Where to Stay: Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California

I recently discovered an idyllic hotel and it is too good not to share. Calistoga Ranch, nestled in a canyon in Napa Valley, delivers rustic luxury at its finest. It feels like a world away, but in reality you are less than 2 hours from San Francisco. North of Yountville and St Helena, it’s a lovely destination for escaping some of the busier parts of Napa.

Upon arriving you are whisked away in a golf cart to settle in to your room. The rooms are all built around outdoor spaces. Our room - on the creek side (highly recommend over forest for the privacy and more immersion in nature, we could hear the river running from the bed) - was two spaces separated by a large wooden deck. One room had the bed and a large bathroom, the other was where you’d hang out with the couch, coffee table, kitchenette, desk and half bathroom. A unique set up for sure, but it was refreshing to spend so much time outside - even though one of the days we were there was super rainy!

There are lots of special touches around the hotel - a glass of local wine upon check in, a on-site chicken coop and pen with two baby goats for the kids to check out. The pool is beautiful, set on a large grassy knoll, with views of the surrounding woods. We didn’t spend much time there due to the rain, and having a one year old! But would love to go back and enjoy that beautiful space.

The on-site restaurant The Lakehouse is reserved for guests of the hotel, so it felt very quiet and intimate, but the food was outstanding. It’s set all the way at the top of the property - up a big hill. If the weather permits, definitely sit outside on the deck and enjoy the view of the lake. We ate there both nights.

Last but not least, the spa is worth a mention. The Calistoga area is known for healing mineral waters, and the spa has several soaking pools of different temperatures for guests to soak them in. I indulged in a fantastic massage that was equal parts relaxing and therapeutic.

— IF YOU GO —

Details… 2 hours north of San Francisco, this intimate property boasts 50 freestanding lodges immersed in nature. Outdoor showers, gas fireplaces and private hot tubs are a few of the many amenities. The highly attentive staff delivered impressive service and will accommodate any need.

Pack… A swimsuit for soaking in the mineral waters or relaxing by the pool.

Plan Ahead… Book a massage and spend some time at the spa to take advantage of the mineral waters.

Day Trip… Explore the small, charming towns of Napa Valley. In St. Helena, try a breakfast sandwiches on the famous English Muffins at Model Bakery, lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch or burgers at Gott’s. Further south, check out La Calenda, the newly opened Mexican restaurant from Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame), the always indulgent Bouchon Bakery or one of my all time favorites Ad Hoc for a delicious family style meal.

Where to Stay: The St. Regis Punta Mita, Nayarit, Mexico

Margaritas, fresh guacamole and endless sunshine… I love Mexico, and it’s such an easy trip from the West Coast. If you’re craving a quick escape to Mexico, book a trip to the St. Regis Punta Mita now. There’s not much I love more than stepping off the plane in another country and it has been a few years since my last trip to Mexico. The trip was super easy — about a 3 hour flight from San Francisco, then a 45 minute drive to the property once you land in Puerto Vallarta — plus this incredible hotel made our first international trip with the babe a breeze!

Set on a private beach on Punta Mita, the St. Regis is totally secluded. When you need a break from the beach, the hotel has three pools (one is for adults only) spread across the property. This set up helps any part of the hotel from feeling crowded. We were there the week before Christmas, and it never felt too busy at all.

Once you arrive everything is taken care of for you. Each room has dedicated service that is on call 24 hours a day to and available for the duration of your stay. From the early morning complimentary coffee service in our room (with mini chocolate muffins for me and bananas for the babe) to dinner reservations and arranging transportation, no detail was overlooked. This is the type of service I think is usually overkill, but the St. Regis executes well and our butlers were incredibly helpful without being obnoxious about it. The service here is truly one of the things that sets this hotel apart - starting with the adorable stuffed giraffe waiting for our son in his crib on arrival.

The food is delicious - think fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes like tacos and quesadillas. One of the highlights was the daily happy hour in the main lobby where special mezcal margaritas and champagne are served overlooking this view.

The St. Regis is an indulgent but fabulous choice for a relaxing trip. And really an incredible spot if you have kids. This was probably the most relaxing vacation we could have with a young babe. And a reminder that the St. Regis is a Starwood property so if you have points, this would be a good time to redeem them. As we left all of the staff told us they’d see us next year - I hope they are right!

— IF YOU GO —

Details… 120 rooms set on a 22-acre beach front property with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Very kid friendly - hotel staff were so happy to accommodate our little one and there were lots of other kids on the property.

