Fairmont Sonoma

When planning a wine country retreat, you'd be remiss not to check out the iconic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, known for its award-winning restaurant, spas and golf courses.

In April 2010, the Fairmont Sonoma Hotel — with the aid of San Francisco-based designers Candra Scott and Anderson — unveiled 42 newly-designed wine country rooms that combine urban luxury with relaxed California elegance.

Each of the guest rooms (including the restored heritage rooms and suites) are stocked with modern luxuries, from color TV and exclusive in-room spa amenities to voice mail telephones and mini-bar refrigerators. Many rooms also include roaring fireplaces — perfect for setting a romantic mood.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn designed its wine country rooms to reflect the surrounding region with a nod to Provencal design. The color palette includes sand colored walls and accents of ochre and tangerine. Traditional furniture is mixed with 1930s-style pieces. The bathrooms feature concrete floors and counters, along with small pear green glass mosaic tiles.

Located near more than 30 Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has plenty of on-site entertainment. Enjoy afternoon wine tasting in the lobby, join their daily hike and bike adventures, or soak in the 135-degree thermal mineral waters which flow 1,100 feet beneath the Inn. Guests of the resort also retain exclusive privileges to the nearby Sonoma Golf Club, set on 177 acres below the sweeping Mayacamas and Sonoma mountains. For Sonoma Golf Club reservations, call (877) 289-7354.

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Spa is one of the highlights at the resort. Signature amenities include the Fairmont spa Sonoma bathing ritual, herbal steam room, individual mineral baths, private outdoor cabaña, whirlpools, Watsu treatment pool, Kur rooms, Vichy room; and private couple’s rooms with baths. Wine country inspired spa treatments include the Sonoma Lavender Facial, Body Coffee Spa Scrub, Chardonnay Olive Oil Sugar Scrub and Grape Seed Body Polish. For something different, check out their Vanilla Float, where you'll be suspended in a coccon-like flotation bed that's been heated to 120 degrees. The experience includes a real vanilla float after your treatment. Other unique services at the spa include water yoga, chakra balancing, and Tarot card reading. For Fairmont spa reservations, call (877) 289-7354

Sonoma Mission Inn restaurants include The Big 3, a casual bistro where you'll find delicious wine country breakfasts and other hearty fare; The Water Tower, a poolside eatery home to fresh sandwiches, salads and smoothies; and their signature restaurant, Santé, which is the only Michelin-rated dining room in the Sonoma Valley.

Santé menu choices might include such fresh picks as Sonoma Foie Gras, served two ways; Roasted Sonoma Duck Breast with braised Swiss Card and port wine jus; Wild John Dory, served with Bloomsdale Spinach and Piquillo Pepper Puree; or a Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese with Maine lobster, black truffles and fontina val d'aosta. Sante Reservations can be made online or by calling (707) 938-9000.

The Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa is located at 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, California, 95476. For reservations, call 1-800-441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma.

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