Carmel-by-the-Sea’s newest luxury hotel is located just 100 feet from the beach
Carmel-by-the-Sea may be small and pleasantly old-fashioned, but the place continues to evolve with renewed energy and new developments.
This summer saw two iconic events in this small waterfront enclave: the awarding of a Michelin star (only the city’s second ever) to the beautiful new seafood-focused restaurant on Fifth Avenue, Chez Noir; And the long-awaited opening of a new hotel whose first fame will be its ridiculous proximity to Carmel Beach, just 100 feet away.
The beach vibe and ocean views continue in the 26 luxurious guestrooms at this Carmel Beach hotel.(Rick Pharaoh)
Sister to the famous Relais & Chateau L’Auberge Carmel (which, by the way, also houses the Michelin-starred Carmel restaurant), Carmel Beach Hotel opened this June with a collection of historic beach bungalows, some dating back to the 1930s, The acres of property perfectly reflects its designation as the closest hotel in town to the beach.
Tastefully updated throughout by designers Carol Badham and Phyllis Martin Feige, the property evokes a sense of place through materials such as locally quarried caramel stone, weathered wood paneling, a palette of green sea glass, tidal pool creatures and the deep blue of the ocean. , and misty grey. Charming historic touches, such as the stained glass panels in the lobby building, have been preserved.
Step into any of the Carmel Beach Hotel’s 26 guestrooms, most of which have ocean views, and you’ll feel connected to the environment—though you’d never go wrong with escaping into your private stone bathtub or into a book by the fireplace.
But don’t get too warm: Carmel Beach is ideally located for enjoying the city. Hop on one of the property’s e-bikes and head south along the coast on Scenic Road, where you will pass the historic Clinton Walker House built by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the famous Butterfly House. At the end of the trail, you find yourself on Carmel River State Beach, where the Carmel River meets the ocean. You can brave the hills back up through the neighborhoods or just take a detour and take in more of this coastal scenery.
Secoya’s outdoor kitchen and restaurant is run by Aubergine’s team of Michelin-starred chefs.(Rick Pharaoh)
Once you have finished your appetite, take the opportunity to eat. The hotel’s Secoya restaurant is open exclusively to guests – and consider it a treat: run by Executive Chef Justin Cogley and sous chef Diana Phipps, a sustainable restaurant – the caring restaurant serves locally inspired cuisine with a Phipps Australian accent – think fresh oysters, crudo, poached salmon with fennel and coriander and Dungeness salad crab Louie that can all be eaten in the outdoor kitchen and dining area. Don’t worry, it’s a well heated Jeep even in the fog.
There’s also a small but great bar menu that includes cocktails like the Spa Water (tequila, lime, yuzu, and mint) or the surprisingly light Spiked Crumble (a bourbon milk punch with toasted oats and cashews) that are best enjoyed by the fire pit outside. Complimentary breakfast baskets filled with pastries are provided each morning; There’s also an all-day menu that includes a few options that you can easily pack for a beach picnic. (This time, if you head north, you’ll find a “secret” beach with tide pools just below Pebble Beach Golf Links.)
Round off your stay with a three-room spa treatment and some freshly baked gluten-free scones at turndown.
// Nightly room rates start at $349; San Antonio Avenue and Thirteenth Street. (Carmel by the Sea), carmelbeachhotel.com.
Every night is bonfire night at Carmel-by-the-Sea.(Rick Pharaoh)
