On a recent rainy weekend that closed the roads to Tahoe and deterred our plans of heading up to the mountains, we decided to head south along Highway 1 for a cozy getaway at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel.

Our thoughts upon departure? We should do this more often.

Located approximately 120 miles south of San Francisco you’ll find retreat at Quail Lodge, where scenic coastlines and renowned wineries are all in close range. Nestled amid the serene beauty of Carmel Valley, the property is made up of 93 spacious and stylish guest rooms and suites surrounded by rolling hills and oak trees. The resort itself gives (west) coastal grandmother vibes in the best way possible—think roaring stone fireplaces, vaulted wood ceilings, and patios kept private by greenery.

Arriving on Friday evening after work, we decided to dine onsite at the recently renovated restaurant, Covey Grill. The Lodge’s signature dining experience offers a California-style grill and bar—think high-quality steaks and sustainably sourced seafood—in trendy yet cozy surroundings. We ate inside due to rainy weather, but on a sunnier day, we would have opted for the outdoor patio which overlooks Mallard Lake and lush landscaping.

While we love a stay in Carmel-by-the-Sea, there are plenty of pros to Quail Lodge's location just 10 minutes outside of the bustling tourist destination. For one, you get more bang for your buck. The rooms at Quail Lodge are far and beyond some of the most spacious we've stayed in—some have fireplaces and living rooms. You'll also likely find far more hours of sun in your day as you head into the valley, perfect for lazy (and much-needed) afternoons by the property's sizable, year-round heated pool.

Quail Lodge experienced a post-pandemic facelift which includes refreshed rooms, fire pits in common spaces, new pool furniture, and more. This is in addition to the already established amenities like wine hour in the lobby (3pm to 4pm daily), an all-grass nine-hole putting course, pickleball and tennis courts, a fitness center and steam room and, of course, the award-winning 18-hole championship golf course.

Designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Muir Graves, the Quail Lodge Golf Course winds its way through oak-studded hills, meandering creeks and lush landscapes, providing golfers with both scenic vistas and strategic challenges.

And what's most important after a long day of golf? A comfortable bed. We're happy to report that the beds at the lodge far exceeded our needs. The luxurious touches shouldn't come as a surprise since all guest rooms and meeting spaces were redesigned by Barry Design Associates, whose work includes award-winning properties such as the Four Seasons Beverly Hills and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii, and the One & Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas.

If you decide to leave the property, you'll find there are plenty of beloved attractions just a short walk away. Right across the street from Quail Lodge, you'll find Tancredi & Morgen, a perfectly curated boutique with everything from pottery to gorgeous textiles and jewelry sourced from around the world. Just across the way you'll find the Mexican restaurant Baja Cantina & Grill, where vintage decor adorns the walls and the cowboy spirit is still very much alive. And, just a block up the road, the Earthbound Farm Stand, where you'll find a fully stocked organic café, gift shop, and tulip gardens. —Kiera Kenney

// Quail Lodge & Golf Course, 8205 Valley Greens Drive (Carmel); rooms start around $340/night, quaillodge.com.