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COUNTRY GARDEN INNS - Walk to Wine Tasting and Dining.  Two charming country inns with European hospitality nestled in the sunny Santa Lucia Mountains and out of the reach of the coastal fog.  Hidden Valley Inn & Acacia Lodge bring you out among the wildflowers, blue skies, rolling hills with ageless oaks, working ranches and vineyards.  Carmel Valley is ideal for the "untourist" looking for the unrushed, unbeaten path exuding quiet country charm so difficult to find in today's urban landscape.  Both inns are within walking distance of Carmel Valley Village with wine tasting, shopping and el fresco dining.  Come explore and enjoy our serene valley.  Start your day with our complimentary breakfast buffet with self-serve waffle bar. A non-smoking establishment since 1979.  BOOK NOW  online:  http:://www.countrygardeninns.com Fireplace Suites Studio with Kitchen Adjoining Rooms Kitchenettes Complimentary Wireless Internet Rooms Garden Patio/Deck King
(1 King Bed)
French Country Decor
Shower/Tub (Sleeps 2) Garden Patio Queen/Queen
(2 Queen Beds) Acacia Lodge Only
Very spacious and bright with private patio overlooking courtyard and pool.
Shower/Tub (Sleeps 4)
Kitchen available for additional fee Garden Patio Double/Double (2 Standard Beds) Hidden Valley Inn Only
Patio overlooks pool and gardens
Shower (Sleeps 2 adults) Suites & Studios Mini Fireplace Suite
(1 Queen Bed)
Two-room suite, washed rattan furniture, contemporary decor with Mini-Bar, refrigerator overlooking Patio and pool. Living area converts into two twin daybeds. Tub/Shower (Max 4 people) King Fireplace Suite
(1 King Bed)
Large, bright two-room corner suite with cathedral ceiling, large windows, large stone gas fireplace, seperate entrance. Living room converts to two twin daybeds. Shower/Tub (Max 4 People) Deluxe King Studio w/Kithcen
(1 King Bed)
Sunny studio suite with two twin daybeds. Full Kitchen. Sunny poolside patio. Shower/Tub (Max 4 people)
*Optional adjoining studio

Guests will quickly discover why Bernardus Lodge and its signature restaurant, Marinus at Bernardus Lodge, are both recipients of Mobil's prestigious Four-Star rating. Perched along a terraced hillside in sunny Carmel Valley, Bernardus Lodge is bordered by vineyards and the Santa Lucia Mountains.  Bernardus Lodge exudes an old-world charm derived from such ambiance-enhancing accents as stone fireplaces, rich wood, ceramic tiles, vaulted beamed ceilings, overstuffed sofas and chairs and antique wardrobe armoires.

The resort boasts 57 sumptuous guestrooms range in size from 525 to 1,875 square feet. Each room has a fireplace and French doors that open onto spacious patios or balconies with views of the picturesque vineyards and mountains. Additionally, the recreational facilities capitalize on Carmel Valley's year-round warm, sunny weather. The resort has two tennis courts, a croquet lawn, bocce court, and an outdoor, heated lap-length swimming pool.

Highlights Marinus at Bernardus Lodge features California Natural Cuisine, created by celebrated chef Cal Stamenov, featuring local, organic, seasonal produce as well as regional seafood and artisan farmed meats. In 2001, Marinus received Wine Spectator magazine's highly coveted "Grand Award" for its wine cellar in, an honor granted every three years. The cellar houses 1,850 different labels of wines and a total of more than 28,000 premium bottles, including 10,000 bottles from the acclaimed Bernardus Winery & Vineyard. It is open daily for dinner from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (Jackets are not required.) Wickets Bistro is a cozy venue, perfect for a casual meal or beverage. Guests can dine indoors or outdoors under an expansive trellis overlooking the resort's croquet lawn. Or guests can enjoy a drink at the bar, which features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Wickets Bistro is open daily for breakfast (7 a.m.-11 a.m.), lunch (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m.-10 p.m.). A full bar features live jazz on selected evenings. The Spa at Bernardus Lodge is a 5,300-square-foot, full-service facility with seven treatment rooms. These include a room specially designed for couples and a "warming room," where guests can enjoy herbal tea while waiting for their treatments. There are men's and women's locker rooms and steam and sauna facilities. The Spa also has an exercise room; a meditation garden; an open-air warming pool; and a full-service beauty salon.  An assortment of treatments incorporating indigenous herbs and flowers, are given by a staff of certified therapists and licensed aestheticians. The spa and salon are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The fitness room is open 24 hours.  

