CARMEL VALLEY, Calif.—Bernardus Lodge & Spa has appointed Gus Trejo as its new executive chef. Trejo will oversee the culinary program at Lucia Restaurant & Bar and the resort’s broader food and beverage offerings.
Originally from the Central Coast, Trejo brings a background blending global training with a regional focus. His cooking style emphasizes seasonal ingredients and sustainable sourcing, influenced by his Portuguese-Latin heritage and early experiences on his family’s ranch in Portugal.
Trejo has held culinary leadership roles at properties in Granada, Spain; Maui, Hawaii; and San Diego, Monterey, and Santa Cruz, Calif., most recently at Jack O’Neill Restaurant & Lounge at The Dream Inn in Santa Cruz. His appointment marks a return to the Monterey area, where he spent more than a decade in the local restaurant scene. “We are delighted to welcome Gus with his soulful, ingredient-driven approach to cuisine,” said Hartmut Ott, general manager of Bernardus Lodge & Spa. “His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Bernardus Lodge and reaffirms our reputation as a culinary destination where every meal tells the story of the land and the season. We look forward to the exceptional dishes and experiences he will craft that showcase the best of our region’s flavors, community, and creativity.”
Lucia Restaurant & Bar will continue to offer rustic California cuisine, with menus shaped by Bernardus’ onsite gardens, local farms, and seafood from Monterey Bay. The 15,000-bottle wine cellar and estate-grown varietals will complement Trejo’s new menus. Signature offerings like the Chef’s Table will evolve under Trejo’s direction to include multi-course tasting experiences with behind-the-scenes access to the kitchen.
Trejo officially joined Bernardus Lodge & Spa on August 7.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa is located on 28 acres in Carmel Valley and features 73 guest rooms, suites, and villas. The property includes a spa, vineyard, and culinary and wine program. Managed by Ensemble, the resort holds a Forbes Four-Star rating and two MICHELIN Keys. It recently joined The Legend Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
