Vintners Resort

Whether you come for a meal at the farm-to-table restaurant, or to check-in and unplug in one of the twelve tree houses on the property, this place is a bucket-list must. Situated on twenty-five acres of farmland up a winding dirt road adjacent to Flora Farms, design-forward hotel offers some of the most incredible amenities (note: tree houses, fifteen feet off the ground, each with their own alfresco shower, plus terrace with palm grove views) and experiences like hiking, yoga, and access to roam the totally gorgeous on-site farm. The staff and owners are incredibly hospitable, so much so that you'll jump right into their awaiting Mezcal tasting upon arrival.

Esperanza is a classic resort to end all classic resorts. It’s a place to be pampered, it’s a place to comment on the service (in a good way), and it’s a place you will be met by a personal concierge with a margarita (for you) in hand. The pool scene incorporates mini massages, chilled bottles of water, and a generous offering of frozen fruit sticks when the midday heat hits. The cliff-top location on Punta Ballena (“Whale Point”)—between two private beaches overlooking the Sea of Cortez—is dramatic and stunning, especially in the winter when the humpback and gray whales migrate past. The casitas and suites are as luxe as you’d expect from an Auberge property: muted colors, natural handwoven rugs, Mexican artwork, and private whirlpool tubs. When ordering dinner at Cocina del Mar, take note: The elote corn and grilled oysters are two of the most exquisite dishes we’ve eaten in a while, and the sunset surf-and-turf experience at the beach palapa—ideal for two to four people—isn’t far behind.

Hacienda Beach Club is for the active holiday: Outdoor yoga, spinning, and complimentary water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding are just a few of the activities offered. And then you can unwind the kinks at the spa after. Note: These are fully-equipped villas for rent, making it a practical choice for a longer stay with the family—they have kitchens, as well as washer/dryers. It’s centrally located next to the marina and people who stay here love that they can walk to the beachfront shops and restaurants.

If the words “Cabo San Lucas” conjure visions of college kids doing tequila shots, let the words “One&Only Palmilla” replace those visions with palm trees, hummingbirds, and flowers the size of dinner plates. The property’s history goes back to 1956, when it served as a 15-room luxury escape for the president of Mexico. Since then, it’s been transformed into a 174-room resort with lush gardens, a pristine waterfront, top-notch service, and amenities that have their own amenities (everything from a welcome drink to turn-down service menus and personal butlers). And if you rent out one of the two private villas on the grounds, you get a whole team of personal butlers. And if that isn’t quite enough to send you running to the airport: The One&Only has one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, a spa featuring a shaman-led sweat lodge called a temazcal, and—if you’re planning a special occasion of the very special type—a historic chapel with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.

Originally built as a private retreat for British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, this Moorish-style, sustainability-minded manor is spread out over 25,000 acres of lush Costa Alegre beach and jungle, which you’ll share with the resident zebras, antelope, tropical birds, and other wildlife (guests are also encouraged to take part in Cuixmala’s Turtle Protection Program). Technically, there are only thirteen rooms on property, but four of them are group-friendly palatial villas that come with pools, multiple bedrooms, and private chefs. For a more economical and decidedly more romantic option, the nine secluded garden casitas, with their private terraces and access to the stunning pool, are a great choice. The regional fare served at any of the multiple on-site restaurants either comes from Cuixmala’s own organic farm or sourced from neighboring farms.

The biggest draw to this luxury boutique hotel is the long, private stretch of white sand beach on the nicest part of Playa La Ropa. Lounge under the oceanside palapas with coconut palms from the tropical gardens swaying overhead and a cold piña colada in-hand. Though it’s on the beach, not all rooms have an ocean view (we've heard the garden rooms can be a bit disappointing).

The beauty of this 120-room St. Regis resort is in its idyllic locale. Sprawled out over 1,500 acres along the Riviera Nayarit, the hotel is steps from the water and within driving distance from Puerto Vallarta’s colonial streets and the Marietas Islands. Outdoor showers, sun beds, and spacious terraces are standard with every guest room, while the residential-style Suite Sueños boasts a private pool and a state-of-the-art kitchen—ideal for hosting intimate gatherings. Though kids are welcome throughout the property (daycare services can be arranged, too), those looking for a more serene experience should retreat to the adults-only pool. And though it’s unlikely you’ll want for much, St. Regis Butler Service is readily available.

