If you are traveling to the Monterey Bay area and want to stay somewhere a little warmer than the cool coastal air provides, you need to look into Quail Lodge & Golf Club nestled in Carmel Valley.  Less than 10 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find sun away from the foggy coast with average temperatures of 71 in the summer and 78 in the perfect fall!  Surrounded by the Santa Lucia mountain range and one of the finest wine regions you’ll have elegant dining options, wine tasting, antique shops and art galleries at your fingertips as well as trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.  An area known for world-class tourism, you’ll be surprised to learn that this luxurious property has rooms with a price tag that will not break the bank!

Lucky for me, being a part of a local media tour gave me the chance to be a tourist in my own backyard as well as the opportunity to visit again any time I’d like!  And, visit again is high on my list!  As I walked to my room, I noted the peace and quiet aside from the fountain in the pond which ended up being just outside my door.  I snapped a panoramic photo of the calming view.

Two wooden lounge chairs sat facing the pond in my patio.  Any time of day would be amazing enjoying this spot with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.  Inside my deluxe king guestroom (one of 77, there are also 14 suites) the space was large with lots of light coming in the windows.  Seating was offered in a cushioned chair and ottoman as well as a working desk.  The California Ranch style décor had hardwood floors and a luxurious bed with pillow-top mattress.  I had a few of my friends from the group come chat in my room and I was pretty much molded to the bed, so I stayed put as we talked.

Little things like a Keurig coffee maker and a luxurious tub and shower just completed the room tour and I could easy spend a week here and not get tired of it!  Side note:  the fountain does shut off for the evening and resumes in the morning, so pond-side rooms do not hear any noise through the night.

Quail Lodge and Golf Club is picturesque at all times of the day as you walk the grounds you’ll see a postcard at every turn.

A nice continental breakfast is offered daily in the lobby with outdoor seating overlooking the pond.  Coffee, tea, juices (including an incredible carrot juice) are offered along with breads and bagels, waffles, hard-boiled eggs, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit.  This lovely addition is included in the price of the room!

On site our group enjoyed lunch at Edgar’s.  Outside the restaurant the rolling hills surround the greens and driving range. This wasn’t your typical golf club restaurant with fried food and beer.  Casual elegance is the theme whether you are dining after a round or just coming in for lunch, Edgar’s offers fresh ingredients harvested from local organic farms that are hand selected by Chef Kenneth Macdonald and exquisitely prepared by his culinary team into the sustainable menu!  Starting with a local white wine from Scheid, I ordered the roasted beet salad that was bright and fresh followed by the Carmel Valley flatbread.  The thin crust of the flatbread was crispy even with all the delectable toppings (chicken, spinach, tomato, pesto, mozzarella).   The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers a happy hour from 4-6pm.

I’ve never golfed outside of mini-style and one of these days I’m going to try it.  There are putting greens along the property for practice/fun.  It looks like such a relaxing sport, albeit frustrating to someone like me who is competitive and a perfectionist.  Hmm..maybe I won’t.

A heated pool is open 7am-10pm for guests as well as tennis, golf (room packages are available) and even a Land Rover Experience Driving School!  WIthin a short walk we were wine tasting and there are shops and other dining down the road.  Conveniences like free wi-fi connectivity and free and ample parking just add to value of the stay!

Now through the end of June you can get mid-week room rates from as low as $150/night +tax!  That is an out of this world price, look into booking your stay now and enjoy luxury at an affordable price! Visit http://www.quaillodge.com/ for more information!

My stay was hosted as part of a media tour, all opinions are completely my own.