Rancho Valencia

While we’re big fans of this hotel all-year-long, it’s pretty great when the weather warms up. Grace Kelly’s favorite private beach is on premises—along with a 19th-century lighthouse—and you can rent the hotel’s yacht to picnic on a nearby island. Whether you opt for a room perched on the hill (beware, the walls in the hotel-proper are thin), a chalet by the harbor, or a beachside cottage, they are all beautifully appointed (and individually decorated) with stunning water views. Perks vary from room to cottage, including gas fireplaces, under-floor heating, whirlpool tubs, and private beaches/harbors. The two hotel restaurants—which source ingredients from on-property—are some of Newport’s best.

The recently re-opened, historic White Hart Inn, located right on the town green in Salisbury, Connecticut, is poised to retake its place as a central fixture of town life after closing for five years. For one, the historic Tap Room will once again serve local spirits, as it has for literally two centuries. Plus, the new restaurant will lean heavily on local produce from nearby farms and growers. While there’s plenty to see and do in the Connecticut countryside, the Inn itself is set up to provide a cozy, luxurious getaway should you choose to spend most of your time reading in your room. If you want to get out, you can walk to the Appalachian Trail straight from the inn, so bring your hiking boots. The beautiful Bash Bish falls are also within striking distance: You’ll be in Hudson River School country, so breathtaking views are a given. There's always a lot of fun, family friendly stuff going on in the nearby villages (hay rides, animal judging, iron skillet tosses), and great antiquing and shopping. Privet House, owned by Richard Lambertson (of Lambertson Truex), is particularly wonderful. Meanwhile, British Chef Annie Wayte of Nicole’s and Café 202 fame is taking the helm at the restaurant. For this new venture, she’s logged some serious time in the vicinity building a network of local farms where she’ll be sourcing all her ingredients.

For hard-earned weekend getaways, hop on MetroNorth to find yourself in the midst of this historic properties’ rustic grounds in little more than an hour. The eight, surprisingly spacious rooms (many have exposed beams, reclaimed wood furniture, and walk-in showers) are outfitted with all the modern trappings of a luxury hotel—Frette sheets, claw-foot tubs, and a room service menu—without sacrificing the inn’s understated aesthetic. Pry yourself from the comfort of your plush bed and working fireplace to take advantage of on-site yoga and other wellness-centric happening (guests can enjoy complimentary classes). For casual snacking and relaxed farm-to-table meals, The Barn serves up a seasonal menu in a no-frills, homey atmosphere. For a more inventive dining experience, head to Altamarea Group’s Italian eatery Campagna, where you can feast on a la carte, hand-made pasta dishes or a thoughtful prix fix menu designed by award-winning chef and restauranteur, Michael White.

The Mayflower Inn & Spa is one of those resorts that is a consistent siren song for worn-out New Yorkers. Overstuffed chairs, feather-topped beds, and softly printed toile wallpapers are design hallmarks here, which all add to the feeling that you’ve descended upon the guestroom of your most hospitable aunt. In short: You won’t want to leave. The spa is one of Connecticut's best, though for those who are more inclined to be outside, the resort sits on 58 acres. There’s a tap room for casual eats, as well as a more formal restaurant, The Mayflower Dining Room. There's plenty of antiquing and good eating in the surrounding villages. (Don't miss Privet House.)

Originally a country home for journalist Dorothy Thompson and her novelist husband Sinclair Lewis, this adults-only, all-inclusive luxury hotel still has the feel of a bohemian writer’s retreat. Woodsy, outdoor activities including cycling, canoeing, and picnicking (skiing in the winter) are all on offer. Indoors, Twin Farms’ art collection, which includes pieces from David Hockney and Jasper Johns, is outstanding. You’ll find ten individually themed cottages dotted throughout the Vermont forest, which means that you might end up in a fisherman’s lodge, or a Moroccan respite with mosaics and a tented ceiling. Meanwhile, the chef prepares a fresh, set menu daily, and consults you on your preferences before you arrive. The customized meals and wine pairings are part of the all-inclusive package. You can eat at the Main House, or in your cottage. Take note: This is a special place for a romantic getaway, not for kids.

Admittedly not one of the most exciting getaway options, the Ritz in Naples is a classic, large-scale resort experience without the international flight. You can check in and pretty much never leave, with seven different dining options, beach sports, extensive spa and a really great kids program called ‘Nature’s Wonders’ that features an in-house aquarium and classes on natural sciences, sea creatures, and ecosystems for ages five to twelve years old.

Lush tropical plants tower over the thatched-roof bungalows on the private white sand beach of this luxury resort on Little Palm Island. No phones, TVs, or kids under sixteen make it a romantic, secluded retreat with not much else to do besides lounge or learn how to deep sea fish or sky dive. The resort’s SpaTerre offers delicious sounding treatments inspired by the area, like coconut sugar scrubs and margarita-infused pedicures. They also offer massages on the beach for optimal relaxation.

This place oozes Nantucket-style, shingle-lodge B&B charm—only you’re on the beach in Florida. Small antique-y rooms feature oversized tubs and flannel blankets while rocking chairs are set up in front of a brick–lined fireplace in the reception room where you can take your evening drink and hors d’oeuvres during social hour. The ‘innkeepers’ make you feel like you’re a guest in their house, and we hear the homestyle breakfast is a real highlight.