Pack… The vibe was more casual here than I expected. Bring a good book (I was so excited to finally dig into this), and essentials for the beach plus a big beach bag to throw everything in.

Plan ahead… The hotel can arrange airport pick up and drop off which was a nice way to arrive. Email the concierge a week ahead of your trip to arrange.

Day trip… While it’s definitely tempting to never leave the property, we ventured to Sayulita one day and had a yummy lunch overlooking the beach at Don Pedros , then spent some time shopping. There are colorful weavings, baskets, pompoms and skulls aplenty (like the beautiful selection at Evoke the Spirit). I was excited to explore Sayulita, and while our time was rushed, it felt crowded and touristy which I was honestly a bit disappointed about.

Where to Stay: The Claska Hotel, Tokyo

Part hotel, part restaurant, part event space and part super cool design shop, this hip and quirky boutique hotel is a hidden gem in Tokyo’s off-the-beaten path Meguro neighborhood.

The hotel was remodeled from an old business hotel in 2003 as a collaboration between the English Design firm Tomato and up-and-coming Japanese designers. The minimalist aesthetic of the space is thoughtful and well designed, but still retains the energy and slightly worn feel from a past time.

Not all rooms are created equal at the Claska, and the hotel is often booked up months in advance. Each room has a different design, so guests often do their research and reserve a specific room.

The Claska’s restaurant Kiokuh is situated right in the lobby, ideal for people watching in the lobby over a pot of tea or cocktail. The restaurant’s French-based menu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. There are two options for breakfast - either a Japanese and American menu. Meals are simple but delicious. Try the Japanese breakfast if you are feeling adventurous!

Claska’s fantastic shop “DO” sells a well curated mix of Japanese clothing and housewares. Certainly not your traditional souvenir shop, this is a destination in itself where ceramics, artisan fabrics, and trendy clothes abound.

Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bikes to explore the many interior design shops and restaurants sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Meguro is slightly off the beaten path, but much more low key than many parts of busy Tokyo. Its a charming neighborhood and I really enjoyed exploring this quieter side to the city. 

-- IF YOU GO -- 

Pack... comfy walking shoes, pocket wifi and a Tokyo guidebook

Plan ahead... each room at the Claska is different. do you research and book in advance if you have a preference on your room's style (my vote is for the "Modern" rooms: Japanese and Scandinavian style, with clean lines and plenty of space!)

Read more… One-stop shop for design lovers

Where to Stay: Nick's Cove, Tomales Bay

One of my favorite escapes from San Francisco is heading north to Point Reyes and Tomales Bay. It's a beautiful spot that feels far away from everything but in reality is only about an hour and a half drive from the city. I've shared some favorite spots in the area before in my Tomales Bay Guide. You can do it as a day trip, but it’s worthwhile to invest the time to stay a few nights. It’s a beautiful slice of part of the world it is. 

Any time we drive up to the Tomales area, we plan our drive to stop at the Marshall General Store for lunch. The oysters are fresh and the sandwiches are filling and delicious.

After lunch, keep driving to reach Nick's Cove, a charming and unassuming inn off the side of Highway 1.  Twelve cottages line the coast and the hillside across the road to make up this spot. Low key but completely luxurious, with wood burning stoves, claw-footed tubs and heated tile floors in the bathroom in most of the cabins. I've stayed here twice, once in a waterfront and and once in a waterview cottage. If you can justify the splurge, the waterfront bungalows are perfection. Waking up to the water is one of life's great pleasures, and it's equally as pleasing to watch the sun set over Tomales Bay from your own private over-water porch. 

Be sure to indulge in your complimentary oysters upon check-in, and enjoy the casual atmosphere at the roadside restaurant for a hearty dinner after working up your appetite on a hike in Pt Reyes National Seashore earlier in the day.

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If You Go

Pack… No matter the season, it gets chilly in the evenings and mornings on the water. You'll want an extra layer for hiking, cozy sweats for lounging by the fire.

Good For… Romantic getaway

Plan Ahead… To maximize your relaxation, you’ll want to book a waterfront room. Al’s is my favorite! If you are just going to eat at the restaurant (which I recommend so you don’t have to drive) you can make dinner reservations when you arrive.

Value… There’s a fairly big range in price depending on which cottage you book, and when you go (also note there’s a 2 night minimum on the weekends). The rooms are cozy, comfortable and outfitted with details like heated floors in the bathroom and in some rooms soaking bathtubs and fireplaces. The value for the price is worth it if you are looking for an off the grid place to recharge.