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Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
San Francisco
The Carneros Inn 4048 Sonoma Hwy., Napa, 707-299-4900/888-400-9000 thecarnerosinn.com
The Draw: A private, peaceful retreat amid the some of the world's most beautiful and bountiful vineyards. The Scene: Once you've imbibed a few glasses from the local wineries, you'll want a soft place to lay your slightly spinning head. One of the best overnights among the many choices in Wine Country, The Carneros Inn sits smack between the Napa and Sonoma valleys in the appellation of Carneros, known mostly for chardonnay and pinot noir. The inn's freestanding cottages—California country on the outside, understated luxury on the inside—are perfect for lovebirds; think alfresco shower, followed by a slight drying-off in front of your wood-burning fireplace. The crisp little villas are hard to leave, but it would be a shame not to enjoy the hot tub up on the hill and the renowned spa, a guest-only oasis. Its menu of services is categorized by the natural elements of the region used in its treatments, such as The Harvests (apricots, olives), The Farms (goat milk), and, of course, The Cellars (grape seed oil). Hot Tip: The resort's infinity-edge Hilltop Pool and hot tub boasts killer views, as well as complete food and beverage service. Even better, it's for adults only. Paradise.
Duchamp Hotel 421 Foss St. (W. North St.), Healdsburg,
707-431-1300, $$$ duchamphotel.com
The Draw: Wine Country is overgrown with cutesy B&Bs and über-luxe resorts. Firmly in the middle of the road, Duchamp Hotel has the style of a modern art gallery without the price tag of an auberge. The Scene: Privacy is the key word here: With only six—yes, six—cottage suites, you’ll feel you have the place to yourself (especially during the week). Each abode is contemporary-sleek (Scandinavian furnishings, flokati rugs) and comes packed with amenities, including a giant spa shower, Aveda products, fireplace, and free WiFi. The property centers on a serene pool and is just a stone's throw from Duchamp Estate Winery. Hot Tip: The Slaughterhouse, a nearby modern-art installation space, houses works by sculptor and Duchamp designer Pat Lenz.
Post Ranch Inn Hwy. 1, 1.5 miles south of Big Sur,
831-667-2200, $$$$+ postranchinn.com
The Draw: Eco-consciousness meets understated luxury at this grown-up wonderland high above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur. Attentive yet unassuming staff cater to your every whim as you bask in one of the infinity-edge hot tubs that pour right into the ocean or relax on your private terrace in the trees. The Scene: Built well before the "green" craze of the new millennium, Post Ranch is composed of redwood-clad guest houses that feel like they're a part of the environment without imposing on it a bit. At once rustic and contemporary (think Swiss Family Robinson meets Frank Lloyd Wright), the "cabins" all have ocean or mountain views, and perch (seemingly precariously) above the gleaming blue waters or, across the path, on the ridge overlooking the Ventana Mountain range. There’s not a lot to do here—and that’s precisely the point. On-premises stargazing, swimming, and massage are the activities of choice, followed by dinner at Post Ranch's award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant. Of course, glorious hiking trails and waterfalls await in Big Sur, and up the road, quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea is a favorite for boutique- and gallery-hopping. This is all assuming, of course, that you ever get out of bed. Rooms here boast fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, private decks, and personal massage tables. Hot Tip: If you meander around the 100-acre grounds, you’ll encounter both wild turkeys and strategically placed wooden chests filled with bottled water to quench your thirst.
