Guests at the Four Seasons Napa are immersed in a vineyard.
BEST WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY FOUR SEASONS RESORT & RESIDENCE NAPA VALLEY
Located in Calistoga, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley offers an immersive grape-to-glass experience. This farm-housechic retreat features 85 elegant rooms and the on-property Elusa Winery, surrounded by organic vineyards. Guests can indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Auro, relax at Spa Talisa or enjoy vineyard-view pools against the backdrop of the Palisades Mountains. Combining modern luxury with rustic charm, the resort provides a serene, intimate sanctuary close to downtown, perfectly capturing the essence of wine country. 400 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga, 707.709.2100, fourseasons.com
BEST DRIVEABLE DESTINATION HARBOR HOUSE INN
Sitting atop the wildflower-laced cliffs of Elk, the Harbor House Inn offers an escape as enduring as the Mendocino coastline. Two- Michelin-starred chef Matthew Kammerer leads the kitchen with a visionary, hyper-local approach, sourcing ingredients directly from the inn’s grounds and a nearby private farm. This coastal sanctuary has become a premier destination for travelers seeking “pure magic,” where the profound connection between the landscape and the plate justifies every mile of the scenic journey. 5600 CA-1, Elk, 707.877.3203, theharborhouseinn.com
MOST ROMANTIC WINE COUNTRY GETAWAY CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA
Tucked amid rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort and Spa is a secluded sanctuary perfectly tailored for romance. Couples can unwind in private cottages featuring outdoor soaking tubs and fire pits, or indulge in tailored spa treatments. With hilltop infinity pool sunsets and starlit farm-to-table dining, it offers a dreamy, elevated wine country escape. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, 866.860.2328, carnerosresort.com
BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION ROSEWOOD SAND HILL
This resort just keeps getting better. In the past year, Rosewood reimagined its wellness experience with the introduction of the Asaya Spa (designed by the Bay Area’s Nicole Hollis). This minimalist spa features Dr. Barbara Sturm facials, bespoke CBD massages and a private suite with a Japanese Hinoki soaking tub. With a hemlock sauna and 24-hour fitness center, it offers a sophisticated, holistic escape. Guests also adore a pool that looks like a Hollywood movie set to the over-the-top rooms and amenities. The hotel offers experiences that boost wellbeing, such as a perfume-making workshop with Swirl Works and a sensational afternoon tea in partnership with Flamingo Estate. 2825 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, 650.561.1500, rosewoodhotels.com
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT ABACÁ
Inside the Kimpton Alton Hotel, chef Francis Ang’s Abacá reimagines classic Filipino flavors through a seasonal California lens. The sunsoaked, plant-filled space serves elevated staples like lumpia and pancit alongside standout sisig fried rice and artisan barbecue sticks. Complementing the menu, the creative cocktail program features vibrant Southeast Asian ingredients including ube and buko pandan, offering a sophisticated culinary anchor to Fisherman’s Wharf. 2700 Jones St., 415.486.0788, restaurantabaca.com
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE LODGE AT PRESIDIO
Set within the historic Presidio, The Lodge masterfully blends military heritage with modern boutique comfort. Offering iconic Golden Gate Bridge views and direct trail access, this urban retreat is steps from the Tunnel Tops and the Walt Disney Family Museum, and features cozy fire pits perfect for family relaxation. 105 Montgomery St., 415.561.1234, presidiolodging.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers dreamy golf vistas.
BEST GOLF GETAWAY HOTEL THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY
Talk about fairway vistas. These are among the best on the planet. Situated atop dramatic oceanfront cliffs, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers a premier family retreat featuring tide pool exploration and fireside s’mores. Guests enjoy championship golf (did we mention those Pacific views?), a world-class spa and farm-to-table dining, providing an unforgettable five-star blend of coastal recreation and luxury relaxation. 1 Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, 650.712.7000, ritzcarlton.com
The Four Seasons Silicon Valley boasts newly renovated suites.
BEST SUITE RENOVATION FOUR SEASONS, SILICON VALLEY
The redesigned suites, a collaboration with Wimberly Interiors, honor the region’s heritage as the Valley of Heart’s Delight. Merging organic modern aesthetics with residential soul, the transformation features natural woods, marble and a palette inspired by coastal light. Thoughtfully zoned for work and relaxation, the accommodations offer intuitive comfort through sculptural custom furnishings and discreetly integrated amenities. This milestone renovation celebrates 20 years of luxury, delivering a warm, restorative retreat that authentically reflects Northern California’s sophisticated natural beauty. 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, 650.566.1200, fourseasons.com
The historic facade of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.
BEST HOTEL CLUB LEVEL SUITES & SERVICES THE RITZ-CARLTON, SAN FRANCISCO
Trust us, it’s worth the splurge to staycation at this historic property and stay on the club level, with impeccable suites and amenities, including a massive, well-appointed lounge and exquisite food presentations three times daily (don’t miss cocktail hour). The property also celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. At the heart of the festivities is the 35th Anniversary Coral Tea (through May 31), a refined afternoon tea, with a Veuve Clicquot Champagne toast before moving on to savory creations like a duck salad sandwich. Sweet selections continue the theme, featuring a passionfruit, orange and guava mousse, a ube cheesecake with coconut sable and tropical madeleine seashells. 600 Stockton St., San Francisco, 415.296.7465, ritzcarlton.com
Rooms at Meadowood in Napa offer seclusion among the trees.
