Photography provided by Carmel Valley Ranch
After obsessing over the details of one’s wedding for nine months, the honeymoon represents a welcome opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy each other’s company. While international destinations may seem like the most obvious choice for a trip most of us see as the vacation of a lifetime, there’s something to be said for a getaway that doesn’t require a passport or months of complicated preparations (after all, haven’t you done enough planning?).
For me and my husband, a trip up California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway had everything we were looking for: spectacular scenery, charming towns, amazing food and truly luxe stays. There’s just something about an open road, endless blue skies and that choose-your-own-adventure quality of road trips that can’t be beat. As we traveled from Napa Valley to Carmel, we watched beautiful landscapes changing through the windshield. Because we traveled by car, as opposed to an organized tour, we were able to meander from town to town on our own schedule. And by combining three stunning destinations into one trip, we found that you really can have your cake and eat it, too, if you travel to the wine country for your honeymoon (or frankly, any other milestone occasion). Here are some of the highlights from our trip.
Yountville
Photography provided by Bardessono
Where to Stay
With its small town charm and walkability, Napa Valley’s Yountville was high on our list when we first started mapping out our must-visit stops. Our ultra-private stay at Bardessono was a dream. The hotel itself is gorgeous and we loved how close it was to an endless array of top-tier dining options. One of three LEED Platinum–certified hotels in California, most of its green initiatives are barely noticeable but make a huge impact, such as the underground geothermal system that heats and cools guest rooms. After exploring this Zen oasis with its gorgeous foliage and head-turning sculptures from Andrea Schwartz Art Gallery, it’s easy to see why so many bold-faced names choose to stay here (hello, 49ers). As we ended each evening strolling through the lush gardens while the sun quietly slipped into the horizon, it felt like we were the only two guests at the property.
After months of wedding planning, our pampering of choice was, of course, a massage. The best part? Not having to leave our room. Within minutes of our masseuse arriving, our suite was transformed into a peaceful spa with a soothing playlist to match. Oftentimes, the success of a trip can be measured by how much time is spent experiencing everything a locale has to offer, but these thoughtfully-designed spa-suites with generous outdoor living space, an indoor dual shower-steam room and an outdoor shower made us never want to leave our room. Designed to feel like a private sanctuary, these unique suites offer the perfect sanctuary to recover from the stress of a wedding — and, of course, to enjoy some of the best wine in the world.
Photography provided by Faust
Where to Go for Wine Tastings
One of the many perks of staying in Yountville is its proximity to hundreds of vineyards and tasting rooms. One tasting room that stood out for its architecture and wine was Faust Haus. Set in a historic Victorian manor built in 1878, Faust is known for producing notable Cabernet Sauvignon from its vineyards in Coombsville. Whether you’re an avid history buff or interior design aficionado, there’s something at the property that will appeal to everyone. A highlight of our visit was the self-guided tour of the interiors inspired by the namesake of the winery. Upon entering, we were greeted by a stunning stairway mural created by artist Roberto Ruspoli. Representing the journey to enlightenment, the artwork features a group of black-and-white figures with outstretched arms who follow you as you journey from the dark, moody interiors downstairs into the bright, white spaces upstairs. We definitely felt enlightened after a few glasses of their top-notch vino but found ourselves even more inspired by the story behind the stark black Gothic mansion perched on the hill.
Photography provided by Frog’s Leap
Just a hop, skip and a quick Uber ride away, the next winery on our list was Frog’s Leap. Welcomed by the bright red barn, we felt like guests at someone’s home as we roamed the vineyard before settling in at the garden bar. We walked away from the visit loving their Chardonnay. Unlike the average buttery oak taste, Frog’s Leaps’ pour has a mineral flavor that comes naturally from the terroir at the farm and time spent aging in concrete tanks. Responsibly farmed, Frog’s Leap uses a dry farming technique that the state of California has identified as an incredible water conservation tool. All of the estate’s gorgeous vineyards are organically farmed without irrigation and reliance on rainfall.
Half Moon Bay
Photography provided by Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Where to Stay
After a few days spent soaking up the sun and swirling our wine glasses, it was time to head to Half Moon Bay for the next leg of our trip. Just two hours away from Napa and 30 minutes from San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay is set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline. With private beach access and the recently transformed 16,000-square-foot spa renovated by Hirsch Bender Associates, we embraced the leisure lifestyle here (and never tired of those gorgeous ocean views).
Top-notch hospitality appeared in countless surprise-and-delight moments throughout our stay, like the complimentary s’mores kit, complete with rich L’Amourette chocolate and the fluffiest housemade marshmallows which was waiting for us when we arrived to enjoy by our private fire pit. With three onsite restaurants, two championship golf courses and the newly revamped spa, this resort is a destination that makes you never want to leave the property. We were particularly charmed by the nightly bagpiper who serenaded us at sunset. As we watched the crashing waves and enjoyed a melt-in-your-mouth berry tart on our final evening, I felt a rare and elusive feeling: a sense of pure calm. Time truly slows down here, and it’s a gift to those who can embrace it.
Carmel
Photography provided by Carmel Valley Ranch
Where to Stay
The last stop on our road trip was Carmel, a vibrant coastal city known for its European-style shops and eclectic restaurants nestled just steps from white sand beaches. Less than 15 minutes from the quaint cobblestone streets, the 500-acre Carmel Valley Ranch is surrounded by the Santa Lucia mountains on the sunny side of the Monterey Peninsula. Staying here felt like we were sleeping in a treehouse overlooking the picturesque valley. The only sound we heard was the soft chorus of birds singing all around us.
For those seeking adventure, this resort is a must-stay with numerous hiking trails, three pools, a delightful spa and a daily roster of activities to rival your summer camp years. From picnicking with goats to suiting up as a beekeeper for an afternoon, play is encouraged here. Standing atop the corral overlooking the vast valley with my new goat friends, Honey and Spice, I was transported to carefree summers spent exploring the great outdoors but with all the adult perks: lemonades spiked with gin, absolute freedom to fill my time with as many activities as my heart desired and, best of all, no curfew. Carmel Valley Ranch strikes the perfect balance of a sophisticated escape with appeal for all ages, whether you’re looking for your next family adventure, a romantic getaway or a place to reconnect with your inner child.
While sipping a lavender bliss co*cktail poolside with lavender straight from the ranch’s own fields, I took a moment to reflect on the next great chapter of our adventure: marriage and all the future anniversary trips to relive our dreamy California road trip over and over again.
