Forbes 12-Star Property Raises the Bar on Hospitality
CARMEL VALLEY, CALIF., 2023 – Bernardus Lodge & Spa announced the appointment of Hartmut Ott as General Manager. Ott will be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day management for the award-winning Forbes 12-Star property, consistently ranked top among the nation’s most coveted retreats. A seasoned hospitality leader, Ott will oversee the Forbes 4-star Lucia Restaurant & Bar under the helm of Chef Christian Ojeda as well as the award-winning 5,200 sq. ft., Spa at Bernardus and 73 guestroom property located in Carmel Valley. www.bernarduslodge.com.
A veteran of the hospitality industry with more than 20+ years’ experience, Ott previously served as General Manager of San Diego Mission Bay Resort, a Noble House Hotels & Resorts property where he was credited with a series of major accomplishments and team awards in sales, catering and convention services. A native of Munich, Germany, Ott has held multiple posts with Marriott International including General Manager of the conversion of JW Marriott Berlin, Germany; General Manager at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, Ohio; and Interim General Manager of the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Ott has also held executive level positions in the rooms division, housekeeping and front office for The Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt and Radisson Blue hotel chains. Circling back to his roots, Ott started his hospitality career at the Highlands Inn (now Park Hyatt Carmel), just 13 miles west of Bernardus Lodge & Spa.
“Ott will be an integral part of the Bernardus team, given his diverse background in all facets of hospitality coupled with an incredible eye for meticulous guest service,” according to Kristi Allen, Executive Vice President, Hotels for Ensemble which owns Bernardus Lodge & Spa. “Our commitment to providing an authentic luxury guest experience has been unwavering. First-class guest service is the core of the Bernardus experience, and we are certain Mr. Ott will deliver on expectations.”
Bernardus Lodge & Spa
Tucked in the valley of the wine gods, Bernardus Lodge & Spa has long been the destination for discerning travelers. Since opening in 1999, the Lodge has consistently redefined its facility and guest experience with a complete restoration of its 57 guestrooms in 2015 and the addition of 16 luxury suites and villas in 2016. The evolution is duly noted with the announcement of Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star awards for the Lodge, Spa at Bernardus and 90-seat Lucia Restaurant & Bar, the property’s signature dining venue under the helm of Chef Christian Ojeda.
Set on 26 acres of sweeping lavender, grapevines and olive orchards in Carmel Valley, the 73-room property includes spacious 1050 sq. ft., to 2100 sq. ft., lifestyle accommodations featuring alfresco showers and fire pits, master baths with hammered copper free-standing soaking tubs, rain showers, radiant heat floors, double-sided fireplaces and private patios and terraces. Two pools, an adult-only infinity Jacuzzi, tennis, croquet and bocce courts and the sleek 5,300 sq. ft., Spa at Bernardus Lodge round out the property.
Ott received his Master’s Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cornell University’s renowned School of Hotel Administration. He resides in Carmel Valley with his wife and enjoys swimming, hiking, and foraging the Monterey Peninsula for the next big thing.