Perched high above the sea, all of the accommodations here are villas—whether one- or three-bedroom—and they all come with their own pools, offering epic views of the ocean. The restaurant and spa on site are both great, as is the access to Bali's other cultural treasures, like biking through the rice paddies and climbing volcanoes. Alila Villas Uluwatu is also close to some of Indonesia's best surfing, adding to the fact that there's a bevy of things to keep you entertained during your entire stay.

At the end of 2016, Nikki Beach opened a resort, spa, and a series of fifteen private villas on the Pearl Jumeirah property next to their pool club. In contrast to the overstated luxury that you'll find elsewhere in Dubai, Nikki Beach takes a minimalistic approach that is aesthetically very pleasing. Bright and modern, the expansive spaces are the artwork of Italian designer Gregory Gatserelia of Beirut-based Gatserelia Design. Everything is bright and modern, polished (but not coldly so). The multiple-floor beachside villas, which have their own pools, are hard to beat (shocker), but the resort rooms are lovely overall, and everything is lent an intimate, oasis feel.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Opposite House is part work of art (the pixilated green-glass exterior looks more like an installation from the outside), part boutique hotel. Known for its minimalist style, the rooms are rather spacious–a rarity for most of the city's hotels, and feature minimal decor mixed with traditional Chinese elements including an authentic oak soaking tub in each bathroom. The staff is incredibly efficient and will arrange for taxis to avoid hailing one on the street (a subtle luxury here). Pro tip: While this can be a great place to escape the city's frenetic pace, the first few floors can get noisy given the proximity to the bars and nightclubs–so it's best to ask for a quiet room on a higher floor.

The result of a masterful renovation and takeover by the luxury adventure collective, Eleven Experience, Bahama House is tucked into a restored 1800's pale-pink painted stone building in the heart of Dunmore Town. Guests are swept from the main airport in Eleuthera over to Harbour Island (about five minutes by water taxi). The eleven-room property, which includes two cottages, typically requires a full buy-out to stay here, making it a solid option for families traveling together or those craving a bit more privacy. Each room is unique, reminiscent of 1930's Palm Beach design (think vintage lamps, found antiques, bold Ikats and seagrass rugs, four-poster rattan beds, and a cacophony of block-printed textiles). The generously-sized bathrooms are a beauty lover’s dream, flooded with light, and feature hand-stamped Costa Rican tile floors. Many of the rooms offer views of the harbor and the freshwater swimming pool, and there are so many wraparound verandas and delightful little nooks and crannies for lounging you’d be hard pressed to take advantage of every single one during your visit. At night, don’t miss a nightcap in the jewelbox-sized Rum Bar, where you can sample spirits from all over the Caribbean. An on-site staff will do everything from cook your meals to arrange excursions to the Pink Sand Beach, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and horseback riding. Bonus: a stay at the property includes round-the-clock access to the Scorpion, a 38-foot Rib boat for island tours.

Harbour Island is one of those quick getaways for East Coasters that’s ideal for many reasons, the primary one being that there’s nowhere to go (unless it’s into the water). The life of the island revolves around the ocean: playing in it, eating by it, drinking by it, fishing in it–add the fact that so many from NYC seem to vacation here, and you’ve got a pretty sizable social scene, too. There are a few fancy resorts that dot the shoreline, but we’re into Ocean View Club, a teeny tiny spot where all the rooms are done up individually, to pretty great effect. It also has a small and mighty restaurant, where you’ll find significantly better fare than at many of the other spots on the island.

If you're looking to escape your social scene on the Upper East Side, don’t come to this chicest-beach-house-you-have-ever-seen, designed by Kelly Wearstler, where the look is more heels than flip flops. The restaurants and bars are a step above your typical Caribbean resort experience—fresh made pasta at the signature restaurant Cobà, frozen cocktails and hummus wraps at the Half Shell, and cocktails and sushi for a very buzzy happy hour at the Sunset Lounge. The two-story spa and cute boutique that features local jewelry designers makes it a fun place to come with girlfriends.

You can be as private or social as you like at this resort, which feels like a village of waterfront villas. Most people spend the day lounging by the infinity pool overlooking the sea, but you can relax by the private pool in your villa for a more secluded experience. The rooms are newly refurbished, simple, and modern, keeping the gorgeous setting the focus, with features like outdoor soaking tubs and sun decks. The town of Port Antonio, where the resort is located, was a hotspot in the 60’s and part of the experience is checking out the restaurants, bars, and live music in town. Fun feature: If you get tired of the beach, there’s a screening room that you can reserve.

