Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch Review

Hotel scion John Pritzker bought this 500-acre all-suites resort in 2009 and committed more than $30 million to transform the property into an upscale experiential getaway. The reinvented ranch opened in fall 2010, encouraging guests of all ages to play in myriad ways in its stunning natural setting, where wild deer and turkeys roam the hills and meadows. The activity options are so varied that the resort provides a program director to guide you through it. Swing from a tree, hike in the woods, meditate on a hilltop yoga platform, or play a round of golf on the 18-hole Peter Dye golf course. Harvest honey at the on-site apiary and lavender field, or splurge on massages in the full-service Spa Aiyana. The main lodge is a slick, contemporary haven with Brazilian walnut floors, custom woodwork, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to stunning valley views. The menu at the lodge restaurant centers around valley produce (much of it from the resort's two-acre organic garden) and other regional ingredients. Rooms have cathedral ceilings, travertine fireplaces, and large decks. The River Ranch center is a giant playground with a pool, children's splash zone, boccie courts, fitness center with TRX suspension training and a host of classes, and café.