Part of a residential compound six miles inland from Carmel toward Carmel Valley, this all-suite hotel, reached through a manned security gate, lies on a winding road with its buildings staggered for optimal views of the fairways below. (Guests enjoy country-club privileges.) It is comparable to Quail Lodge and The Inn at Spanish Bay.
The main common areas are grouped in a single hillside building, and the small sit-down reception and concierge desks are to one side. The stone-tiled hallway leads to the formal wine- and pine-hued dining room known for its selections from ranch and coast and for its high prices.
A massive stone fireplace and cathedral ceilings create drama, and floor-to-ceiling windows peer into an oak grove. The adjoining lounge beckons with a second fireplace and a grand piano. Guests can take breakfast and lunch in the grill at the golf club and at the tennis clubhouse cafe in a turn-of-the-century
ranch house overlooking center court.
Most guests come here to play an expensive round of golf on the beautiful 18-hole Pete Dye course. The equestrian center is an additional lure as is the circa 1895 Old California tennis club featuring two clay and 10 hard-surface courts, a pro shop and instruction. The resort also has a fitness center, pool, whirlpool and sauna at the clubhouse.
Group power walks, Pilates and yoga instruction are also available, but most guests lounge around the stylish, free-form main pool and adjoining step-up whirlpool. Four additional whirlpools prove less dramatic.
The property abandoned its plans to build a full-service spa but does offer an array of in-room treatments. A popular spot for corporate retreats and holiday events, meeting facilities can seat 220 for 
banquets.
There are eight standard or junior suites in the mix but most are categorized as deluxe suites. Most buildings house five suites each that are either clustered around patios with a hot tub or tucked into a tree-cloaked hillside. The latter enjoy far-reaching fairway and valley views.
Contemporary bleached-wood furniture complements well-maintained fabrics done in hill country colors. Customary appointments include three phones, two large TVs, video games, coffeemakers and minibars. Baths have roomy Roman tubs and stall showers. Besides floor plans measuring up to 1,200 sq ft, all boast large decks or balconies.
The ranch proffers a host of goodies to justify the high rates: fresh flowers, potpourri, robes and turndown service among them. Suites with whirlpools fetch higher rates, 
and the extra-plush corner suites are priciest of all, with two fireplaces, wet bars and wraparound balconies with hot tubs. Interior suites have fireplaces only in their bedrooms, which are fitted with one two-poster king or two double beds and offer feather or foam pillows.
Service standards are high, and they should be, considering that steep mandatory resort fee charged daily. The latter is a ridiculous gouge that supposedly covers gratuities for all staff, except for restaurant and spa employees.
This property lacks the intimate qualities of the Bernardus, but the new owners promise to get a grip on the reigns and turn this little stallion around. For now, this 1,700-acre playground appeals mostly to an elderly golf-crazy crowd, but those days are just about over.
