What it is

Straddling a natural hot spring, this 1927 grande dame has every luxury you could ever want, including 177-acres of golf, a geo-thermal spa, and five exquisite restaurants.

What it isn't

Paws off. The pet-friendly resort has its own Director of Pet Relations: a golden retriever named Chardonnay.

What we think

When Dr. T.M. Leavenworth drilled into the earth here in 1895, he struck a different kind of gold: underground streams of mineral water at 112 degrees. Wellness obsessives flocked here for decades. Now reborn as a Fairmont, the Spanish mission-style resort built on these hallowed grounds is a more alluring draw than ever, thanks to everything from a par 72 golf course designed in 1928 by Sam Whiting (the man behind the legendary Olympic Club Lake Course) to a spa whose Roman-style bathhouse draws from the thermal mineral springs below and treatments include salt stone massages. Guestrooms themselves are just as pampering, with many designed to look like they were imported in their entirety from Provence, France. Our pick: the 550-square-foot Mission Suite, which is stocked with a canopy bed, flickering wood fireplace, and jacuzzi tub, plus a private terrace.

You're here because

Abundant activities mean you’ll never be bored. Tennis? Check. Live concerts on the lawn? Check. Winemaker dinners? Yep (hey, it’s Sonoma.)

The Moment

Curled up by the bonfire under the twilight stars at CaliForno, the hotel’s food truck in a gleaming Airstream trailer, you can’t decide what’s more delicious: your gruyere and apple grilled cheese or the s’mores you’re about to make.

Restaurants & Bars

38° North Wine Bar - The inspiration for the unique Wine-centric lounge is the temperate latitude of the 38th parallel, along which the world’s most iconic wine regions sit including Spain's Alicante, Italy’s Calabria, New Zealand’s Hunter’s and Hawke’s Bay and of course Sonoma Valley.

Santé - With a reverence to fresh, simple preparation and the use of local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible, the culinary team presents an approachable menu that includes flavors, techniques and recipes from several cultures.

The Water Tower Bar - A full service bar that highlights dozens of regional craft beers and locally-sourced specialty cocktails. The Wine Country inspired menu includes freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and fruit smoothies in a relaxed, poolside atmosphere.

CaliForno - Serving seasonally-inspired Sonoma street eats casual. Taking food truck cuisine to a whole new level.

Spa Café - Enjoy freshly prepared sandwiches and salads in the Californian sun, located at the Willow Stream Spa.

Location

The heart of Sonoma, Calif., a quick drive from Sonoma Overlook Trail—where the three-mile hike overlooks the entire cinematic valley.