The Ultimate Wellness Experience in Mendocino, California: Stanford Inn By The Sea

The Ultimate Eco-Resort Experience in Mendocino, California: Stanford Inn By The Sea

Mendocino, California is a gorgeous coastal town that is about 3 hours from the San Fransisco International Airport. It has beautiful coastal hikes, a great small town atmosphere, and many state parks a few minutes away making this the ultimate destination for nature lovers.

Stanford Inn By The Sea is on a hillside, atop a meadow overlooking Mendocino Bay which allows it to offer stunning ocean views. This eco-resort has an immense amount of amenities including a sauna, hot tub, pool, gardening classes, yoga, and the famous Ravens Restaurant which boasts fantastic vegan cuisine. The resort is also pet and family friendly, but also a wonderful place for a romantic stay as well!

Read below for why Stanford Inn by the Sea was one of my favorite resorts I have stayed at in all of California.

LOCATION: 10/10

The location of the Stanford Inn was absolutely perfect! We didn’t have to go far at all to be fully immersed in nature and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the town of Mendocino.

The resort is less than 5 minutes to the main town where there are a variety of restaurants and shops. It’s also only 10 minutes away from Russian Gulch State Park which is the most gorgeous picnic destination.

You also can’t forget about the amazing things to do right at your fingertips when staying at this eco-resort! Guests have the opportunity to get massages in the forest, participate in yoga classes, canoe and kayak on Big River, ride bikes, and much more!

ROOMS: 10/10

The Stanford Inn has gorgeous rooms that are paneled in pine and redwood. We really enjoyed the small details like the wood-burning fireplace and the homey feeling the rooms had. The fresh baked cookies from the kitchen waiting for us when we walked into the room was also a bonus! The cookies were so delicious that we asked for more the next day!

The view from our room was also incredible. Sweeping views of the ocean beyond and the rugged coastline was the icing on the cake. We found the room to be very homey feeling and comfortable. The perfect room for a weekend away in the heart of nature!

DINING: 10/10

Stanford Inn By The Sea has a whole plant-based restaurant called Ravens Restaurant. This restaurant is nationally acclaimed for it’s delicious gourmet vegan cuisine. We loved waking up and being able to enjoy the chef’s organic breakfast, with most ingredients from the on-site organic gardens. Even though we are not plant based, I found the breakfast very hearty and loved all of the fresh flavors.

We also got to enjoy dinner at Ravens restaurant which was amazing! See below for photos of our beautifully prepared and great tasting food. We tried the Sea Palm Pad Thai dish and the Kalua Mushrooms & Coconut Rice dish, and there was nothing left at the end of the meal! Such a wonderful experience dining here, and would definitely recommend it to anyone staying at the resort!

Here are the top things to do in the Mendocino area near the stanford inn:

• Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too! at the Stanford Inn: Steps away from our room, we were able to rent out a stable redwood outrigger canoe. This allowed us to see the beautiful Big River Estuary and also get to see some adorable wildlife as well! We saw lots of seals and even otters during our canoe excursion.

• Fathers and Daughters Cellars Wine Tasting (Anderson Valley): This family owned winery called Ferrington Vineyards was a highlight for us when we drove through the Anderson Valley. One of the owners Guy was extremely kind and treated us like family. It was much more than a tasting, it felt like an intimate experience that made us feel special as we drank their amazing wine.

• Russian Gulch State Park (10 minutes from hotel): This state park is the perfect place for a picnic overlooking the bridge and ocean. It also has 15 miles of trails, both shady forest hikes and pen coastal hikes as well!

• Lula Cellars Wine Tasting (Anderson Valley): Lula Cellars is a boutique winery that we really enjoyed stopping at for a wine tasting. Their Pinot Noir is their most famous wine, and the scenery of the winery was stunning! We got to climb up the hill a little ways and saw amazing views of the Anderson Valley’s green rolling hills.

• Brunch at the Little River Inn: this is the absolute best place to get brunch with a gorgeous coastal view in the area! The food was delicious and we loved the scenery of the area it was in. Perfect for a nice brunch spot before visiting the beach!

• Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders (Anderson Valley): This Anderson Valley staple is on the side of the road on the way from San Fransisco to Mendocino, and it was the best cider we have ever had! They have been open for 140 years and once you taste the cider, you can understand how. Highly recommend trying the frozen rose cider if it is a hot day in the valley.