Originally built in 1901, Blantyre was modeled after the owner’s family’s ancestral Scottish castle, complete with ivy-covered turrets, towers, and gargoyles. It didn’t become a hotel until 1981, when the house was restored by Ann Fitzpatrick Brown—and reinstated as a tribute to the Gilded Age. The décor here is fittingly lush, i.e. exactly what you’d expect to find in an English country manor. You’re supposed to spend your days relaxing in overstuffed armchairs by the fire, before descending to the dining room for canapés and champagne, and then a long, formal dinner (the dining room calls for jackets for gentlemen, and something a bit dressy for ladies). While high season here is spring-through-fall (in fact, the hotel was only winterized in 2005), if you come during the colder months, you’ll find a quieter stay—plus, they provide equipment for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. The Edith Wharton House, an estate the writer built, then lived and wrote in for many years, is just a mile away and open daily for visits. If you’re willing to go two miles, you’ll find The Shakespeare & Company playhouse, which hosts evening performances on weekends.

Perched on an olive tree-studded hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean, the Belmond El Encanto is more than deserving of its Forbes five-star accolades. The 90-room hotel (consisting of Craftsman-style suites and freestanding bungalows) re-opened in 2013 after undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which added a pool and tricked-out fitness studio to the grounds. Thankfully, the historic property’s architectural integrity and immaculate gardens were kept intact. Complete relaxation is the name of the game at the full-service spa where guests and day-trippers are pampered by way of water therapies, steam rooms, and local ingredient–inspired facials. When planning his California-coastal menu, Executive chef Alex Bollinger took full advantage of Santa Barbara’s bountiful produce offerings—including herbs from the on-site herb garden.

Staying at Villa Mara feels like staying in a luxurious private home—one that’s beautifully designed, adults-only, and 100 yards from the Pacific Ocean. There’s really no better place to land in Carmel, whether you’re there for a week or for a weekend: The location is notable for its proximity to the beach, yes, but also for being just far enough from the part of town that can feel crowded with tourists. In the mornings, the guests-only hotel bar serves juice shots, pastries, quiches, and excellent coffee. In the evening, it’s a relaxing place to gather for a cocktail or a glass of wine. Secluded firepits and cypress trees give the property magical—and elite—coastal grandmother vibes.

It feels more like Tangier than Palm Springs at this family-run pensione that channels the rustic romance of Morocco and the Mediterranean. Villas are filled with hand-carved wooden furniture, with lemon and olive trees right outside your window. Fountains, fire pits, and colored glass lanterns decorate the outdoor courtyard where group yoga and evening screenings of old movies happen (there are no TVs or phones otherwise). Ask for the Moroccan villa.

Situated just off Palm Springs’ main drag, this Spanish colonial hotel revolves around the main pool (trust us, it’s a good pool). It’s kind of a party hotel, but in a nice way, which means that while there’s generally always a scene, it’s not particularly loud and the hotel itself is really charming. As an adults only hotel, you won’t see any Swimmies in the pool. All of the guest rooms are lovely and done up in eye-pleasing neutrals and pops of print. That said, the freestanding bungalows are a worthy splurge for romantically inclined couples—they're quite a bit more private and some come with an outdoor bathtub sized for two.

Before you set up camp by one of the resort’s retro-glam pools, be sure to explore the winding pathways and sprawling grounds of this desert oasis: You’ll find outdoor fire pits, hammocks, cricket courts, and the Gene Autry Villa (the cowboy crooner’s former residence is always available, for a sizable fee). Much like the rest of the property, each of the 131 guest rooms and 14 suites are decked out in color-happy accessories, geometric throw pillows, and other mid-century elements, courtesy of Jonathan Adler’s interior decor skills. The spa and its Moroccan-themed indoor pool (no kids allowed) are the ideal sanctuary for whiling away a rainy afternoon with the hotel’s signature Pimm’s Cup in hand.

Balanced between the woods and Tomales Bay, Manka Inverness Lodge feels like a tucked-away time capsule—in the best possible way. This is one of those spots where you can pass an entire weekend without running into anyone else: Marin is sleepy, sure, but this place feels even more remote. Manka’s is made up of three separate properties—boat houses on the bay, complete with cathedral doors that open right onto the water; cabins tucked away up high on a ridge; and the main quarters, which revolve around a 1917 hunting and fishing lodge. The accommodations are reminiscent of (luxury) log cabin camping: Pendleton blankets, log post beds, stone slab fronted fireplaces, and taxidermy are all design hallmarks. Breakfast is brought to your room each morning. The proprietors are fanatical about local sourcing, so pretty much everything—from the butter on the toast to the honey—comes from Marin County. Their restaurant down the street, Sir and Star at the Olema, abides by a similar theme. There’s much to explore in West Marin. Check out how we spent 24 hours here.

While Malibu has long had a shortage of places to stay, that’s all changing now and a prime stretch of PCH is getting a modern update with the arrival of the Nobu Ryokan (a new hotel concept for the brand), just a few yards up the street from its namesake restaurant on Carbon Beach. Here, the intimate 16-room hotel is done up in a minimalist Ryokan-style. This translates to wraparound terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows meant to maximize ocean views, and teak, bronze and limestone detailing. The generously-sized rooms are a nod to both California and Japanese design with clean lines, tatami mats, and outdoor teak soaking tub. Guests naturally have priority booking at the restaurant next door, but there’s also a special in-room dining menu for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their kimono robe, either.