The resort is known for having the same feel now as it did when it opened (when Sir Winston Churchill used to come here to paint). Colonial-style cottages offset the tropical beachside setting that has a bit of a retro Jamaican feel—and there's croquet on the lawn. Blessedly, there are no TVs to be found. The rooms are as on the beach as it gets (open the door and step in sand) and they are happy to bring you breakfast on your veranda if you don’t feel like making it over to the palm-covered dining room.

If you're looking to feel totally secluded and off-the-grid, Guana is the place. One of the lesser known of the British Virgin Islands, it’s also one the few remaining privately-owned islands in the area and is minimally developed. There’s not much here besides seven (nearly deserted) white sand beaches, 850 acres of untouched tropical forest, and this small resort with just fifteen cottages and three villas. Depending on when you go, you can be one of the only vacationers here with just a few scientists or grad students around studying the ecosystem. The staff at the resort will tell you how best to explore the islands and how to navigate the steep trails, even giving you cell phones so you can call if you’d rather be picked up on your way back. Each room is named after a different Caribbean island and is simply decorated in lots of white. There are no TVs, phones, or much else to distract you from completely unplugging. P.S. People rave about Xavier, the young Spanish chef at the on-site restaurant.

People rave about the service at this twenty-eight-room resort on Antigua, which feels like you are being personally hosted. With just twenty-eight rooms and no kids under ten allowed, it’s an intimate and peaceful getaway, as everything you might need is on the property. There's a large heated pool, tennis courts, a beachside restaurant, a private white sand beach, hammocks, snorkeling, a rum bar, plus an on-site a library. The look is England meets the Caribbean, with grand colonial style architecture—standout features are the strong mahogany four-post beds with contrasting airy white linens. Apparently, the old–fashioned rum punch at The Reef Bar is not to be missed.

Elbow Beach feels like the British Bermuda of yesteryear. The recent takeover by the Mandarin Oriental group means some of the bright pastels, floral wallpapers, and grandad feel are changing to a sleeker look, but we hear the careful charm of the staff and the slow pace still feel delightfully old-school. The resort is home to Veranda, Bermuda’s only rum bar, with over 100 varieties of rum and a clubby, jazzy vibe. FYI, The Bougainvillea cottages with sea views are said to be the ones worth coming for.

This is the perfect place to decamp with a group of friends: The spa is fantastic (treatments involve local and endemic ingredients), the food is even better, and the scene—the northern edge of New Zealand—couldn't really be more spectacular. A lot of golfers stay here, though there's plenty to do that doesn't involve a set of clubs: Horseback riding, surfing, fishing, and mountain biking are all easily accessible (though it's also the kind of resort where they make wishes into realities, so if there's something you're dying to do, just ask). And starting in November, you can book your own private four-bedroom enclave.

Fans of Harbour Island who are likely familiar with the storied Ocean View Club, will be delighted to know that its charming proprietors Ben Simmons and Charlie Phelan have quietly opened a new spot just across the way in Eleuthera. The Other Side has a decidedly different feel—it’s luxuriously nomadic, a bit more wild, and blessedly unplugged, making it perfect for those who truly want to disconnect. The design, which centers around communal and private sleeping tents, hardwood floors, and four-poster beds, and sundecks, is reminiscent of a scene from Out of Africa, and it's the kind of place where you can fall asleep to the sound of the water lapping in the distance. There’s plenty to do on the property, including morning yoga, paddle boarding, diving into swimming holes or even tend to the on-site vegetable garden if you wish, but you can also just relax at the swimming pool, which is pretty enticing on its own. The Other Side, like many other spots on Eleuthera and Harbour Island, is open from November through August.

Due to an abundance of white-washed, barn-like architecture, walking around this elegant Auberge hotel feels like taking a stroll through a posh horse stable, with white, clean lines, and tall ceilings (but certainly no horses). Like many resorts in the area, rooms are organized into studio cottages with private patios, and their pool scene is nice and roomy, with plenty of deck space and lounge chairs. You'll be in good hands, food-wise, at their restaurant Solbar restaurant, and a pretty serious spa. Calistoga is known for its mud baths (the geo-thermal heat and mineral-rich mud make for a healing restorative bath), and we've heard that Solage offers one of the best around.