Sometimes the pressures and worries of modern living require us to seek a quiet and peaceful place to rest. If you need a truly relaxing vacation - that is our business. We invite you to visit Carmel Valley and the Blue Sky Lodge. Carmel Valley is a friendly village in one of California's most beautiful valleys. Located twelve miles from Carmel and fifteen miles from Monterey, our balmy, sunny summertime is hard to equal anywhere in the world. In a few minutes driving time you can enjoy the fascinating shops in Carmel and Monterey's aquarium and Fisherman's Wharf. Excellent restaurants, little theaters, fabulous golf courses, and trips down the coast to Point Lobos and Big Sur all await your visit to this vacation paradise. Here at Blue Sky Lodge our specialty is providing you with modern, comfortable accommodations in a restful and relaxing atmosphere. Restaurants, stores and public tennis courts are within easy walking distance. Hiking and bicycling are some of the few leisurely activities you can enjoy at nearby Garland Park. We take special pride in the large percentage of our former guests who return every year and we sincerely hope that you and your family will join them and give us the privilege of welcoming you. Enjoy your complimentary morning paper, the swimming pool heated to 80 degrees all year, and the outdoor spa. Relax on the beautiful patio by the pool or by the fireplace in our spacious lounge. Come bask in the warm Carmel Valley sunshine, just a short 20 minute drive from the Monterey Peninsula. The Blue Sky Lodge offers you a restful and relaxing retreat at truly affordable rates.

All rooms have either a private patio or deck. Rest in a comfortable king or queen size bed. The pool and spa are heated and open all year. Snuggle up with a good book while enjoying the fireplace in the library.

Large 1 or 2 bedroom family suites with fireplaces and kitchens are available. Pets are welcome.

A short walk to numerous fine restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Hiking in nearby Garland Ranch Park.

Services & Amenities: Heated Pool and Spa Private Patio or Deck Kitchens Drip Coffee Maker Fireplaces Cable TV with HBO Direct dial phones with free local calls Free Daily Newspaper Families and Pets Welcome

Just 20 minutes from the Monterey coast, Carmel Valley has an ideal year-round climate: sunny, fog-free days and cool nights- the perfect retreat from everyday life. Lush grounds, a sparkling heated pool and spa, and charming resort accommodations with thoughtful amenities make this a favorite country retreat for individuals and small groups. A modern conference facility and a friendly, accommodating staff anticipate your meeting and vacation needs.

There are thirty-one units including: -king and queen garden patio rooms and fireplace rooms -One and two-bedroom fireplace cottages with kitchens. All guest rooms and suites feature: -handmade Shaker furniture -private bath -complimentary coffee -remote-controlled color television -Garden patios or spacious decks -Hibachis for outdoor barbecues (in kitchen units) -AM/FM radio alarm -60-foot heated swimming pool -Swedish sauna -Hot whirlpool spa -On-site exercise room.

At Carmel Valley Lodge, dogs are never in the doghouse. We welcome them to stay with you. They can even curl up in front of the fire in one of our fireplace cottages or suites. We have a friendly staff that just loves animals, and there's plenty of room for running around. And, even better than a good squirrel chase, we feature a host of special amenities for everyone in your family, including your dog.

