AN ELSEWHERE, OFTEN FAVORITE
The little things, done exceptionally well. Afternoon cake, breakfast by the fire, a complimentary minibar, and the kind of hospitality that makes a hotel feel genuinely personal. Three nights at Villa Mara reminded us how much the smallest details can shape a stay.
What I remember most about Villa Mara is the people. Everyone was genuinely warm and welcoming, with a familiarity that made the hotel feel more like staying with friends than checking into a luxury property. It’s the kind of hospitality that’s difficult to manufacture, and something that made our three nights here particularly special.
We stayed in the Malpaso room, which had all the comforts you could hope for, including heated bathroom floors, a heated toilet seat, and a fully complimentary minibar. The heated touches were especially welcome during our March visit. Everything felt considered without being overdone, and we appreciated that the little extras were simply part of the stay.
Breakfast was incredible, and something we looked forward to every morning. We’d sit outside by the fire with fresh-squeezed orange juice, carrot muffins, and yogurt with seasonal fruit. It was such a lovely way to start the day, and easily one of my favorite things about Villa Mara.
Afternoons brought cake hour, and evenings often ended around the firepit with a glass of wine from the hotel’s fantastic wine list. We had dinner plans on a few nights but ended up ordering takeout instead, spending the evening in sweaters and slippers, fireside. Just how we like it.
The location was another highlight. We were a short walk from the beach, where the sunsets were beautiful, and had easy access to some of our favorite stops along the coast. During our stay, we hiked at Point Lobos, visited Bixby Bridge, and had a wonderful lunch at Pebble Beach. It was a great balance of exploring during the day and coming back to Villa Mara in the evenings.
Three nights here only confirmed how much we loved it. From the breakfasts and afternoon cake to the people who made us feel so welcome, Villa Mara got everything right. It’s firmly on our list of all-time favorite hotels, and a very good reason to come back to Carmel.
