Whether you’re looking for ways to end your last summer vacation or are thinking of a fall vacation, a spa weekend is a surefire way to relax and unwind.
Combining spa sessions and outdoor fitness with regional wine tastings makes for a soothing escape, but such an route doesn’t have to exclude the kids. From scenic ocean views in Southern California to inland adventures in Snoqualmie or Sonoma Wine Country, there are many ways to combine a family vacation with local spa services.
Read on to see four great options highlighting new dining and family attractions.
Wine tasting in Healdsburg, California
Michael Sugrue / Getty Images
Healdsburg and Sonoma wine country
A weekend getaway to Sonoma Wine Country is a breeze with Alaska Airlines flying nonstop flights to Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS).
Upon arrival, a short drive to Healdsburg takes visitors into the charm of a small town and soon into breathtaking fall foliage for cooler weekends in this remarkable wine district. Early September through mid-November brings a rich harvest and crush season to more than 160 wineries spread across the Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys.
Among these, a few newly opened wineries should be on your wine tour radar, including Amista Vineyards, Bacchus Landing, Orsi Family Vineyards, and Aperture Estate. Healdsburg is also welcoming new culinary additions, including the region’s first plant-based restaurant, Little Saint, and a farm-to-table experience at Hazel Hill.
For a remarkable combination of food and drink, head to The Matheson, where farm dishes are paired with a wine wall of 88 different wines on tap. Later this fall, the Wine Road’s 23rd Annual Wine & Food Affair will take place November 5-7, featuring a weekend of local food and wine pairs from more than 75 wineries.
Families visiting the area can also enjoy vibrant fall colors while kayaking the Russian River or hiking the Bella Vineyards estate with a new Hike the Valley package. Local art will also be on display this September with Sonoma Valley Art Trails, a judged open studio event that guests can explore at their own pace.
The accommodations in Healdsburg range from the family-friendly Hotel Trio with free shuttle to the city center, the centrally located Cottages at Healdsburg and the environmentally friendly h2 Hotel with its own luxury spa and an outdoor pool surrounded by olive trees.
Sunrise Yoga at The Falls Series at Salish Lodge & Spa
Courtesy Sunrise Yoga at The Falls Series at Salish Lodge & Spa
Luxury and wellness at Salish Lodge
In addition to picturesque waterfalls in Snoqualmie, Salish Lodge & Spa is offering a Sunrise Yoga at The Falls series with mindfulness classes on August 21st and 28th. The courses for all levels are open to everyone and after each session guests can enjoy a free organic cold-pressed juices.
Salish Lodge & Spa also recently reopened Club 268, named after the neighboring 268-foot waterfall. Lodge guests booking spa-level rooms with river views have access to all Club 268 amenities, including access to the top spa tubs, a sauna and steam rooms. Offerings also include free wine tastings and cocktails. Guests who do not book spa level river view rooms can add Club 268 to their stay for USD 119, subject to availability.
Families staying at Salish Lodge & Spa have direct access to hiking trails along the alpine lakes, rivers and waterfalls. For cyclists, the lodge offers direct access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, while the nearby hiking trails at North Bend and Tiger Mountain are also convenient options.
Salish Lodge & Spa guests also have exclusive access to The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club, home of the annual Boeing Classic PGA Champions Tour tournament.
Los Angeles Botanical Garden with city view
Sky Sajjaphot / Getty Images
A breath of fresh air in Los Angeles
While SoCal puts beaches and family attractions first, Los Angeles is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation and spa weekends. Discover Los Angeles even made planning wellness excursions easier with the suggested three-day wellness route.
To personalize your own spa vacation, consider a sunset tour of the Hollywood Hills with Sunset Ranch Hollywood for incredible views of the LA Basin and the Hollywood Sign. Then plan a half or full day climbing excursion with Rock N Rope Adventures in Malibu with the family.
Take part in donation-based outdoor yoga at Runyon Canyon Park, or follow one of the park’s three different hiking routes for great views of the Sunset Strip. Then test your balance skills with a family surf course from Aloha Brothers Surf Lessons in Venice Beach.
Pamper your palate with a plant-based pasta bar in the Sestina or enjoy the plant-based soul food from The V Tree. Then indulge in local wine tastings at AOC or Santa Monica’s Bodega Wine Bar. Back in LA, experience new flavors at the Covell Bar, which serves 150 different wines, with each selection handpicked for guests according to personal taste preferences.
Schedule a luxurious spa session with a champagne scrub during a romantic spa weekend at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles. The 8,000-square-foot spa offers nine treatment rooms, a suite for couples, and private relaxation areas.
Hawaii Prince Golf Club, a 72-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer
courtesy of Prince Waikiki
Golf and golden sunsets in Waikiki
Combine the laid-back island culture of Oahu with a cityscape experience at Prince Waikiki, which is off the beaten tourist track yet with easy access to all that the beach has to offer.
This oceanfront hotel offers panoramic views of the Pacific from floor-to-ceiling glass windows from every room. With one- and two-bedroom deals, the venue is ideal for couples or families, and the hotel’s two pools offer options between a family-friendly bath or an adults-only infinity pool.
On-site activities include seasonal nightly stargazing events, outdoor fitness classes, and DIY in-room spa services in partnership with Najo Bliss. Starting September 1st, Prince Waikiki’s spa partner Naio Bliss will be holding meditation and yoga classes every morning on the Muliwai Deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The program includes daily changing Hatha and Vinyasa yoga classes and calm meditations.
Outdoor activities at Prince Waikiki include standup paddleboarding, leisurely biking, and golf at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. The 72-hole club designed by Arnold Palmer offers sensational views of the Waianae Mountains.
Prince Waikiki’s signature restaurant, 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, offers a new la carte menu as well as a new indulgence menu that offers an all-you-can-eat option at the table that reinterprets the traditional Hawaiian buffet . Guests can enjoy the robust wine list at any time, while happy hour features specialty wines by the glass in addition to draft beer.
For additional wine and dining experiences, consider Oahu’s events during the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, October 14-24, 2021.