Chateau du Sureau

Located just outside the gateway to Yosemite, this lovely 10-room inn draws rave reviews for its exquisite French Provencal style accommodations, pampering spa, and top-notch restaurant.

Each of the guest rooms, named for different flowers and herbs, are available on their own, or as part of an all-inclusive "full board" package.

While you're here, you can join several guided excursions, from river rafting along the Merced River, to stretch Hummer tours of Yosemite.

Spa Sureau specializes in several wonderful treatments, including their signature Blooming Botanicals cherry blossom sugar scrub and Spring Renewal lavender body polish.

The inn's restaurant, Erna's Elderberry House, serves a wonderful Sunday brunch and prix-fixe menu that changes with the seasons. Some of chef Gunnar Thompson's specialties include asparagus soup with truffle Sabayon, warm Maine Lobster terrine, or a roasted nature-fed veal loin.

Cooking classes with chef Gunnar are held every Saturday, or you can join one of their 3-day Fantasy Cooking Camps, held during the fall.

Check their site for the latest packages and specials. Rooms are $600-$985 nightly. Villa runs $2,950. Prix-fixe meals $95. Sunday brunch $56. Small pets under 12 pounds are permitted.

Chateau du Sureau is located at 48688 Victoria Lane in Oakhurst. For more information, call (559) 683-6860 or visit them at http://www.elderberryhouse.com/cdsmain.html

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