Carmel-by-the-sea is an idyllic beach town two hours south of San Francisco. After a busy week in the city, we were delighted to arrive in this sleepy, sunny place. We checked in to Trade Winds, a relaxed boutique hotel in the downtown area of Carmel. The accommodation has an obvious Asian influence in its décor and design. Rippling water features are found outside and also in the bedrooms, a giant Buddha and fire pit add some zen drama, exotic plants shade the courtyard and the silky patterned bathrobes reminded me vividly of Thailand.

With just 28 rooms, the hotel feels intimate and homely. Just like the town itself, the atmosphere at Trade Winds is easygoing and tranquil. My main memory of the check-in is the delicious home baked chocolate cookie offered at the hotel entrance, within minutes we were settling in to our bedroom.

The rooms are generously sized and designed to offer maximum natural light – our room was a subtle shade of cream with accents of amber and burnt orange. Orchids and oriental prints add some artistic flair and the dark wood furniture fits the theme too. The bathroom felt a little more old-fashioned but was all in pristine condition and worked well. There was a separate Jacuzzi tub and shower to suit both preferences.

I slept very well at Trade Winds. The king sized bed was exceptionally comfortable with silk pillows, Frette linens and feather bedding. It is also worth noting that the rooms were silent and offered speedy wifi free of charge.

More information and book a room at Trade Winds here.

I was lucky to have recommendations from friends about what to check out whilst visiting Carmel, so I feel it is only fair to pass on these suggestions to you! Take a walk along the beach at sunset, have a drink at the piano bar at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Hotel and stop by Mundaka for an array of Spanish tapas treats. Slightly further afield don’t miss the impressive Monterey Bay Aquarium.