Californias Top Resorts

21-01-2010 Submitted by: Rita Thomas

The beauty of California - which is unparalleled in its diversity – makes it a great location for outstanding accommodations in the form of resorts and lodges. The proximity of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego make such destinations ideal for getaways for the populace of these large centers, but many visitors to the state also take a break at one of these very attractive destinations as part of their California trip.

Because tastes vary so much, it really is difficult to say what makes an outstanding getaway. The resorts and lodges mentioned in this article are luxurious (though varying in degrees of luxury): all offer stunning locations amongst California’s finest scenery, very comfortable accommodations, excellent food and wine and a wide variety of leisure facilities either on-site or close by. Some have extra features such as luxury spa and beauty services, museum quality art collections and exotically landscaped grounds. The main purpose for all these wonderful places is to recharge batteries – even after a short stay, few visitors leave not feeling totally rejuvenated. These places certainly epitomize the California lifestyle of sophisticated casualness. What they all have in common is that they are destinations in their own right, a guest can come to one of these resorts and need never leave the grounds and still have a marvelous vacation.

All parts of California are fortunate to have a good selection of accommodations. Each of the resorts mentioned here is in a different area of this very diverse state that is actually larger than the majority of the world’s nations. While they are in our top ten, this is not meant to take away from any of the other wonderful resorts in California. These particular resort getaways are selected by us, because we believe they represent a great cross section of the vast selection available, and should meet their guests’ high standards and expectations.

The Bodega Bay Lodge And Spa


Northern California offers some of California’s most unspoiled areas. While the climate lacks the heat of the south, the ocean scenery here is remarkable. To enjoy this at its finest, the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa has a stunning location overlooking the Pacific and the town of Bodega Bay in Sonoma County. It is situated only 65 miles from San Francisco amongst sand dunes and pine trees, and adjacent to a wild bird sanctuary. The Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa offers a peaceful and secluded haven in this lovely seaside town – famous as the location for the Alfred Hitchcock movie ‘The Birds.’

The area has great golfing, diving, surfing and fishing. For a change of pace, hunting for antiques or long beach walks exploring the rock pools on the way, helps make for perfect relaxation. The Lodge itself is noted for its elegant yet comfortable appointments.

The award winning Duck Club Restaurant is very highly rated, and the chef here takes great pride in preparing fine cuisine using the best in fresh local ingredients. The Spa at the Bodega Bay Lodge is world class and offers a wide variety of treatments to help guests feel replenished and to make their visit truly memorable. There is also a beautiful pool area overlooking the beach and a state of the art fitness facility. The rooms and suites at the Bodega Bay Lodge are carefully furnished. The rich, cherry wood furnishings contrast well with the colorful duvets on the comfortable king and queen sized beds. Every room and suite has a balcony or a terrace, a fireplace, a wet bar, fully stocked fridge, and an in-room movie system.

The Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa promises to provide a very quiet and relaxing getaway and is especially suitable for those who enjoy the ocean in a very natural setting.

 
 The Resort at Squaw Creek
photo courtesy of the Resort at Squaw Creek
The Resort at Squaw Creek


In the High Sierra is the famous area of Squaw Valley – site of the 1960 Winter Olympiad. In recent years a splendid new resort has been constructed in Olympic Valley - the Resort at Squaw Creek takes the best advantage of its splendorous surroundings. This year round vacation paradise has easy access to some of the best skiing on the continent. The resort has its own triple chairlift to take skiers over to Squaw Valley, and also has an outdoor skating rink. There are also many cross-country ski trails in the vicinity of the resort. Summer always brings the long-awaited golf season and anybody who plays even a few holes at the resort’s own Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, will be mesmerized by the mountains that tower above as they enjoy their game in the clear mountain air. Close by is Lake Tahoe with a plethora of water sports available there, and for those who like to play games of chance the casinos of Reno, Nevada are close by.

The Resort at Squaw Creek has its own spa, where a full range of beauty and rejuvenation treatments is available. The beautifully equipped fitness center has top of the line machines, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor hot tubs. The outdoor pool area is particularly attractive and has a beach and a water slide. Around the resort there are hiking and biking trails and horseback riding is a popular pastime as well. Tennis is yet another leisure option – the courts’ setting enable players to witness an awesome view of the valley that hopefully does not throw them off their game. This resort is particularly suitable for families and special children’s programs are offered.

The Resort at Squaw Creek has no less than five dining options – from the first rate Glissandi (considered to be amongst the best in the Lake Tahoe region) and the formal Italian Ristorante Montagne, to the informal Bullwhackers Pub and the Sweet Potatoes Deli. For breakfast, Cascades Dining Room is the perfect choice and other meals are also served here for those who like dining in a full service restaurant but with a more casual ambience. Of the 403 rooms here, nearly half of them are suite accommodations. Every room commands a scenic view and all are attractively furnished in a contemporary style with wood furnishings that are very pleasing to the eye. The bathrooms have granite counter tops and there are fridges, bars and speakerphones in every room. The rooms have all the extra amenities one would expect from a top of the line facility such as bathrobes, hairdryers, irons and boards and original artwork.

The Resort at Squaw Creek provides a perfect getaway for the whole family, and appeals especially to lovers of the mountains, skiers and golfers.

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