Our Favorite California Honeymoon (or mini-moon) Destinations
With COVID changing many plans this year including most travel, we have compiled a list of our nine favorite destinations for a California honeymoon or mini-moon, should you decide to stay local!
Indian Springs Resort, Calistoga
Just north of Napa lies the beautiful and quaint town of Calistoga. If you have never been to Calistoga, or more specifically Indian Springs, it feels like Palm Springs meets wine country. The resort is filled with palm trees and olive trees. It is impeccably decorated and has a relaxing Olympic sized mineral pool and spa where you can get drinks and float in the warmth of the mineral water. The resort provides you with cruiser bikes during your stay so you can cruise into town or wineries nearby. One of my favorite spots in wine country!
(photo via @coreygwin)
Treebones, Big Sur
Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean in a remote part of Big Sur, Treebones resort is the ultimate glamping retreat. With options to stay in yurts, simply camp, or in a human nest (yes, like a giant bird’s nest for humans), there are accommodations for everyone no matter where you are on the camping to glamping scale. The retreat is complete with a pool, hot tub, and restaurant with meals made from fruits and vegetables grown in the Treebones garden on site. Lastly and most notably, there is an epic sushi bar with a 16-course tasting menu (only available by reservation Wednesday through Sunday). It was a top 5 dining experience in my lifetime and absolutely worth planning your trip around.
Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai
Ojai Valley Inn is an iconic resort spanning across 220 Oak lined acres in the beautiful town of Ojai, just inland from Santa Barbara. This luxury resort has consistently ranked in Conde Nast’s top 100 hotels in the world. At Ojai Valley Inn you can coast around on a cruiser bike and enjoy the many pools, seven unique dining options, and 30,000+ square foot Spa Village, Artist Cottage and Apothecary, or golfing, you name it. Ultimate vacation vibes here.
Edgewood Tahoe, Lake Tahoe
Sitting right on the stunning and serene Lake Tahoe, Edgewood is the perfect mountain luxury escape. It is ideal for a summer or winter getaway. When you are not staring at the glassy lake and wondering if the gorgeous Sierras sitting behind it are real or a backdrop, you can enjoy the pool, hot tub, spa, golfing, or sitting with a nice glass of wine by a firepit.
Timber Cove Resort, Sonoma Coast
If you are looking for a secluded, seaside northern California getaway that is a little off the beaten path, Timber Cove Resort is your place. Timber Cove is located in the remote and beautiful Sonoma Coastline on a gorgeous 23 acre oceanside property. You can relax, go for hikes along the coast and detach from reality.
Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito
Cavallo Point is a repurposed old military post nestled in a gorgeous cove just under the iconic golden gate bridge that has been converted to a luxury hotel. While you are close enough to enjoy the city, you feel completely tucked away with views for days. There are options to stay in historic yet remodeled or contemporary lodging here. With endless options to explore San Francisco and the surrounding areas like Marin county, the Northern California coast and wine country, Cavallo Point is also complete with a gorgeous spa and restaurant.
Gaige House + Ryokan, Sonoma
Tucked away in Sonoma’s quaint town of Glen Ellen, Gaige House + Ryokan is a peaceful hideaway with just 23 guest rooms. If you were planning for a trip to Asia for your honeymoon but 2020 has ruined your plans, this is your spot. Gaige House + Ryokan has mediation areas, zen gardens, and an on-site spa, not to mention breakfast in bed. The town of Glen Ellen has a couple cute, amazing restaurants like Glen Ellen Star. You’re close enough to explore Napa and Sonoma wineries but away from the busier Sonoma and Napa square type areas in wine country.
Korakia Pensione, Palm Springs
The New York Times has called Karakia “one of the sexiest hotels in America,” and you can take one look at photos and understand why. Korakia is a boutique, Mediterranean-style oasis in the desert which consists of bungalows, guest houses, gardens and pools, complete with yoga and a spa. P.S. They do weddings here and they look so dreamy
Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach
By the same ownership company as Korakia, Hotel Joaquin is a hidden gem perched on the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. “A mixture of old world sophistication and modern, yet laid-back luxury,” with decor inspired from the island of St. Barths with a California bungalow vibe. Southern California adventure awaits, as the hotel is complete with all of the toys (paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, snorkel gear and more) available for use during your stay.