Best Lodges in California

Heavenly (California)

Intimate owner-run lodge surrounded by parkland a block from Lake Tahoe. Cosy and inviting cabin-style rooms feature fireplaces, wood and rock features; all have kitchenettes and family rooms include bunk beds. Large gardens are home to patio, deck and outdoor furniture. Great for outdoor lovers.

• Back to Nature - Lake Tahoe offers 300 days of sun a year, crystal clear lakes, snow-peaked mountains, vast forests and stunning natural scenery
• Skiing - Heavenly Valley Ski Resort shuttle picks up and drops off guests in front of the property and takes them directly to the slopes
• Active Holiday - Every outdoor activity imagineable is on offer; gliding, riding, skydiving, parasailing, paddle boarding, sledding & tubing
• Value chic - A super affordable and comfortable base from which to explore this amazing region

California (California)

Running for nearly a century, Evergreen Lodge has the outdoor escape just right. Cosy lodges have roaring fires, plenty of wood and plaid fabrics. However, the bathrooms are reassuringly modern. Outside there are activities galore from hiking trails to a saltwater pool. Back to nature perfection.

• Active Holiday - Located beside Yosemite National park there are a wealth of hiking an mountain biking opportunites in the area
• Families - With boundless space and outdoor activities, this is the perfect base for a family holiday
• Romantic Break - Cosy lodges, roaring fires, and complete seclusion - a great choice for outdoorsy couples
• Great walks - Hike in the Hetch Hetchy Valley, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel

Mammoth (California)

Rustic 1920s lodge located on Twin Lakes shore. Made up of stand-alone cabins (craftsman-style or deluxe) and rooms in the historic main lodge, classic chalet interiors include pine walls, roaring fires and cosy plaid prints. Enjoy lake-view restaurant, bar and lounge. Perfect for active families.

• Active Holiday - An all year round destination for outdoor pursuits: skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, golf and fishing
• Skiing - The property is located a mile from the Mammoth Ski Area, California's best resort for skiing and snowboarding
• Back to Nature - The only resort on the shore of Twin Lakes; enjoy lake views, pine forests, national parks and soaring slopes
• Restaurant - The small and charming main lodge restaurant has only 10 tables. It offers Twin Lake views and fresh, locally sourced cuisine

California (California)

Historic 1950s mountain retreat — 15 rustic self-catering cabins nestled in the pines, with an old-school camp vibe. Decor is a blend of vintage charm, rustic chic and modern design. Limited hotel amenities, but ideal for those seeking peace and quiet under the stars and around the campfire.

• Families - Some cabins and lofts are ideal for families. The largest can accommodate up to eight
• Hideaway - An away from it all escape, but with restaurants and the town nearby
• Active Holiday - Plenty of activities available - hiking, swimming, fishing etc
• Views - The retreat is located on an inlet of the Lake — Cabin 8 & Cabin 10 have the best views

California

Charming riverside eco-lodge comprised of rooms, cabins & cottages close to Sequoia National Park. Light, airy accommodation blends fresh decor with wooden touches. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, shared grills and river views. The on-site wellness studio makes it perfect for hideaway retreats.

• Back to Nature - Escape into the wild and enjoy a landscape of granite boulders, giant trees, freshwater lakes, waterfalls & snowcapped mountains
• Families - The large Glacier cabin sleeps up to eight people making it a perfect family getaway with balconies, patio, BBQs and river views
• Active Holiday - The location offers amazing activities year-round from rafting, climbing and snowshoeing to watersports, riding & wild swimming
• Wellbeing - The impressive Canopy wellness centre houses a top of the range yoga studio and offers massages, meditation and guided walks

Cambria (California)

Get away from it all at this idyllic ocean-facing lodge. On-trend contemporary interiors were inspired by Danish modernism; expect pale woods, muted accents and custom furnishings. Spacious rooms offer sea views, space and a zen-like vibe plus there's fab dining. Equal parts soothing and stylish.

• Beach Life - Facing Moonstone Beach, just metres away, a quiet strip of sand offering stunning sunsets well-suited to walks
• Total relaxation - Chilled vibe ideal for those looking to simply enjoy uninterrupted downtime, fresh air and killer vistas
• Romantic Break - Ocean View King rooms offer especially romantic outdoor soaking tubs looking over the ocean
• Sea Views - Sea views steal the show here. All rooms boast at least a partial ocean view

Heavenly (California)

A welcoming inn with a laid-back friendly feel. Homely rooms feature cosy schemes, plush furnishings and contemporary luxe-style decor; some come with spa baths and fireplaces. The yard and spacious plot have outdoor furniture. Works equally well for couples, friends or families.