Rosewood Miramar Beach is a bright, airy refresh of a property that dates back to 1876. There’s history here—it was formerly the storied Miramar by the Sea—and so much beauty and comfort you (almost) won’t want to leave the property. Guest rooms are done up in shades of cream and blue, and each has a private terrace with deck chairs made for lounging and ocean-gazing. If you’re coming with kids, go for a bungalow suite.

This 20-room hotel is luxurious, airy, and light-filled. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and beautifully appointed, each with its own ocean-facing balcony and hammocks, plus Grown Alchemist toiletries in the bathroom and Parachute waffle robes. (For a real treat, book the Surfrider Suite, which at 500 square feet feels like a serious home away from home thanks to a generously sized balcony, separate sitting area, and kitchenette.) There’s a guests-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which has uninterrupted views of Surfrider Beach across the street and a killer fire pit.

Inarguably, this is one of our favorite hotels in the world—we're not alone, either, as John and Jackie spent their honeymoon at SYR, and Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh tied the knot in the gardens. Set against the Santa Ynez Mountains, on an olive and lavender tree studded estate that was originally built as a citrus farm in the 19th century, you’ll find 38 secluded bungalows. Each cottage comes equipped with a fireplace, private patio (many have outdoor hot tubs and rain showers), and wonderful extras, like heated bathroom floors. Though it’s big with honeymooners, we never need a big reason to come, as it’s the type of place where the occasion is the stay. Among many other things, the ranch is famous for its impressive collection of rare wine and spirits which can be sipped inside the property's 1920s-inspired speakeasy. Situated in the farm’s former citrus packing house, the stone-walled restaurant offers either creek or ocean views. The menu focuses on fancy comfort food—and revolves around the offerings from the ranch’s gardens. Bonus: The wineries of Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys are less than an hour north, while Santa Barbara is just minutes away.

Having recently undergone extensive renovation, this 1840s neo-Gothic hideaway—just thirty minutes from Shannon airport—sits on 842 acres of manicured gardens, lush rolling fields, and medieval ruins; it's reason alone to travel to Ireland's verdant southwest (although the dozens of nearby historical sites, lively pubs, and quaint villages don't hurt, either). Each individually designed room is palatial in size, decked out with authentic mahogany Georgian-era furniture, sumptuous fabrics, nineteenth-century artwork, and a roaring open fireplace to ward off the inevitable Irish chill. The generously sized marble bathrooms are finished in vintage wallpaper and include deep stand-alone tubs, many of which overlook the grounds. As far as dining goes, there are two solid options on the property, but the Oak Room is hard to beat. The elegantly appointed Drawing Room is the perfect spot for morning coffee or a pre-dinner aperitif by the fire, while the subterranean David Collins–designed, vault-ceilinged Tack Room is the spot for wine and whiskey connoisseurs (Guinness lovers, too) to retreat for a few drinks. Activity-wise, choose from golfing, fishing, archery, and horseback riding, alongside dozens of country hikes and cycle trails. The spa (stocked with 111SKIN) is a tranquil space to indulge and unwind after a long day, accompanied by the comforting scent of autumnal fig that pervades the entire property.

A mere hour from Dublin, this lavish, lovingly-restored, Regency mansion has a pretty insane land-to-guest ratio. While there are only twenty bedrooms (beautifully appointed with four-poster beds, antique furniture, and open fireplaces), they sit on a lush, 600-acre estate replete with rolling fields, lakes, and plenty of Irish wildlife. This will matter to you if you ever opt to leave the house, which is inarguably epic—it boasts an incredible art collection, a well-stocked library, and billiards room, along with one of Ireland’s best organic farm-to-table restaurants with much of the food grown on the estate itself (guests are encouraged to collect their own breakfast eggs). Booze enthusiasts can avail of wine and rare Irish whiskey tastings (also known as “uisce beatha” or the water of life in Gaelic) hosted by the in-house sommelier in the cozy Cellar Bar. Should you want to stretch your legs, there are acres of immaculate gardens, rolling fields, lake fishing, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, falconry, and easy access to golf, not to mention an indoor pool and spa (try the healing Irish seaweed bath, a centuries-old traditional skin remedy). The nearby Slieve Bloom mountains are covered in trails and slopes ideal for hiking, biking, or just soaking up the region's natural beauty.

Spread across 400 bright green, undulating acres of farmland, this country house in rural East Cork looks straight out of central casting. Owned and run by the Allens–the reigning first family of the Irish food scene—Ballymaloe House itself is matriarch Myrtle Allen's former family-residence-turned-hotel. Staying here feels like coming home, the accommodations are supremely comfortable with Irish linen sheets, vintage wallpaper, and fresh vases of wildflowers delivered daily. The on-site restaurant features a menu inspired by the nearby world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, and showcases the best of Irish produce, most of it sourced within a few miles of the house itself. The full Irish breakfast, including warm scones fresh from the oven and traditional delicacies like black pudding and kippers, washed down with several cups of strong tea, is a quintessential Irish experience not to be missed. We recommend booking in during the annual summer Litfest, a week-long food and drinks literary festival with industry speakers that have included Madhur Jaffrey, Alice Waters, and Francis Mallmann among others. Cooking enthusiasts will relish booking into the cookery school for workshops on everything from bread-baking to Asian cuisine, with all the ingredients foraged by the students themselves from the immaculate walled gardens and fields that surround the school and house.

