Robles del Rio Lodge, the 1928 historical country resort and spa overlooking Carmel Valley from high atop the hills in the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, is closed for major renovations and improvements until early in 2001. The Lodge is only 12 miles inland from scenic Highway 1. Guests have come to this intimate retreat for the past 60 years for a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or small private business meetings.
Guest rooms at the Lodge will be as unique as the surroundings. Interior designer Charles Grunwell from Las Vegas has been retained to create a unique yet down-to-earth decor for the rooms--the smallest one is 650 sq. ft. and the suites up to 1,500 sq. ft. Special touches include cable television tucked away into armoires, and cottages that are equipped with fireplaces and kitchenettes.
Diners who have visited The Ridge Restaurant in the past will then once again find the same excellent cuisine started under the direction of Daniel Barduzzi, welcome Carmel Valley hotelier and restaurateur. In fact, Daniel is overseeing its reconstruction. A third-generation chef, he opened other high-profile properties around Monterey such as The Gallery Restaurant at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and the award-winning restaurants in the Highlands Inn, Pacific Edge and California Market. He is assisted by Andres Chaves, a young chef trained at the Western Culinary Institution in Portland, Oregon. There he worked with Juliano Hazan, son of Marcela Haazan, the internationally known chef and food writer. His internship was at the renowned Painted Table Restaurant in Seattle where he worked closely with executive chef, Emily Moore, ranked among the top four chefs in the Pacific Northwest.
Amenities at the Lodge will include two swimming pools including a ridge-top pool with large outdoor tile hot tub and sauna. At the spa, relaxation and stress reduction massages will be given. Hiking and a jogging trail start right at the Lodge.
Activities can be arranged such as horseback riding into the nearby hillsides and golfing at many of the 17 Monterey world-class courses.
$20 million is being spent on the property to include European-style spa facilities replacing the existing one, 25 new rooms and suites, upgrading and renovation of several cottages (33 units), a new small-meeting room, the second swimming pool, and extensive landscaping. The former registration area and office will be moved from the main lodge to separate facilities. This will leave the historic main lodge to accommodate primarily The Ridge Restaurant and The Cantina, which will be expanded. Returning guests will be happy to know that photos lining the walls of The Cantina which capture the Lodge’s history will be incorporated into the new expansion.
Nearby attractions--the small village of Carmel Valley at the foot of the hill, Laguna Seca Raceway, winery tours, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey Bay Aquarium and picturesque Big Sur--are all within easy driving distance.
Robles del Rio Lodge is located at 200 Punta del Monte, Carmel Valley, California 93924. For reservations starting June, 2000, call toll-free 1-800-833-0843, or 831-659-3705; fax 831-659-5157.