OVERALL REVIEW: 10/10

Stanford Inn By The Sea is the ultimate wellness stay in Northern California! If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or even a nature destination for the whole family, I cannot recommend Stanford Inn By The Sea enough. The location, amenities, and nature it is surrounded by truly makes it a special place to visit.

We went at the end of March and it was perfect weather! This resort can be visited all year long though and I would highly recommend lining your visit up with any of the various activities and festivals that the town of Mendocino has all year long.

Overall, this eco-resort has everything you need for a PERFECT destination at all times of the year! Make sure to book your visit soon so you can fully enjoy being immersed in such an amazing wellness destination!

The Perfect Staycation From Los Angeles: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Review

The Perfect Staycation From Los Angeles: Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Review

Looking for a great staycation hotel that is in Los Angeles but gives a nice beach town feel? Look no further than Redondo Beach!

The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel is located right across the street from the ocean needs to be added to your bucket list. There are so many fun activities like biking to paddleboarding that you can do in the area, and the views from the rooms boast the most gorgeous sunset view each night. Not to mention, the food is incredible at the hotel and I couldn’t recommend this more for a staycation!

LOCATION: 10/10

The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina has a prime location, providing guests with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Redondo Beach Marina. Whether you're a beach lover, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene coastal getaway, the hotel's location ensures you're immersed in the beauty of Redondo Beach.

This property is located steps away from the beach and it was so nice to just cross the street and be by the ocean! There are also a lot of great restaurants and places to walk around in the area near the hotel.

Here are the top 5 things to do the Redondo Beach area near the hotel:

1. Redondo Beach Pier: Take a stroll along the historic Redondo Beach Pier, where you'll find shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the coastline.

2. Whale Watching: Depending on the season, doing a whale-watching excursion from Redondo Beach is a great thing to do in the area. When we went, we didn’t do this activity but I’ve heard great things about Redondo Beach Whale Watch for boat tours.

3. Water Sports: Rent a paddleboard or kayak in the harbor, or try surfing at one of the nearby beaches.

4. Biking: Rent a bike and ride it along "The Strand." This path stretches for miles along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views.

DINING: 10/10

One of the standout features of the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina is its exceptional dining options. There are two restaurants on the property: SOL Restaurant and Harbor Bar & Bistro.

We had some amazing food at the Harbor Bar & Bistro including delicious carne asada fries. The winner of the show though was the smores kit we got to do by the fire pit. The smores were delicious and it was such a fun way to end our night. HIghly recommend doing this if you stay at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina.

OVERALL REVIEW: 10/10

Overall, this is the perfect place to stay in Redondo Beach! Whether you are looking for a staycation or a trip to the beach for the weekend, Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina was amazing! Make sure to explore the Redondo Beach area and add this to your bucket list for your next staycation in Los Angeles.

Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort: A Tranquil Oasis on Vancouver Island

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Spa Review: Vancouver Island

Looking for the best hotel in the central Vancouver Island area? Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is the most amazing resort to stay for your next trip to the island.

This hidden gem property offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, a large variety of amenities, and impeccable service, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. The Grotto Spa, which is famous in Canada, was my personal favorite part of the stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.

LOCATION: 10/10

Situated in the heart of Parksville, Vancouver Island, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort is surrounded by lush forests and the soothing sound of the ocean waves. This prime location provides you with easy access to the region's stunning beaches, hiking trails, and charming local attractions.

From the resort, we will able to walk directly to the beach and even see whales and Orcas out in the water! Located on the center part of the island, he location couldn’t be a better base for all of the amazing things to do on Vancouver Island.

Here are the top 5 things to do in the Parksville area near the resort:

1. Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park: this is within walking distance on the beach from the resort!

2. Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park: this is my absolute favorite waterfall on the entire island

3. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park: another beautiful waterfall

4. Take a day trip to Tofino/Ucluelet (click here for the top 10 things to do in this area)

5. Take a day trip to the Cambell River area

ROOMS + AMENITIES: 10/10

Our oceanfront view suite was one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in, in a long time! I highly recommend reserving this type of room when booking at Tigh-Na-Mara. The resort also offers pet-friendly rustic log cottages and spa bungalows.

The views from our private balcony were incredible and we watched the most amazing sunrise and sunset from up there. I also loved the bath tub and the high ceilings in the room were awesome. Waking up to the sound of the ocean outside of our window was also a special treat.

the grotto spa: 10/10

One of the standout features of staying at Tigh-Na-Mara is the award-winning Grotto Spa, one of the best spas in all of Canada!