Spread out over 18 acres of lush English countryside, Babington House, the thirty-two room Somerset outpost of London’s Soho House, is a two-hour drive from the city but feels worlds away. The Main House—a sprawling Georgian structure complete with a well-stocked library, cinema, and lounge—is home to 11 guest rooms, each boasting traditional décor, thoughtful modern tweaks, and freestanding claw-foot tubs. The Cowshed Spa offers signature treatments (the all-natural mud-soaks and massages are favorites), waxing services as well as access to both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and saunas. Though several on-site eateries (The Log Room is ideal for leisurely fireside dinners), a lengthy cocktail menu, and winding gardens have all the makings of a romantic getaway, kids are welcome. Teeny House (catering to the one-and-up crowd) and The Loft (outfitted with books, TVs, and gaming consoles for older kids) keep little ones busy while R&R-starved parents enjoy adults-only amenities stress-free. City-dwellers craving close-to-total seclusion are encouraged to hunker down in one of three split-level Walled Garden Rooms and indulge in a room-service menu that’s a far cry from standard hotel fare (think crispy oysters and buffalo mozzarella salad). For an extended stay, consider The Lodge, a stand-alone cottage with a full kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room.

This is one of those hotels that manages to make itself the destination, rather than Florence ( check out our winter guide to the city here)—while the city is within striking distance (15-minutes away by car), you won’t really want to leave the hotel’s gorgeous terraced gardens, stunning city views, and chic suites. The villa—which dates back to the 15th century—used to be a monastery, and it is said that Michelangelo carved its façade. There's also a fantastic cookery school on site where guests can partake in immersive cooking lessons taught by Executive Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio. For littles, the Young Chefs Academy is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Don’t be fooled by Cowley Manor’s stately stone facade, 55 acres of manicured pastures and its resident swans, the hotel’s interior is as contemporary as it gets. In the Main House you’ll find a leather-walled billiards room, a technicolor sitting room, and The Bar—a modern, wood-paneled venue ideal for working your way through the mile-long cocktail menu. The hotel’s star eatery, The Restaurant at Cowley Manor, is situated in a grand ballroom-like space and in contrast, serves up locally-sourced, modern iterations of British cuisine, plus a separate kid-friendly menu. Split between the Main House and the Stable Block, the airy guest rooms (thirty all together), are labeled Good, Better, Great, Exceptional, and Best; each one staying true to the hotel’s light-hearted vibe with retro furniture and splashy color palettes. The massive C-Side Spa includes two pool areas (one indoor, one outdoor), a gym, sauna, and steam rooms, in addition to a dedicated mani/pedi area. And though children are welcome at both pools and throughout the property, babysitting services are also available.

With roots that date all the way back to the 13th century, this country manor-turned-luxury hotel is a prime candidate for weekends away from London. It's just 20 minutes from the coast and steps from the rural beauty of the New Forest, which, in addition to providing guests with eye candy and roaming space, supplies the hotel’s eateries with freshly foraged fare. With chefs Luke Holder and Angela Hartnett at the helm, Hartnett Holder & Co serves up traditional English dishes letting locally-sourced ingredients shine while the health-focused Raw & Cured—as the name suggests, most of the menu is raw or cured. Spanning three floors and overlooking the ground, the spa, Herb House, is hailed as one of the best in the country. It offers a slew of stress-melting treatmentsa and a caldarium. What’s a caldarium? A piping-hot plunge pool inspired by ancient Roman baths.

This isn’t the fanciest hotel on the list, but we hear that it’s incredibly special and cool: It sits on the stunning Lake Garda, the restaurant focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and its close to Verona, one of the cultural hearts of Italy.

Tucked in the rolling fields of Oxfordshire, members-only Soho Farmhouse is a compound that includes a, well...farmhouse, several luxury cabins, stables, and a velvet-laden screening room. The décor mirrors the other branches–so members will feel instantly at home–with plenty of country-chic details thrown in (note: green hunter Wellies at guests’ disposal). There’s a ton to do here, from swimming in the heated outdoor pools or lake (the latter is stocked with row-boats for day use), to indulging in the spa. For total privacy, book one of the cottages, equipped with bicycles, rainforest showers, and wood burning stoves, all of which make it pretty hard to leave.

There’s a reason why Stoke Park and its accompanying expanse of rich parkland look familiar: The Harry Colt-designed golf course (lessons are available upon request) had a starring role in two James Bond films, while one of the 14 suites (that’s in addition to 35 antique-clad guest rooms) stole the scene in Bridget Jones’ Diary. Established as the first British country club in 1908 under the watchful eye of King George III’s royal architect, this impressive mansion has been spiffed to boast all the creature comforts posh vacationers come to expect from a weekend in the country, with or without the kids. The world-class Stoke Park Spa is home to an indoor pool, marble steam rooms, and an awe-inducing tropical aquarium. Even if an overnight stay isn’t on the agenda, a celebratory meal at Humphry’s—Chef Chris Wheeler’s modern-British fine dining experience—is well worth the 45-minute drive from London. A three-course dinner may include such local delicacies as quail confit, artichoke tartlets, and English raspberry soufflé.

