As a frequent traveler and food enthusiast, I must say that my recent trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea was nothing short of extraordinary! The earthy interior design at Carmel Beach Hotel was a delight, offering a serene retreat just steps away from the oceanfront Scenic Road.
“What. Is. Bohemia?“
A well-dressed gathering convened in the Pacific Ballroom of La Playa Hotel, Carmel, last winter, where they collectively chanted a familiar phrase, guided by a troupe of actors hailing from IAMA Theatre Company. Among the over 250 people attending this festive weekend to commemorate the relaunch of the iconic location were Lewis Pullman, Patrick J. Adams, actor Guillermo Diaz, and writer/podcaster Evan Ross Katz. Scandal‘s Katie Lowes and The Bear and Never Have I Ever‘s Adam Shapiro gleamed from the audience, enjoying as their peers from the Atwater Village-based theater they co-founded delivered the prologue of The Last Bohemian, a unique, one-night immersive play staged for the event by Eli Gonda and commissioned by hotelier John Grossman of Marc & Rose Hospitality.
The tale penned by playwright Christian Durso, with its 1907 backdrop and influenced by Carmel’s unique artistic heritage, unfurled across the premises. Food expert Andy Baraghani was also in attendance, having cooked a meal sourced from local produce for this lively gathering of guests from various professions and sectors, who had come together the previous evening.
Clint Eastwood is frequently linked to a hamlet situated at the southernmost tip of Monterey Peninsula. A century ago, literary greats like Robinson Jeffers, Jack London, Edward Weston, Sinclair Lewis, and artist Chris Jorgensen sought solace and community in this same place. It was actually Chris Jorgensen who constructed a winter home in 1905, which would later evolve into the La Playa Hotel for his wife, San Francisco chocolate heiress Angela Ghirardelli.
remnants of the early bohemian ambiance are noticeable throughout the enchanting, one-square-mile village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Here, fairy tale-like structures and the lack of conventional numeric street names contribute to its unique allure. Residences bear descriptive titles and geographical locations rather than traditional addresses, making mail collection at the downtown post office necessary (and deliveries can sometimes be tricky).
As a gaming enthusiast diving into real estate news, I’ve noticed some significant moves in the Carmel market. Last year, Brad Pitt boosted his portfolio with a $40 million investment – the historic 1918 stone-clad D.L. James House designed by Charles Sumner Greene, an architect known for the Gamble House in Pasadena. This year, the Butterfly House, a 1951 masterpiece adorned with stylish interiors by Jamie Bush, went for $29 million. Most recently, Monaco’s Patrice Pastor snapped up the iconic Mrs. Clinton Walker house by Frank Lloyd Wright for $22 million, expanding his impressive Carmel property collection (a development that stirs local discussions).
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been exploring the vibrant town of Carmel more often now, and let me tell you, it’s leveling up! The mix of laid-back charm and high-end sophistication in its restaurants, hotels, and boutiques is truly remarkable. It’s not just a favorite destination anymore, but a coveted getaway for the Hollywood crowd, making every visit feel like a level-up in my real-life adventure.
Nestled a few miles north, securing a golf round at the iconic Pebble Beach continues to be an enviable achievement for passionate golf enthusiasts like myself, alongside notable figures such as Barack Obama, Bill Murray, and Justin Timberlake. The allure of Monterey Car Week, encompassing the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, draws affluent spectators and celebrities each August. (Notably, this picturesque landscape will resonate with fans of Big Little Lies.)
In April, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Bradley Cooper, and Gigi Hadid decided to meet up in Carmel. They spent their evening dining together at La Bicyclette bistro and celebrated Hadid’s birthday by taking in the scenic beauty of the rugged coastline.
Where to Stay
“Avi Brosh, founder of Palisociety, shares with The Hollywood Reporter that Carmel’s relaxed yet luxurious ambiance, style, and service is both cozy and unassuming, which they appreciate. Avi and his wife, Kirsten, have revamped two previously humble properties under their Le Petit Pali brand, located just a few blocks apart. The lobby areas and 24 rooms at Le Petit Pali on 8th Avenue (Junipero St. and Eighth Avenue, starting from $395 per night) and the 34 rooms at Le Petit Pali on Ocean Avenue (Junipero St. and Ocean Ave.) now showcase Palisociety’s unique blend of airy, playful decor that confidently incorporates vibrant stripes and botanical patterns.”
As I step into La Playa Hotel, a game of luxury priced at $450 per night, I’m immediately transported to an enchanting world that blends the charm of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with the grandeur of sweeping ocean views. The design geniuses at Post Company have masterfully crafted moody, intimate retro-inspired nooks throughout this hotel, creating a striking contrast against the vast expanse of sea before me.
Located within the tranquil Carmel Point neighborhood, Villa Mara (2408 Bay View Ave., nightly rates starting at $825) radiates an aura of refined tranquility, contributing to Carmel-by-the-Sea’s reputation for having one of the highest number of fireplaces per resident in the nation. The lobby and Jesena’s Bar showcase a harmonious blend of textures, patterns, and understated sophistication, featuring custom elements from the leather-bound stair railings to the furnishings, all incorporating a wabi-sabi aesthetic that eschews pomposity.
