Help! Need luxury getaway in No. Calif.
 

My son and DIL need to get away for a couple of days with 3 teenage sons. Theme parks, etc., are not preferable, since they really just need to rest, relax and do some family bonding. The kids do enjoy luxury digs, as does Dad, and the trip is due to an unexpected windfall that must be spent soon.

They would prefer somewhere within 2-3 hours of the Bay area, and otherwise, we are relying on suggestions from you guys. I have heard of Madonna Inn, but I don't know where it is. I haven't been able to do a lot of research since we just came up with this idea and the kids are on the computer a lot.

Any suggestions? Hope you all are out there.

Madonna Inn is pretty touristy- how about renting a place on Lake Tahoe several of the resorts are very nice and have lots to do for teens and adults.

Look into the Meadowood Resort in the
Napa Valley. Really lovely, luxury resort within a large property. There
are two pools, golf, croquet etc. If you have never been there - this place is a real treat. It also has two restaurants - one fancy and one more casual but still nice - overlooking the
golf course. My family really enjoyed a
long weekend there. Check out their website. Good luck.

Try Ventana Big Sur,or Post Ranch inn accross Highway 1.There are great hiking exploring areas in the vicinity.
Links:
http://www.ventanainn.com/index.htm
http://www.postranchinn.com/

For luxury and lots to do in the area how about Manka's in Inverness near Point Reyes. It will be about 1 1/2 hours from SF and while luxury in cost and amenities is also an old hunting lodge. (Sean Penn got married here). The Inn does have double rooms and also larger areas for families to rent. Point Reyes National Seashore is all around them for hikes, incredible vistas,beaches and lots of "bonding" opportunities. Stinson Beach is relatively close. The boys can boogie board,surf or hang out there and watch the surfers.

Sonoma Mission Inn is nice, particularly as a home base for visting wineries in Sonoma County, bike rides, hikes. Also has a very good spa if you like those.

www.gualala.com
www.marinadunes.com

or Lake Tahoe!

Thanks for all your suggestions, but not a single one has family quarters that I can find. They seem to be romantic hideaways for couples except, which Meadowood is a tich over their limit. I think they could do the $500/night, but to get a family unit it seems like you have to rent a lodge or some such in addition to two rooms (is that $1500+/night?) I'll give them a call to see. Only Madonna Inn has units with several bedrooms. It looks kinda kitschy to me, but it is mainly a chance to get away for a couple of days. Has anyone stayed there?

Well, I should have proofed that: it should read except Meadowood, which is a tich...

Try the Hyatt at Lake Tahoe. Lodge like
place on the lake - very lovely. I believe they have what they call "cabins" - really very nice 1 and 2 bedroom units. That may work for a
family.

Sorry, I should have mentioned that they have a huge family get-together every August in Tahoe (my DIL has a gazillion brothers and sisters), so they need something different, and a little closer to home if possible, maybe near the ocean. Otherwise Tahoe would be great.

The Madonna Inn is famous for being kitschy but it actually could be fun for them. However, I would not classify it as a "luxury" place. The area around San Luis Obispo does offer some nice beaches and lots of beautiful natural areas. I'm just not sure the Madonna Inn is going to be the restful, luxurious place you're seeking.

Really..doesn't Manka's have the Chicken Ranch house? Also try, I think, the Holly Tree Inn's cottage right on Tomales Bay.

For what it's worth..check out also the Camellia Inn in Healdsburg. They have two rooms which can adjoin each other. And, a pool!The town itself has music on Sundays in the Plaza. They can also rent bikes, pack and picnic and venture out Dry Creek Road. They can walk to town which also has some very good restaurants. Lake Sonoma is near-by which also might provide some adventure.
Also, check out Indian Springs in Calistoga. There are cottages and I think one has two bedrooms. There is an olympic sized mineral water pool which is divine! There are spa services for those needing same. Town can be easily reached on foot and should be safe for teen-agers. You will have the many restaurants of the wine country available.


There is also the Monterey Bay Plaza Hotel. I think they have suites and, if not, you should be able to get some family rooms. This is also a hotel with a spa for those who need it. There is a free shuttle that goes to the aquarium. They could also walk along the shore path to Fisherman's Wharf or the Aquarium. Point Lobos is a state park easily reached by car and has some spectacular scenery including tide pools for the boys to explore. Tell them to eat at the Monterey Fish House and to make reservations.

Check out also either Point Reyes Vacation Rentals or have them look at Seadrift Rentals in Stinson Beach.

Here's a place where they can really just relax, enjoy some terrific meals, and take short jaunts to the ocean if they'd like.
And there are family size units....

www.saintorres.com

How about the Inn at Saratoga? although it's not really luxury, it's isolated, charming, and great restaurants in town.

As mentioned, the Ventana Inn and Post Ranch are two of the nicest (and priciest) places to stay out that way. I've stayed at both, and find staying there very relaxing and soothing.
I passed the Madonna Inn a couple of weeks ago (heading to/from Santa Barbara) and that place just seems so . . . tacky. I've never stayed there, or seen the rooms, mind you.