Lake Como—hugged tight by green mountains and pastel palazzi—is unabashedly old-school glamorous. Despite the hum of homeowners, holidayers, and the odd seaplane, the lake exudes a dolce far niente sundress-and-Aperol-spritz calm. A stay at the intimate Villa Làrio feels like floating around your own exquisitely restored palazzo, replete with lush gardens, contemporary interiors, and a mega view. We loved diving off the private jetty, laps in the pool, morning cooking classes, and finding cozy, manicured corners to enjoy the panoramic lake vistas. Da Luciano across the water for a Negroni, shellfish cavatelli in Cernobbio, daily dips, and Riva boat trips are the way to go. Pro tip: to really explore the little villages nestled around the lake, rent a car.

Thyme—a newish Cotswolds destination in tiny Southrop—wraps everything you could want into one tidy, Georgian bundle. Guest rooms are palatial, some with four-poster beds, others with vintage wallpaper and clawfoot tubs. The entire property is an ode to good, old-fashioned Englishness, where champagne is poured into proper crystal coupes, organic gardens are meticulously landscaped, medieval barns come cloaked in ivy, and afternoon scones are heaped with jam and clotted cream. Eat as many of Ballymaloe alum (and local son) Charlie Hibbert’s meals as possible in the Ox Barn. And book a few master classes at Thyme’s superb cooking school to take a taste of the Gloucestershire countryside home with you. For a change of scenery, a few steps through the gate and across the street is the Swan, Southrop’s charming pub: a roaring fire, a robust wine list, convivial locals, the works.

This stunning ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the west of Kyoto is for those looking to unplug and relax. You get to the resort by boat, and the ride over on the river between the mountains is just breathtaking. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a welcome song of chimes and led to one of the luxury ryokan style rooms overlooking the water. In the morning, have a Japanese breakfast in the room before joining in on breathing exercises. This is a really unique place.

Located in Ise-Shima National Park, just above Ago Bay (home to some of the most unreal pearls in the world), a visit to Amanemu feels a little bit otherworldly. The property, just three hours by train from Kyoto, is dotted with hot springs, and its minimalist rooms are done up in the ryokan-style, include soaking tubs (with separate faucets for cold, hot, or mineral hot springs water). The surroundings are just as tranquil—think, wood, bamboo, and stone structures marked by low-hanging tiled roofs and sliding screens, plus beautiful hand-carved traditional motifs. There's an outdoor infinity pool, which you'll be hard pressed to actually get out of (it's pretty incredible for stargazing), and a 22,000-square foot spa with outdoor onsen baths, a yoga studio, and four treatment rooms tucked into the forest. Meals are taken at at the aptly named Restaurant, where a team of 12 chefs trained by the Masanobu Inaba of Conrad Tokyo spotlight the region's izakaya-style seafood offerings and bento boxes of sashimi and tempura come lunch.

The Andaz was originally built as part of the 1913 World’s Fair, and today, it’s one of the swankiest places to stay in downtown San Diego. All 159 rooms are sleek and modern, but if you can swing it, the Cabana Suite, with its private outdoor pool, is the way to go. The hotel has a great restaurant, STK (if you’re smart, you’ll get the Parmesan truffle fries), and an even greater rooftop bar, which has flatbread pizzas, burgers, fries, a killer drinks menu, and an astounding view of the city.

Cal-a-Vie was designed to look like a rural French village—and it does a pretty convincing job. This wellness resort on the northern side of San Diego is made up of a collection of villas with terra-cotta tiled roofs, citrus groves, lavender fields, and hundreds of acres of quiet. The focus here is on wellness—and visits are organized into three-, four-, and seven-day packages. In addition to hiking, tennis, yoga, and an incredibly comprehensive, seasonal food and nutrition program, the spa has over 150 treatments—some of which you’d expect (detox wraps, rejuvenating facials) and some of which you couldn’t possibly (Hydrorider, say, or Piloxing). However long you stay, you’re basically guaranteed to leave feeling better than you did when you arrived.

If staying at the Fairmont Grand feels like staying at the home of an eccentric millionaire friend who lives on the Mediterranean, that’s precisely the point. The hotel is in Del Mar, which is about half an hour from downtown San Diego, but between the hotel’s Center for Wellbeing (a world-class spa), eighteen-hole golf course, and in-house restaurant, Addison (the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city), any commuting you have to do is worth it. The 249 rooms and suites have marble bathrooms, enormously inviting bathtubs, balconies, patios, stellar views, and

The first thing to know is that everyone calls this 130-year-old resort on Coronado, across the bay from downtown San Diego, Hotel Del. Dropping the last word will make you sound like a local. The rest of what you need to know about Hotel Del centers around the fact that this is the historic, destination, grande dame hotel. Three discrete stark white buildings with striking red roofs, twenty-eight acres, half a dozen restaurants (ranging from fine dining to a taco stand), cabanas, golf, a salon, a spa, ballrooms, events, and lawns so vast and manicured as to be called grounds—Hotel Del is the rare enormous resort that maintains a sense of history, dignity, and elegance. And all of that on one of the most pristine stretches of Southern California beachfront. The kids will love it as much as their parents.

Palisociety’s first San Diego property is housed in the Gaslamp Quarter’s century-old Hotel St. James. You’ll likely hear the buzz of the city from your room, but you’ll also be within walking distance of the waterfront and dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. (Ask the incredibly warm and helpful staff if you need recs.) We suggest stopping by the in-house restaurant, Saint James French Diner, at some point during your stay to enjoy homey French classics—we’re still thinking about their perfectly airy chocolate soufflé.

