25 Best Resorts in California, From Malibu to Napa Valley
The beauty of California is that there’s so much, well, beauty to behold. Savvy travelers know the best way to see the state is by touching grass—and trees, and the ocean. Whether you're based in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or elsewhere, there are plenty of greats resorts in California where you can go to scratch each of those itches. No matter if you’re spotting dolphins from a cliffside perch or walking among redwoods in Big Sur, choosing a resort here is a feast. California is, after all, a state that thrives on contrast: surf towns and snowcaps, design-forward mountainous escapes and wine country wellness sanctuaries.
The trick is zeroing in on the type of escape you need right now. Is it a breezy coastal inn with a hyper-local Michelin-starred restaurant? Or an under-the-radar resort tucked off a Russian River tributary, with luxe cottages and cabins? From properties that excel at intuitive service and five-star flourishes to temples of slow travel, where nature and quiet do the heavy lifting, there are so many to pick from. Below, read on for the best hotels and resorts in California; they don't just let you unplug, they let you fully escape.
How we choose the best resorts in California
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Garrett Rowland/BardessonohotelBardessono Hotel and Spa
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Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024A secluded, eco-minded hideaway that feels like your very own grown-up modern residence, this is the ultimate place to slip completely under the radar while being surrounded by world-renowned art and nature. It's quiet luxury here. Think of the property's 62 rooms as sophisticated sanctuaries—modern, sleek, and intimate—done up in a palette of earth tones punctuated with pops of maroon and warm yellow, dark wood, and leather. But what really sets these rooms apart is their dual identity: Each is designed to transform into a private spa suite—a concept that feels both innovative and somehow obvious (why hasn't everyone always done this?). Privacy screens glide into place, massage tables appear as if by magic, and suddenly the room becomes your own personal wellness retreat. And as a LEED Platinum–certified property, there's not much about the hotel that isn't thought out from an eco-friendly lens, from bathrooms with low-water flow toilets to the salvaged wood integrated in select buildings. —Jennie Nunn and Pallavi Kumar
Stanly Ranch, AubergehotelStanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
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Hot List 2023 Readers' Choice Awards 2023, 2024, 2025Auberge Resorts Collection’s third property in Napa Valley is set on a historic wine country ranch founded in 1856 by Judge Edward Stanly. Guests can choose from 135 cottages, rooms, and suites—decorated in oatmeal and beige hues and leather and oak furnishings—all with private terraces and outdoor showers. Standout amenities include Guatemalan heated robes, yoga mats, and Theragun massage tools. Bay Area food lovers make the trek here just to dine on chef Anthony Stagnaro’s ingredient-focused meals at the resort’s Avroko-designed restaurant, Bear; others prefer to sip rosé at the French countryside-inspired Basin Bar or order a scoop of ice cream at The Window. But don’t expect to sip wine all day: This wellness-focused resort can curate fitness optimization programs, send you out on a cycling adventure with a pro, or arrange a hot air balloon ride for the whole family. —Jen Murphy
STEVEN ROTHFELDhotelMeadowood Napa Valley
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Gold List 2024 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022A sort of homey luxury is everywhere at this 250-acre Napa Valley gem. If you can, spring for the Hill House, which, with around 2,000 square feet, indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace, and an alfresco dining room looking out into the forest, is true treat. There’s a lovely pool area, an excellent spa, and beautiful on-property hiking trails, as well as access to some of the most exclusive wine country events. While the legendary Restaurant at Meadowood is no longer with us, having burned in the Glass Fire in 2020, Meadowood remains as dedicated as ever to bringing their guests a fine dining experience at Forum. There, Chef Alexandro Ayala serves up pork chops from nearby Snake River Farms and Mexican-tinged specialties like Snapper a la Veracruzana and fideo seco. —Rebecca Misner
Carneros Resort and SpahotelCarneros Resort and Spa
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025Smack in the middle of Napa Valley, the area is surrounded by grapevines, making it feel more like you’re staying on a vineyard than a typical resort. Even the main building is barn-like, and the cottages and courtyard rooms are set up in little cul-de-sacs, giving off a kind of mini-neighborhood feel. The airy rooms continue the luxe countryside vibe, each with its own fireplace and French doors leading out onto stone patios and manicured gardens. You may not need to leave the resort at all, as there’s a mock Town Square with a Market, and the restaurant Farm books local bands and musicians to play while they serve up seasonally inspired menus utilizing the hotel's gardens and orchards.