The 1,200-square-foot Conference Center contains: -750-square foot meeting room with fireplace and a 450-square foot-dining ideal for groups of up to 30. Or both rooms can be opened up and accommodate up to 70 -The Outback meeting room contains 450-square feet and will accommodate 16 people for a conference. Accommodations Free wireless high speed internet access 31 units including: -king and queen garden patio rooms and fireplace rooms, -Fireplace Suites, -One and two-bedroom fireplace cottages with kitchens All guest rooms and suites feature: -Handmade Shaker furniture -private bath -complimentary coffee -remote-controlled color television with VCR - Garden patios or spacious decks -AM/FM radio alarm -60-foot heated swimming pool -Swedish sauna -Hot whirlpool spa -On-site exercise room Amenities Free wireless high speed internet access. Lodge Breakfast: a generous continental breakfast buffet is included. Complimentary S'Mores enhance the Lodge experience. Guests roast their own in their wood-burning fireplace or in the Lobby's beautiful stone fireplace. A sparkling 60-foot outdoor swimming pool is heated year-round. A hot-spa and spacious patio for sun bathing surrounds the swimming pool. A Swedish sauna is nearby the pool. Towels, shampoo and soap are provided in the adjoining shower. The Outback workout room offers aerobic equipment 24 hours a day. "Doggy Hitching Posts" are on each guest room patio. Our one and two bedroom cottages feature cooking facilities plus an outdoor hibachi for barbecuing. VCR in all rooms and a video library available in the lobby. Meetings & Retreats 1,200-square-foot Conference Center contains: -750 square foot meeting room with fireplace and a 450 square foot dining… ideal for groups of up to 30. Or both rooms can be opened up and accommodate up to 70 -The Outback meeting room contains 450 square feet and will accommodate 16 people for a conference Meeting facilities feature:  Free wireless high speed internet access Large patio for outside dining Comfortable executive arm chairs Fluorescent and incandescent lighting Total climate control (AC & Heating) Massive stone fireplace Magnificent views of the valley and mountains Recreational Activities: On-site: Heated 60 foot Swimming Pool Hot tub Sauna Game Area Workout Room nearby: Hiking Bicycling Fishing Horseback riding Tennis Golf Carmel Valley Village offers over 20 restaurants and many distinctive shops, galleries and wine-tasting rooms Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey with the Aquarium and Cannery Row, Pebble Beach with 17 mile drive, and Big Sur all within a short drive.  

A Shining Jewel Among Carmel Hotels And Resorts

A thoroughbred among California resorts, Carmel Valley Ranch spreads over 400 acres encircled by the Santa Lucia Mountains. A Pete Dye golf course and lushly landscaped grounds surround a gracious guest lodge.

Nestled in the pristine foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains - on the sunniest side of the Monterey Peninsula - Carmel Valley Ranch is an elite golf and tennis resort bursting with Northern California's natural beauty. Warm and inviting, this AAA Four-Diamond Carmel California hotel provides world-class service and amenities in an intimate setting. Stroll through the grounds of our 400-acre countryside estate. Challenge yourself on our ""must-play"" golf course, designed by Pete Dye. Or just retreat to the spacious, all- suite accommodations of our elegant Carmel hotel to enjoy a wood-burning fireplace and spectacular mountain views. Savor incomparable luxury and leisure in an exquisite setting:

* Located on 400 lush acres in Carmel, California
* An easy, 10-minute trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea
* Just 20 minutes from the scenic 17-Mile Drive
* Only 13 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) Accommodations The relaxed elegance and natural beauty of Carmel Valley perfectly complements the service found at the Carmel Valley Ranch. Warm tones and plush furnishings adorn the oversized suites in our alluring Carmel California accommodations. Panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows showcase spectacular mountain, valley, and fairway views. Spread out your belongings, and make yourself comfortable. Relax on your large, private deck, and enjoy the gentle climate of Monterey Peninsula's sunny side. Select from a wide range of superb Carmel accommodations, including: Santa Lucia Suite
A spacious 600-square-foot studio-style suite, featuring a wood-burning fireplace and private deck. Ranch Suite
Our standard 800-square-foot suite includes a wood-burning fireplace, private deck, and separate sitting area. Veranda Suite
A spacious, 1,100-square-foot suite, with a private deck and fireplaces in both the bedroom and sitting area. Carmel Valley Grand Suite
With a fireplace in each bedroom, this 1,200-square-foot suite includes one king-sized and one double bed, two oversized bathrooms, and a private outdoor Jacuzzi.