Tucked into the hills overlooking some the lushness of the California coast, The Park Hyatt Aviara is the kind of staycation destination that feels entire worlds away. And while the nearby town of Carlsbad and surf-friendly ocean are worthy draws, the resort has made it its business to offer guests every creature comfort imaginable, so there's no need to venture far. The immaculately manicured Spanish-style property is home to an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, multiple tennis and pickleball courts, two pools (the kid's pool plays host to themed activities, movie screenings, and more), and a fully decked out fitness center. If you’re looking for a more intensive approach to incorporating wellness rituals into your life, the Miraval Life in Balance Spa employs a knowledgeable team of fitness and wellness instructors who run a daily roster of private and group classes, from aerial yoga to sound bowl meditations and guided hikes.

Originally opened in 1963, the hotel has gone through many updates, expansions, and iterations since. Today, the Rancho Bernardo Inn includes 287 rooms, an eighteen-hole golf course designed by William Belle, and a handful of open-air bars and cafés. But it has a wonderfully intimate side, too. Avant, the star restaurant here, focuses on a local, artisanal food. Guest rooms have private balconies and patios, custom artwork, and beds to rival the softest in the world. And then there’s the spa with its poolside cabanas, private outdoor casitas, a saltwater waterfall, a tranquil garden (perfect for a light lunch from the spa menu), and all the natural and organic treatments you can imagine.

The rooms at this downtown boutique hotel are on the small side, but the design is so chic and the level of luxury so high, you won’t care. The building dates back to the 1920s and has all the romantic details of the era. Inside, the space is modern and inviting but in a way that respects its past. The Guild Bar and Luca, the hotel’s fantastic restaurant, are the kinds of places you want to dress up for (craft cocktails, red velvet lounge chairs, gilded details). But the star of the hotel may be the Grace Garden and courtyard—a charming place to forget you’re in the middle of downtown.

There's a special synergy between bustling urban energy and laid-back California cool found in downtown San Diego, and this hotel—a completely fresh boutique concept emerging from the Montage’s luxury umbrella—occupies a corner spot that's right in the middle of it all. Moderately sized with a totally non-corporate feel, the bedrooms are done in a spectrum of beachy patterned blues and textured whites: azure plaid sofas against light-blue drapes and crisp bedding, for example. This retreat-like aesthetic is brought home by luxe touches like silky Lunya bathrobes and particularly beautiful subway-tiled bathrooms. The Pendry is within walking distance to some of the city's best restaurants and bars. If you don't want to leave the grounds over the weekend, the picture-perfect rooftop pool offers some of the best views in the city, while the adjacent restaurants, Lionfish and Provisional, serve up excellent seafood and steak, and fresh California dishes, respectively.

The US Grant was built in 1910 and still has the imposing manner and enormous, stately grandeur of an earlier era. The rooms and common areas are comfortable and spacious, if a touch impersonal (don’t expect a lot of original artwork or photography books piled on coffee tables here). Located smack in downtown San Diego, the US Grant is the perfect launchpad for an evening strolling the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s vibrant and buzzy downtown district. The hotel’s Art Deco Grant Grill is a solid choice for dinner, but in this neighborhood, the whole point is to venture out.

The Born and Raised website is a single picture of a raw T-bone. That’s it. In other words, if you’re a vegetarian, skip ahead to the next listing. On the other hand, if you enjoy caviar, a New York strip, a side of crispy smashed potatoes, and a cold martini, this is a meal for the ages. Born and Raised is an event—the place seats 250 people. But it’s somehow intimate at the same time: leather banquettes, marble tabletops, brass details, all with a cool Art Deco vibe. Then there are the tableside carts where servers prepare things like beef tartare or another round of martinis in front of you. It’s as decadent as it gets. After a night here, we always feel like watching L.A. Confidential again.

A night in Little Italy can easily start (and occasionally end) at Craft & Commerce—and that’s a very good thing. The gastro pub has a hipster Brooklyn vibe down to the exposed-brick wall, wood-beam ceiling, well-stacked bookshelves, and ambitious displays of taxidermy. Chef Ted Smith has created a menu that’s heavy on meat and vegetables (this is not a seafood place), and the charred eggplant dip, wood-fired carrots, and burrata and goat cheese tart are all fantastic. The drinks and desserts are all stellar, but save room for an after-dinner drink at the hidden tiki bar False Idol. Just open the steel door to the walk-in cooler. You’re getting warmer.

Chef Brad Wise has made this Mission Hills restaurant a destination among people who really care about eating well. The menu is one part raw bar (oysters, clams, Alaskan King crab) and one part things that can be cooked in the wood-fired oven (branzino, grilled prawns). There are more-conventional plates as well, but watching an order of carrots blister and blacken in the open oven is a big part of the magic here. Come on a winter’s night, sit at the bar, and let the fire warm you inside and out.

Herb & Wood is as much the name of this Little Italy restaurant as its design ethos, with its wooden plank ceiling (inside and out), generous greenery, and plant-forward menu. To be fair, the menu is pretty fish- and meat-forward, too, which means this place suits everyone. Chef Brian Malarkey’s menu changes frequently, but expect things like crispy potatoes with lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan as well as mushroom truffle pizza with goat cheese and a festive drink menu with feisty cocktails like a Bourbon & Honey with chili oil. Then expect to stay a while—Herb & Wood makes for a delightful evening.