BEST WINE COUNTRY BOUTIQUE HOTEL MEADOWOOD
The Relais & Chateaux and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property is one of those places where service is familial and attentive, and guests discover custom amenities at every turn. The resort reopened in 2021 with 36 rooms (down from 132). The result is a sense of intimacy, as it often feels like you have the place to yourself. Still a centerpiece of Napa’s vintner community, the property is a massive and good-natured clubhouse of locals and visitors. It’s a secret village, tucked into a mini-valley inside the valley, and framed by wide-crowned Pacific madrones and sprawling black oaks. 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, 707.531.4788, meadowood.com
Meadowoodâs impressive dining room.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL, SILICON VALLEY PARK JAMES HOTEL
Merging modern sophistication with Silicon Valley charm, Park James Hotel is a boutique gem in Menlo Park. Stylish, well-appointed rooms offer a luxurious retreat, while the inviting outdoor courtyard provides an elegant setting for seasonal, locally inspired fare and craft cocktails under twinkling lights in a relaxed atmosphere. Bonus: Lyle Tanaka is one of the best general managers around—he’s all about service and conviviality. 1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.304.3880, parkjames.com
The Park James Hotel invites guests to enjoy nights under the stars.
BEST HOTEL BAR STARLITE ROOM, BEACON HOTEL
High above San Francisco, the Starlite Room glows again—reborn in 2024 after years of quiet. Perched atop the Beacon Grand Hotel, the historic lounge has shed and reclaimed its past in one elegant sweep. Inside, velvet, vinyl and candlelight hum with a revived energy, while beyond the windows the city stretches endlessly below. 450 Powell St., 21st Floor, San Francisco, @starlitesf, @beacongrand
Glam in overdrive at Starlite Room.
BEST SKI GETAWAY HOTEL/RESORT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE AT NORTHSTAR
Situated mid-mountain in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar is a luxurious alpine retreat blending adventure with indulgence. Guests enjoy ski-in/ ski-out access, a serene spa, and elevated dining at Manzanita. With lakeside summer access, it’s a year-round escape. 13031 Ritz Carlton Highlands Court, Truckee, 530.562.3000, ritzcarlton.com
BEST GETAWAY CLOSE TO EVERYTHING THE STANFORD PARK HOTEL
A sophisticated Silicon Valley hideaway, The Stanford Park Hotel blends collegiate charm with independent luxury. Located near Stanford University, this brick-and-shingle retreat features 162 guest rooms, a library-like atmosphere and the popular Menlo Tavern. 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650.322.1234, stanfordparkhotel.com
BEST ECO-LUXURY GETAWAY NEW TREE RANCH
This 120-acre eco-luxury estate offers a sanctuary centered on sustainability and wellness. Guests can choose between the expansive four-bedroom Estate Villa and the intimate two-bedroom Barn Villa, both offering a refined, residential feel. With personalized services like private chefs and sound baths, it’s a premier Sonoma retreat. 3600 Wallace Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707.433.9643, newtreeranch.com
MOST ANTICIPATED WINE COUNTRY OPENING ALYVIA
Debuting in downtown Healdsburg’s Mill District this year, Alyvia offers a rare ownership opportunity that blends residential comfort with high-end hospitality. These 12 extraordinary residences offer an effortless lifestyle in the heart of wine country. Designed for meaningful connection, this luxurious community invites owners to savor Sonoma’s finest within a sophisticated, truly home-like atmosphere. alyviahealdsburg.com
SFMOMA continues to showcase the world’s best modern art.
PHOTO BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY
BEST MUSEUM SFMOMA
Located in the SoMa district, the museum is a premier destination for modern and contemporary art. The museum’s striking architecture blends Mario Botta’s postmodern design with a cliff-like Snøhetta expansion. Inside, 170,000 square feet of gallery space house the renowned Fisher Collection and a massive living wall. Featuring masters like Diego Rivera alongside cutting-edge photography, it offers an essential, world-class cultural experience in San Francisco. 151 Third St., sfmoma.org
Never miss an opportunity to explore the Ferry Buildingâs food and product vendors.
BEST ATTRACTION FERRY BUILDING
A historic 1898 Beaux-Arts landmark, the San Francisco Ferry Building is our favorite waterfront destination on the Embarcadero. Its restored 660-foot nave houses an artisan marketplace featuring local icons like Acme Bread Company and Hog Island Oyster Co. Renowned as a foodie mecca, the site also hosts the world-class Foodwise Farmers Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), where visitors will find local produce, artisan foods and flowers from over 70 farmers and vendors. 1 Ferry Building, ferrybuildingmarketplace.com, foodwise.org
BEST LUXURY TOUR WINE TRAIN
The train offers a luxurious journey through California’s premier vineyards. Traveling in refurbished early 20th-century Pullman cars, guests enjoy multicourse gourmet meals, wine pairings and panoramic views from the Vista Dome. This vintage rail experience features curated winery tours and themed mystery dinners, blending historic elegance with world-class hospitality. winetrain.com