Location: Carmel Valley - Tassajara Road Area
Description: Very shady sites. Located at Chews Ridge.
Number of Sites: 6 units
Directions: From Highway 101 north, exit at Arroyo Seco road near the city of Greenfield and proceed 16.2 miles to the junction of Carmel Valley Road and Arroyo Seco Road and bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left and go 11 miles to China Camp.
From Highway 101 south, south exit at Arroyo Seco road and make an IMMEDIATE LEFT at Elm Ave. (If you get to the "Entering Greenfield" sign you have passed the left turn.) Follow Elm Street for 6 miles and turn left at the "T" onto Arroyo Seco Road. Proceed 6.5 miles along Arroyo Seco Road to the junction with Carmel Valley Road and bear right. Take Carmel Valley Road 17.2 miles to the junction with Tassajara Road and turn left and go 11 miles to China Camp.
Activities: Hiking, and picnicking, camping, trailhead to the Ventana Wilderness, RV's no longer than 20'.
Facilities: Vault toilets, trailhead parking, fire rings and picnic tables.
Campfire Use Site 14 day maximum stay.
Fees: No Fee
Reservations: First come, first served.
Seasonal Use: All year
Helpful Hints: Limited firewood available; use only firewood that is "dead and down." Bring water.

COUNTRY GARDEN INNS - Walk to Wine Tasting and Dining. Two charming country inns with European hospitality nestled in the sunny Santa Lucia Mountains and out of the reach of the coastal fog.  Hidden Valley Inn&Acacia Lodge bring you out among the wildflowers, blue skies, rolling hills with ageless oaks, working ranches and vineyards.  Carmel Valley is ideal for the "untourist"  looking for the unrushed, unbeaten path exuding quiet country charm so difficult to find in today's urban landscape.  Both inns are within walking distance of Carmel Valley Village with wine tasting, shopping and el fresco dining.  Come explore and enjoy our serene valley.  Start your day with our complimentary breakfast buffet with a self-serve waffle bar. A non-smoking establishment since 1979.   BOOK NOW online:  http://www.countrygardeninns.com Fireplace Suites Studio with Kitchen Adjoining Rooms Kitchenettes Complimentary Wireless Access Rooms Garden Patio/Deck King
(1 King Bed)
French Country Decor
Shower/Tub (Sleeps 2) Garden Patio Queen/Queen
(2 Queen Beds) Acacia Lodge Only
Very spacious and bright with private patio overlooking courtyard and pool.
Shower/Tub (Sleeps 4)
Kitchen available for additional fee Garden Patio Double/Double
(2 Standard Beds) Hidden Valley Inn Only
Patio overlooks pool and gardens
Shower (Sleeps 2 adults) Suites & Studios Mini Fireplace Suite
(1 Queen Bed)
Two-room suite, washed rattan furniture, contemporary decor with Mini-Bar, refrigerator overlooking Patio and pool. Living area converts into two twin daybeds. Tub/Shower (Max 4 people) King Fireplace Suite
(1 King Bed)
Large, bright two-room corner suite with cathedral ceiling, large windows, large stone gas fireplace, seperate entrance. Living room converts to two twin daybeds. Shower/Tub (Max 4 People) Deluxe King Studio w/Kithcen
(1 King Bed)
Sunny studio suite with two twin daybeds. Full Kitchen. Sunny poolside patio. Shower/Tub (Max 4 people)
*Optional adjoining studio

Like vintage wine, Los Laureles Lodge gets better with time. Rich in legend and history, the Lodge and Restaurant reflect the colorful influence of Spanish conquistadors, tribal Indians, and a flavorful mixture of bandits, cowboys and socialites.

