The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa  

Situated deep in Californian wine country, The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa is a deluxe retreat whose amenities provide a luxurious addition to a stay among world-class vineyards. Expect rustic-chic style accommodation that matches the elegance of the sweeping staircase, vast fireplace and vaulted ceilings in the lobby, with sleek and contemporary guest rooms. Interspersed sculptures and murals add an eclectic touch, while bathrooms are all marble and darkwood with huge tubs. Then there’s the individual lodges and cottages boasting cosy fireplaces, a living room area and private balconies – perfect for enjoying a glass of Sonoma wine overlooking the sunset. Many suites look out onto the pool that’s lined by black wicker loungers and cabanas with rolling hills and vineyards just in the distance, and there’s a poolside bistro for fresh sandwiches, salads, wine and cocktails.

After a day of wine tasting guests can enjoy the award-winning spa with its outdoor hot tub, steam room and relaxing soaking pools, indulge in a spa treatment, or make use of yoga classes and the fitness centre that's open 24/7. Then, enjoy Californian cuisine with a hint of Mediterranean at the fine dining Carneros Bistro. This is Sonoma, so there is, of course, a strong focus on farm-to-table cuisine and, naturally, an extensive wine list – 400+ to be precise. And it's the vineyards that place Sonoma at the top of the wine country ranks, showcased further with the hotel's complimentary weekly wine tasting, as well as sommelier led tours and biking through the vineyard surrounds. For a nightcap or morning coffee, the onsite trendy Bean & Bottle combines a cosy coffee shop with a modern wine bar in stylish surroundings.