San Francisco Spend three days discovering the vibrant city of San Francisco. Take the famous cable cars to explore the diverse neighbourhoods, sample some local produce at the Ferry Building and enjoy the eclectic nightlife; Union Square for cocktails, SoMa for dancing and Presidio for micro-breweries. Take a ferry journey over to Alcatraz Island to discover the eerie corridors of Alcatraz prison. Cruise on a jeep tour of the city for a unique way to drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, stop off at the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, and indulge with some tasty sourdough bread and fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf.
star star star star star Fairmont San Francisco San Francisco, California, The United States This majestic, award-winning luxury hotel is located at the top of Nob Hill at the only place in the city where the three cable car lines meet. That means it combines a breathtaking location with spectacular views and the convenience of being within easy reach of many of the city’s wonderful attractions. The hotel offers guests jaw-dropping views of the city and the Bay, elegant guest rooms and suites and a well-deserved reputation for impeccable service. View Property
Napa Valley Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge into California's wine country. Napa Valley produces some of the best wines in the USA and the rolling hills and vineyards are a beguiling backdrop. Tour the vineyards, take a journey on the wine train and indulge in sumptuous wine-tastings.
star star star star The Meritage Resort and Spa Napa Valley, California, The United States Located at the southern tip of the Napa Valley, near where Napa and Sonoma meet, the Meritage Resort and Spa offers an experience like no other for wine enthusiasts and holidaymakers alike. Tucked away amidst the undulating fields and terraces of Carneros wine region in Napa Valley, the Tuscan-inspired Meritage Resort & Spa encapsulates the natural beauty of the area. Guests can enjoy amenities including 332 well-appointed guest rooms and suites featuring comfortable furnishings and spacious marble bathrooms, the Spa Terra, a variety of restaurants and bars, nine tasting rooms and a glittering outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. What’s more, the resort features a private nine-acre vineyard with walking trails. View Property
Sonoma Valley Located next to Napa is Sonoma, where the wine rivals that of its neighbour and you’ll find plenty of art galleries and historic adobe buildings. With over 500 wineries and acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, this region is an epicurean's dream. Enjoy a memorable one night stay at The Farmhouse Inn, an exquisite boutique resort.
The Farmhouse Inn Sonoma, California, The United States An intimate, boutique hotel with history at its heart, The Farmhouse Inn's journey began in 1911 with a family of Italian immigrants who made the ranch in the Russian River Valley a much loved home. Almost a century later, their great-grandchildren returned and set to work creating the beautiful vineyard retreat that exists today. With a spectacular location amongst towering redwoods and vast vineyards, the hotel offers a luxurious home-from-home experience in California's Wine Country with 25 exquisite rooms, exceptional food from a Michelin-starred chef, and, of course, outstanding wine.
Monterey Head south and start your journey along the Pacific Coast Highway with a stay in Monterey. Colourful buildings dotted along the wharf were once canning factories but now house quaint shops perfect for browsing in and restaurants offering the region's fresh seafood on their menus. The area is a haven for wildlife with humpback whales often spotted offshore, and visitors hoping for a closer look at the magnificent marine life can board a boat tour to spot whales, dolphins and sea otters. Visit John Steinbeck House and take the Carmel Valley Wine Trail to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a pretty and serene beach resort.
star star star star Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay Monterey, California, The United States Check into this environmentally friendly waterfront hotel for comfortable rooms, an award winning spa, a variety of dining options and the wonders of the scenic coastline on your doorstep. An urban-luxe getaway overlooking Monterey Bay, Portola Hotel & Spa Monterey is the first truly ‘green’ hotel in California. Its 379 inviting guest rooms and suites are decked out in nautical striped furnishings, inspired by the local area’s nautical history and natural beauty, and a sumptuous spa, shimmering outdoor pool, and bubbling Jacuzzi provide everything needed for a relaxing stay. A range of bars and restaurants offer delicious food and drink in refined settings. View Property
Big Sur Re-join Highway 1 and set off along the stunning coastal route south to Big Sur. Wetlands, cypress forests, rugged coastline and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean provide the stunning backdrop for this epic drive. Make regular stops to enjoys the views, especially when you come to the iconic Bixby Bridge. After a day of scenic driving enjoy two nights taking your time to explore the hiking trails, activities and delicious dining in the area.
star star star star star Post Ranch Inn Big Sur, California, The United States Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is a sanctuary of natural luxury – small, serene, seductive. Hugging the rugged coastline at Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn perfectly melds a rustic-luxe aesthetic with the natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean. 39 cabins and cottages are straddled 1200 feet above the ocean alongside the cliff edge in a truly outstanding location where redwoods, green fields and star lit skies meet jaw-dropping sea views. An outstanding range of five star amenities are sure to impress, including a fantastic spa with mesmerising views, a heated swimming pool, hot tubs and gourmet dining with an award-winning wine menu and unforgettable coastal views. View Property
Santa Barbara Continue south passing the stunning McWay Falls, Sand Dollar Beach and Black Swift Waterfalls. In San Simeon view the wildlife at Elephant Seal Vista Point and then visit Hearst Castle, a National Historic Monument and museum. When you arrive in Santa Barbara you will be greeted by the famous Spanish-style architecture as well as sweeping panoramas across the ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Why not spend an afternoon relaxing or horse-riding along the pristine coastline? Santa Barbara is a haven of stylish seafood restaurants, fashionable boutiques, art galleries and micro-breweries.
star star star star star Hotel Californian Santa Barbara, California, The United States A memorable hotel with a mix of Spanish Colonial architecture and redefined luxury. Located in the heart of the American Rivera along the Santa Barbara waterfront, the beautiful Hotel Californian boasts 121 uniquely styled guestrooms, with designs from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, four fantastic dining spots and bars, a lovely rooftop pool with panoramic views of coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and a soothing spa. With an exceptional location, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the beautiful town of Santa Barbara and its delightful beach. View Property
Santa Monica End your journey in the laid-back beach city of Santa Monica. Sitting to the west of downtown Los Angeles, the beachfront amusement park, iconic pier and casual eateries take you back to the beach towns of the past. Choose to take a tour of Warner Bros. Studios to see how the Hollywood magic is made, rent a bike and head to the picturesque Marina Del Rey or simply relax by the pool or on Santa Monica's soft sandy beach after your epic tour of California.
star star star star star Shutters on the Beach Los Angeles (Santa Monica), California, The United States Shutters on the Beach is the Leading Lady of the Pacific Coast, evoking a sense of comfortable, inspiring luxury that one might experience at a magnificent, yet unpretentious beach home. Emanating refined elegance, Shutters on the Beach is the masterstroke of designer Michael S. Smith. Perfectly positioned on Santa Monica Beach with the breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean providing the soundtrack, this Cape Cod-inspired beach hotel boasts 198 effortlessly elegant rooms and suites, a glittering outdoor pool, spa, three exclusive bars and restaurants and barefoot access to Santa Monica Beach. View Property