Nestled deep in the lush Carmel Valley, Los Laureles basks in warm, brilliant sunshine miles away from coastal fog. The deep blue sky, often etched by feathery white clouds, provides the perfect backdrop for swimming, picnicking, hiking, or simply relaxing under a shady oak tree. 31 Room Hotel Historic Restaurant and Saloon Banquet Rooms Conference Facilities Weddings and Special Events Guestrooms Guests often express their amazement when they learn of the transformation of the comfortable guest accommodations from the former Vanderbilt thoroughbred stables. The knotty pine paneled walls, furnishings and period antiques all contribute to the atmosphere of the warm, country-style rooms. The Laureles Courtyard, right outside and accessed through French doors, provides a pleasant place to enjoy the warm Carmel Valley sun. Here, guests tend to meet their friends, read a book, or enjoy some light refreshments at the patio tables. Courtyard Rooms Muriel Vanderbilt-Phelps originally built the Courtyard rooms as stables for her thoroughbred horses in the 1930's. Converted in the 1950's and refurbished approximately 9 years ago, these rooms are decorated in a Ralph Lauren motif with knotty-pined paneled walls. Perfect for small groups and family reunions.

Surrey Lane Rooms Surrey Lane rooms are named after the old surreys that used to carry guests from Old Del Monte Hotel. Los Laureles Lodge was its hunting and fishing lodge in the 1890's. They are larger than the Courtyard rooms and are decorated in blue and white. They boast outdoor wicker chairs and overlook beautiful cherry trees.

Junior Suites The Honeymoon Cottage-Tucked away beyond the Courtyard sits what many years ago was Carmel Valley's polling booth. Decorated in country elegance with French doors, a king size bed, full bathroom and a deck overlooking a woodsy ravine. The Horseshoe Suite-Just like the name implies, this king bedded room located at the beginning of the courtyard or horseshoe, has a full bathroom and a small fireplace. The Poolside Cabana-This extra-large king bedded cottage has the feel of the Courtyard rooms but is its own little cottage by the main pool area. This suite is perfect as a hospitality room for golf groups or large enough to host an entire family.

Queen Suite The Queen Suite-Step up from your front porch, where you can sit and have your coffee in the mornings, into a suite with a country cottage feel. This suite has a full-sized living room with sofa, entertainment center and breakfast area. The bedroom has a queen size bed and built in bookshelves. The bathroom has both a shower and Jacuzzi tub.

King Suite The Vanderbilt Cottage-When you enter the living room from your own white picket-fenced yard, the first thing you see is a giant stone fireplace, made especially for those cozy nights. This suite has a kitchenette, king bed, huge bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub and back porch. Add on Surry Lane room next door and it becomes a two bedroom, two-bath suite, which is perfect for two couples.

Hill House Our luxury three bedroom, two bath house has a living room, den, dining area, full kitchen and deck with sweeping views on Carmel Valley. Once noted for being the house that the Red Cross used to make American flags in during the wars, this house can accommodate up to nine people. The master bedroom has a full-sized master bath; the second has two double beds and shares a bathroom with the third bedroom, which has a double bed and a twin bed.

Stonepine Estate, nestled amid 330 pristine acres on the gently rolling hills of picturesque Carmel Valley, California, was named for the ancient Italian stonepines that stand sentry over this private estate. Formerly called “The Double H Ranch” it is recognized as the oldest working thoroughbred equestrian farm west of the Mississippi. The estate was purchased by Gordon Hentschel, a resort developer, and Noel Irwin, chairman and CEO of Americantours International, as a wedding present to each other in 1983.

Providing the ultimate in privacy beyond its gated entrance, Stonepine is an established international hideaway and the location of filming, television series, prime time broadcast interviews and muse for novelists. Chateau Noel, the centerpiece of the Estate and the private residence of the Hentschels, is surrounded by four elegant homes and cottages that are available for rental or for special events, corporate meetings and weddings. Amenities are of the highest quality from private chef catered dinners to personal trainers. Stonepine has been an ongoing labor of love for the Hentschels over the past 20 years. Their business acumen and international lifestyle is reflected in the creativity and sophistication throughout the property.

