Carmel Valley Ranch Review: A Luxurious Retreat Near Monterey
The sunset from my balcony at the Carmel Valley Ranch
Anyone who likes to stay at Hyatt properties will know that there are some incredible luxury properties in all corners of the world. However, when it comes to California, Alila Ventana Big Sur is always the big name that draws people’s attention. While Alila properties are undeniably incredible, the lack of availability and high cash/points cost can be extremely dissuading and frustrating to try and book.
Luckily for those looking to stay in the same area of central California, there is another exquisite property just 45 minutes north: the Carmel Valley Ranch, located 15 minutes away from central Monterey (and the famous Monterey aquarium).
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Carmel Valley Ranch for a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Tucked away in the serene Carmel Valley, this Hyatt property thoroughly exceeded my expectations, offering a luxurious retreat with stunning natural surroundings, top-notch amenities, and exceptional service. While it isn’t perfect, it impressed me thoroughly and I left feeling like it was worth the money. For a room that can cost $500+, that’s always a big win.
Let’s jump into the review:
Initial Impressions
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the friendly staff right out front of the property, who took my baggage and helped ensure a seamless check-in process (with a free glass of champagne). The resort has ample parking, but only a few electric chargers—if you’re driving an electric car that isn’t a Telsa, you’ll want to make sure you plan around getting a car charge as the slots can fill up.
On my way to my room, the resort's sprawling property immediately caught my eye - acres of rolling hills and vibrant lavender fields set against the picturesque backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains. It was an enchanting sight that, as cheesy as it sounds, instantly transported me into a more relaxed state of mind. The entire property was far better maintained than I expected, and even the minute drive to my room looked quite pleasant.
The entrance to the Carmel Valley Ranch, decorated for Halloween and Thanksgiving
The Room
The accommodation at Carmel Valley Ranch was nothing short of exceptional. My room (a Valley suite, which I was able to upgrade to with Globalist as the hotel was fairly empty at the time), elegantly designed with a rustic yet contemporary flair, offered a spacious and comfortable experience. The bedding was honestly some of the nicest I’ve experienced at a Hyatt property, with an extremely comfortable king bed directly opposite a fireplace.
The highlight, however, was the private balcony, which provided breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of nature. While I opted for the room without the outdoor tub as the temperature was in the 40s while I was there, I recommend splurging for a room with the tub if you’re there in a more appropriate season! Regardless, I started every morning and ended each night sitting on the balcony and watching the view.
The room had a lovely shower and tub, two large TVs, a gas fireplace, and a wide range of seating options. There were only two of us in the room, but it felt like it could’ve held a party of 8-10! Honestly, I don’t think there is anything I’d ask for to improve the room—it was perfect for what it was going for. I was worried that having the parking right the room would be loud or bright, but I didn’t notice a thing.
Amenities
One of the standout features of Carmel Valley Ranch is its extensive range of recreational activities. With enclosed properties like this, I often worry that there won’t be enough to do on the property’s grounds to keep me entertained. However, this was the opposite of what I experienced at the Ranch.
Whether you're a golf enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, there is truly an activity for everyone. The 18-hole championship golf course (see below), designed by renowned golf architect Pete Dye, provided a challenging yet breathtakingly scenic experience. I was thoroughly impressed with how well the course was maintained, and how nice everyone was around the clubhouse! Even if you aren’t a golfer, I recommend at least walking parts of the course or trying out the driving range—the view of the valley from the course is fantastic, and the smell of lavender wafting across the course makes the whole experience just that much more enchanting.
The resort also boasts numerous hiking trails that meander through the enchanting Carmel Valley, allowing guests to connect with nature and get some outdoor exercise while staying on the property. These trails range from short jaunts to full hikes, so you’ve got an option no matter the level of commitment you’re looking for. If you’re interested, there are several coordinated group hikes led by people from the resort. If you’re considering hiking solo, I recommend asking for a suggestion and map from the front desk, as some of the paths overlap and it can be confusing to figure out where to start. I ended up walking for about 10 minutes on what I thought was the path before realizing I was going in the wrong direction of where the trail was supposed to be going!
There is also a wide variety of schedulable group activities, including adventures in bee-keeping, petting/feeding farm animals, and a wide variety of fitness classes. While many activities are adult-only, there is a healthy range of kid-friendly activities. Just know that almost none of the group activities are free, so keep the budget in mind when planning what you want to do. Sadly, CVR does not offer an all-inclusive option as of now (though it would be greatly appreciated if they did in the future).
For those seeking relaxation, the resort's spa and stunning pool/infinity tub combo is an oasis of calm. While I normally shy away from spas, I splurged and got a massage that left me completely rejuvenated after a long day of hiking and walking. The spa had what I can only refer to as a serene ambiance, and it felt like a truly pampering experience. The pool was heated just enough to be easily enjoyable (despite the air temperature being only ~50 degrees F), and the hot tub infinity pool was easily the crown jewel of the property for me. With views of both the resort and the surrounding mountains, the hot tub was the perfect place to spend the evening before heading back to the room (the main pool and hot tub are adult-only).
Food Options
One aspect of the Carmel Valley Ranch that I was surprised by is its clear dedication to sustainability and organic farming. The resort has an organic garden and apiary, allowing guests to engage in a true farm-to-table experience. Other members of my party relished the opportunity to participate in a cooking class where they harvested fresh ingredients and incorporated them into a self-cooked meal. This farm-to-table concept not only enhanced the culinary experience but also underscored the resort's commitment to environmental stewardship (which is evident all over the property).
The culinary offerings at Carmel Valley Ranch are high-quality, leaning on fresh ingredients and seasonal vegetables. The on-site restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience. I also greatly enjoyed being accompanied by an impressive selection of wines from the nearby Monterey County vineyards. I particularly recommend the onion rings and the omelet—two of my favorites from my time at the Ranch.
Summary
In conclusion, Carmel Valley Ranch surpassed my expectations and provided an unforgettable retreat in the lap of luxury. There’s no doubt—staying at the ranch is expensive. So does the property provide enough value to make the $500+ a night worth it?
Personally, I think it does.
Honestly, I was expecting the Carmel Valley Ranch to be a decent property that provided a relaxing place to stay and some decent food. However, from the breathtaking natural surroundings to the impeccable service and exceptional amenities, every aspect of this resort is clearly designed to envelop guests in a sense of tranquility and relaxation. If you're seeking a luxurious escape where nature's beauty meets refined elegance, I wholeheartedly recommend Carmel Valley Ranch as a destination that will leave you longing for a return visit.
Just keep in mind that your price per night will be a minimum of $250+ more than advertised when you incorporate food and activities. To truly enjoy the property, commit to the experience and activities—if you’re looking for a place to stay on a budget, the Carmel Valley Ranch is not it (and it doesn’t pretend to be).
Overall Score: 4.7/5 (Excellent)
We hope this review was helpful for you, and can’t recommend the Carmel Valley Ranch enough! Important note: we recommend booking this property with cash over points—after Hyatt did some restructuring in early 2023, this hotel is now category 8 and can cost as much as 60,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Unless you’re getting greater than 1.5 cents per point, stick to booking this property with cash over points.
If you’re interested in transferring points to use at your favorite Hyatt properties, make sure to check out our guide here. And if you’re interested in getting a card to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards (and subsequently, Hyatt points), check out our tier list of every Chase card currently on the market!
