Jess Lander, Contributing Writer
The sheer amount of lodging options in Sonoma wine country can be overwhelming, so we’re here to help narrow it down for you by highlighting the top hotels for a romantic escape, a family retreat, or a bachelor’s getaway to the green.
Where to Stay
Romantic Escape
Montage Healdsburg
Sonoma’s premier resort just opened at the end of 2020. Modern bungalows with views of vineyards, mountains, or the forest are tucked into the Montage’s 260 acres of natural landscape. Couples can take full advantage of the spa, adults-only pool, soaking tub, and in select rooms, an outdoor shower. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Hazel Hill, is perfect for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
Farmhouse Inn
From the outside, this charming, pale yellow inn might look like your everyday bed and breakfast, but the Farmhouse Inn in fact has some of Sonoma wine country’s most luxe and intimate accommodations. Set in a quiet corner of the Russian River Valley, spacious rooms are designed like luxury farmhouses with four-poster beds, jetted tubs, and steam showers, and there’s also a spa and Michelin-starred restaurant right on site.
Kenwood Inn & Spa
The Kenwood Inn & Spa will whisk you away to the Meditteranean countryside with its romantic, ivy-covered, old world hideaway surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and ancient oaks. Swim right under an Italian-inspired fountain, rent a private cabana for the afternoon (complete with sparkling wine, cheese, and charcuterie), and book the Ti Amo Massage for Two.
Where to Stay
Family Retreat
Safari West
It doesn’t get more family-friendly than an actual safari park and the Serengetti comes alive in Sonoma at Safari West. Head out on safari during the day — they have nearly 900 animals from 90 species roaming this 400-acre preserve — and then stay the night in a luxury safari tent that even has its own en-suite bathroom and includes a continental breakfast in the morning (dinner can be added on). If you want something even cozier (or larger), they have some cottages, too.
Flamingo Resort
Located in the heart of Santa Rosa and close to kid-friendly activities like the Charles Schultz museum and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, Flamingo Resort reopens this summer following a head-to-toe renovation. Book the Family Adventure Package, which comes with a kid’s nature discovery kit, an excursion kit with everything you need for a family hike, and a daily food and beverage credit. You can also add on experiences like horseback riding, zip lining, and Safari West, plus the pool is a great spot for the whole family to hang.
Wildhaven Sonoma
Ideal for families and anyone on a budget, Wildhaven Sonoma is a glampground located in the heart of Healdsburg’s wine country. Simple, yet modern safari-style canvas tents sleep up to four; some have two beds or you can add cots to one-bed tents. Sleep steps away from the Russian River, for Wildhaven has private beach access, a swimming hole, and rents out kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to cruise the water.
Where to Stay
Golf Getaway
Bodega Bay Lodge
The green at The Links at Bodega Bay Harbour is literally steps from the beach. This course is a Scottish-style links course with unbeatable views and it’s right next door to the Bodega Bay Lodge. Book a room with views of the bay and treat your sore muscles to the large infinity hot tub, which also happens to be one of the best spots on property for watching the sunset. Then chow down at the on-site restaurant, Drakes Sonoma Coast Kitchen.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Dating back to 1928, the Sonoma Golf Club is a former PGA Champions Tour course that’s since undergone a major renovation that added a spa, pool, and bocce courts. Tea times are reserved exclusively for members or guests of the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, so book a room at this charming, Spanish-style resort that’s best known for its geothermal-fed mineral pools and is a quick drive to the Sonoma Plaza.
Timber Cove Resort
This historic house where Frank Lloyd Wright spent his boyhood summers is walking distance to Taliesin. Rent the whole house for a big group or family and use it as the home base to explore the Driftless region and Wisconsin River area.
Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide
Jess Lander
Jess Lander is a freelance wine, booze, food, and travel writer based in Napa Valley. She’s a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, Wine Business Monthly, 7×7, Eater SF, Sonoma Magazine, Napa Sonoma Magazine, and the Napa Valley Register. Her work has appeared in many other publications, including Decanter, AFAR, Lonely Planet, and the SF Chronicle. She is also the author of The Essential Napa Valley Cookbook, available for pre-release in April 2021.