Stonepine estate is twenty-five minutes from Monterey Airport with frequent flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas. Complimentary transportation by Rolls Royce limousine is available from the airport to the estate. Helicopter landing can also be made available on the back lawn. Resort Grounds The landscape of Stonepine Estate’s 330 acres encompasses striking golden hills and valleys, much of it untamed and shaded by the venerable native oak trees. Miles of trails for riding, biking and hiking meander throughout the property tucked along the Carmel River valley plateau and rising up to the ridge line of the Santa Lucia Mountains. There are spectacular views all the way to Big Sur. The formal gardens of Chateau Noel have been used for elegant society wedddings, Concours d'Elegance extravaganzas and major fundraising balls. The wedding gardens, croquet lawn and greenhouse are available for special functions arranged through Stonepine catering. A proposed Stonepine Vineyard comprised of 30 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot grapes is capable of producing 5,000 cases onsite within three to five years. Another future project under development is the Conservatory/Chapel adjacent to the waterfall, scheduled to be completed in 2008. Equestrian Center The Stonepine Estate Equestrian Center’s illustrious past dates back to the early 1930s when it was called the “Double H Ranch” and was considered the foremost thoroughbred breeding farm west of the Mississippi. Established by Henry Potter Russell, a founder and first president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 1937, the ranch was home to some of the world’s finest horses including stakes winners Majestic Prince, Countess Nashville and Bolero Lady. Today, the tradition of equestrian excellence is continued by the Hentschels. The New England style Equestrian Center features a jumping and dressage arena ringed by a four furlong warm-up track that was reconditioned under the direction of Steve Woods, Superintendent of the Santa Anita Racetrack, Del Mar and Fairplex. Adjacent to Stonepine Carmel River bridge is the Pony Field, a jumping and fybar dressage arena. Other facilities include a hunter course and a 3.5 miles cross country riding course. British Olympic medalist Malcolm Pyrah, U.S. Chef d’equipe George Morris and 3-time member of the British Olympic Team Geoff Bellington regularly come to Stonepine to give clinics to those who want to advance their skills in showing and competition. Year round, the Equestrian Center provides daily lessons in all disciplines including dressage and hunter jumper. Guests of Stonepine can tour the Estate in a luxurious replica of a 19 century French “Vis a Vis” or take the family on a fun hay-wagon ride through the Equestrian grounds. For the romantic couple a memorable trail ride with a picnic lunch either on the scenic ridge overlooking miles of beautiful valley below, or beside the burbling Carmel River is the ultimate “ Estate Experience”. Accomodations Stonepine has both private houses and cottages available for rental. They are equally charming and romantic. A 2-night minimum stay is requested on weekends with a 3 night minimum on certain holidays. Please, no children under the age of 12 in the Gate House or Hermes House. Sorry, no pets allowed on property.

We have a 10 day cancellation policy. Should you cancel your reservation outside the 10 days prior to your arrival, your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% cancellation fee. Should you cancel inside the 10 days prior to your arrival, your deposit will be retained as liquidated damages and will not be refunded. A 10.5% hotel tax and a 10% service fee will be added to the price of the Houses and Cottages Chateau Noel: the owners private residence, is available on a limited basis with its 6 luxury suites, tennis court, swimming pool and extensive grounds and gardens. Gate House: A five bedroom mini estate with guest houses, 6 full bathrooms, swimming pool and tennis court. Briar Rose Cottage: Two bedrooms, 2 1⁄2 bathrooms, Jacuzzi tub on the Deck, with its own rose garden and a “ Sleeping Beauty” charm. Hermes House: Two luxurious bedrooms, 2 1⁄2 bathrooms, Jacuzzi tub overlooking Equestrian Center, perched on the edge of an oak chaparral bluff. Paddock House: Four bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, a New England charmer, adjacent to the Equestrian Center.

