Summer is upon us and if there’s ever a season primed for leisure, this is it. Take the time to unwind, relish in some well-needed relaxation, and reconnect with your other half. Whether California’s your home or you’re jetting in from out of town, the Golden State is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery and definitely some of the most romantic retreats. So indulge in some loving R&R and check out these five luxury spa resorts that are sure to add a little extra sizzle to your summer.
Auberge du Soliel
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
707.963.1211
www.aubergedusoleil.com
Overlooking Napa Valley, this Mediterranean-inspired resort is home to one of the first premier Wine Country restaurants. Private outdoor terraces overlooking the valley and elegant Tuscany-style rooms breed romance. Their renowned Auberge Spa is a 7,000 square foot haven where guests can first enjoy their water ritual – a soak in each of the spa’s three temperate springs overlooking the valley’s vineyards and Auberge’s olive grove – before indulging in their signature treatments, including their entire menu of blissful and romantic spa treatments for two.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.453.4420
www.lodgetorreypines.com
This stylish resort sits perched overlooking the Pacific and features a full-service spa, 18 lush holes of golf, and two acclaimed restaurants on the premises – A.R. Valentien and The Grill. The Spa at Torrey Pines is located adjacent to a world-renowned nature preserve and its forest of rare and shady pine trees. Their signature treatments place an emphasis on natural timelessness and the purity of the ocean and seacoast by incorporating the use of coastal botanical and marine-based extracts.
Bernardus Lodge and Winery
415 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
831.659.3131
www.bernardus.com
This breathtaking retreat sits nestled away within the oaks and vineyards of Carmel Valley and is host to ultra-luxe, romantic accommodations – comfy feather beds, cozy fireplaces, and oversized bathtubs big enough to share. (Wink, wink.) Guests are welcomed with vintage wine and cheese while their Marinus restaurant has been named one of Zagat’s top Bay Area dining destinations. The Spa at Bernardus Lodge is an idyllic retreat with babbling fountains, warm breezes from the valley, a private outdoor tub, and treatments using lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass from their own on-site organic gardens.
Kenwood Inn and Spa
10400 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, CA 95452
800.353.6966
www.kenwoodinn.com
Condé Nast Traveler readers named Kenwood, located in the historic Valley of the Moon, as Best Resort in the USA. Being in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country, their Spa at Kenwood harnesses the penetrating and protective qualities of grape seed oil through their innovative use of vinotherapy, including the incorporation of red wine extracts, Chardonnay and Riesling oils, and other grape-derived extracts in their treatments to promote healing and relaxation. Kenwood’s Couple’s Experience package is comprised of a one-night stay, 80-minute massage for two (in-room or on The Spa terrace with a bottle sparkling wine), seasonal food and wine flight tasting for two, and an in-room breakfast – all of which will surely amp up your romantic summer getaway.
The Claremont Resort and Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
800.551.7266
www.claremontresort.com
The Claremont’s Love Is In the Air package is available year round and boasts a sumptuous breakfast for two, a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries, and access to the resort’s amenities, including their renowned Spa Claremont. The spa offers special seasonal summer treatments, including their full-body rejuvenating Flower Power Body Smothie, Neroli Flower Infusion Facial, and their romantic Evening for Two – a 50 minute therapeutic massage for each guest and an intimate dinner for two. Enjoy all of this atop a hill with expansive views of San Francisco just across the bay, which has led The Claremont to both become a local favorite and vacation destination.
[Source: The Life of Luxury]
