Golf resorts abound in and around Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, and one of the finest is the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. We found tremendous value at this lovely and little known resort in addition to one of the most attentive and respectful staffs we've ever encountered -- the sign of superb management. It receives our highest rating - 4 stars - for hot tubs with one of the loveliest and most relaxing spas at a resort on the California Coast.
Often referred to as "The Lodge" this property is located on 800 acres of Oak groves, lakes, hiking and biking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, two putting greens and fairways The Lodge is 3.5 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean fog belt in the always-sunny Carmel Valley. Also located on the property is the 614-acre Quail Meadows residential community featuring 56 2-½-to-21 acre home sites.
Though we are not golf aficionados ourselves, we spoke to many people who were very fond of the course at Quail Lodge Resort. The course is for intermediate level players but is also fun and challenging for a beginner. Many of the golfers we spoke to came to the resort to challenge their skills before attempting more difficult venues. All were pleased with the result -- praising the club, its shop and golf pro.
A European Health Spa was being planned, with some spa services already available such as in-room massage. Horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, and salmon fishing are among the activities available at The Lodge.
Quail Lodge is a luxurious and intimate resort with only 100 guest rooms and suites. The "California Casual" style of The Lodge is elegant yet welcoming and comfortable. There are three two-story buildings with guest rooms and a dozen five-bedroom cottages that can be rented whole or separately. There is also a spectacular executive suite done in an oriental decor with a pair of two-bedroom suites. This suite comes with its own conference area, conversation nooks with fireplaces, entertainment systems, wet bars with refrigerators, sun decks, private gardens and hot tubs. A lovely setting for a large family gathering or an intimate business meeting and retreat. Pets are allowed in all rooms -- pet sitters and washing services are available.
The room we stayed in was in one of the cottages overlooking the golf course. It was very large as resort rooms go and featured a pleasant outdoor sitting area overlooking one of the links and surrounded on two sides by pond with ducks and geese. The decor was modern California Casual with high ceilings and large picture windows. The color scheme was a pleasing earth tone floral motif of browns, oranges and white. The room contained a very comfortable king-size bed, entertainment center and wet bar. Our room was extremely comfortable and we are sure anyone staying at Quail Lodge would agree.
The resort's common areas are equally pleasant and lush. The three lodges, five cottages and executive suites surround a central lake with lush vegetation -- the landscaping was exquisite and impeccable. It makes one want to stroll the grounds and take in the stunning view of the hills surrounding the valley -- which take on a magnificent hue in the late afternoon. The architecture has the essence of a contemporary California ranch house. Yet there was no hint of ranch in the main lodge. We were impressed with the reception area and revisited it repeatedly. It contains a modern Japanese pool in the center of the room and the sound of the water, combined with exquisite floral arrangements and the view, invited guests back to lounge, visit the bar and enjoy the fireplaces.
The pool area and especially the unique communal hot tub was among our favorite features of the property. The exceptionally large redwood tub had slopped sides particularly conducive to a relaxing long soak. (In fact the shape of this tub has convinced us that when we put a tub in our home we will obtain one with these very same slopped sides.) The hot tub area is separated from the pool by a redwood gazebo and red brick wall covered in fragrant, flowering vine -- sheltering it from any noise from the pool area. There is also a glass wall that allows a view of one end of the golf course. It is all very intimate. We particularly liked that the tub was separated from the pool area and out of view. Adults wishing to be separated from playful children would feel completely comfortable here -- very well thought through. We thoroughly enjoyed several two-hour soaks at the end of each day of driving the Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey areas. We warmed our muscles and sipped Cosmopolitans (vodka, cranberry and fresh lime juice) brought personally by the bartender herself. Hot tubs are among the most important features of a high quality resort and the one at Quail Lodge was among the best we have ever encountered. This recommendation is not to be taken lightly.
Dining at the Quail Lodge Resort should be part of any stay at the property. There are two restaurants to serve Lodge guests and golfers. The Clubhouse at the golf club serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast of coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice (priced separately), corned beef hash ($8.25) and jalapeno cornbread topped with eggs, salsa and cilantro-infused guacamole ($9.25). It is always a pleasure to find an unusual breakfast dish and the latter certainly was -- it was also light and low in calories. There were less expensive dishes on the menu, including all the traditional favorites but these "treats" came highly recommended by our server Rocky who has worked at the Club House for three years and previously at the Carmel Valley Ranch just down the highway. Again employees that stay at a resort are good sign of excellent management.
The Clubhouse maintains a number of meeting and event rooms in a variety of sizes that can accommodate almost any size crowd. The Quail Meadows area had its own building set aside for events and was a particularly lovely setting for weddings. A substantial number are held there every year.
The exceptional Covey restaurant in the main Lodge has won many awards including the prestigious Dirona Award ranking it among the top 465 finest restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It is one of only four Dirona award winners between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other laurels include top honors in Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's selection of Northern California Restaurants, the American Academy of Restaurant Sciences Academy "Best of the Best" Award and the "Award of Excellence" given by Epicurean Rendezvous dining guides.
Located in the main building the Covey's natural wood interior is as warm and relaxing as the rest of the Lodge. Large windows look out on a picturesque footbridge spanning one of the many lakes. The service adds to the fabulous dinning experience. The staff's attention to detail is evident in every step of the service. Most of the staff have been with the restaurant for many years, some for decades, most working their way up from busperson to assistant food service to food service.
The Covey restaurant serves only dinner but caters all meals for special events and corporate meetings.
