Turns Out Heaven Has Strollers: Carmel Valley Ranch x Nuna

TL;DR:

• Nuna gear like strollers and car seats ready on arrival—no hauling!
• Family perks: splash pad pool, game lawn, animal meet-and-greets, and daily activities
• Childcare for kids ages 2–12, plus “Kids’ Night Out” for evening fun
• Laid-back luxury on 500 acres with spa and nature everywhere
• It’s a splurge, but worth it for less stress and more fun

If you’ve ever packed everything but the kitchen sink for a trip with your baby, this one’s for you. Carmel Valley Ranch, nestled in the hills of Carmel Valley just south of San Francisco, has teamed up with premium baby gear brand Nuna to seriously lighten the load for parents. As someone who has traveled with young kids many times and experienced all kinds of “family-friendly” setups, this partnership actually makes a difference. It’s thoughtful, practical, and makes traveling with little ones so much easier.

Welcome to Carmel Valley Ranch, Now Even More Kid-Friendly

Tucked into the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley Ranch is where laid-back luxury meets California charm. You might not know it by the name, but this all-suite (read that again – all suites!) resort stretches across 500 acres of vineyards, lavender fields, hiking trails, and oak groves. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with coffee on your private deck, afternoons are for swimming or spa time, and evenings wrap up around a fire pit with s’mores. You know, the stuff childhood dreams are made of! There’s a golf course, yes, and a full-service spa *praise*, but also family-friendly programming, playful touches, and plenty of space to slow down. It’s polished, but never stuffy. It’s effortless, but full of thoughtful details.

It’s also recently hosted some pretty famous guests, notably Mandy Moore and Gaby of @whatsgabycookin (a favorite account of mine!). In true Kidgo fashion, Moore noted on Instagram that she "...love[s] that kids and families aren’t simply accepted but celebrated here." It’s one thing to tolerate families… but it’s a whole other thing to embrace them and work to make an experience truly meaningful for families traveling with little kids.

What Is the Munchkin Menu?

One such thing the resort does to help families feel welcomed is their Munchkin Menu. What’s that, you might ask? Simply put: it’s a complimentary service that allows guests to borrow baby gear. But these aren’t your plain ol’, sticky wooden high chairs: Carmel Valley has recently partnered with Nuna (one of our absolute favorite baby gear brands!) to provide premium gear to parents during their stay. Specifically, the following items are available to borrow: 

• Strollers: A variety of Nuna strollers to suit every need, including the compact TRVL™ lx, the versatile MIXX™ next, and the TRVL™ dubl side-by-side stroller.
• Playards: The PAAL™ playard, featuring a compact fold and convenient design for on-the-go families.
• Highchairs: The BRYN™ highchair, designed for safe and stylish mealtime experiences.
• Baby Carriers: The CUDL™ clik baby carrier, providing four ergonomic carry positions for hands-free convenience.
• Car Seats: LUMN™ harness to booster seats, AACE™ high-back to no-back booster seats, and EXEC™ all-in-one car seats, offering safe and comfortable travel options for children.

Why This Partnership Is a Total Win for Parents

“Our goal is to make those precious moments easier, more comfortable, and more memorable for families,” said Kiana Jensen, Director of Brand Marketing at Nuna. And honestly, that’s exactly what this partnership with Carmel Valley Ranch is doing.

I personally own a Nuna stroller, the BRYN highchair, and the EXEC car seat — and genuinely love them all. The TRVL dubl is actually on my Christmas list this year (someone please forward this to my husband). But the idea of hauling all that gear from our home in the Midwest to California, on top of diapers, clothes, and toys? That doesn’t exactly scream vacation.

That’s why this collaboration just makes sense. “We understand the complexities of traveling with young children, and our goal at Carmel Valley Ranch has always been to make family vacations as effortless and enjoyable as possible,” said Ulrich Samietz, Managing Director of Carmel Valley Ranch. And from what I’ve seen, they mean it.

Still need convincing this might be your easiest trip ever? The Munchkin Menu also includes a bottle warmer, Diaper Genie, night lights, board games, and even a coloring book.

Other Kid-Friendly Perks at the Ranch

Of course, being kid-friendly is about so much more than just checking a box for having the right gear. It’s about creating a space where families can truly relax, explore, and enjoy time together. A few thoughtful touches that stood out to us:

• A family-friendly pool with splash pad, plus a separate adults-only pool for those seeking a quieter vibe
• Flexible childcare options, including full- and half-day paid programs, so parents can enjoy a break or a date night
• A lively game lawn, perfect for letting kids burn off energy or enjoying some casual family competition
• Daily opportunities to connect with animals like goats, cows, chickens, and alpacas — a huge hit with little ones
• A packed daily schedule with something for everyone: think morning workouts, afternoon crafts, evening s’mores by the fire, and even a “Kids’ Night Out” so grown-ups can sneak in some grown-up time
• It’s these kinds of details that make a place feel like it really gets what families need.

Is It Worth It? Our Take as Travel-Obsessed Parents

Full disclosure: Carmel Valley Ranch isn’t exactly budget-friendly. It’s definitely on the pricier side, considering it is a luxury stay. But as parents who’ve traveled with young kids countless times, we can confidently say the convenience and thoughtful touches make it worth considering. Having top-quality gear ready to go, plus all the family-focused perks, takes a lot of the stress out of traveling. If you’re looking for a trip that feels truly relaxing (and you’re okay with splurging a bit), this one’s a total win.

Traveling with kids is enough work, so help another parent skip the gear haul! Forward this post or drop it in the group chat.

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