The fresh California breeze gently brushed through my hair as I rolled down the windows and drove the zigzag rocky coastline that leads towards Big Sur. After just a few minutes drive south from Carmel-by-the-Sea, and a hairpin turn up to Carmel Highlands, we found “Tickle Pink Joy” as we arrived to Tickle Pink Inn near Carmel.
 
The Charming Tickled Pink Inn
When we arrived to check in, another couple was checking out and we overheard their comments at reception, “Everything was perfect, and the attention to detail was incredible – we will be back!” Known as one of the most romantic hideaways in the U.S.A., Tickle Pink Inn has the right approach with gracious hospitality, personal indulgent comfort, and attention to detail.
Greeted by a sign posted to the entrance, Restabit Fortis Arare Placeto Restat – we were intrigued to learn more about this latin word puzzle and the history behind Tickle Pink Inn.
 
Family owned and operated since 1956, Tickle Pink Inn was built by the Gurries Family on the site of the original home of state senator Edward and Mrs. Bess Tickle. Why the name “Tickle Pink”? Mrs. Tickle was a great lover of flowers, especially pink ones, which led to the name of the Inn.
The Rooms & Suites:
Rooms and suites are designed with ultra comfort in mind, with private decks, some with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Once you enter your room, tranquility resides, and your private deck opens up to sweeping views of the Carmel highlands to the Pacific Ocean.  In the spa-like bathroom, you’ll find luxury Gilchrist & Soames amenities from London – soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, and a Tickle Pink plush robe and slippers.
 
We enjoyed our days relaxing on our private deck looking at the coastline views through the Inn’s binoculars, dipping into the Tickle Pink outdoor hot tub at their Terrace Park, and visiting local beaches just minutes from Carmel Highlands. For more on what to see and do in the Carmel area, Click here. Or you can visit nearby Monterey’s Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, or rent a kayak and paddle in the Pacific waters with sea lions within arm’s reach. Point Lobos is just a couple miles away and offers several hiking/walking trails where you can get up close to the coastline and enjoy magnificent views. Carmel Valley isn’t far away either where golf courses and wineries, cafes, boutiques and restaurants line the valley corridor. Or head further South to Big Sur and enjoy more hiking trails along the coast.
After a day full of exploration, pampering and rest, we fell asleep to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean waves in comfortable European bedding.
If you want to have a private retreat, not far from Tickle Pink’s main building, you can reserve the charming and rustic “Senator’s Cottage”, the last remaining structure from the original Tickle estate. This cottage has 2 bedrooms, a spa tub, kitchenette, dining room and living room, fireplace and private patio, and is nestled in the Carmel pine forest and secluded in the Cliffside setting.
Every detail at Tickle Pink Inn adds to its romantic ambience and tranquil setting. A candle lit room, a pink rose, a bottle of champagne (complimentary with some packages) to name a few.
 
Complimentary Meals
The complimentary breakfasts serve up an array of fresh baked goods and California produce – strawberries, blueberries and crunchy granola, natural yogurt and more! We highly recommend breakfast delivered to your room, and bask in morning rays while overlooking the rugged California coast from your private deck.
The complimentary wine & cheese evening reception invites guests to enjoy the sunset while savoring a variety of goat, sheep and cow cheese pairings with red and white local and international wines. Soothing classical music plays in the background as guests relax in the deck chairs.
Each room has a guest’s journal which is chock-full of note, thanks, memories from other Tickle Pink Inn guests who all want to come back and be “Tickled Pink”! Are you ready to be Tickled Pink? Book your reservation today at Tickle Pink Inn.
By Patricia Stone, a travel writer & consultant based “globally”. When in the U.S.A, she resides between Washington and California.
Travel Acknowledgements:
We would like to thank Tickle Pink Inn for hosting our stay. All opinions expressed here are entirely our own.
