Suites
Thirty new indoor-outdoor Vineyard Oak Studio Suites and Vineyard Suites were designed by Rodrigo Vargas Design, with architectural design by SB Architects and The Paul Davis Partnership. Designed for couples and romance, these intimate studio suites measure 700-square-feet and offer a serene outdoor living area with stunning valley and vineyard views, concrete soaking tub, indoor-outdoor fireplace, and rustic-elegant furnishings including daybeds, rocking chairs and picnic tables. A section of Vineyard Suites can also be configured into two- to four-bedroom suites with kitchens, ideal for groups.
Valley Kitchen and Treetop Dining Terrace
As the resort’s social hub and heart, Valley Kitchen, formerly known as The Lodge, was designed by Rodrigo Vargas Design, SB Architects and The Paul Davis Partnership and features an expansive new 1,500-square-foot outdoor terrace that offers views of the valley and vineyard below and hanging lanterns that twinkle from ancient oaks at night. The restaurant’s main dining room features wooden tables with nail head detailing and tweed settees while a centerpiece bar pairs a reclaimed wood wall with rustic wood shelves that hang from ropes and display honey jars as a nod to the resort’s own bee hives. A smaller lounge off the bar features lounge chairs, sofas and pool views.
New Adult Pool
Carmel Valley Ranch introduced a new zero-edge adult pool and hot tub, cabanas and an outdoor bar all in a secluded setting off the River Ranch activity complex at the base of the resort.
New Activities for All Ages
Carmel Valley Ranch unveiled new experiential programming for guests of all ages.
- Archery – taught by expert instructor-facilitators of 2020 Archery London, guests learn the discipline, skill and enjoyment that comes from target-based archery.
- Butterfly Garden & Butterfly Chats – a butterfly garden next to the organic garden features an open air garden that houses an array of butterflies with chats led by the Activities Team.
- Bird Watching – a bird watching and conservation awareness program offers weekly bird watching expeditions, both at the resort and in nearby habitats including Garland Ranch Regional Park and Point Lobos.
- The Equine Perspective – guided by Jill Rivoli, natural horsemanship expert, guests experience a series of exercises designed to develop self-awareness and authentic communication using equestrian ground skills and other techniques.
- Vineyard-Inspired Programming – new educational and epicurean experiences that showcase the resort’s four-acre pinot noir vineyard include:
- Sip Like a Sommelier – a monthly wine education class led by Sommelier Dave Eriksen.
- Wine of the Week – weekly series highlights wines by the glass that represent classic and curious varietals from around the world.
- Wine Dinners – an interactive seasonal winemaker dinner series hosted by Executive Chef Tim Wood and Sommelier Dave Eriksen, showcasing ingredients from the resort’s organic garden and the best local food purveyors and wines from local winemakers.
Carmel Valley Ranch offers more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
