Many Americans are looking for domestic getaways to areas of the country they have yet to explore. In this blog we are highlighting properties in the diverse state of California. 

Travelling within the U.S. does not mean you have to settle or sacrifice. This is the time to experience luxury properties featuring exclusivity and privacy surrounded by natural beauty. I’ve compiled a selection of ten Virtuoso properties in California where quality, service and stunning scenery will make for a remarkable vacation.

As your Virtuoso travel advisor, Wanderlust Travel Boutique has established relationships with these properties to provide you a first-class travel experience from the first rumblings of wanderlust in your heart to the bittersweet arrival home.

Rancho Sante Fe

Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN) 19 miles

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Number of Rooms: 49

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa effortlessly blends five-star luxury with the spirit of Southern California in its guest casitas and restaurants. Nestled in a private enclave, Rancho Valencia is sought out for its spacious, hacienda-inspired accommodations and lush grounds. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel an unmistakable sense of comfort in this relaxed yet refined, sophisticated yet understated atmosphere. And, with a year-round pleasant climate, it’s perfect for enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.  Tee off at The Farms Golf Club, practice your serve with a tennis pro, revitalize in the magnificent spa, experience The Restaurant, acclaimed for its Coastal-Ranch cuisine, or simply relax in your suite.  While all rooms are comfortable and private, the Hacienda is a 5,000 sq ft luxury hideaway for the most discerning travelers.

Newport Coast

Nearest Airport: John Wayne (SNA) 9 miles

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Number of Rooms: 332

The Resort at Pelican Hill is an Italian-inspired, five-star destination offering unparalleled service. Accommodations include 128 multi-bedroom villas with magnificent coastal views, gourmet kitchens, dedicated staff, and exclusive clubhouse access, as well as 204 Bungalow guestrooms and suites, all featuring fireplaces and private terraces. The Resort is home to a Forbes-Five-Star Spa, two 18-hole golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, the impressive 136-foot Coliseum Pool, five restaurants, a beach program, and Camp Pelican™ for kids.  The Newport Coast is home to Crystal Cove State Park that features 3.5 miles of sandy beaches along with hundreds of acres of lush, wooded canyons containing numerous trails, making it a celebrated site for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.  Nearby Fashion Island is home to nearly 200 specialty shops, department stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

Palm Springs

Nearest Airport: Municipal (PSP) 14 miles

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Number of Rooms: 777

The Original Desert Hideaway, La Quinta Resort & Club, has been a haven to Hollywood stars since 1926. Set on 45 acres of vibrant gardens, the resort features hacienda-style casitas, suites and 1-,2-and 3-bedroom villas clustered around 41

pools and 53 hot spas and offer views of the Coachella Valley. Together with PGA WEST, the resort offers five unique golf courses designed by legends Nicklaus, Dye and Norman. Also available: Spa La Quinta, 23 tennis courts, seven restaurants and seasonal, live outdoor music. Its ideal location provides access to a number of offsite activities such as mountain biking, hiking and jogging trails, jeep and hot air balloon tours, polo, and equestrian events, as well as shopping. A multimillion-dollar restoration has furnished the resort with a modern look in line with the property’s history and serene desert surroundings.

Ojai (Santa Barbara)

Nearest Airport: Municipal (SBA) 33 miles

Ojai Valley Inn

Number of Rooms: 305

Nestled in the bohemian enclave of Ojai is the historic Ojai Valley Inn, a luxurious retreat that has

been one of California’s most revered destinations since opening in 1923. Located just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles, the resort overlooks the unspoiled natural beauty of its mountain surroundings and celebrates the relaxed glamour of California’s past to create an unparalleled resort with spacious and graciously appointed guestrooms.  Year-round activities include the George C. Thomas–designed 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service tennis center with four hard courts and swimming or lounging at four heated pools. Menus at seven culinary destinations focus on local ingredients. In addition, the 31,000-square-foot spa village and Artist Cottage & Apothecary offer unique classes to make for a memorable getaway.

Montecito

Nearest Airport: Municipal Airport (SBA), 12 Miles

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Number of Rooms: 161

Rosewood Miramar Beach sits within easy reach of all that Montecito and Santa Barbara have to offer.  Residential exclusivity inspires the resort’s rooms and suites. Scattered across 16 acres of rolling lawns and lush landscaping, the spacious, thoughtfully furnished luxury Santa Barbara accommodations are the epitome of modern beach living— light, airy and exceptionally comfortable.  At Sense® spa, guests enjoy the ultimate in personalized attention. Afternoons can be spent lounging by one of two pools, working out at the fitness center, or strolling through the resort’s lush gardens, while sunrise yoga on the beach and sunset walks along the water’s edge bookend the sun-drenched days.  Referred to as the “American Riviera” and situated between the Santa Ynez mountains and pristine California coastline, there is no shortage of things to do for those looking to stay busy. From wine tasting rooms in the Funk Zone to whale watching, Santa Barbara offers activities for everyone. Additional attractions include numerous art museums, hiking trails, gardens, the Santa Barbara Mission, and multiple theaters.