If you are the Michelin-starred chef behind the best restaurant in Calabria, the only logical next step would be to open in San Diego, right? Well, sì—at least if you are Luca Abbruzzino. Abbruzzino brought the first Michelin star to the toe of Italy with his skill in taking classic Calabrian ingredients and turning them into modern works of art. And now he and his father, Antonio, are taking that same approach to Il Dandy—as in spaghetti with sea urchin, cherry tomatoes, and Calabrian chili and sea bass with escarole, capers, and lemon. Il Dandy, with its high ceilings, airy feeling, and ocean-blue accents, is elegant but not stuffy, and a meal here is next-level—the quality of the food and presentation aren’t things you see every day (or really, every year). Although San Diego and Calabria may be unintuitive sister cities, they actually have a lot in common, specifically: a beautiful coastline, a lot of seafood, and now, an award-winning Italian chef.

French food through the lens of Southern California: That’s the gist of Jeune et Jolie. The food is like the space: beautiful, thoughtful, and special. Make a reservation and come early. That way you can grab a seat at the raw bar, order some oysters and mussels, and peruse the drink menu. They call their cocktails “exploratory,” but don’t be scared—they just want you to know the drinks are inspired by the Belle Epoque. If you’re feeling it, order from the absinthe menu and brace for impact. Equally exciting is something called a Madagascar (a concoction built on peanut butter brandy and vanilla honey), or play it safe with the wine list. When it’s time to eat, we highly recommend the pain et beurre (yes, the bread and butter—but not just any bread and butter: rich, pillowy milk bread and perfectly executed baguette with a side of Normandy butter). Then try the scallops with sunchokes. And don’t leave until you get the mille feuille au chocolat or the citron vacherin. Oh hell, get them both—and the vin santo. This place is that special.

A hidden tiki bar sounds like something you’d find at an amusement park, but designer Ignacio Gonzalez took every step to make sure that the False Idol tiki bar was cool, thoughtful, and anything but cheesy. But first you have to get there. The entrance to the bar is hidden within Craft & Commerce. (Look for the steel door to the walk-in cooler—the human skulls inside really set a mood—then open the second door, which is the actual entrance.) The inside will leave you speechless—and make you feel as if you’re underwater thanks to the colorful glass buoys suspended from the ceiling in a fishing net. Then there’s the waterfall, the authentic Polynesian art and memorabilia, the elaborate wood carvings, the skulls on spikes, and the occasional fireballs: It’s an inspired sensory overload. And we haven’t even mentioned the cocktails. If you’re overwhelmed, order a Panther’s Fang (rum, honey, lime, club soda) and take it all in.

Tucked into Mission Hills, Heartwork is a neighborhood coffee bar. It does its own roasting and leans heavily into small-batch, locally made pastries and snacks. The vibe is quiet and chill, perfect for a stop if you’re passing through the area. Before you leave town, grab a bag of the beans—the Costa Rica blend is a favorite.

A hipster, industrial space with a garage door, free Wi-Fi, and a highly curated, artisanal approach to coffee—that’s the essence of this coffee shop, which would be just as at home in Brooklyn as it is in Encinitas. The space is small, but it has its own roastery, and the baristas are highly knowledgeable about all things coffee. Stroll in on the later side if you can: It may be in a sleepy little beach town, but this place gets packed in the morning. Image courtesy of Kai Diaz.

Having a drink at Raised by Wolves feels a little like you might be having a drink at the Gare du Nord a hundred years ago. The marble floors, antique cash register, domed glass ceiling, gilded barstools, velvet armchairs in the library, moody lighting: It all conspires to make you feel as if you’re in an Agatha Christie novel and there’s a steam engine train nearby. The drink menu is extensive—over a dozen pages before you even get to the wine—so if you’re overwhelmed, ask one of the skilled bartenders for a suggestion. Or keep it simple and order a glass of champagne.

We were captivated by the heavy wooden door and almost heavier lion’s head knocker. But once we came inside, we were in love. There’s something very creepy cool about The Lion’s Share—the moody lighting and velvet drapery, the taxidermy and unsettling paintings of animals presented in an uncanny-valley sort of way (like the water buffalo wielding a knife). Even the menu, with its old-fashioned, vaguely haunted imagery, sends a shiver down our spine. Try the County Cork (twelve-year-old whiskey, sherry, Grand Marnier, and orgeat) and a meat and cheese board. That’s only to start—the food is out of this world, so leave time for a few courses.

The view from the Nolen is so vast, it’s hard to be believe you’re only fourteen stories above downtown San Diego. On a clear day (which is most days here), you can see the Gaslamp district, Petco Park, and all the way to the Coronado Bridge. But the Nolen is worth it even in the rain: The drinks game is solid (we love the Damnit Janet—a mix of vodka, rose water, watermelon, and lychee), and the warm, salty, delicious snacks will inspire you to make a night of it. Or a day, in fact. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in San Diego.

If you’re gluten-free, cover your ears. There are bakeries, and then there is Wayfarer. Wayfarer is the creation of Crystal White, who worked at Tartine in San Francisco before opening what is arguably the best bakery in San Diego. Small-batch loaves (olive, sourdough, baguette, the usuals) and pastries (apple jam and hazelnut croissants are as good as they sound) are the raison d’être here. But there’s also a selection of sandwiches and salads, and every Wednesday is pizza night. Plan accordingly, people.

