Sometimes you just want to, in the words of Donna and Tom from “Parks and Recreation,” “treat yo’ self.”
We’re talking luxurious travel, sprawling dinners, epic sunsets and, of course, only the best resorts. And now treating yo’ self to an extravagant vacation is easy to plan – if not to budget — thanks to Conde Nast Traveler’s guide to the “25 Best Resorts in California, from Malibu to Napa Valley.”
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“The beauty of California is that there’s so much, well, beauty to behold,” writes the magazine’s Maxwell Williams. “Savvy travelers know the best way to see the state is by touching grass – and trees, and the ocean. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or elsewhere, there are plenty of great resorts in California where you can go to scratch each of those itches.”
The rankings are informed by the personal experiences of travel journalists and include both famous and lesser-known boutique operations. Predictably, the gorgeous wine country of Napa and Sonoma scores high. Here are the first 10 resorts on the list; for the complete 25 visit CN Traveler.
Conde Nast Traveler’s Best Resorts in California
1 Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Yountville
2 Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa
3 Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena
The Bear restaurant at Napa’s Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection offers memorable fare. (Stanly Ranch Auberge Resorts)
4 Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa
5 Dawn Ranch, Guerneville
6 The Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma
7 Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach, Monterey County
8 Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
9 Alila Ventana Big Sur, Big Sur
10 Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
Source: cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-resorts-california