California’s newest entry into the luxury hospitality arena welcomes guests April, 2015 with the long-awaited debut of the repositioned Bernardus Lodge & Spa. Following a four-month, multi-million dollar transformation, the Forbes Four Star 57-guestroom property set on 28 fragrant acres of lavender, orchards and vineyards showcases a dramatic shift in style and interior design. Curated for epicureans and romantics, highlights include the new Lucia Restaurant & Bar under renowned Chef Cal Stamenov, redesign of all luxury guestrooms, reconfigured public spaces with an indoor/outdoor aesthetic, expanded wedding and event spaces and re-envisioned Spa at Bernardus with a deep-rooted wellness and fitness slant.
Under new ownership and management, Bernardus Lodge steps up with an intimate and stylish experience deserving of its surroundings. Shouldered by the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, the Pacific Ocean to the west and Big Sur just 25 miles south, the Lodge’s ethos redefines luxury and revitalizes the senses. From its sensually-designed suites and new standard of high-touch service, the bar on wine country retreats has officially been raised.
NEW DESIGN BY ARYA GROUP, INC.
Los Angeles-based architectural/design firm ARYA Group, Inc., renowned for its high-concept celebrity residential portfolio, is credited with bringing the vision to reality with a rustic-chic ranch estate concept. Clean contemporary lines and warm tones reflect the property’s new aesthetic with rich Italian stonework, mosaic tiles, grass cloth, French oak floors and chandeliers gracing public spaces. With an eye to maximizing its natural surroundings, walls have been replaced with invigorating vineyard views, new outdoor fireplaces have been created and an alfresco dining terrace is now featured. Guestrooms reveal a residential feel with custom furnishings and dream baths for two.
Reflecting Bernardus’ inherent epicurean spirit and soothing soul, interiors are set in neutral tones of olive leaf, charcoal and oyster. Oxidized copper and seagrass accents are matched with punches of aqua and green lichen. Pattern and texture play large roles in the guestrooms with rich hand-knotted rugs, oversized Strathmore chairs, mercury glass chandeliers and antique hand-hewn reclaimed wood accents. Plush silver headboards and contemporary art combined with wrought-iron mirrors, limestone fireplaces and dining room tables deliver a ranch-style feel with an understated casual elegance. Oversized private garden patios, feather beds, Frette linens, complimentary Bernardus wine bar and pantry and twice-daily housekeeping service round out the amenities.
LUCIA RESTAURANT & BAR
Named after the majestic Santa Lucia Range which provides the dramatic backdrop to the outdoor dining terrace, Lucia Restaurant & Bar debuts with renowned Chef Cal Stamenov and team driving the stoves. The restaurant showcases a vibrant, stylish and decidedly relaxed setting well suited to Stamenov’s style of cuisine. Key highlights include a new 2,300 sq., ft., alfresco heated terrace and reconfigured footprint with expansive new gardens, mountain views and chandeliers. A large fireplace designed from Bagattini Oregon stone marks the focal point of the main dining room with open vineyard views and a mixed-use table layout in rich marble and reclaimed wood. Italian leather chairs, silver wall sconces and oxidized copper accents round out the seductive, earthy design.