You’re only about seventeen miles from the border, a fact that is apparent everywhere from the food to the language. And one of the most authentic places to dive into Mexican culture is Artelexia, a boutique and event space that specializes in beautiful, highly curated wares from all over Mexico. Cookbooks, dishes, chocolates, textiles, toys, cutlery, ornaments, candles—it’s far more a lifestyle shop than a souvenir one. It hosts dinners and events all year (and can even help you plan a trip south of the border), but Artelexia really comes to life in the late fall during the Día de los Muertos festival.

You know those surf shops that make you consider being a surfer for a minute? Hansen is one of them. If you’re serious about the sport, you’re covered—from boards and leashes to wet suits and wax. If you’re more into surf culture than actually standing on a board, you’ve covered, too. Hansen also stocks shoes, hats, bikinis, and all the trappings of someone who spends a lot of time at the beach.

Pigment is one of those stores that makes us want to throw out everything in our home and start over. Beautiful artisanal candles you’d have a hard time finding anywhere else, elegant prints that would elevate any living space, pillows, throws, stationery, notebooks, cutting boards, cocktail glasses—Pigment speaks to the good life, and a well-curated one at that. But where Pigment really thrives is with its greenery. All manner of pots, plants, succulents, and flora that look more like pieces of art than pieces of nature. You can also design your own terrarium, which—no lie—was the most fun we’ve had in a long time.

A small floral shop in the North Park area of San Diego, Sage Sisters focuses on quality and seasonality over volume. The careful selection of flowers is constantly changing, and no two bouquets are ever the same. But the overall aesthetic doesn’t change: natural, unpretentious designs that lean into the season. The best part of Sage Sisters, though, is that any flowers that aren’t sold by the end of the day are made into arrangements and donated to local nonprofits.

Calling Balboa Park a park is like calling One World Trade Center an office building. These 1,200 acres include over a dozen museums, several performing art spaces, gardens, trails, and perhaps most notably, the famous San Diego Zoo. (The zoo doesn’t get the highest ratings for humane treatment of its animals, so we skip that part.) You can easily spend a morning, an afternoon, or both here. And if you’re with children, you can’t go wrong at the Natural History Museum or the Modern Railroad Museum.

The Gaslamp Quarter is not unlike a miniature New Orleans (and in fact, this is where the city throws its Mardi Gras parade): a historic pocket of downtown full of Victorian-style buildings, bustling sidewalks, late-night revelers, and restaurants that stand cheek by jowl next to bars that spill onto the street. This district is the epicenter of nightlife in this city. Given the fame and popularity of the Gaslamp Quarter, it can get pretty touristy, and one of the best places to take it all in is from a rooftop bar, like the one at the Andaz Hotel. Sit by the firepit, order a wild mushroom flatbread pizza and something called a Smoky Ginger (like a smoky margarita with ginger), and listen to the sounds of the city coming to life after sunset.

La Jolla Playhouse comprises three theaters on the campus of University of California San Diego. It’s basically a miniature Lincoln Center with a reliably good selection of plays and musicals. Many well-known actors—Matthew Broderick, Laura Linney, Neil Patrick Harris, and Billy Crystal to name a few—have gotten their start at the La Jolla Playhouse and the quality of the performances never disappoints. Go early to have dinner at James’ Place beforehand—the preshow menu is full of crowd-pleasing options. Whatever you’re seeing, we’ll wager it’ll be more enjoyable with a lychee elderflower martini and beet and blue cheese salad beforehand.

Picture 25,000 square feet of Maine lobster and craft beer and live music and New York pizza and food trucks and happy hour and art exhibits and handmade ice cream and picnic areas and Bangkok street food and Italian soda and fresh-made popcorn. Now you have scratched the surface of Liberty Public Market. The marketplace, a collection of local food vendors and artists, is in Liberty Station, a grand and imposing building in Point Loma. The space is as impressive as the shops that fill it—plan to spend at least an afternoon here.

One of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in San Diego, Little Italy is a charming jumble of bars, trattorias, shops, and markets—and it’s one of those rare neighborhoods that’s as lively during the day as it is in the evening. Spend the day window-shopping and checking out the local galleries, stop for a virtuous lunch at Café Gratitude, stroll down to Waterfront Park, and should the afternoon bleed into evening, you’re perfectly positioned to treat yourself to a cheese tray and a glass of Verdicchio at Enoteca Style wine bar (which is as much a name as it is a design aesthetic).

Whether or not you’re a San Diego Padres fan and whether or not you’re even a baseball fan, it’s hard to resist the charms of sitting outside at twilight, drinking a cold beer, and watching the sun set over the city. Petco Park, located right in downtown San Diego, is the Padres home stadium, and it’s occasionally used for events and concerts. Whatever you go for, try to make it a late-afternoon event—watching dusk settle on the city from here is lovely.

Torrey Pines is 1,500 acres of pure, pristine, untouched California. This nature reserve is right on the water and delivers some of the prettiest views you’ll find anywhere in the state. First the bad news: This is a reserve, not a park, which means you can’t bring food or drinks inside, so no picnics. (No pets are allowed in the reserve, either.) But the good news is you won’t really care. The reserve is so full of hikes and trails and cliffs and places to explore, it feels like a vacation within a vacation. If you have kids, this place is heaven (actually whether or not you have kids, it’s pretty much heaven): There are deer, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, lizards, snakes, opossums, bobcats, and all kinds of insects—so watch your footing. The reserve is open every day of the year from 7:15 a.m. to sunset.