Swap the hustle and bustle of busy cities like Los Angeles for California’s redwood forests and dreamy beaches.
Relax and recharge at these lavish nature-inspired hotels throughout California:
Post Ranch Inn
Escape to a world of Big Sur bliss at the upscale Post Ranch Inn. This clifftop oasis along the iconic Highway 1 boasts stunning Pacific Ocean views. It combines the serenity of nature with the luxury of 5-star accommodations.
Post Ranch Inn has 40 guest rooms, ranging from oceanfront suites to magical treehouses tucked among the redwoods. Maximize your stay by indulging in a spa treatment, unwinding in an infinity pool, or embarking on a guided forest walk.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara resort is the definition of tranquility, making it the perfect Santa Barbara weekend getaway. Its chic property occupies 78 scenic acres overlooking the Pacific.
Expect beautiful, Mediterranean-inspired rooms and suites where you can cozy up by a fireplace or feel the coastal breeze from your balcony. The hotel provides many opportunities to explore the local environment, like eco hikes and whale-watching events.
Dawn Ranch
Head to Guerneville and spend a rejuvenating getaway at Dawn Ranch. The fabulous 22-acre property offers various lodging options, including romantic cottages and cozy cabins, so you can enjoy a rustic escape without sacrificing comfort.
Dawn Ranch’s picturesque location in the Russian River Valley makes it easy to reconnect with nature and recenter yourself. There’s something to entice every guest, from kayaking the Russian River to biking along the nearby trails.
Rosewood Miramar Beach
The Rosewood Miramar Beach is hard to beat if you crave a peaceful coastal retreat. It’s located on a stretch of ocean in Montecito known as the American Riviera. Unsurprisingly, the area features breathtaking landscapes and opulent architecture.
The guest accommodations are stylishly decorated to embrace the waterfront location and provide unparalleled relaxation. Take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor-focused offerings by surfing, swimming, or paddleboarding in the Pacific.
Montage Healdsburg
Take the trip of a lifetime to California’s famous Sonoma Valley and splurge at the Montage, one of the best hotels in Healdsburg. This 5-star resort is a premier destination for nature lovers eager to dive into the local wine culture.
Each of the Montage’s 130 rooms and suites has a balcony or deck to immerse yourself in the environment. Activity highlights include yoga in the vineyards, horseback riding around Lake Sonoma, and cycling tours throughout the region’s wine country.
Sensei Porcupine Creek
Sensei Porcupine Creek, a remote desert hideaway near Palm Springs, redefines what you know about wellness retreats. With only 22 rooms, staying at the adults-only Sensei property is an exclusive experience you’ll never forget.
The resort spans 230 ruggedly beautiful acres, providing the ideal backdrop for self-reflection and mindfulness. Pamper yourself with Sensei’s impressive selection of wellness activities, such as guided meditation practices, property walks, and restorative yoga flows.
Alila Ventana
Let the sound of crashing ocean waves lull you to sleep at Alila Ventana in Big Sur. Situated on the Pacific Coast, this upscale hotel is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. It blends rustic outdoor elements with plush, thoughtful touches for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
Put yourself first with specialized services at Spa Alila, inspired by the surrounding landscapes. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, head on an exhilarating trail run or dine at The Sur House, where you can expect incredible food and ocean views.
The Surfrider Malibu
Enjoy an intimate oceanfront stay at The Surfrider Malibu, a historic hotel with only 20 rooms. The Surfrider has been a staple of the Pacific Coast Highway since 1953, when it debuted as a laid-back motel.
It was reimagined in 2014 to offer more luxurious accommodations while honoring the hotel’s significance to the local community. Today, The Surfrider is a must-visit for surfing, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
Meadowood Napa Valley
In the heart of the Napa Valley lies Meadowood, a 250-acre wine country estate. The community-oriented estate is a fantastic home base for enjoying the best things to do in Napa.
Meadowood’s elegant and understated lodging lets the natural surroundings take center stage. As a guest, you can access its exclusive Wine Center, with curated tastings and tours ranging from 90 minutes to multiple days.
Timber Cove Resort
Savor a slower pace of life at the coastal Timber Cove Resort in Jenner. It sits high atop a bluff between the redwoods and the Sonoma coastline, allowing guests to rediscover their love for exploration while lounging in sophistication.
You’ll notice an elevated midcentury aesthetic throughout Timber Cove, paying homage to its 1960s roots. Forget the chaos of daily life during your resort getaway by kayaking, zip-lining, or wildlife-watching at the many nearby outdoor areas.
Montage Laguna Beach
Treat yourself to a stay at the Montage spa resort next time you’re in Laguna Beach. It’s a coastal sanctuary in Southern California with sweeping views of the Pacific.
The Montage Laguna Beach offers modern and minimalistic rooms, suites, and villas. When you’re not relaxing in the plush accommodations, take advantage of the beachfront locale with exciting excursions like surfing, hiking, or a helicopter coastline tour.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is the perfect place to indulge and embrace the North Californian lifestyle. This 5-star escape overlooks the ocean, and every inch of the property infuses luxury into the naturally beautiful setting.
Relax at the on-site spa or awaken your adventurous side by biking along the Coastal Trail or sailing away on a whaling cruise. From the moment you step foot on the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, you’ll never want to say goodbye.
Four Seasons Napa
There’s no better destination for wine lovers than the Four Seasons Napa. The one-of-a-kind hotel is set within a fully functional winery, putting you in the heart of Napa Valley’s famed winemaking industry. It goes above and beyond to help guests curate their ideal vacation.
Food enthusiasts can savor an exceptional multi-course menu at Auro, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Meanwhile, various winery tours and tastings appeal to those eager to deepen their wine knowledge. For an unforgettable activity, take your trip to new heights and see Napa Valley from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Treat yourself to a warm-weather getaway
Not all Cabo San Lucas hotels are created equal. Splurge on the best luxury stays for the vacation of a lifetime.
15 Lavish Luxury Hotels in Cabo Worth Every Penny
Indulge in a whirlwind European vacation
Grab your passport and pack your bags for a trip to Europe you’ll never forget. These 5-star hotels will elevate your travels.
15 Lavish Hotels in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
