Villa Mara: A Coastal Sanctuary

By Jon Hite | Founder & Creative Director | HAUS of HITE

I walked up the rock stairs,

the crisp coastal air carrying the scent of salt and fresh flowers, and found myself passing beneath a vibrant archway of bougainvillea. The courtyard fountain’s gentle bubble greeted me, and as I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Before me stood what felt more like a contemporary Carmel estate than a hotel—whitewashed walls framed by darkly painted windows, a striking contrast to the lush greenery that surrounded it. The climbing vines, hedges, and roses grounded the estate, giving it an air of luxury while maintaining a calming sense of tranquility.

I pulled the large glass entrance door open and was immediately enveloped by the soft glow of a fire ahead. Instantly, I felt at home. Some places have that effect on you, and Villa Mara was one of those rare gems. To my right, a carpeted staircase curved upwards, inviting me to explore further, but to my left, a soft hum of conversation caught my attention. I followed the sounds into a spacious area where another grand fireplace anchored the room. A gentleman sat in the plush, upholstered chair, casually finishing a glass of wine while reading an article on his phone. Nearby, a couple at the bar seemed to be enjoying a quiet, intimate moment. Their air of East Coast sophistication was unmistakable—the woman with her sleek hair and elegant style, and the man in a navy blazer, chatting softly in a manner that only East Coasters could pull off while on vacation in California.

Rocky, the warm, welcoming waitress with an infectious smile, approached. Her kindness immediately set the tone for what was to come. She guided me through yet another archway and into the reception desk area, which was a delightful mix of contemporary art and coastal elegance. The wainscoting and textured wallpaper added a touch of classic charm while a beautiful coastal landscape framed Rocky as she checked me in. As we spoke, I learned she was an avid hiker with a deep love for Big Sur, and she had previously worked at Ventana before deciding on the shorter commute to Villa Mara. I appreciated the personal touch. She informed me that I had been upgraded for the evening—an unexpected and much-welcomed gesture.

Keys in hand, I was eager to settle in after a long day of meetings. I retraced my steps back out the front door, turning sharply to the right by the fountain. The property was dotted with fire pits, each thoughtfully placed for maximum privacy. I found the perfect spot—a round fire pit, surrounded by an enclosure of fragrant roses. The space was framed by a majestic cypress tree, and the soft fragrance of the flowers filled the air, adding to the serene ambiance. But before I allowed myself to get too comfortable, I knew I had to get to my room.

Down the whitewashed hallway, I walked, the vibrant bougainvillea along the walls adding a burst of color to the otherwise tranquil surroundings. The last door on the left was marked “Lucia,” and as I slid the brass key into the lock, the soft click was like an invitation to my evening’s salvation.

Inside, I found a room that was tastefully done, with vaulted ceilings and a soft palette of colors that made me feel at peace instantly. A gentle blue upholstered headboard complemented the soft glow of the lamps, and the deep blue accents invited calm. A handwritten note from management sat on the desk, a personal touch that made me smile. The sliding glass doors led to a private patio, with two potted olive trees framing a cozy bistro table—perfect for morning coffee or an evening drink.

The bathroom, described as the largest on the property, did not disappoint. Vaulted ceilings continued here as well, and the soft sea-green herringbone pattern tiles created a calming, spa-like atmosphere. A teak bench in the corner and heated floors were thoughtful touches, but it wasn’t until I sat down that I realized the true luxury of the heated toilet seat—a small but unexpected detail that made the experience feel like indulgence.

After a refreshing shower, I grabbed a complimentary beer that was waiting for me at check-in and made my way back outside to my fire pit. As I sat under the cypress tree, the night gradually fell into complete darkness. My thoughts drifted, and as I savored the last sip of my beer, I realized how deeply relaxed I felt—so much so that I’d completely forgotten about dinner.

By 8:40pm, I wandered back to the lobby, where the atmosphere had shifted. The gentleman by the fire was still reading his article, his presence now as much a part of the room as the flames. The couple had gone, and the room was now illuminated only by the warm glow of the fire and the candlelit mantle. I ordered a panino, another beer, and was pleasantly surprised to be offered a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. As I sat at a bistro table facing the grand salon, the ambience wrapped around me like a soft blanket. It was clear that Villa Mara had mastered the art of creating a space where time slowed down, where you could linger without guilt, and where you felt invited to savor every moment.

Tucked away from the downtown village, Villa Mara is a sanctuary of comfort and rest. As I ate my panino, the hum of the staff winding down for the evening, and the quiet flicker of the fire, I realized how rare it is for a place to make you feel like you belong—right here, right now. And when I finally laid my head on my pillow that night, I knew that the magic of Villa Mara had worked its way into my soul.