We curated the ultimate list for luxury travel in the Bay Area.
Carneros Resort & Spa
MOST ROMANTIC WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA
Tucked amid rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort and Spa is a secluded wine country retreat that couples love for unwinding in private cottages with outdoor soaking tubs, sipping wine by the fire pit and indulging in spa treatments designed for two. Sunset views from the hilltop infinity pool set the scene for dreamy evenings, while farm-to-table dining under twinkling lights elevates every meal. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, 866.860.2328, carnerosresort.com
Montage Healdsburg boasts its own vineyard and recently unveiled its first release, Surveyor.
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT ASTRA, ST. REGIS
The St. Regis San Francisco epitomizes modern luxury in the heart of the city, offering refined elegance, memorable service and world-class dining. At Astra, the hotel’s signature restaurant, the culinary program shines with a menu celebrating the region’s finest ingredients via artful seasonal dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Insider tip: Don’t miss the afternoon tea, Thursdays through Sundays, 2-4 p.m. 125 3rd St., 415.284.4000, marriott.com
The Lodge at Presidio is both an escape within the city, offering families great hikes, history and more.
BEST WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY MONTAGE HEALDSBURG
Tucked into Sonoma wine country’s rolling vineyards and oak groves, Montage Healdsburg offers a luxurious escape where nature and indulgence intertwine. The resort’s bungalow-style accommodations blend seamlessly into the landscape, while its spa, infinity-edge pool and locally inspired dining elevate the experience. Guests can now savor Surveyor, the resort’s private estate wine label, crafted with renowned winemaker Jesse Katz. The inaugural 2021 cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc showcase the estate’s exceptional terroir. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, 707.979.9000, montage.com
BEST DRIVEABLE DESTINATION HARBOR HOUSE INN
Set along the wildflower-laced cliffs of Mendocino County in Elk, Calif., the Harbor House Inn is as timeless as the surrounding landscape. Chef Matthew Kammerer (@matthew.kamm) is the mad genius in the kitchen. He’s earned two Michelin stars for his work here, which employs ingredients that are so local they come from the grounds of the property and a mini farm down the road. There’s a good reason San Franciscans regularly drive three hours to dine here: The place is pure magic. 5600 CA-1, Elk, 707.877.3203, theharborhouseinn.com
Three hours north of San Francisco sits the Harbor House Inn in Mendocino County.
BEST STAYCATION ROSEWOOD SAND HILL
From the pool that looks like a Hollywood movie set to the over-the-top rooms and amenities, Rosewood Sand Hill continues to impress guests and locals. The property’s latest star is the Asaya Spa, which opened this winter. We love the Sturm Exoso-Metic Growth Factor facial, which rejuvenates your skin with microdermabrasion, LED therapy and nano channeling for a smooth, firm and radiant glow. Another top pick is the Sturm anti-aging body treatment featuring LED light therapy that promotes cell renewal and provides ultimate muscle relaxation. 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650.561.1500, rosewoodhotels.com
BEST WINE COUNTRY RESTAURANT FOUR SEASONS NAPA VALLEY
At Auro, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, executive chef Rogelio Garcia crafts a refined culinary experience reflecting his deep wine country roots. Born in Mexico City and raised in Napa Valley, Garcia honed his skills at Michelin-starred establishments like The French Laundry and Spruce before launching Auro in 2021. His cuisine highlights the region’s finest ingredients, blending modern techniques with a sense of place. A Top Chef alum and 2024 James Beard Award finalist, Garcia’s new cookbook, Convivir, further showcases his vision for contemporary Mexican cooking in California’s wine country. 400 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga, 707.709.2100, fourseasons.com/napavalley
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE LODGE AT PRESIDIO
The Lodge blends rich military history with modern comfort in San Francisco’s historic Presidio. This boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, direct access to scenic trails and a cozy fire pit for evening relaxation. It’s the perfect urban retreat with a national park backdrop and a platform for families to explore everything from the Tunnel Tops (a five-minute walk from the lodge) to the Walt Disney Family Museum. 105 Montgomery St., 415.561.1234, presidiolodging.com
Golden Osteria caviar at Auro, which is the signature restaurant helmed by Rogelio Garcia at the Four Seasons Napa Valley.
BEST HOTEL BRUNCH & SETTING THE PALACE HOTEL
SF’s grand dame turns 150 this year and still wows guests. Steeped in grandeur, the hotel’s iconic Garden Court features a glass-domed ceiling with a lavish weekend brunch. Look for decadent seafood, chef-crafted omelets and Champagne. Crystal chandeliers, marble columns and live music set the scene for an unforgettable dining experience. 2 New Montgomery St., 415.512.1111, sfpalace.com
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY HOTEL RITZ-CARLTON AT HALF MOON BAY
Perched on dramatic oceanfront cliffs, The Ritz- Carlton, Half Moon Bay is perfect for families who can explore tide pools, roast s’mores by the firepits and bike along scenic coastal trails. Golf enthusiasts can tee off on two championship courses with stunning Pacific views. With a world-class spa, farm-to-table dining and engaging kids’ activities, this five-star resort offers an unforgettable mix of relaxation and recreation for guests of all ages. 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, 650.712.7000, ritzcarlton.com
Hotel Healdsburg
BEST WINE COUNTRY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma wine country, Hotel Healdsburg is a refined retreat that blends modern luxury with small-town charm. Steps from the historic plaza, this boutique hotel offers serene, design-forward rooms, a tranquil spa and a lush courtyard pool. Its signature restaurant, Dry Creek Kitchen, helmed by chef Charlie Palmer, showcases farm-to-table cuisine paired with world-class wines. 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707.431.2800, hotelhealdsburg.com
The chic and cozy lobby at the Park James in Menlo Park
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL PARK JAMES
Blending modern sophistication with Silicon Valley charm, Park James Hotel in Menlo Park is a boutique gem with a warm, intimate feel. Its stylish, well-appointed rooms provide a luxurious retreat, while the inviting outdoor courtyard is the perfect spot for drinks and dinner under twinkling lights. Guests can savor seasonal, locally inspired fare and craft cocktails in a relaxed, open-air setting. 1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.304.3880, parkjames.com
BEST HOTEL BAR 1 HOTEL
Terrene’s menu showcases locally sourced, organic ingredients, including fresh produce from the rooftop chef’s garden and honey harvested on-site. The bar features an impressive selection of organic agave spirits, zero-waste cocktails and offerings from sustainably certified local breweries and wineries. Guests can sip and savor on the spacious bay-facing patio. 8 Mission St., 415.278.3777, 1hotels.com
Guests at the Park James can expect stylish rooms and public spaces.
BEST SKI GETAWAY HOTEL/RESORT RITZ-CARLTON LAKE TAHOE AT NORTHSTAR
Perched mid-mountain in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar is a luxurious alpine retreat blending adventure with indulgence. Guests can ski in-ski out to world-class slopes, unwind at the resort’s serene spa or savor elevated mountain dining at Manzanita. Cozy fire pits, a lively apres-ski scene and exclusive lakeside access in summer make it a year-round escape. 13031 Ritz-Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, Calif., 530.562.3000, ritzcarlton.com