• Active Holiday - Spend days outdoors all year round with skiing, snowboarding, boating, riding, hiking, hot air ballooning and paragliding
• Families - The well-designed family rooms come with a double bed and cosy bunk beds that will work for kids of all ages
• Whirlpool Bathtub - The King and Queen Suites come with spa baths and gas fireplaces
• Lakeside - It's a 10 minute drive to Lake Tahoe

Heavenly (California)

This chic mountain retreat is located in South Lake Tahoe. The hotel offers private cabins and a lodge with rooms. The modern interiors have stone wall features and wooden beams which add an alpine feel, plus cosy fireplaces for warming up after long walks; the perfect spot for a hideaway holiday.

• Back to Nature - Set in the between Lake Tahoe and the mountains, this hotel makes a beautiful back-to-nature retreat
• Families - Families are well-catered to here, with self-catering cabins that have multiple bedrooms
• Local exploring - With the lake and the mountains close by, there is lots to explore local to the hotel
• Kayaking - Explore Lake Tahoe on a kayaking excursion, great for a family day out. Rent kayaks from the hotel

Palm Springs (California)

Secluded boutique lodge escape with no screens but gorgeous pool and wood fires. Rooms all showcase wooden furnishing to mirror the great outdoors. The Barn Kitchen offers delicious bites and the bar is well stocked. Koffi town is close-by for restaurants. Relax is the theme.

• Artworks
• Sights nearby - 5 minutes away from Palm Springs Art Museum.
• Tennis - Tennis court is for all to use.
• Restrictions on children -

Catalina Island (California)

An early 20th-century summer home converted into charming sea-view B&B. Built on an intimate scale, the Craftman's style lodge offers plenty of shared relaxation areas & has a homely feel. Views from rooms & terraces overlook Two Harbours & surroundings. Rustic & relaxed pied-à-terre for exploring.

• Total relaxation - A tranquil environment works perfectly for those looking for a quiet place to rest, read, relax & enjoy the scenery
• Local exploring - A great base for those looking to do a few sightseeing tours of the island at a leisurely pace
• Back to Nature - Surrounded by palm trees, rural land and walking distance to coves, beaches & hillsides
• Kayaking - Equipment available at the lodge for guest use includes kayaks, mountain bikes, paddleboards, SCUBA & snorkelling gear

Heavenly (California)

A contemporary take on a traditional Alpine lodge. Set on a wooded plot a few blocks from Lake Tahoe, all rooms feature large well-equipped kitchenettes, gas fires and balconies. There's lots of outdoor furniture for the warm months. Spacious, modern & extremely comfortable. Great for long stays.

• Back to Nature - Surrounded by big gardens and atmospheric pine trees, with Lake Tahoe at walking distance, this is a fab nature-facing retreat
• Active Holiday - Lake Tahoe delivers outdoor activities all year round; come for mountain biking & kayaking in the summer or winter sports
• Great walks - One of the best ways to explore the lake is to walk around its perimetre, stopping for swims at sandy beaches along the way
• Minimum Stay - There is a two night minimum stay

California

Charming motel-style inn located in the small logging town of Chester. Each of the contemporary, cosy and deluxe rooms has a unique theme ranging from gypsies and ranchers to cowboys; several have fireplaces. A comfortable base to return to after days outdoors. Restaurant and brewery coming soon.

• Active Holiday - Activities are on offer throughout the year; get out into the great outdoors and explore mountains, lakes, and wildlife areas
• Families - The one-bedroom suite offers a great accomodation for families or friends, with spacious living and dining areas
• Birdwatching - There are several spots within a mile of the property that offer great birding; look out for waterfowl, wading and shorebirds
• Sights nearby - Architecture-lovers will like touring the town exploring its range of historic buildings that date from the 19th century

California (CA-1)

A wonderfully laid back lodge, sandwiched between Doran Regional Park and the Sonoma Coast. The rooms are elegant and comfortable, and the best come with wood-burning fires and balconies overlooking the ocean. The restaurant is sustainability focused and the 7 acre estate inspires calm.