Big Sur

Nearest Airport: Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 37 miles

Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort

Number of Rooms: 59

Perched 1,200 feet above one of the most dramatic stretches of the state’s Central Coast, the adults-only, rustically romantic Ventana Big Sur has just completed a multimillion-dollar re-imagination. Ventana’s guestrooms and suites are tucked amidst 160 acres of redwood forests and meadows; each featuring a private balcony or patio. Executive Chef Keith Potter works with local farmers utilizing sustainable ingredients to create inventive coastal cuisine.  “Activity” at Ventana is not merely about staying busy or filling your days with diversions. It’s about discovery, self-reflection, and a deep awareness of your place in the world – all of which represents different things to different people.  Begin your day with a morning yoga class or a guided hike around the property. Join a workshop or activity offered through the Alila Experience Program – from photography hikes and Glass House Art classes to personalized astrology readings and essence portraits. Get a workout in the fitness room or go for a swim and follow it with a Japanese hot bath. Take a day to venture out and explore Big Sur. Ease into the evening with the daily wine-and-cheese reception. It’s all up to you – and it’s all designed for you.

Sausalito

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International (SFO) 20 miles

Cavallo Point – the Lodge at Golden Gate

Number of Rooms: 142

Nestled at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge in historic Fort Baker, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Cavallo Point – the Lodge at the Golden Gate welcomes you to a luxurious hotel experience achieved with an underlying green and socially responsible ethos. Located within 75,000+ acres of national parkland and mere minutes from San Francisco, the sustainable lodge features historic and contemporary guest rooms and suites. Enjoy exquisite dining at Murray Circle and Farley Bar, soothing treatments at the Healing Arts Center & Spa, interactive classes at the Cooking School, and high-end shopping at the Mercantile.  Beyond complimentary yoga and guided property walks, you can hike, bike, sail, tour, and taste your way around San Francisco Bay. Just a short distance away are the world-class attractions of San Francisco, Marin, Berkeley, and the famed Napa and Sonoma Valleys’ wine country.  Renowned internationally for its sense of place, variety of guest experiences onsite or nearby, and exceptional service, Cavallo Point is close to everything, but away from it all.

Calistoga

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International (SFO) 84 miles

Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort

Number of Rooms: 50

Set in the picturesque upper Napa Valley, the crown jewel of Calistoga Ranch boasts stand-alone guest cottages on 157 private acres marked by ancient oaks, majestic hills, a rock-hewn stream, and private lake. Each cedar-shingled guest lodge is comprised of a series of bungalows connected by decks, trellised walkways, and expansive outdoor living areas, with minimal impact to the pristine natural setting.  The private restaurant, the Lakehouse, open exclusively to those staying on property, is headed by executive chef Robert Leva, and celebrates the rich culture of food and wine in Napa Valley.  For those seeking rejuvenation, it can be found at The Bathhouse that features a natural thermal mineral pool and quiet treatment rooms with outdoor garden showers and private soaking tubs. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga deck, a swimming pool overlooking the vineyards and 140 acres of land dedicated to hiking and active pursuits.

Forestville

Nearest Airport: San Francisco International (SFO) 80 miles

Farmhouse Inn

Number of Rooms: 25

Located in Sonoma-Napa wine country the Farmhouse Inn is a 25-room boutique luxury hotel that blends the outdoors and indoors with two-sided gas fireplaces, private patios, open-air hallways, and plenty of communal outdoor spaces.  Here guests experience the romance of wine with all the warmth and hospitality of a family-owned bed and breakfast inn coupled with the services and amenities of a Five-Star luxury hotel.  In addition to the spacious suites, the Farmhouse Inn boasts a 3,000-square-foot spa and a Michelin-star restaurant, offering magical cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.  On property enjoy the seasonal heated outdoor pool and hot tub or tour the surrounding beautiful native Sonoma gardens, with a visit to the resident chickens.  When ready to venture off-property, six concierges are available to share their secret favorites of the Napa and Sonoma Wine country for you to explore.

Truckee

Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), 43 Miles

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Number of Rooms: 181

Experience The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe and discover the pristine beauty of this breathtaking region. From its crystal-clear lake to its legendary skiing, hiking, and golfing– this luxury hotel provides endless possibilities.  Luxurious guestrooms and suites feature in-room gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows. Adults can relax at the slope-side spa featuring nature-inspired therapies and a heated lap pool, while the kids take part in a vibrant children’s program with interactive games, crafts, and opportunities to connect with the mountain setting in meaningful ways.  The entire family will enjoy the Waterfront Lake Club that adds an extraordinary new experience, providing resort guests with a unique, stunningly designed waterside venue and an accompanying host of amenities that include al fresco dining, leisure and water activities, and direct access to the lake to make for a memorable family vacation.

Keep dreaming. We’re here when you’re ready.

Contact Us:

Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]

Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique

At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.

If not now, when?

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson

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