Finding Serenity in the Golden State
Miles of dramatic coastline, towering redwood forests, snow-capped mountains and vast deserts. California's landscapes never fail to live up to the hype. But epic vistas aren't the only thing that make the Golden State the perfect place to find serenity. From the moment you step off the plane, California just feels different. Whether it's the warmth of the sun or the gentle ocean breezes, leave the traffic of the big cities behind and you'll feel the stress of everyday life fade with each passing mile. Welcome to California, the ultimate wellness retreat.
Nurturing the mind, body and spirit is more important than ever these days, and whatever your style-luxurious, laid-back or active-California has something for everyone. Find inner peace relaxing on pristine beaches or hiking in ancient forests. Check into an opulent spa and pamper your cares away. Relax with meditation and yoga at a holistic retreat or book a tech-free getaway.
THE QUIET RETREAT
If you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, one of California's wellness retreats could be just the stress relief you need. Combining incredible scenery, farm-to-table cuisine, yoga and meditation, these holistic retreats are the ultimate reset button. Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort, is a luxury resort with sweeping ocean views that make it the ideal place. Intimate and secluded, the resort's 59 stylish rooms have been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding redwood forest. The result is a tranquil escape where guests are encouraged to connect with themselves and the environment through wellness classes, daily guided hikes and a spectacular spa with an infinity-edge hot tub overlooking the Pacific.
THE SPA GETAWAY
Healthy living is a staple of the California lifestyle and destination spas are plentiful, but check into the opulent Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley and you'll be treated to 40,000 square feet of sheer indulgence. Rated one of the best spas in the country by Travel + Leisure, the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn utilizes the natural thermal springs that flow beneath the hotel to fill its relaxing mineral baths and Watsu(R) therapy pool. For a more secluded experience, the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is a coastal hideaway whose award-winning spa features epic views and specialized therapies such as Reiki and craniosacral massage.
THE BEACH ESCAPE
California has an incredible 840 miles of coastline, and whether you prefer the powder-soft sand of Southern California or the rugged, boulder-strewn beaches of the north, there's something deeply relaxing about the gentle sea breezes that blow off the world's largest ocean. The Malibu Beach Inn and Shutters on the Beach in Los Angeles are easy escapes that offer oceanfront rooms with balconies that are perfect for watching the pods of dolphins that frequently swim past. Or, just north of Santa Barbara, the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Bacara, with two natural beaches, is ideal for a quiet getaway.
FAMILY TIME
Serenity can come in many forms. For families, the opportunity to connect in new and unexpected ways is perhaps one of the most meaningful. At Carmel Valley Ranch, just south of Monterey, play is at the center of the resort's unique ethos. Think summer camp, but with an award-winning chef, sanctuary spa and Pete Dye-designed golf course. From adventures such as naturalist-led hikes and archery to honey tastings and candle-making, parents and kids are encouraged to explore the world and relax in each other's company.
Enhance nearly every moment of your California getaway when you book through our agency. Our advisors will carefully plan every detail of your vacation while providing you with VIP-worthy privileges through Internova SELECT Hotels & Resorts.