Tassajara is located in a remote part of the Ventana Wilderness and for centuries has been visited as a place of renewal and healing. In 1967 a monastic community was established at Tassajara by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and the San Francisco Zen Center. During the winter months, it is closed to the public so that the residents may engage in intensive Zen training. During the summer, guests are welcome to come and enjoy the beauty unique to this secluded valley.

The Bath
The native Esselen people were the first to soak in the natural hot springs of Tassajara and to enjoy its healing and restorative properties of the water. Our bathhouse is Japanese-style, is clothing-optional, and has separate sides for men and women. Co-ed bathing is permitted on the men's side only in the evenings. Each side includes a tiled indoor hot plunge, an outdoor plunge, large decks for sunning and yoga, a steam room, communal showers, and a small private bath with hot springs and cold water spigots. There are also steps leading down to the creek.

Zen Meditation
Guests are always welcome to join the residents for meditation and chanting every morning and evening. Free instruction is offered daily at 4 pm. Come prepared for the meditation hall with comfortable long pants and a shirt with sleeves in dark or neutral colors.

Meals
Three vegetarian meals are served daily to our overnight guests. Breakfast and dinner are family style. For lunch, guests choose between a dining room meal (usually bread, soup, and salad) or making a bag lunch from a buffet featuring gourmet spreads and fresh-baked bread. Coffee and tea are always available. For our guests with dietary restrictions, we offer a very basic restricted diet, which consists of plain rice, tofu, and vegetables for dinner and an undressed salad with the regular lunch menu. A request for the restricted diet meals must be made daily through the Stone Office.

Apparel
Skirts, pants, and other casual dress attire may be worn for dinner. Please bring a bathing suit for the swimming pool and wear clothing over your suit in the public areas. Please help support the monastic setting by not wearing revealing clothing. Slip-on shoes or sandals are useful at Tassajara.

Children
Tassajara is committed to providing a quiet and tranquil atmosphere for our guests. For this reason, we limit the number of children allowed at Tassajara at any given time. We suggest that for your first visit you do not bring children. There is no childcare or children's play area and we encourage you to come and experience Tassajara for yourself before deciding whether it is appropriate for your child. We have limited cabins that are suitable for children; please inquire when making your reservation.

Telephone and Electronic
Tassajara has only one public phone and there is no fax or internet connection. There is no cell phone reception in the valley. Because we have extremely limited electricity, we discourage the use of computers and all other electrical equipment and charge $10/hour for recharging laptops, digital camera batteries, etc. In order to preserve the quiet atmosphere, we ask that you do not bring musical instruments, radios, or other musical devices.

Hiking
Due to last summer's Basin Complex fire, parts of the Los Padres National Forest are still closed, at least through June, which may affect trail accessibility. We will keep you informed of changes to trail status.

Wilderness Safety
Please review the Tassajara Information booklet located in your cabin. In particular, do not drink water directly from creeks and streams, as recently the parasite Giardia intestinalis was found in small amounts in Tassajara Creek. (All Tassajara drinking water filtration systems have been shown to exceed county requirements.)

Pets
Please do not bring pets to Tassajara.

Checking In
Please check in at the Stone Office when you arrive. If your arrival is delayed, please call the Reservations Office.

Checking Out
Please be sure to settle your bill at the Stone Office before departing Tassajara. Cabins must be vacated by 11 am on the day of departure, though guests are welcome to remain on the grounds until 6 pm.

Payment
Although we now accept credit cards at Tassajara, due to the remote location, this capability may sometimes be interrupted. We ask that you bring checks, cash or travelers' checks with you, in order to pay your balance if credit card service should be temporarily unavailable.

Contributions
Zen Center is a nonprofit organization. We gratefully accept donations. Please contact the Development Office at 415-865-3790 for more information or if you would like to become a member. Practice periods