There are a few distinguishing factors about Western Montana's Triple Creek Ranch, which has been hosting guests since the ‘80s. Most notably, it’s adults only. Second, there isn't a stitch of cell service, which makes it the perfect choice for those who generally struggle to disconnect. And finally, it’s nestled up against Trapper Peak, meaning that the cabins look out on forests, creeks, and elk herds, which gravitate to the lands since they don’t allow hunting. Beyond trail riding and fly-fishing (it’s an Orvis-endorsed lodge, which apparently means quite a lot to fly fishermen), you can learn how to pen cattle, and you can hike for days—after all, the lodgings abut the rest of the property, which is a 26,000 acre working ranch where guests can participate in all-day cattle drives. And come winter, there’s an on-site Iditarod dog-sledding team that guests can drive and help train. While many of the activities are included, for a bit extra, they’ll hook you up with a plane to Glacier or Yellowstone. Besides getting outside, they offer artist workshops and wine tastings, and when the owners, Craig and Barbara Barrett are on-site, cocktail parties at their residence, where you can take in their extensive Western art collection. But we would go just to hang with the Barretts: He was the CEO of Intel, while she is a trained astronaut, was the US ambassador to Finland, and was the first civilian woman to land an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier. No big deal.

Hikes, yoga, a forest-bathing program, and views that look like you’re surrounded by iPhone billboards. That’s the gist of the sixty-two cottages and twenty-one guest rooms that make up L’Auberge de Sedona. This is the kind of place with outdoor showers (which you’ll love in the summer) and woodburning fireplaces (which you’ll love in the winter). As soon as you check in, head directly to L’Apothecary Spa, where therapists create oils, salts, scrubs, and other skin- and body-care products at an herbal blending station. They’re essentially Southwestern apothecaries using the full spectrum of herbs, flowers, and essences at their disposal to cure whatever ails you or, at the very least, to make you very, very relaxed. When you’re not at the spa, hang out in your creek-side cabin or get cozy by the fire. Just plan to spend the evening looking up—you’ve never seen so many stars in your life.

So, the first thing to know is that this is not on the beach but rather along the marina. We’d suggest taking advantage of the location by renting an open-top jeep and exploring the wilds of Hawaii on the North Shore. The hotel itself is more boutique-y than resort, and feels airy, clean and crisp, with lots of white. The vibe is young, cool, modern—less expensive Hawaii—with a spring break vibe for the upwardly mobile. There are four bars, a nightclub (which gets pretty crazy at night), and an ‘adult’ pool where people can be found drinking coconut mojitos in the shallow end at pretty much all hours.

There’s definitely a Moorish paradise thing happening throughout this Scottsdale resort. Rooms are clustered in sections so it feels like walking through little villages with a Kabash pool where people lounge under the cabanas from day into night. The heart of the resort is the massive Moroccan-style Joya spa (the building is an architectural feat in its own right) their signature being the Hammam Experience—start with an herbal black soap scrub, followed by a steam, whirlpool, sauna, cold deluge and a final rest in the ‘warming room.’ They also offer acupuncture, cupping, and IV therapy, making this just a bit different than your traditional hotel spa. The resort is set at the foot of the Camelback Mountain, which makes for a great morning hike through the desert landscape.

While the adobe suites here were built hundreds of years ago, there’s nothing even remotely old-world (or neutral) about the décor at this Santa Fe haven: Each room is kitted out with a mix of bright, hand-tiled mosaics and the owners’ finds from Turkey, Tibet, and Afghanistan. The well-traveled owners, Ira and Sylvia Seret, named the hotel after the Tibetan philosophy that we are all lucky to have five senses (graces) with which to experience the world. While it’s located right in the middle of town, making it the perfect hub for exploring the area, the hotel’s Ayurvedic spa is a huge draw, too. There’s plenty to see nearby, from the San Miguel Mission across the street (the oldest in the states), to the art galleries down Canyon Road. There, you’ll see traditional Southwestern crafts mixed with art from the international gallery circuit.

One excellent hotel option—particularly for families, or anyone traveling with other couples—is the Lodge at Kukui'ula, a private club in Poʻipū that stretches across 1,010 acres, and was included in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hawaiian Resorts. Comprised of multi-bedroom homes—most with adjacent guest houses—it has plenty of high-end touches and amenities. While all the homes are equipped with lavish kitchens, the club restaurant, ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar is excellent, and serviced by an on-site garden. There's a multi-level pool complete with hot tubs, a water slide, and a beach (the real beach is just across the road), a keiki play room, and the on-site Huakaʻi Outfitters staffed by locals who know all the island's secrets—what's better is that they'll take you there, or pack you a cooler and bag of equipment and send you on your way. For those otherwise inclined, there is a Tom-Weiskopf-designed golf course, tennis courts, and the award-winning Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, home to a gym, yoga studio, and more.

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.

