FAQ’s
Carmel Retreats
Private Cottage Retreats in Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
1. What is Carmel Retreats?
Carmel Retreats offers two private, stand-alone cottages in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea designed for romance, rest, and restoration. These are not hotel rooms or shared spaces — each cottage is its own peaceful retreat, ideal for guests seeking quiet, privacy, and a slower, more meaningful stay.
As part of the Carmel Retreats experience, guests receive a private retreat guide to help them create an experience aligned with their personal goals, along with access to a curated library of on-demand wellness and self-development programs. Guests may also take advantage of VIP partnerships with local providers, making it easy to arrange spa visits, mineral baths, yoga, meditation, sound baths, guided hikes, and other restorative experiences during their stay.
2. Are your cottages located in downtown Carmel?
Yes. Carmel Retreats is located in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, within easy walking distance of Ocean Avenue, restaurants, shops, galleries, wine-tasting rooms, and the beach. Guests can arrive, park, and enjoy Carmel entirely on foot.
3. Do you require a minimum length of stay?
Carmel Retreats specializes in stays of 7 nights or longer, and some guests choose to stay for several weeks. This approach allows guests to fully unwind, settle into a gentle rhythm, and experience Carmel as a true retreat rather than a rushed weekend visit. Short stays and weekend-only bookings are intentionally not offered.
4. Is Carmel Retreats suitable for a romantic getaway?
Absolutely. The cottages are designed with romance in mind — quiet evenings, slow mornings, private outdoor spaces, and a peaceful atmosphere. Carmel Retreats is especially popular with couples celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or simply enjoying meaningful time together.
5. Is this a good place for rest, healing, or recovery?
Yes. Many guests choose Carmel Retreats for rest, healing, and renewal — including post-illness recovery, creative sabbaticals, or an emotional reset. The cottages emphasize calm, comfort, privacy, and gentle living rather than stimulation or nightlife.
6. Are the cottages quiet?
Yes — intentionally so. Carmel Retreats is designed for guests who value peace and quiet. The cottages are not suited for parties, events, or loud gatherings, and the overall atmosphere is serene and residential.
7. Is this a hotel?
No. Carmel Retreats is not a hotel.
These are individually curated, privately owned cottages with character, history, and personality. Guests enjoy privacy, independence, and a residential experience rather than hotel services or shared amenities.
8. How many people can stay in each cottage?
Most stays at Carmel Retreats are for one or two guests, and the cottages are designed with couples in mind. The 2BR Luxury Cottage offers flexibility for additional guests as needed, such as a family traveling together, two couples sharing space, or occasional overnight visitors during a longer stay, while maintaining a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
9. Do the cottages have kitchens?
Yes. Each cottage includes a well-equipped kitchen suitable for cooking, preparing meals, and enjoying quiet evenings at home. Many guests enjoy shopping locally and dining in as part of their retreat experience.
10. Is parking available?
Yes. Off-street parking is provided for guests staying in the 2BR Luxury Cottage. The 1BR Studio Suite has street parking directly in front of the cottage, which is typically available. Once you arrive, most guests find they rarely need their car, as Carmel is highly walkable.
11. How close are you to the beach?
The beach is an easy walk from the cottages. Many guests enjoy morning walks to the shore, sunset strolls, or simply sitting quietly by the ocean as part of their stay.
12. Is Carmel Retreats suitable for guests who don’t want to drive much?
Yes. Carmel Retreats is ideal for guests who prefer to park once and walk everywhere. Restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, and the beach are all nearby.
13. Do you allow last-minute or discounted stays?
No. Carmel Retreats does not offer last-minute discounts or short stays. Pricing reflects the quality, location, and extended-stay retreat experience, and helps preserve the calm, unrushed nature of the cottages.
14. Why choose Carmel Retreats instead of a hotel?
Guests choose Carmel Retreats because they value:
Privacy instead of shared hallways
Quiet instead of foot traffic
Space instead of a single room
A home-like retreat rather than a commercial environment
For guests seeking romance, rest, and authenticity, Carmel Retreats offers a very different experience than a hotel.
15. How do I know if Carmel Retreats is right for me?
Carmel Retreats is a great fit if you’re looking for:
A quiet, romantic week-long (or longer) stay
A private cottage in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea
A peaceful environment for rest, reflection, or reconnection
It may not be the right fit if you’re seeking nightlife, short stays, group-focused accommodations, or a hotel-style experience.
16. How do I book?
Availability and booking information can be found directly on our website. Because Carmel Retreats welcomes a limited number of guests each year to preserve the intimacy and quality reflected in our reviews, we recommend booking in advance.