Gentl & HyershotelDawn Ranch
$$ | Hot List 2024 Readers' Choice Awards 2024Over the past few years, long-bohemian Sonoma has seen a handful of splashy, big hotel openings that make the area feel like it’s headed in the same way as ritzy neighboring Napa. Dawn Ranch is not one of those openings—in the best, most magical way possible. The cabins, cottages, and glamping-style tents (86 keys all in) are spread out across the retreat’s 22 riverside acres, punctuated by ancient giant redwoods, grassy meadows, and a century-old apple orchard. From the minute you step on site, there’s a clear invitation to slow down and take in the surrounding nature. The check-in area is low-key and more outdoor than indoor, with a chalkboard that highlights the week’s activities—morning yoga or meditation, forest bathing in the redwoods, stargazing in the orchard, or live music at the band shell. The front desk can kit you out with picnic blankets, sketchbooks, and binoculars, and there are acoustic Fender guitars available for campfire sing-alongs. There are quiet places—a bench in the sweet kitchen garden, a picnic table under the shade of a cedar—that beckon for guests to stop and stay put for a moment. While the decor and design is very contemporary, there’s this lovely throwback-to-simpler-times feel (and no phones or TVs in the room help keep this vibe going). Dawn Ranch is the rare property that makes it easy to relax, truly befitting its idyllic setting. —R.M.
Courtesy of Farmhouse InnhotelFarmhouse Inn
$$$ | Gold List 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025Farmhouse Inn has a bucolic vibe—some have even said Provençal—with its overgrown gardens and gracefully relaxed service. We appreciate the getaway atmosphere as a hub to exploring Sonoma, which doesn’t get as many tourists as nearby Napa Valley, but offers just as much to see and do. Owned by the Bartolomei family, a vintner clan that has been in the Russian River Valley since the early 20th century, this is a wine-lover's dream. Their arsenal includes the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn Restaurant, serving an ever-changing farm-to-table menu, the family’s own Lost & Found Wines, as well as a full-service spa. The rooms are quiet with vaulted ceilings and porches that extend out onto a forested area, adding to the relaxing ambiance. —R.M.
Courtesy Casa Palmero at Pebble BeachhotelCasa Palmero at Pebble Beach
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2024, 2025There are golf resorts, and then there’s Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach. The course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, opened more than 100 years ago in 1919, and has enjoyed as long and storied a history as any. The resort, a former private residence that opened in 1999, is directly on the course—rooms overlook the first and second fairways—making it an absolute dream for golfers. But Casa Palmero offers so much more than tee times. The rooms have a countryside vibe—spacious with woodburning fireplaces, exposed ceiling beams, and wrought iron fixtures—the Spa at Pebble Beach offers award-winning service. Plus, it’s only a five-minute walk down to the peaceful beach.
Courtesy Joie de Vivre HotelshotelCarmel Valley Ranch
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023Carmel Valley Ranch is a perfect sanctuary nestled at the bottom of a valley about 25 minutes from Monterey Bay. The 500-acre expanse resembles the Shire from The Lord of the Rings, but the real magic is in the activities that the resort offers: top-tier tennis instructors, a Pete Dye–designed bentgrass golf course, and several hiking trails of various difficulty levels that originate from the resort. We’re pleased to report a kid-friendly activity calendar that's actually fun with an awesome kids’ pool, a beekeeping experience, and a geocaching adventure. At the end of the day, you can grab a bite at Valley Kitchen, where the meals are locally sourced and they serve up goat cheese and wine made right on the premises.