As a gamer, I’d say: “In the heart of this vibrant city, I found a gem reminiscent of the Old World – L’Auberge Carmel nestled on Monte Verde at Seventh Street. This luxurious hideout, with rates starting from $590, revolves around a captivating central courtyard, making it my personal haven within the urban jungle.”
As a frequent traveler who has stayed at numerous hotels across the country and around the world, I can confidently say that the Stillwell Hotel, nestled right in the heart of downtown San Carlos on Fifth Avenue, stands out among the rest. With its sleek contemporary design and competitive rates starting from $379, it offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking a modern and comfortable stay. The hotel’s 42 guest rooms are impeccably clean and stylishly appointed, providing a perfect sanctuary after a long day of exploring the city. I highly recommend the Stillwell Hotel to anyone looking for a chic and convenient accommodation option in downtown San Carlos.
At Carmel Beach Hotel, located on San Antonio Avenue at 13th Street ($425 per night), you’ll find an earthy interior design style. This stylish hotel is just steps away from the scenic Oceanfront Scenic Road. The hotel boasts a strong spa and wellness program that harmoniously complements its beautiful garden surroundings.
Luxurious resorts grace the rolling hills of Carmel Valley as well. Among these are romantic and family-friendly establishments such as The Quail, a sprawling 850-acre property with 93 rooms (located at 8205 Valley Greens Dr., with nightly rates starting from $495), managed by Peninsula Hotels. This resort also features an 18-hole, 3-par golf course and a newly renovated Covey Grill.
The activity-loaded, all-suite Carmel Valley Ranch (1 Old Ranch Road, high season nightly rates from $525) appeals to multiple generations, while picturesque vineyards at Bernardus Lodge & Spa (415 W. Carmel Valley Rd., rates from $465) and Lucia restaurant speak to the area’s viticultural heritage, with the Bernardus winery a mere two miles away.
Where to Eat
“Avi Brosh notes that the town’s beautiful natural surroundings are being boosted by emerging culinary stars, top-tier design events, and cultural gatherings. These attractions have been drawing an intriguing, vibrant, and unconventional audience, who are being catered to in unique and distinctive ways,” (paraphrased sentence)
At Anthony and Alyssa Carnazzo’s sleek Stationæry on San Carlos Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, the scrumptious potato pancake stacked with fromage blanc, prosciutto, and delicata squash is so popular it frequently runs out before brunch service concludes. Similarly, notable eateries situated within hotels are aiming for culinary greatness.
At the esteemed Aubergine restaurant, located within L’Auberge, Chef Justin Cogley offers extravagant tasting menus. Meanwhile, Michael Chang showcases seafood from Monterey Bay and other premium ingredients at Foray, which is situated at the Stillwell Hotel.
Chez Noir emphasizes a robust local produce philosophy, aligning with Aubergine as Carmel-by-the-Sea’s second Michelin-starred restaurant. The culinary duo of Jonny and Monique Black, who have received a James Beard Foundation nomination this year for Best New Restaurant, operate Chez Noir. Previously, they honed their skills at Quince in San Francisco and the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. They initially prepared pop-up meals at Stationæry, where the Carnazzos instilled in them hope that Carmel could accommodate their aspirations, as Monique Black recalls. Today, the rotating, multi-course menu (priced at $150 per person) highlights seasonal California produce such as Santa Cruz black cod and a buttermilk-infused fried green tomato salad from Borba Family Farms. “Without the backing of our neighbors and farmers,” Monique Black notes, “we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Where to Shop
For enthusiastic browsers and shoppers who value unique, independently-owned stores, Carmel-by-the-Sea serves as an idyllic haven.
In a laid-back setting, it’s effortless for shopkeepers to engage in friendly conversations with customers. Hiroki Nakamura, an admirer of Monterey Car Week and the founder of Visvim – a popular clothing and lifestyle brand located on San Carlos Street near Sixth Avenue – has established a branch in Carmel. This location boasts desirable vintage George Nakashima wooden furniture, collectible hi-fi equipment, custom-made display cases, and a coffee bar. Stationæry, which stocks textiles and accessories inspired by Japanese traditions and is located at San Carlos Square between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, is the brainchild of Minori Shironishi and her husband Philip Rodrigue, two New York transplants with a background in fashion.
Enthusiastic hosts who pay close attention to intricate details, like hemstitch, custom-embroidered napkins, and high-quality French tablecloths, will be captivated by the exceptional selection at Jan De Luz Linens (located on Dolores Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue). Surrounding home goods stores and interior design studios such as Hart Habitats and Shoshin (San Carlos Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue) are filled with warm colors, attractive patterns, and alluring items. A carefully selected assortment of iconic Nordic designs from designers like Finn Juhl and Hans Wegner can be found at Fjørn Scandinavian, nestled within The Shops at the Pine Inn Hotel (located on Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Street).
In the charming locales of Carmel, San Carlos situated between Ocean and Seventh Avenue, a boutique exudes a laid-back Golden State spirit through its assortment of casual attire and gifts. Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Way Books and The Secret Garden nestled on Dolores Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, offer a nostalgic glimpse into a particular Californian era with their geodesic dome, peaceful ambiance, and spiritual literature. Lastly, Tejido Collective, located on Mission Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, offers Peruvian artisanal-backed sweaters that are ideal for staying warm amidst the coastal fog.
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2024-08-10 20:25