The Holly Farm 9200 Carmel Valley Road • Carmel • California 93924

Here’s a gem of a location that offers something rare—not only exclusive use, but the ability to house up to 24 of your event guests from two to six days. Doyle and Mary Moses, The Holly Farm’s owners, have fashioned their chic tropical hideaway in Carmel with destination weddings in mind, so you can treat your closest friends and family to a fun-filled getaway in a lush fantasy world of comfort and ease.

First established over 100 years ago, The Holly Farm is a private six-and-a-half-acre estate located in a sunny inland valley only five miles from the coast. The property contains the last holly “farm” in the state: 49 enormous holly trees that flank both sides of the entrance drive to the property. Doyle, himself a noted artist, expanded the original 4-bedroom, 3-bath adobe hacienda, and now it could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest. Inside you’ll find a pleasing mix of California-style architecture and contemporary furnishings; walls are a warm apricot, floors are oak and Mexican tile. Guests can mingle in front of the fireplace in the spacious, fully stocked kitchen, and then sit down for a rehearsal dinner or other intimate gathering in the sun-filled sunken dining room. The living room is kept cozy by a second fireplace, and there’s a beautiful view of the Santa Lucia Mountains beyond the private fountain patio.

At the end of a nearby garden path lies the Banana Cabana. This whimsical redwood bungalow features “island wild” décor, with bamboo curtains, futons, murals, eclectic artifacts and a wraparound redwood deck. The newlyweds can lounge by the Carmel flagstone fireplace or enjoy a massage in the Paraiso Suite, sheltered from the rest of the grounds by a low vine-covered adobe wall. This exotic getaway has a king-size bed, a private bath and dressing room, and a rustic service area for champagne and strawberries: In other words, it’s the perfect wedding night and mini-moon retreat!

Outdoors, the romance continues in the picturesque and colorful landscape. The Holly Farm’s immaculately tended tropical gardens are complemented by hundreds of sweetly scented blossoms spilling over flowerbeds and pots; a koi pond and sparkling waterfall next to a majestic oak tree make a lovely setting for photos, ceremonies and receptions of up to 200 guests. A sweeping lawn with a classic farm windmill is perfect for larger weddings, while al fresco receptions in the Carriage House enjoy an impressive stone bar and an entertainment space for cocktails and dancing. The estate has a versatile layout, with numerous enchanting alcoves to explore.

To top it all off, The Holly Farm also has a talented chef who insists on using only the finest ingredients, including organic produce. The Moses family is passionate about food, and loves to create artfully presented dishes inspired by your personal favorites—whether they’re gourmet vegan or hearty barbecue fare.

Up to 24 guests may actually lodge at The Holly Farm, but others staying nearby can still attend the wedding, the reception, Garden Brunch or an afternoon game of bocce ball. Past guests have dubbed this unique experience a “Wedding-Moon,” so relaaax, and turn over all the details to The Holly Farm’s expert and devoted care. We’ve sampled their hospitality firsthand, and can’t decide what we enjoyed most—the delicious offerings the chef brought to our doorstep or being lulled to sleep by the tranquil melody of splashing fountains. (We're not the only fans of this unique retreat: The Holly Farm was voted Yelp's #3 Highest-Rated U.S. Wedding Venue!)

The staff here will lavish you with personal attention, and can arrange for the cream of local vendors to assist at your event. Their reputation for quiet efficiency and fine taste has earned them the patronage of an elite clientele. You, too, can join the privileged when you “slow down and settle in” at the delightful Holly Farm.