Courtesy Alila Hotels and ResortshotelAlila Ventana Big Sur
$$ | Hot List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023This resort gives uncommon indulgence with exclusivity—just 54 airy suites, each with their own secluded balcony with views out onto the majesty of Big Sur, with its dramatic bluffs set over crashing waves on isolated beaches and its towering redwood forests. Set on 160 remote acres, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a getaway in the truest sense. At its restaurant, the Sur House, hyperlocal dining takes center stage, with fish from Morro Bay and chicken and beef from nearby Central Coast farms, and of course a selection of wines from their 10,000-bottle cellar to wash things down. While traditional adventures like hiking and biking can be had, Ventana's quirky array of experiences include axe throwing, “Vinyasa and vinyl yoga,” beekeeping experiences, personal astrology readings, and a drive through Big Sur’s iconic Highway 1 in one of Ventana’s 40 classic cars, from vintage Porsche Spyders to classic Volkswagen vans. —Christina Ohly Evans
Courtesy Post Ranch InnhotelPost Ranch Inn
$$$ | Gold List 2022, 2025 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Few hotels in the world are like the Post Ranch Inn, dramatically set on the cliffs above Big Sur. The 39-room hotel is built organically into the surrounding redwood forest, making the line between nature and hotel almost imperceptible. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal panoramic ocean views, crackling fireplaces, and private decks with outdoor showers and hot tubs. The spa emphasizes healing, and you can even book a session with Shaman Rob Somers, who can help get to the root of issues weighing you down. Don’t miss the cliff-top pools for a remarkable place to do some stargazing. —Lauren Sloss
Courtesy Four Seasons BiltmorehotelFour Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019This 20-acre Mediterranean-Spanish style property between Butterfly Beach and the Santa Ynez Mountains has red roof tiles, ivory-colored adobe buildings, and jungle-like grounds. Past guests call it the “American Riviera at its best.” Rooms come with ornamental ironwork, walnut furniture, and baths with rain showers and deep soaking tubs. Bella Vista showcases organic, Italian-inspired California cuisine and has Sunday brunch with a gorgeous view of the ocean. Staff are friendly and open. Spa treatments are based on botanicals from the gardens of Santa Barbara.
San Ysidro RanchhotelSan Ysidro Ranch
$$$ | Gold List 2025 Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025It might seem like a mistake to go to Santa Barbara and not stay close to the shore, but the moment you make the turn inland onto San Ysidro Road, you realize that being here isn’t about visiting Santa Barbara; it’s about visiting the ranch. Just 38 cottages, each with its own unique layout, decor, and view, are spread out over 550 acres, but rather than being scattered, they form a ring within the property. At the resort’s center is a collection of gardens as well as a rectangular pool that overlooks the canyon. Some of the curated finds you’ll see throughout are museum-quality art, antiques sourced from billionaire owner Ty Warner’s world travels, and handmade wallpapers (even on the ceilings of the showers). But San Ysidro Ranch isn’t your typical hotel—as its history of having legendary guests like Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, who honeymooned here, or John Huston, who finished writing the screenplay for The African Queen on the property, can attest. And the ranch continues its legacy as a celebrity refuge, as modern-day A-listers use this tucked-away spot to truly hide out and escape—which is what you should do too. —Samantha Brooks
Courtesy BelmondhotelEl Encanto, a Belmond Hotel
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025This hideaway in the hills above Santa Barbara opened in 1918. It still maintains the vibe of an old Hollywood escape, with its architectural fusion of California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles. But the accommodations and amenities are swanky-modern, with access to electric bikes so you can cruise into town, and a zero-edged freshwater pool with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The 92 bungalow-style rooms are spacious and comfortable, some designed in the pristine white Spanish-style and some in the earthy, woody tones of the Craftsmans. The dining room features a menu full of luxe favorites like Royal Kaluga caviar, locally sourced halibut, and lamb loin from Sonoma. —Daniel Scheffler
Courtesy Hotel CalifornianhotelHotel Californian
$$ | Hot List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024Old Hollywood meets the laid-back charm of the Central Coast at the alluring Hotel Californian, a coveted haven tucked into the vital Funk Zone of Santa Barbara. Within 121 generously apportioned rooms lies a treasure trove of tasty architectural flourishes. Spanish Colonial Revival elements blend harmoniously with the influences of Beat-era Tangiers, all masterfully envisioned by the renowned celebrity interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The rooms are their own sanctuary, but the Majorelle spa, with its Moroccan flair, offers a different kind of oasis—here, a personalized spa experience awaits, accompanied by an aroma design bar. Hotel Californian's allure is further heightened by its location in Santa Barbara—a coastal gem with sun-kissed shores and a vibrant culinary scene.