The Grotto Spa offers a range of treatments, from therapeutic massages to rejuvenating facials. I did the massage and it was extremely relaxing! The mineral pool was also nice to soak in before my treatment and I highly recommend spending some time in the Grotto before any treatment you do.

Something that really brought the WOW factor at the spa was the endless tapas dining experience at the spa. We enjoyed 14+ courses of delicious tapas while overlooking the trees. Dining while still wearing my robe and spa sandals was certainly a treat. My favorite dishes were the unique and crunchy kale salad, and the desserts. At the end of the experience, they also ask you if you want to get another dish again which makes it unlimited.

It was one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had! Warning though that you will be very stuffed by the end of the day but it is 100% worth it. If you eat at the Treetop Tapas & Grill and add this onto your spa day, you won’t regret it.

Overall, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort needs to be added to your bucket list for your next trip to Vancouver Island! Whether you're seeking a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a solo escape, Tigh Na Mara caters to every group of travelers with a touch of coastal charm.

From the moment you arrive at Tigh Na Mara Seaside Spa Resort, you'll find yourself transported to a nature lovers paradise where you can relax and enjoy your time on the island.

Best Place To Stay in North Cascades National Park: Sun Mountain Lodge Review

Sun Mountain Lodge Review: Winthrop, Washington

Welcome to a paradise tucked away in the heart of the Pacific Northwest – Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop, Washington. This enchanting destination offers an unforgettable experience that combines stunning natural beauty, a wide range of activities, and luxurious amenities. If you're seeking a perfect getaway, especially when visiting North Cascades National Park, look no further. Here's why Sun Mountain Lodge deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!

LOCATION: 10/10

With North Cascades National Park at your fingertips, the location here is excellent. The town of Winthrop which is about 15 minutes down the hill, is a fun cowboy town that has cute shops and restaurants.

Sun Mountain Lodge is located on top of a hill that allows you to look into valleys and see other mountain ranges in the distance, which is gorgeous.

Activites: 10/10

From horseback riding to kayaking to a special Cowboy dinner, Sun Mountain Lodge has an abundance of activities that will keep you busy during your stay.

Horseback Riding:

This was my favorite activity I did while staying at Sun Mountain Lodge! The guided trail ride was excellent and we were taken through forests, meadows, and to a beautiful overlook of the mountains. It was my first time horseback riding so I was a bit nervous, but they made me feel comfortable and explained everything perfectly for safety and comfort.

Kayaking on Lake Patterson:

Kayaking on the property was such a great experience! Super easy to get in the water and we had the lake all to ourselves. There was an Eagles nest which was really cool to see from the kayak. I would recommend going kayaking in the morning because this lake can get pretty breezy in the afternoon. You can also go fly fishing on the lake as well!

Cowboy Dinner:

If you are staying at Sun Mountain Lodge, you must go to the special Cowboy dinner that they put on! It was such a wonderful evening where they take you in a horse-drawn carriage to a beautiful spot in the woods. There you enjoy wonderful comfort food and live music. The company was excellent and the blueberry cobbler pie at the end was to die for!

Once you are done with dinner, they take you back in the carriage and drop you off at the hotel entrance. This was a magical experience and I highly recommend it for all ages!

AMENITIES: 10/10

Sun Mountain Lodge has two outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs which are great ways to unwind, especially after a long day of activities and/or hiking in the national park. There are also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails right on the property which was very cool.

Pro tip- go in the hot tub at night and look up to see all of the amazing stars above!

food: 10/10

We found the food on the property to be excellent, so much so that we didn’t even go into Winthrop to get food during the trip. There were a variety of options on the menus and we were very happy with the quality of the food and the service in the restaurants on property.

Dining Room:

Had an absolutely wonderful dinner at the Dining Room in Sun Mountain Lodge. The food was incredible and the filet mignon was the best my boyfriend had in a very long time! We also enjoyed the strawberry burrata appetizer and the chocolate cake for dessert was delicious. Whether if you’re staying at the lodge or not, I definitely recommend eating at the dining room for a nice dinner.

Wolf Creek Bar & Grill:

The Wolf Creek Bar & Grill which is also on the property was a great lunch spot! We got the charcuterie board and the mac and cheese. Both were delicious and it was a great place to fuel up before more outdoor activities.

summary:

Overall, Sun Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem in Washington that needs to be added to any outdoor and nature enthusiast’s bucket list. Especially being so close to North Cascades National Park, this is a perfect destination. I had such a wonderful stay and loved the town of Winthrop as well.