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Carmel Valley, January 2010- BERNARDUS LODGE, THE SPA AT BERNARDUS LODGE and MARINUS RESTAURANT were honored with a 2010 Forbes Four Star Award by Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil, in the first awards since the brand transfer from Mobil to Forbes was announced this fall. The list has defined the industry's highest standard for excellence in hospitality for over 50 years. As the originators of the prestigious star rating system, Forbes Travel Guide provides one of the most comprehensive evaluation systems of hotels, restaurants and spas in the world. Bernardus Lodge's review by Forbes Travel Guide's incognito experts can be found online at [url]www.forbestravelguide.com[/url].

"We are elated to be recognized with a Forbes Four Star rating by Forbes Travel Guide. Each day, we are dedicated to providing our guests with exceptional service and luxurious amenities throughout the resort," said Michael Oprish, General Manager of Bernardus Lodge.

"We're thrilled to have our brand join Forbes. The 2010 edition is the first under the Forbes Travel Guide banner and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with Forbes," said Shane O'Flaherty, President and CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, who noted that while the hospitality industry has been challenged this year, it has risen to the occasion. "With an unprecedented downturn in the economy this year, properties have taken steps to refine their processes to become more efficient. Yet, it is important to note that the employees of these same properties have remained as engaged and passionate as ever about providing the best guest experience that they can."

Forbes Travel Guide's ratings process is based on more than 750 standardized criteria for hotels, making it the most rigorous and comprehensive in the industry. The process begins with a facility inspection that considers every aspect of the property, including its overall cleanliness, condition and location. To achieve Forbes Travel Guide Four and Five Star status, properties must meet or exceed the bar-setting service standards, which are determined through an unannounced, undercover service evaluation by Forbes Travel Guide's expert inspectors.

ABOUT BERNARDUS LODGE

Bernardus Lodge offers 57 luxurious guestrooms in nine adobe-village style buildings along a terraced hillside. It sits in one of America's most scenic destinations: Carmel Valley, the sunny side of Carmel. Inspired by Bernardus Pon, creator of the Bernardus Winery and Vineyard, the Lodge combines exceptional epicurean experiences, presided over by celebrated chef Cal Stamenov, with gracious hospitality. The Lodge is 120 miles south of San Francisco and 330 miles north of Los Angeles. It is a 20-minute drive from the Monterey Peninsula and its wealth of attractions. For reservations and information, please contact Bernardus Lodge, 415 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, California 93924; phone 1-888-648-9463; or visit its website at [url]www.bernardus.com[/url].


ABOUT FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobile Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobile Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958. In October 2009, Mobil Travel Guide announced a strategic partnership with Forbes Media LLC. This exclusive licensing agreement between two industry leaders with more than 140 years of combined experience transfers the hospitality industry's premier star rating and travel guide brand from ExxonMobil to Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous and objective Proprietary standards, providing consumers the insight to make better-informed travel and leisure decisions.

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