New kid on the block the William Vale is an all-balcony building, meaning guests have a stellar view no matter their room’s orientation—we recommend a corner suite, the panoramic views, all-glass bathroom (lie in the tub and take in the Manhattan skyline), and beautifully appointed living room are so worth it, especially if you’re rooming with—or planning on entertaining—a few friends. In what was once a neighborhood of abandoned buildings, adjoining Wythe Street is now packed with incredible breakfast spots (try Meyers Bageri or Sunday in Brooklyn), bars, and great boutiques. The accommodations are Scandinavian in style with clean lines and unfussy furniture in a neutral palette, intended not to detract from the majesty of the city views. In keeping with the neighborhood’s creative spirit, the hotel regularly hosts artistic and wellness-oriented events—from chakra healing with a shaman to meditation and letter-pressing—at its stunning water-facing rooftop bar that’s packed to the rafters at night.

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.

Inside a family-owned working ranch that dates back to 1892 and shaded by local oak trees, this five-room B&B is packed with charm. The rooms, both in the main plantation-style house and adjacent cottage, are nicely sized for a couple and tastefully appointed with a mix of antiques. (Opt for a room on the second floor for killer views of the vineyard and poppy-filled garden—particularly at sunset.) In the mornings, tuck into a spot on on the wrap-around porch for breakfast.

For years, this quaint hotel has had a reputation for being one of the Russian River Valley's best, for both service and its gorgeous grounds. The barn rooms are especially worth a splurge for the open views, huge tubs, and private deck and fireplace. The restaurants—both casual, all-day Farmstand and the fancier Farmhouse Restaurant—are great.

Located on the west side of Healdsburg, this hotel puts you within walking distance of all the downtown wineries and restaurants. (You can also borrow one of the hotel's PUBLIC bikes to explore.) Or if you want to stay indoors, local restos Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen and Pizzando offer room service. The spa is great, as is the outdoor pool and garden.

A relatively small, Tuscan farmhouse–inspired spot with only 29 rooms, Kenwood Inn is a great option if you're hoping for a quiet, intimate vacation. The spa offers excellent treatments, there are soaking tubs and Grown Alchemist amenities in the bathrooms. And you should see the place at night, when it's lit up with twinkle lights all through the garden.

Founded over a century ago as family estate, vineyard, and working ranch, this newly remodeled property is a bucolic, low-key-luxurious landing spot for visiting oenophiles. Each of its 64 rooms—some are nestled in private farmhouse-style cottages—is appointed with custom furnishings, cloudlike linens, and in some cases, stunning outdoor showers or baths. The whole property is dotted with art. But the true beauty is in the grounds, which boast lush lawns and gardens, winding flagstone paths, verdant archways, and cozy firepits to unwind by after a day of tastings.

Originally built in 1881, this boutique hotel, newly remodeled by San Francisco-based designer and co-owner Jay Jeffers, blends contemporary elements and charms of the past with remarkable attention to detail. There are 24 completely unique rooms distributed between the main house, the carriage house, and free-standing bungalows. (Indulge in crisp linens and heated tile floors.)

SingleThread Farm is located on a stretch of five acres between the Russian River and San Lorenzo Ranch. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant and inn are run by chef-owner (and Fat Duck alum) Kyle Connaughton, who concepted a multi-course Japanese-inspired restaurant, plus an intimate five-guest-room-inn designed by AvroKo, all under one roof. Much of the menu inspiration comes from Connaughton's own farm a mere five miles away, which supplies everything from veggies, herbs, flowers, honey, and eggs to the kitchen. The approach is very Japanese, and guests can choose from one of three 11-course tasting menus (including vegetarian or pescatarian options). The exacting attention to detail threads through the guest rooms as well—they've got kind of California-meets-Japanese-ryokan vibe from the Toto toilets and binchotan charcoal toothbrushes in the bathroom to the matcha served in a beautiful Japanese mug come breakfast.

With back garden that's dripping in ivy and wisteria, Barndiva is hands-down one of our favorite dinner spots in the area. The food is sourced locally and always inventive, while the rustic barn setting is such a fun change from the norm. (Don't miss the insanely good goat cheese croquettes.) The cocktail menu is off-the-charts good.

This hideaway bar has a speakeasy vibe, and it would be a great spot to go with a small group of friends or an early-in-the-game date: intimate and lively, with friendly bartenders and a cocktail-first menu (a rarity in wine country). There's a drink with clarified mezcal, coconut milk punch, green chartreuse, and Thai basil that people especially like—get one of those, plus a little bowl of olives to snack on.

