17 Comments

I love Carmel but haven't been in ages. This post made me want to return with my husband in tow soon!

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Sounds amazing! And Villa Mara is such a special place, isn’t it!? They had me at complimentary mini bar.

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"The cozy hotel features Le Labo bath products, multiple gas fireplaces, heated floors, Toto toilets, complimentary cake served at the bar nightly… I mean, if you know me, these are all my buzz words lol." SOLD!

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I’ve only been to Carmel once and absolutely adored it. Saving this for next time!

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We did a day trip to Carmel almost a year ago and also dined at Stationaery and did the 17 mile. I've been wanting to go back! Hope you had a good time at JT's wedding :)

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Jealous it's an easy trip for you — such a nice, relaxing getaway. JT's wedding was def full of JT humor!! haha

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Long time follower, first time commenter: we had the same weekend! Was in Carmel for a wedding last weekend and stayed at Villa Mara, dined at La Bicyclette, etc etc. Did you go to the Smiths wedding too? :)

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Hi Whitney! Too funny!! My wedding was actually in South Bay and then we headed to Carmel after, haha. Also apparently just missed other Substack friend Frances Powless who stayed at Villa Mara weekend before!

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I miss California !!! In all its bougie glory!!!

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sometimes I feel like things in Denver are getting expensive, then I get whacked in the face with the prices in California... BUT California is the best state with the best vibes, for sure

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Coffee in Napoli is 1.20 euro. Coffee in California is like 8 dollars lol. So I feel you.

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Happy Belated birthday scorpio sis!! I have seen Bicyclette pop up so many times and we go to Carmel/Monterey almost every year...I really should go now haha. Good tip on that 17-mile drive waive fee!! Loved this edition. I also love Carmel Valley Ranch if you ever are back for a stay--it's more inland but the property is awesome and not too far a drive to Carmel by the sea! :) We always visit the beach too when we stay. Can use points too!!

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Happy happy birthday! <3

Ahh yess Carmel Valley Ranch is on my list too (esp because of point stays!) though I feel likei it's super family friendly, so maybe I should save for when we have kids AND dogs

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Bicyclette is my fav! Now I need to stay at Villa Mara. Isn't Carmel just the best??

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can't wait to go back - so dog friendly and golf / husband friendly lol

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This made me miss NorCal!! And Villa Mara sounds so dreamy! 💒

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Honestly my dream property... right by the water, and the staff was so lovely!

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