• Back to Nature - Set on 7 acres overlooking Doran Regional Park and the Sonoma Coast, with whale watching, bird watching and nature trails galore
• Total relaxation - A peaceful retreat from the everyday, scenic firepits, fine wines, excellent food and indulgent spa treatments
• Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
• Barefoot Luxury

Yountville

A romantic hideaway commanding spectacular views of the renowned Napa Valley. From Champagne breakfast delivered to your door, to watching the sunset from your private balcony, this is a truly pampering experience. The rooms are simple, elegant and extremely comfortable. A wine lover's paradise!

• Great walks - Skyline Wilderness Park has 850 acres of trails and has something for everyone.
• Swimming Pool - Outdoor- year round.
• Designer
• Barefoot Luxury

California

A charming working ranch and vineyard offering six airy rooms and utter peace and quiet. Each room is traditionally styled with whirring fans, hardwood floors, and french doors leading out onto perfect bucolic scenes. Four-course meals are served outside, paired with local wines. Rural perfection.

• Country Escape - A bucolic working ranch with vineyards - country escapes hardly get more idyllic
• Restaurant - Not a restaurant as such but al-fresco four course dinners with wine pairings
• Tennis - Pack your racket and play some tennis on the hotel's outdoor hard court
• Great walks - Enjoy long scenic walks starting straight from the property

California (MARSHALL)

A handful of charming cottages attached to the long-standing Nick's Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Accommodation is quaint and traditional, packed with antiques and offering sea views. Spend days outdoors on the coast before returning for some hearty seafood.

• Foodies - Nick’s Cove Restaurant and Oyster Bar is an all-American roadside stop serving simple but excellent seafood
• Short break - Just an hour outside San Franciso on the famed Highway 1, the perfect choice for a weekend escape
• Great walks - Spend a day hiking in Tomales Bay State Park
• Sailing

Olympic Valley

Sociable and lively lodge-style resort. The pebble and clapboard rustic exterior contrasts with sleek contemporary interiors; think deep carpets, thick duvets, cosy cream palette & rustic wooden furniture; many rooms have mountain views. Perfect 'après ski' haunt for friends and families alike.

• Skiing - Squaw Valley is North America’s largest ski resort and the inn offers ski in-and-out access. Ski at altitudes up to 8,200 feet
• Weddings - The property offers different wedding packages (and natural backdrops) throughout the year
• Active Holiday - Enjoy the outdoors all year round: excellent skiing, hiking, mountain biking are on offer
• Great walks - In spring, summer and autumn, hike on some of California's most beautiful trails straight from the property

California

Upscale mountain retreat in a stunning setting next to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Heavenly suites and cottages exude a sleek but rustic glamour with fireplaces and impressive views; some have hot tubs. The main lodge acts as a gathering point with restaurant, bar and large deck. Heaven on earth.

• Romantic Break - It's hard to imagine somewhere more romantic; log fires, breakfast in bed, mountain views and cosy suites to return to at night
• Back to Nature - Landscapes don't get much better than this; there's open space for miles and views over snow-capped peaks, forests and lakes
• Active Holiday - The area is a real outdoor playground offering activities throughout the year in this stunning and remote landscape
• Business meetings - A brilliant setting for a luxurious off-site retreat with 1,200 sq ft of meeting space and private dining room

California (Fort Bragg)

Set within 2000-acres this off-the-beaten-track ranch is the perfect place to hideaway in nature. Cosy rooms are individually styled but each is packed with antiques (with a little cowboy charm). Outdoors, there are a wide range of activities from hiking to horse riding. An idyllic rural getaway.

• Back to Nature - A real back to nature experience - a 2000-acre ranch where you can either cosy up in your room or get into the great outdoors
• Local exploring - The perfect spot to hideaway with your significant other (better yet - it's adult only too)
• Romantic
• Adult Only

Mendocino

A collection of houses and cottages set in a stunning location perched atop the rugged bluffs of California’s coastline. While exteriors are charming and traditional, interiors are sleek and modern with large expanses of glass, luxe bathrooms and woodburning stoves. Ideal for an escape to nature.

• Back to Nature - Boasting an epic location set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean just moments from the wide sandy Greenwood State Beach
• Great walks - Go for long walks along the beaches and through the stunning Navarro River Redwoods State Park
• Views - With unfettered views over the Pacific Ocean the location here is simply stunning
• Wine tasting - Anderson Valley Wine Country produces particularly good Pinot Noir