Jewish comfort food, Southern fried chicken, and Korean seasonings may seem like unlikely bedfellows, but that's the point. In an open kitchen, chef Mark Stark turns out chicken-fried oyster lettuce wraps, crispy-skin salmon wings with kimchi salt, and matzo ball soup with BBQ chicken thigh. They've got a nice selection of crowd-pleasing beers on tap, too.

The completely-outdoor Bloom Carneros is a nice break from formal dining rooms and structured wine tastings. It's a daytime spot with a relaxed atmosphere (live music, kids and dogs welcome) and a relaxed menu, which changes often depending on what produce is most perfect right now. Expect to order a few plates for the whole table to dip into—like pea pesto and burrata, scooped up with grilled focaccia—plus sandwiches and salads. It’s part of Kivelstadt Cellars, and their wines are six dollars a glass at happy hour.

The siblings who now own and run Catelli's are the third generation of restaurateurs at this much-loved Italian spot. Everything from the wine to the vegetables is locally sourced, and it's all really nicely priced.

Cyrus is the kind of Michelin-starred restaurant that takes you on a 20-course journey over the course of the evening. You start, along with the rest of your seating, in the bubbles lounge for champagne, cocktails, and canapés; the vibe is convivial and guests tend to mingle. Then you sit at the kitchen table, where you can chat with the chefs as they walk you through a handful more dishes and the story behind each one (this part is everyone’s favorite). Only then does your party move to its own private table in the dining room for the rest of dinner. Linger as long as you like. (Just don’t skip the chocolate room before you go.)

El Molino’s tacos are the best in Sonoma, easy. As are their tamales, their chile relleno, their sopes, their enchiladas, their just-out-of-the-fryer tortilla chips, their guacamole (which you order by the avocado), and everything else on their menu. You can’t order wrong here, but it might be spiritually wrong to miss the beer-battered fish tacos.

In teeny-tiny Glen Ellen, chef Ari Weiswasser’s Glen Ellen Star feels casual and familiar at first glance: roasted cauliflower, brick chicken, whole-roasted branzino, wood-fired pizza...but it’s all so masterfully done that you’ll order a round of sourdough bread to mop up every bit of sauce and juice on the plate. If you can, sit inside at the chef’s counter.

FARMSTAND is the more-casual restaurant at the Farmhouse Inn, and it’s a gem. Go for brunch or lunch and sit on the patio, where you’ll eat roasted potatoes, tomato and buffalo mozzarella, wood-fired artichokes, and orange wine in dappled sunlight.

Located in the heart of Sonoma's central plaza, this restaurant serves up Portuguese cuisine with a twist–with most dishes heavy on the olive oil, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. Chef Manuel Azevedo cooks classics from his native country, such as a traditional fish stew with a medley of clams, mussels, shrimp, sea bass, and scallops.

A meal at the restaurant at Sonoma’s MacArthur Place, Layla, feels like you’re dining in a friend’s beautiful backyard. The indoor dining room is in an airy, light-filled modern barn, but you’ll want to snag a seat on the patio, where you’re surrounded by lush trees and greenery. That’s to say: For an upscale hotel restaurant, Layla is as stunning as it should be, yet it remains warm and inviting—a pillar of dining in Sonoma Valley. The Mediterranean-focused menu leans on locally sourced ingredients and bright, fresh flavors, like the crispy Spanish octopus paired with black risotto and tender lamb chops served with roasted baby artichokes and fava beans.

The laid-back, eclectic café Little Saint is 100 percent plant-based—a rarity in otherwise meat-and-cheese-heavy Sonoma. They’re here to prove climate justice, regenerative farming, and animal welfare can play hand-in-hand with deliciousness and celebration. And they make good on that promise: This is one of the best meals you’ll have in Sonoma, whether you’re vegan or not. Enjoy bountiful produce from their low-till, pollinator-friendly farm (just a couple miles down the road), coffee from local and small-batch roasters, and wine from Sonoma vineyards making moves towards sustainability. Just note it’s a seat-yourself situation, so it’s best for smaller groups if you’re planning to go at peak hours—or you can grab one of their picnic baskets to go. They have a stage area for shows, too; mostly local bands, although Boygenius played here once.

Chef Dustin Valette’s second Sonoma restaurant is quintessential Healdsburg. Valette, a born-and-raised Healdsburger, bought and renovated the historic building to save it from a teardown. Expect farm-to-table fine dining with a cross-cultural menu, knowledgeable servers and sommeliers, and a wine-tasting wall where you can order rare varietals by the glass or just a sip at a time. There’s a more-casual cocktail bar on the roof, too, if you want to drop by for pre-dinner drinks.

