There’s so much about California that conjures romance. The craggy cliffs dipping into the swirling sea. Towering redwoods (in the north), royal and date palms (in the south). Acres of olive trees, orange and lemon groves, and vineyards. And of course we love the dreamy desert scapes; glamor and buzz of Hollywood — with its vibey restaurants, red carpets, and celebrity sightings. And how about the spas, and year round outdoor soaks under the stars. When it comes to wellness, California has long been in the forefront.
Whether your version of romance is cozying up to watch the sunset, breathing in the panoramic views of the coastline, wine tasting in Napa, slipping into the spa for side by side massages, or a rustic ranch stay in nature, the Golden State offers the ultimate romantic getaways. Enjoy our curated guide — from Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley to the natural beauty of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, and Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, to the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, the famed playground for Hollywood’s A-list — these are the most romantic hotels in California.
West Coast Wine Tasting – Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley
What could be more romantic than a wine tasting weekend pour deux in Napa Valley? Bringing a touch of Provence to California, the Auberge du Soleil Napa Valley is an iconic luxury hotel in the famed wine region. The French provincial style hillside resort is set on 33-acres of heritage olive and oak trees, overlooking renowned valley floor vineyards with the majestic Mayacamas Mountains to the west. The 50 guest rooms and suites are all housed in Maisons named after quaint villages in Southern France so naturally, there’s chic french doors, oversized private terraces, and freestanding sculpted bathtubs.
Eat + Drink in Napa:
Stroll down the Silverado Trail to take your pick from the 450 plus legendary Napa wineries, right on the hotel’s doorstep. When the sun sets, dine alfresco at The Restaurant, the hotel’s coveted Michelin Star culinary hotspot overlooking the valley and hillside. The elevated fare takes its cue from traditional French and Meditteranean fare. Start with Osetra Caviar and if you’re feeling game order the Liberty Farm Duck and finish with Artisanal Cheeses and a glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.
Beauty + Wellness in Napa:
Book the “Très Romantique” package at the outdoor Auberge spa to indulge in a candlelit bath for two and sensual couples massage with finishes with dessert and wine pairing. Lovers can also experience restorative herbal Hamman steam before soaking under the stars in on-site temperate pools.
Seaside Escape – The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Beach and nature lovers will delight in the beauty, romance, and deep sense of history of Half Moon Bay. Beloved for its pristine coastline, rugged cliff faces, and hiking trails, the quaint seaside town is bursting with New England-style charm. Stay at the old-worldly The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, a royal looking estate perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Elevate your experience by booking the Luxury Fire Pit Suite, to enjoy your own private outdoor patio, where you can relax back together on Adirondack chairs by the firepit sampling local wines. Spend your days strolling hand in hand around the expansive grounds, sunbathing at the bay, or if you’re feeling active, have a hit of tennis, try a round at the hotel’s championship golf courses and go for a hike and nature exploration at Redwood forest.
Eat + Drink in Half Moon Bay:
The local cuisine is an eclectic mix of farm-to-table, old-world traditional and fresh seafood. The upscale Navio Restaurant is the place for delicious locally caught seafood and as part of the resort’s Global Cuisine Series, acclaimed chefs are invited to collaborate during weekend brunch with the creation of tasting menus and small plates. For delicious homegrown, Californian comfort food and handcrafted cocktails head to The Conservatory, a gorgeous modern designer beach house overlooking the grounds and ocean.
Beauty +Wellness in Half Moon Bay:
Indulge in a pamper session to the romantic sound of crashing waves at the on-site Spa, which specializes in seasonally curated facials and body treatments using local farm ingredients. Try the Redwood Forest Ritual, inspired by the surrounding California Redwoods, a hot poultice massage that uses indigenous earthy herbs and wood blends to ground and restore.
Romantic Ranch Stay – Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur
It’s not hard to see why Post Ranch Inn is one of Big Sur’s most coveted honeymoon destinations. A romantic sanctuary set high atop the cliffs of Big Sur, the resort has arguably one of the best views in Northern California. Inspired by the dramatic coastline, surrounding redwoods, and its tranquil nature setting, the ranch is rustic elegance personified. Nestled in nature are 39 guestrooms, a private home, and the resort’s undisputed highlight, the Tree House where you can experience the bliss of sleeping in your own tree canopy high above the forest floor, stargazing from your bed through the treehouse skylight. If you do want to leave the ranch to explore the wonder of Big Sur, the hotel provides complimentary luxury cars by Lexus.
Eat + Drink in Big Sur:
Sierra Mar, set on the hillside overlooking the ocean is exclusive to resort guests. The winner of Wine Spectator’s coveted Grand Award, it’s a rustic fine dining experience with an artfully curated menu created with locally foraged ingredients and those grown in the hotel’s own Chef’s garden which offers edible tours.
Beauty + Wellness in Big Sur:
Unwind with daily yoga and meditation, guided nature hikes, or book a couples treatment room at the wilderness cabin-inspired Post Ranch Spa which comes complete with a wood-burning fireplace.
Bright Lights & Sleepless Nights – The Beverly Hills Hotel
It doesn’t get more iconic than The Beverly Hills Hotel, the famed playground for Hollywood’s A-list for over a century. Expect to be greeted and treated like a movie star on a secret rendezvous from the moment you step onto the hotel’s signature red carpet to enter the grand lobby. Affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace’ for its famous blush facade, the hotel oozes vintage glamour and laidback Californian charm. Up the romance and superstar factor by staying in one of the hotel’s legendary bungalows which like much of the resort is seductively hidden among tropical palm trees, exotic flowers, and banana leaves. Or book the Romantic Getaway’ package which includes a welcome bottle of champagne, daily breakfast, and home-made chocolates.
Eat + Drink in Hollywood:
Sip a martini with the celebs and power dine like the best of them at the historic Polo Lounge, try the signature Polo Club Your Way. If you instead want to relax by the pool, there are complimentary “pop-up refreshments’ like fresh fruit smoothies, chilled M&Ms, and lemonade slushies.
Beauty + Wellness in Hollywood:
Pamper yourself like a famous celeb at The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa, we recommend the Citrus Quench body treatment which uses Vitamin C, green tea, and rosehip oil to polish the skin to perfection. The hotel also offers complimentary yoga and has a fitness center if you want to workout LA style.
