There’s a reason California is one of the four most popular honeymoon destinations in the country, and it’s not just our gorgeous scenery and superb weather—we’re actually brimming with heavenly dream getaways. WLT chose four geographically diverse options that are both romantic and committed to preserving the natural world. From a coastal retreat nestled in the hills above the sea to a historic resort sprawled in a magnificent state park, one of the loveliest perks at all of them is when you wish on a star together, there won’t be anything obstructing your view.
Wellspring Ranch is nestled in the hills above Cayucos, a charming coastal community just north of San Luis Obispo. Innkeepers Jennifer and Richard Arfa have lived on this stunning wooded organic farm since 1997, but this is their first season open to the public. Guests choose among gorgeously appointed yurt cabanas with gas fireplaces and skylight (glamping at its finest), a sleek airstream trailer, rustic-chic main lodge and converted barn.
A stellar outdoor kitchen and al fresco dining areas, spacious yoga studio, koi pond, rose garden, high-thread count sheets and luxurious bathrooms with private outdoor showers beneath towering oaks make this a special spot for guests seeking a retreat from urban life. Filtered well water, solar energy, recycling and biodegradable cleaning products all contribute to the eco-friendly atmosphere.
Opportunities abound for hiking and biking, or relax in a hammock, explore the sustainable garden and wander among 300 organic avocado trees. In the evening, toast vegan marshmallow s’mores over an outdoor fire pit and enjoy a clear view of the night sky.
The ranch serves vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free hot and cold breakfast, organic and locally sourced. Tuesday and Friday night tapas include delicate potato tacos and house-made guacamole with chips crisped in coconut oil. Dinners otherwise are at guests’ discretion, and a private chef is available.
***
In the heart of the Colorado Desert, just three hours from L.A., the unassuming Casa Del Zorro hacienda-style resort first opened in 1933. Following a three-year hiatus, it re-opened in 2013. Surrounded by the vast, serene Anza Borrego state park, the resort’s 42 acres sparkle with radiant pools and blissful hot tubs, natural vegetation, beautiful metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda, copious citrus trees and a lovely rose garden. Large, luxurious rooms feature walk-in marble showers, wood-burning fireplaces and balconies, or choose a private casita with multiple bedrooms and private pool. There’s an 80-thousand-gallon lap pool and six tennis courts with night lighting, as well as the privately operated Balance spa and salon, a yoga studio, exercise classes, plenty of nearby hiking and partnerships with two golf courses. The elegant Butterfield dining room, named for the stage coaches that once brought people to the area, includes organic options such as their signature Kit Fox salad made with local pink grapefruit, grape or tomato gazpacho, and roasted Portobello and vegetable Napoleon. Stone-ground oatmeal and fresh local fruit are on the menu at breakfast, served in view of the rose garden. The wood-beamed Fox Den Bar and Cantina is the perfect spot to settle in for a drink.
Clear desert nights are perfect for stargazing in this “dark-sky community.” Whimsical gardens, a life-size chessboard, live music by the main pools and a multitude of strolling paths through the tamarisk trees contribute to an atmosphere of genteel enchantment.
Green cleaning products, recycling, and an emphasis on guest awareness of the fragile desert eco-system encourage respect for the environment. General manager Patrick Sampson showed us the newly operational state-of-the-art solar heating system that services guest rooms and the resort’s 26 aquamarine pools. The resort’s water comes from a natural well aquifer, and the spa offers a complete line of vegan beauty products.
***
Fewer than 90 minutes from Anza Borrego and a stone’s throw from San Diego is the quaint mountain town of Julian, where visitors shop for antiques, visit u-pick orchards and devour the town’s iconic apple pie. It’s also home to the Observers Inn, a beautiful two-room guesthouse with its own private observatory, perched on a 4.5-acre oak and pine ranch.
This relaxing, cozy inn is dedicated to educating visitors on the eco-system of not just planet Earth, but the entire universe. Nightly Sky Tours present a different guided celestial show each night, averaging 12 different stars, planets and constellations viewed through crystal clear, research-grade telescopes.
Relax in the private retreat of the guesthouse living room, or in luxuriously appointed rooms with vaulted ceilings, cozy sitting areas, gorgeous framed astral photography, plush beds and extra deep soaking tubs. Proprietors Mike and Caroline Leigh use only Greenworks products and environmentally responsible detergents, offer recycling, and serve organic coffee and tea in the energy-efficient guest cottage.
***
Just an hour north of Palm Springs is Joshua Tree National Park, an otherworldly wilderness of massive rock formations that appear to have been tossed by a giant. Close to the park’s western entrance are the Highlands Houses, which include the Artist Retreat, Luna Mesa, 1800-square-foot Sky House and Villa Roccosa. Each is an architecturally stunning vacation rental on five acres, offering indoor/outdoor access, vast mountain and rock views, and an easy bike, drive or hike into the park.
We stayed at Villa Roccosa, a sleekly modern spin on a homesteading cabin, built into a rock outcropping with boulders extending dramatically into the living room. Windows frame Joshua trees and rock formations like perfectly centered photographs, and there’s a fully equipped steel and concrete kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and large hot tub, perfect for enjoying sunset or moonrise. Guests bring their own food; breakfast is best enjoyed at a cluster of Adirondack chairs overlooking the desert wilderness. Owner Frederick Fulmer provides recycling and uses eco-safe cleaning products, and the properties utilize energy-saving appliances. Massage, Pilates and yoga classes can be arranged in each private retreat.
No matter which of these options you choose, romance and sustainability are paired blissfully with an eye on the stars—and your heart.
❋❋ If you liked this story you might also enjoy… ❋❋
~ Falling in Love with Portland
This article is a part of the February/March 2015 issue of Whole Life Times.