It’s easy to escape in California. Just a short drive from urban areas are forests, mountains and coastline with retreat-like hotels and resorts. Following are five ideal options.
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
www.tenayalodge.com
Just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s southern gate, Tenaya Lodge is surrounded by evergreen forest. Delaware North Companies (DNC) completed an expansion and renovation in July 2010 that added six meeting rooms, a 10,000-square-foot spa and two restaurants.
“It’s been a huge change to the property,” says Jonathan Farmington, DNC regional director of sales and marketing. “Many groups come to Tenaya for the conference space and the ease with which we can facilitate groups. It’s very easy to provide them with transportation into Yosemite.”
The property has 297 guest rooms and 15,000 square feet of meeting space.
Ventana Inn and Spa, Big Sur
www.ventanainn.com
On the Central California coast almost midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the gorgeous Big Sur area has inspired artists and writers for decades. Perched on the cliffs and spread over 243 acres overlooking the Pacific is Ventana Inn and Spa, operated by Joie de Vivre Hospitality. The setting is ideal for a retreat or meeting requiring contemplation and privacy. The resort offers daily yoga sessions, guided walks and spa treatments, and can handle meetings of up to150 people.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
www.ritzcarlton.com
With its magnificent setting in the Sierra Nevada, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe features a refined lodge-like atmosphere. Many of the 170 rooms have fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies. A year-round outdoor activity program allows guests to enjoy mountain adventures such as skiing, hiking and biking right from the property, and award-winning chef Traci Des Jardin’s restaurant, Manzanita, is a highlight. The resort has 15,000 square feet of indoor function space and 15,000 square feet of outdoor space.
Embassy Suites Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe
www.embassytahoe.com
The Embassy Suites Tahoe is the largest all-suite resort at Lake Tahoe. A short walk outside its door is Heavenly Valley ski resort’s gondola, which whisks skiers and visitors to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada year-round for stunning views of Lake Tahoe. The 400-room property has nearly 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
www.terranea.com
Set on a stunning coastal point in Rancho Palos Verdes, Terranea is a Mediterranean-style resort that sprawls over 102 acres and is surrounded by water on three sides. Managed by Destination Hotels and Resorts, its 582 units encompass ocean-view guest rooms, suites and residential-style villas, casitas and bungalows. The oceanfront setting and climate make for a relaxing, retreat-like atmosphere. Adding to the serenity is the The Spa at Terranea, with 25 treatment rooms and three VIP Suites.