CARMEL VALLEY INN: A HAVEN IN THE WILD
by Kate Dell’Aquila

Travelling along Highway 1 on a cold afternoon, with a chill in the air and a gloom in the sky, the oceans waves crash and pummel the coastline.  Just after passing a well-known bridge named Bixby, a “frozen in time” village stands. This is Carmel Valley, home to one of the world’s most picturesque landscapes. With a history that dates as far back as the 16th Century this land could tell many stories. But amongst the crisp, sharp sometimes-threatening coastline, a haven is nestled within the trees. The Carmel Mission is one of the oldest Spanish Missions in California and was founded in 1770 by Father Juniper Serra. Father Serra is buried on the site which was recently designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. The Mission is not only home to a church, museum and community center but to an Inn where travellers can stay when they have tired of the road.

The Mission Inn is nestled within the Monterey Wine Region one of the finest wine regions in the United States. With 165 rooms and pool and spa services, this certainly is a treat for the soul. And for those who don’t like to stray too far from normality, 160 boutiques line the Carmel Valley Village, so shopaholics beware.  The Carmel Valley Inn is a place to recoup, revive and rejuvenate, a haven to stop, unwind and reflect. It is hard not to be humbled by both its history and surrounds. And you can’t help but feel connected to something bigger, omnipotent, wild.

We have selected theses beautiful images by Kip Evans from Kip Evans Photography to illustrate the gorgeous Carmel Valley landscape.

Lone Tree by Kim Nunneley at Kim Nunneley Photography.