The Quail at Carmel Valley is a relaxing escape with a hint of adventure

Quail are a fun curiosity. The only hotel in the luxury Peninsula Hotels family that is not a Peninsula-named property, it trades in the brand’s urban flair for a laid-back charm that matches the laid-back vibe of Carmel Valley. The combination of simple, upscale hotel offerings makes it perfect for couples looking for a weekend getaway (the reason I was there). But it’s the hotel’s cheerful spirit that makes me want to return with my kids on a second visit.

A relaxing escape

Hammocks, Adirondack chairs, fire pits and a deck over the hotel’s small lake are gentle reminders to relax and enjoy. As I walked around the property, I found myself drawn to the dozen or so scenic spots where I could sit and watch.

An 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Muir Graves curves around the hotel, making it a magnet for golfers and birds and wildlife attracted to the greens and water views. After noticing birds, rabbits and quail, I asked a staff member about the local wildlife and learned that more than 160 species had been seen on the hotel grounds.

And activity center

In a way, The Quail feels like a relaxing country stay. On the other hand, it is a center of events and activities. The hotel is part of an 850-acre property that includes a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and the Land Rover Experience Center. And during the annual Monterey Car Week, The Quail hosts events featuring vintage cars and motorcycles.

While there are many great restaurants within a short drive of the hotel, The Quail’s Covey Grill earns its own destination status. The hotel’s recent move to enhance its culinary offering with a new executive chef has paid off, with a menu that feels familiar yet interesting and delivers on plating and flavor. Intrigued by this unusual combination, I ordered the acorn and prawn risotto and was impressed by how light and delicate the dish was – no small feat for a risotto. In addition to Covey Grill, there is also Edgar’s Restaurant in the golf clubhouse just down the road.

Kid friendly offers

As a member of a family of four now tween and teens, I understand the value of a room that is set up to give everyone a little space. So I appreciated the Bungalow Suite, which pairs a king bed with a secondary room that has a pull-out sofa and can be separated for privacy.

Sweet family-friendly details include s’mores kits for use at fire pits around the property, e-bikes that adults and teens can borrow, a heated outdoor pool, a nine-hole golf course woven throughout the property, and plenty of space for little ones to play.

Land Rover Experience

Among the hotel packages is Bring on the Mud, which combines an overnight stay with a two-hour Land Rover Driving Experience, which takes place just down the road.

The Land Rover Experience Center is one of only three Land Rover Experience Centers in the US that offers drivers the opportunity to learn and practice off-road skills on the center’s closed trails. I’ve accidentally gone off-roading a few times in my life, but learning the skill was actually fun and honestly changed my entire relationship with driving. I learned general skills like the importance of driving with your senses and specific skills like how to drive through big muddy holes without getting stuck. (Here’s a short video of my experience.)

For families with teens ages 14 and up, there is also a Young Off-Roader experience that teaches kids driving basics, awareness and off-road skills. As a parent of my almost 14 year old, I will definitely come back to help hone my son’s safe driving skills.

Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley

I’ve visited Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its famous former mayor (Clint Eastwood), concentration of art galleries, dog-friendly offerings, and charming refusal to use addresses (navigate downtown is an art that relies on crossing paths and patience).

But before staying at The Quail, I had never visited Carmel’s inland agricultural wonderland, Carmel Valley. This narrow, fertile valley is filled with roadside farms, vineyards and tasting rooms, flower farms, and relaxation-focused hotels.

Despite its address in Carmel Valley, The Quail is equidistant between the busy hamlets of Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea. For me, that was a real win, and gave me the opportunity to easily include both cities in my weekend visit. And bonus, Carmel is only about a 10-minute drive from Monterey or a 40-minute drive from Big Sur.

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