You don't have to go far to escape from it all

By TERESA RODRIGUEZ-Nob Hill Gazette

Snuggled between April’s spring break madness and June’s summer vacations is mellow May—the ideal month to take a close-to- home staycation. You don’t have to travel far or stay for long to recharge and relax. Here are some fantastic destinations less than four hours by car from Nob Hill.

FORT BRAGG: The Inn at Newport Ranch
Although it might feel as though you’re at the end of the world, The Inn at Newport Ranch is only 3 ½ hours from Nob Hill. This 2,000-acre property is the dream of Will Jackson , who spared no expense to build this breathtaking property. Each room is a stunning compilation of detailed woodwork, unique antiques and plush accoutrements. The property has two buildings with accommodations: the Main House and the Redwood House. Each suite in the Redwood House has its own hot tub or soaking tub, and the three guest rooms in the Main House share a rooftop hot tub overlook- ing the dramatic north coast cliffs below. (For a peerless view from bed, book the Captain’s Quarters.) You can explore much of the ranch by horseback, ATV or hiking its 20 miles of trails. Every evening begins with a wine and cheese tasting at 5:30 p.m. Afterward, you can stay for dinner and enjoy the company of other guests around the communal table. Breakfast is a flavorful feast served at the time you specify the night before. The innkeepers, Creighton and Cindi Smith , make you feel as though the entire 2,000 acres are your private playground. (And if you want, you can book the whole property!) Even though the ranch is located on a remote stretch of shoreline, you’ll have Internet access—although you’ll want to focus on the breaking surf, not surfing the Web.

The Inn at Newport Ranch
31502 North Highway 1, Fort Bragg 707-962-4818
or innkeeper@theinnatnewportranch.com theinnatnewportranch.com
The Captain’s Quarters starts at $350 per night

ST. HELENA: Meadowood
Many people know Meadowood as a private club where local celebrities and famous athletes lounge by the pool after a tough day of golf or wine tasting. But you don’t have to be a member to take advantage of the magnificent 250- acre estate. Hotel guests enjoy all the perks of membership, including luxury lodging, golf, tennis, croquet, hiking, swimming, spa and fitness, wine tasting and dinner at Meadowood’s Michelin three-star restaurant. The property has a sterling reputation for offering “healthy” packages that leave you feeling fit and energized when you check out. Their Healthiest Year Yet! package includes a two-night stay for two in a posh guest room with a deep soaking tub; a 90-> minute fitness assessment and “prescription”; unlimited fitness classes; and unlimited access to Meadowood’s tennis, golf, croquet and swimming facilities.

Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena
855-625-7546 or
reservations@meadowood.com
meadowood.com
Two-night packages start at $1,800
per couple

Read more on the locations below pages 18-19:

Lake Tahoe
Sausalito
Carmel
Big Sur
Carmel
San Francisco