Many of our guests at Carmel Retreats have found that coming to Carmel is the perfect way to re-energize their mind, body, and spirit. Some come due to burn out at work. Others to gain clarity after a major life transition. Still others because they’re recovering from serious trauma or illness. Whatever your reason, we want to support your journey by helping you create the best possible personal retreat experience you can imagine.

I recently woke up in the middle of the night with a realization (the reason why will follow): unfortunately, we all have someone we know and even love who is recovering from something devastating.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, or other trauma, we want to do more than “thoughts and prayers.”

Carmel Retreats, I’ve learned the hard way, is more than a place for vacations. It’s also a refuge that soothes, nourishes and opens the possibility of becoming whole again.

There are many reasons we travel - from business to pleasure, and everything in between. These days, we tend to travel for business more often than pleasure. Even a pleasure trip can sometimes leave us craving a vacation from our vacation, as illogical as that may seem. If your vacations aren’t quite meeting your needs, perhaps it’s time for something a little different. Maybe what you need is a personal retreat week!

The Golden State's newest (and smallest) National Park, Pinnacles National Park occupies just over 26,000 acres of mountainous space east of the Salinas Valley, about 120 miles south of the San Francisco Bay Area, and about 50 miles southeast of Monterey. The remarkable landscape consists of imposing rock formations and remnants of ancient volcanic activity some 23 million years ago.

California's Central Coast is as distinct as it is diverse. Monterey County boasts some of the best beaches in The Golden State, with a seascape for every desire. From silky white sands to pebble-rich shores and dramatic rock formations that carve the coast, beachgoers can easily find the backdrop to their picture-perfect adventure within a short walk of our Carmel cottages.

Nestled along the Pacific Coast, Monterey County is an enclave of quaint communities with timeless charm, including the enchanting village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just over two hours' drive from the big city lights of San Francisco, Carmel is worlds away from the chaos of modern life. Even the weather is simply better here.

Located 25 miles south of Carmel is the town of Big Sur. When most people refer to Big Sur, they are actually referencing the 90-mile stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. The town of Big Sur is just one of many can't miss stops on this 2.5 hour drive along Highway 1.

Along with scenic walks along the beach, unique shops, and whale watching, there’s one thing you absolutely must add to your list of things to do – visit Carmel-by-the-Sea wine tasting rooms!