Carmel Valley Ranch

The Property & Our Room
Carmel Valley Ranch is a beautiful 500 acres of land with bundles of fun all around. This place is so huge that they offer an on-property shuttle to bring you around their 500 acres of land. You may also spot a few deers, birds, and other wildlife around the ranch. There are lots of exciting and fun things you can do at Carmel Valley Ranch; unfortunately, we didn't have time to do everything as we only had the chance to stay the one night. Where should I begin to describe how great this place was. We stayed in the Vineyard Oak Studio with an amazing bathtub located in the bathroom as well as another on the patio deck outside. The room was open and inviting and oh so cozy.

The Experience
We had a rather interesting stay as we were lucky enough to stay the night of the peninsula power outage - which also happened to rain the same night. So yes, this meant no electricity (aside from the phones), no hot water - other than what the generator could handle onsite. Luckily the main lodge seemed to be operating fine, which also meant food was available! With the limited power on property, the staff ensured our safety throughout by checking on us and were very courteous and kind. There was a flashlight in the room but they offered us a lantern as well. This added on to our romantic getaway as well as give us the opportunity to explore all their playground had to offer - rather than stay in the room watching tv, as we probably would've if not for our luck! Let me begin with the service, as that is the most important aspect of hospitality. The service was great everywhere, from the front desk to all of their event staff. Wonderful communication from booking our stay and everything on our itinerary to having a folio emailed to us after we've departed! We were also able to make amazing s'mores by the poolside campfire, which even the rain of that night couldn't ruin.

Food & Beverage
Dinner - We had the following brought up to our room via room service: Honey Chili Chicken Wings, Truffle Fries, Seasonal P.E.I. Mussels, Ceviche, and Mary's Free Range Chicken Breast. The mussels were a bit strong on the wine for our tastes that evening but the ceviche was definitely a crowd pleaser. The chicken wings were sweet and delicious, whereas the chicken breast was easy to slice through and was savory to taste.

Breakfast - We chose to go off of their Hot Buffet Style Option as we were in a hurry at the time. They offered smoked salmon, so I even got to make my own smoked salmon bagel. Loved the all-you-can-eat buffet option with the variety of hot and fresh options available.


Amenities & Extras
Tennis - We were able to play on a clay court for the very first time. I was probably more excited than I should have been. If you're a tennis athlete I would highly suggest playing on a clay court. The ball absorbs into the court, leaving a mark on the court showing where the ball had landed and making it more difficult to hit an ace, and much easier to call it in or out.
Gym - We also went to work out at the gym located at the hotel to burn off all the great food we had at their restaurant and room service located on property. They have more equipment available to use than we're used to in a resort. They also offer different fitness classes, many lovely pools throughout, an adults only pool area, as well as an infinity hot tub!
Organic Garden - Where they have fresh fruit and plants as well as their chickens and bees. Yes, I said bees; they do have a bee experience class as well.
Horseback Riding - We initially had planned for their Chaparral Loop Trail Ride however, due to the rain we had to take a raincheck on that. So hopefully another day! However, the days leading up they do ask you experience level as well as height and weight to give to the trainer, so they're very thorough with their information, which we appreciated much.
Golf - As you stroll throughout the property, you may see many partaking in golfing all around the property. There's even golf carts onsite!
Spa Aiyana - We ended our stay with a relaxing 110 minute Couples Massage. From the spacious locker rooms to the array of drinks and snacks offered, it was everything we needed to complete our little getaway.