This Japanese gastropub is a welcome–and unique–addition to the Sonoma food scene. Serving up handmade noodles, small batch sauces, and yaktori meats, it also offers a changing menu of robata-yaki and small plate izakaya dishes. The space is laid-back and the drink menu is solid (including several local craft beers).

This is one of those still under-the-radar places you want to tell everyone about–but also want to keep to yourself. Chef Liza Hinman creates a menu of seasonally-forward dishes inspired by various global traditions. Our favorites include the curry-spiced halibut, wilted kale salad, and killer coconut corn fritters that have the perfect crunch without excessive oil. A true locals destination for excellent food, the space is also an artistic hub (every six weeks it features the work of a different local artist in the dining room).

Spoonbar has a great menu with California-style cuisine, but the biggest draw is the cocktails. The drink menu changes seasonally depending on which local spirits are available, meaning that it's a great place to get a feel for the talent in the region's many distilleries.

For chef Dustin Valette, the history in this space dates back to the 1930s when his great grandfather owned the property. He and his brother, Aaron Garzini, opened the restaurant in early 2015 and the duo has been serving inventive American cuisine with French influences to locals and visitors ever since. Order the coriander crusted duck breast and finish off the meal with something sweet like the carmella chocolate semifreddo.

Valley is casual, cozy, and effortlessly cool—exactly where we’d bring a couple friends for a low-key hangout over food and wine. The dining room and patio are open for coffee and pastries in the morning, brunch and lunch in the afternoon, and low-lit dinners at night. Even with a short-ish menu, there’s a little bit of everything here, all seasonal and delicious: We loved the melon with pickled chiles and mint, as well as the lemongrass noodles.

In mellow Glen Ellen, Abbot’s Passage is laid-back and friendly, with gardens to lounge in and shuffleboard courts where you can spend an afternoon playing and sipping rosé. The winery is kid-friendly and dog-friendly—in fact, they host dog adoption events with a local rescue once a month.

This hundred-year-old chateau is one of the nicest places to spend an afternoon in Kenwood. Their wines are French-inspired—lots of bordeaux and burgundy here—and their reserve collection is a big draw. As are their gardens and grounds: Spend an afternoon playing bocce, having picnic lunch in the redwoods, or chilling out on the patio. They welcome walk-ins, too.

Never mind that grounds are airy and lush, with cute corners to tuck into for private chats. The wine itself (mostly pinot noir and chardonnay) is complex and flavorful—a result of grapes grown at high elevations along the Sonoma coast. Best of both worlds: You get the minerality of the ocean and the earthiness of the mountains.

White wine lovers who can't stand another big California red love Hanzell, a small vineyard with an intimate, laid-back tasting experience and a very high quality wine. With a stellar Chardonnay in the cellars, they're part of a small but celebrated group of wineries focused on Northern California whites.

After founding Landmark with other wine enthusiasts in the mid-1970's, Damaris Deere Ford (great great grand-daughter of steel plow pioneer John Deere) fell in love with the Sonoma Valley's Mayacamas Mountain views and growing wine community, which inspired her to move the winery in 1989 to its present Kenwood location. It was then the Landmark team began producing its world-renowned Chardonnay. With two locations in the Sonoma region (the other is known for its Pinot Noir), Landmark specializes in small-batch wines that are hand-crafted. The truly knowledgeable and welcoming team offers its clients and visitors a fun experience learning about its wines and region. The expansive property makes it easy to kill an entire afternoon (which, believe us, we did)–and along with the tasting room, you can picnic on the lawn and play corn hole or Bocce Ball, and, of course, take a tour of the vineyards.

The latest addition to Landmark’s wine-making portfolio, the Hop Kiln Estate is a majestic space rich in history. Originally designed for drying hops for brewing, the late 1800's stone mansion–located just outside of downtown Healdsburg–is a registered California Historical Landmark. The property is absolutely stunning, with epic views of the valley and tasting rooms both indoors and out. Complementary to its sister location in Sonoma Valley, which produces world-renowned Chardonnay, this location is better known for its Pinot Noir.

Upon arriving at the MacRostie Estate House, you’ll be wowed by the sheer size of the space—complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand patio that offers some of the best views in the valley. The concrete floors and exposed wood beams add to the clean, industrial vibe. And of course, there’s the wine, particularly the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, that always impresses.

Founders Christopher Medlock James and Ames Morison have created a sustainable, ethical operation that exudes small-town feel. Their team farms the vineyards organically, avoiding the use of insecticides, herbicides, or chemical toxins, and solar power provides the energy to keep the 330-plus acre spread running (80 percent of which they keep wild to allow for the natural growth of local trees and other botanicals). The best part is that the outdoor communal area, with its farm tables situated between several kitchen gardens, is often a core for community and visitor gatherings.

