Hectic at work and non-stop at home? It's time to pencil in a weekend with your besties.
Stay in Glen Ellen at Gaige House + Ryokan: Gaige House + Ryokan in Glen Ellen is a restored 19th century home that’s been transformed into a Japanese-inspired hotel. The luxurious surroundings and high-end amenities make for a memorable and relaxing ladies weekend. 13540 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen, 707-935-0237, thegaigehouse.com. (Courtesy of Gaige House + Ryokan)
The Rooms: Gaige House rooms are sizable and come with all the amenities you and your girlfriends need to get ready for a day (and night) out on the town. The Ryokan Zen Suites feature a private karesansui rock garden and gurgling fountain that can be viewed while lying in bed, or in most rooms, while relaxing in a deep granite soaking tub. Traditional Japanese hinoki wood bathing accessories like mats, stools and ladles are within arm’s reach. (Courtesy of Gaige House + Ryokan)
The Spa: If your girls getaway is all about relaxation, Gaige House won't disappoint. Their Sanctuary Spa offers in-room treatments and outdoor massages in a private cabana. Pamper yourselves before a night out, or after a day of wine tasting and exploring the quaint town of Glen Ellen and its surroundings. (Courtesy of Gaige House + Ryokan)
The Adventure: If you and your friends are looking for some fun outdoor activities, consider taking a Hike & Wine tour — recommended by Gaige House and organized by Active Wine Adventures. If you prefer more spontaneous adventures, Jack London State Historic Park and Quarryhill Botanical Garden are just a stone's throw away. (Photo courtesy of Jack London State Park)
The Wine: When in Sonoma, nurturing your wine loving side is simple. Benziger Winery is a close 1.4 miles from the Gaige House. Take a tram tour of the biodynamic winery, walk through the fields, or just relax in the tasting room, sipping on eco-friendly wines. (Photo courtesy of Benziger Winery)
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The Food: When it’s time to wind down and enjoy a good dinner with great friends, the Fig Café is within walking distance from the Gaige House. The Fig serves up a selection of small plates and entrees that include gastronomic delights like truffle fries and Mt. Lassen trout. (Photo by John Burgess)
Stay in Kenwood at Kenwood Inn and Spa: Set amid Sonoma vineyards in a Mediterranean villa, the Kenwood Inn and Spa will make you feel like a principessa. This upscale getaway destination is well-suited for a once in a lifetime gathering of friends who may not have a chance to see each other often. 10400 Sonoma Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-833-1293, kenwoodinn.com.
The Rooms: Each room at the Kenwood Inn and Spa is regally appointed and, because the hotel wants to cater to adults, the rooms are not equipped with televisions. Instead, there are three courtyards, a pool, and two hot tubs. This is a great setting for catching up on all the latest news and gossip with your friends. (Photo courtesy of Kenwood Inn and Spa)
The Spa: Many of the spa treatments at Kenwood Inn and Spa can be booked with a package deal that you may want to consider when reserving rooms. Besides their signature Vinotherapy treatment, there are full body massages and anti-aging facials – all great ways to look and feel fully relaxed when you head home. (Photo courtesy of Kenwood Inn and Spa)
The Adventure: Kenwood Inn recommends booking a canoe trip through Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville. Located about thirty miles away from the Inn, this will be a memorable outing for the ladies on your trip. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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The Wine: While you can choose to take your group out to small production and boutique tasting rooms in the Sonoma Valley, like St. Francis Winery, Chateau St. Jean, or the Kunde Family Winery, you may just want to sit back and relax - as you should. Luckily, the Kenwood Inn offers an extensive list of local wines. So, even if you're too tired to hit the tasting rooms, you can still sip on their offerings. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Winery)
The Food: Enjoy an Italian-inspired locally sourced menu at the Kenwood Inn, or dine out at Glen Ellen Star, 3 miles up the road. This small eatery is popular among locals, and will serve up something suitable for everyone in the group - from pizza to small plates. (Photo by Kent Porter)
On a budget? Stay at the Sonoma Creek Inn: For girls on a budget, the Sonoma Creek Inn will give you a great getaway - without costing an arm and a leg. This Inn in Sonoma has 16 rooms, most with private outdoor patios or porches. 239 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, sonomacreekinn.com.
The Rooms: The rooms at Sonoma Creek Inn are updated and comfortable, with all the amenities you need to get yourself and your friends ready for a day of exploring Sonoma County. A Keurig coffee maker and mini-refrigerator in each room guarantees you can make a fresh cup of coffee after an overindulgent trip to the Bartholomew Park Winery, or any of the other vineyards close by. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Creek Inn)
The Adventure: Sonoma Creek Inn has a partnership with Sonoma Adventures, and they will give guests a $5.00 discount on bicycle rental rate. They also provide complimentary drop-off and pick-up of their bicycles at the Inn. If this is the kind of adventure you think you’ll be in for, don’t forget to pack sneakers along with your heels. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
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The Wine: The Sonoma Creek Inn recommends Ravenswood Winery, which is primarily known for its hearty reds, or the Roche Tasting Room where you can sip on a Chardonnay inside or outdoors, as well as grab a quick bite to eat. (Photo courtesy of Roche Winery)
The Food: If you’re ready to splurge on some exquisite cuisine, the El Dorado Kitchen, right off of 1st Street in Sonoma, is your spot. This restaurant specializes in Sonoma farm-driven cuisine, so the menu changes with the seasons, but everything tastes amazing no matter what time of year you stop by. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
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Hectic at work and nonstop at home? It’s time to pencil in a weekend with your besties. These three Sonoma hotels have everything you need for a girls getaway. Pair your stay with winery visits, farm-to-fork cuisine, serene spas and serious shopping and your ladies retreat will be one for the books. Click through the gallery for details,
Warm the palate, heart and soul with red wines produced from vineyards 50 years and older.
