5 Ways to Experience the Best of California with Lexus Benefits

For those who aren’t familiar, Lexus kind of goes above and beyond the norm for its owners: there are a plethora of luxury hotel partner and restaurant benefits for those that buy the brand…especially in California (but throughout the United States as well).

Recently, we were lucky enough to experience a sampling of what’s available through the program on a driving tour from Sausalito to Napa Valley’s Yountville (home of The French Laundry). Here, we break down the haute benefits for you.

Photo Credit: Greenwood

1. CAVALLO POINT. Experience the rich history of Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army post, with a stay in one of this stunning, oh-so-unique Sausalito resort’s impeccably restored historic guestrooms. These historic buildings – formerly officers’ residences – are located on expansive green space encircling the parade ground with hillside or San Francisco skyline views. This hotel is unlike anything else, truly. You’ll wake up in the morning and watch the sun rise over the ocean with the Golden Gate bridge as your backdrop. The best thing about this is the details: there’s a water filtration system ready for you, beautiful bathtubs, gas-burning fireplaces,cozy sitting areas, a daily wine hour, a complimentary shuttle service that provides round-trip transportation to San Francisco and Sausalito Ferry Terminal,organic bedding and, of course, Lexus’ to ferry you around the expansive resort. There’s also a sensational cooking school in its on-site Cavallo Point Cooking School, a venue 1200 square feet in size with four comfortable workstations for hands-on classes. For demonstration classes, two flat screens linked to adjustable cameras provide a close-up look, and comfortable chairs and tables accommodate the students. There is a maximum capacity of 20 people in the hands-on cooking classes and 30 in the demonstration classes. Country wood tables and Heath Ceramics create a beautiful dining experience when the meal is ready. When you own a Lexus, you’ll enjoy a room upgrade, a $100 resort credit that’s good for dining, spa, mercantile (the shop is on point — they even sell AG jeans!), the cooking school or room service, and daily breakfast for two.

Photo Credit: Bardessono

2. BARDESSONO. Another unique and very upscale resort included in the Lexus benefits program is Bardessono, a hidden gem in Napa Valley’s Yountville. This place is unreal. Everything is electronically accessible, from the iPad where you’ll order your room service, to the wine-centric soaking tub, to the outdoor courtyard with its supreme showerhead (use this even in the winter!). The Spa Suites are wonderful: each is meant to double as a mini-spa, so expect your own locker room, soaking tub, separate shower, concealed massage table and double vanity…in the bathroom. Best of all the on-site masseuses will head to your room if you don’t feel like walking over to the spa — a perfect situation for the rich or famous. Lexus owners will enjoy a $100 dining credit towards room service or the hotel’s restaurant, Lucy.

Photo Credit: Clif Family Wines

3.CLIF FAMILY WINERY. Gary and Kit are the founders of Clif bars (you know the ones — because they taste like cookies and are available everywhere) but you might not know that this athletic duo also owns a Napa winery. Head to this charming tasting room for a delicious paired luncheon courtesy of Chef John McConnell. In addition to the fare he serves in his kitchen, McConnell has taken the unique “farm to truck” approach to cooking up some amazing nibbles, using the freshest ingredients possible from the Clif Family farm and trusted local purveyors. The bruschetta trio is a MUST. Here, Lexus owners receive a complimentary food and wine experience for two guests at the vineyards’ tasting room.

Photo Credit: Hall Wines

4. HALL RUTHERFORD WINERY. Talk about VIP: this unique winery, owned by best-selling author and vintner Kathryn Walt Hall, only accepts 15 guests a day! Stroll through the stunning property and into its wine cave — complete with a plethora of unique artwork and a staggeringly beautiful chandelier placed upon a tree that grows out of the winery’s cellar. This one-of-a-kind wine tasting showcases the brand’s limited-production wines and discusses the vineyards and production process while guests get a peek at the renowned 100-point Sacrashe vineyard. All wines are carefully paired with small bites from acclaimed local chefs. Lexus owners receive preferred access to Hall Rutherford’s Appellation Exploration. 

Photo Credit: Meadowood

5. THE RESTAURANT AT MEADOWOOD. Last but not least is The Restaurant at Meadowood, which, while not officially part of the owner benefit program, has a brand ambassador in Chef Christopher Kostow, who serves as a Lexus Culinary Master. If you’re not familiar, this eatery at the stunning, picture-perfect Meadowood resort in St. Helena, is one of the only two three Michelin star eateries on the west coast (the other being Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry). A meal here, with its synchronized service, perfectly executed bites and over-the-top wine list, cannot be missed.