Private tastings at Preston Farm and Winery take place in the farm cottage or on the patio. You try five or six of the estate’s organic wines, grown right here. This spot is affordable for the region, and unlike most wineries, they’re BYOP (bring your own picnic); you just have to reserve the table and make a wine purchase while you’re there. They make really nice olive oil, too, and fermented apple cider, which you can buy at the farmshop on site.

Scribe remains one of the most sought-after tasting reservations in the Sonoma Valley. The family-owned property is only open to members of their wine club—which is worth joining for the wines themselves, yes, but especially in order to book lunch at the romantic restored hacienda on Scribe’s estate. The exact menu depends on the season, but we had a feast of fried olives stuffed with cream cheese, fresh tomatillos, charred zucchini, crispy polenta, and roasted carrots and fennel with really good butter. All accompanied, of course, with perfectly-paired pinots, pet-nats, and a steel-barrel Chardonnay that will convert every Chardonnay-hater you know. We loved chatting with the friendly and knowledgeable sommelier, who graciously entertained all our questions.

This boutique winery crafts small-batch artisanal wines from several vineyards around the Sonoma Coast. Located downtown Sonoma in Vallejo-Castañeda Adobe House, a mid-1800's historic landmark which the owners reinvented with the help of architect Ken Fulk, the space is stunning: equally eclectic and modern with Mexican influences.

This no-frills, old-school winery is best known for Zinfandel, but they make a great rosé and some whites as well—either way, it's a nice break from Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room can feel a little bit industrial, but it's a familial place with a vibe that's not at all touristy.

Every inch of this roastery and café is considered, from the clean industrial interiors to the perfect cold brew. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgable (they take their barista-ship seriously, requiring rigorous training before hopping behind the counter). This location in Santa Rosa is one of the newest of the now six cafés it operates (the original is in Petaluma). Head here in the am to catch up on work over their house-made granola, or in the afternoon for a grilled ciabatta sandwich. (Pro tip: A bag of the 1080 Organic Dark Roast makes a perfect host gift.)

A destination for in-the-know design enthusiasts, owner and artist Dave Allen's experience with (and love for) European and Asian design runs deep–he's ventured to France, India, and China to explore old methods of manufacturing and discover indigenous objects. His warehouse/showroom is filled with eclectic, never-before-seen antiques, architectural elements, garden decorations, and other forms of décor.

A Healdsburg mainstay since 1881, this is the kind of place we'd be regulars at if we lived in the area. There's a quirky collection of oddities and antiques hanging from the ceiling, an attached farm, a solid deli, and you can still pick up bait and tackle for a fishing trip.

Hands down, Dry Creek Peach grows the best peaches in Sonoma. They’re a little out of the way, but the drive is beautiful—and convenient if you’re going to Preston Farm and Winery, which is right down the lane. You can find them at the Healdsburg Farmers Market, too.

Healdsburg’s farmers market draws some of the area’s best farms—and the most incredible produce is grown here in Sonoma. See Dry Creek Peach for organic peaches and peach jam, Front Porch Farm for flowers, and a bunch of crafts vendors for pretty pottery and handmade leather purses.

On Saturdays, you’ll find an impressive spread of fruits, vegetables, eggs, pantry goods, and plant starts here—all fully dependent on the season, of course, but the assortment is comprehensive. Albion strawberries and French breakfast radishes in the spring, Chioggia beets and Como di Toro peppers in the summer, five kinds of squash and three kinds of kale in the fall, and gorgeous greens all winter. They have a CSA if you live in the area. And they also do events like full-moon sound healings and half-day confidence retreats on the farm.

This independently owned coffee roaster and café makes the best almond milk lattes in the region. With two other locations in nearby Healdsburg, it's one of our favorites spots to grab a morning coffee.

If you’re in Glen Ellen (or passing through), April through December, make a stop at Oak Hill Farm’s Red Barn Store for flowers, floral greens, heirloom produce, honey, homemade hot sauce, and other goodies and gifts. What’s not grown here comes from other growers and makers in the area.

We love this beautiful little market and its gorgeous selection of prepared goods. It's a great stop if you want to bring home gifts to friends who aren't big drinkers, and the convenient location on the way into Healdsburg makes it an easy spot to pick up a sandwich (we like the Muffaletta or the fried chicken) on your way to a winery. There's also a location in Oakville along the St. Helena Highway.