Courtesy Nobu Ryokan MalibuhotelNobu Ryokan Malibu
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2021, 2022We could tell you about the handmade teak soaking tubs, 8,000-thread-count Italian linens by Anichini, the shoji screens and tatami mats, the serene minimalist rooms overlooking the Pacific (only 11 rooms and five bungalows in total), the in-room spa treatments, or the access to the Malibu Racquet Club. We could mention Carbon Beach (one of Malibu’s least busy public beaches) just out the door, or the invisible but attentive staff, and of course the restaurant, where you can get Nobu standbys like black cod with miso. But what’s best about Nobu Ryokan is the exclusivity—even the front door to the hotel is locked at all times; once you’re in, you’re treated like royalty. —Brooke Porter Katz
Nicole Franzen/The SurfriderhotelThe Surfrider Malibu
$$ | Gold List 2020 Hot List 2018 Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021The name evokes a lazy, relaxing shack where barefooted surfers lounge by an open fire on the beach. While it may not be exactly that, there’s something oh-so-Californian about this place, named for the beach in front of it that is in fact a classic Malibu surf spot. The former mid-century motel has been renovated into a 20-room luxury hotel. Still, some of the homeyness seeps through: the lobby is designed to resemble the living room of a beach house, and the rooms are light and bright, engendering good vibes. There’s lots of natural materials—limestone, white oak, teak—and rooms are decorated with locally-made ceramics. Splurge on the Surfrider Suite and you can lounge on the outdoor terrace’s hammock before suppering at the alfresco dining table facing the beach. The roof deck is the perfect spot to escape to, as it’s open only to hotel guests. —B.P.K.
hotelShutters on the Beach
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024Shutters is perfect for the traveler who wants to wake up and smell the salty air from the Pacific Ocean, but still have easy access to all the action. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as Hollywood’s Beach House for its A-list clientele (Angelina Jolie, Christian Bale, and Brad Pitt have all been spotted here). Located on the boardwalk near the Santa Monica Pier, there’s plenty of people-watching to be done. But the white-shingled, New England–style beach house hotel is still cozy and elegant, boasting a blue chip art collection (works by John Baldessari, Ellsworth Kelly, and Jasper Johns, to name a few). The beachfront rooms come with the titular shutters that open directly to an ocean view. Four-poster beds, walnut furniture, and custom-made linens aid a restful sleep after a bustling LA day. The two restaurants, 1 Pico and Coast, offer fresh seafood (among other options) and a formidable wine list. —B.P.K.
Courtesy Montage Laguna BeachhotelMontage Laguna Beach
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024This resort is peak Laguna Beach, set on 30 acres of sweeping bluffs and crystalline beaches. The recently renovated hotel’s 258 rooms and bungalows overlook panoramic views of the Pacific—yes, the horseshoe layout of the building is such that every room has an ocean view. The rooms are swathed in muted tones that foster relaxing vibes and frame the horizon. Relax in poolside cabanas separated by herb gardens, or in one of the 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage’s 21 treatment rooms. Stop by the Loft, one of Montage Laguna Beach’s two restaurants, where you’ll dine on surf like Kaluga caviar, seasonal oysters, and diver scallops and turf like a coffee-crusted prime New York strip.
Courtesy Rosewood HotelshotelRosewood Miramar Beach
$$$ | Hot List 2020 Readers' Choice Awards 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024Montecito—just east of Santa Barbara—is as tony as California gets, and the Rosewood Miramar fits right in. Miramar Beach, in front of the resort, is lined with dramatic bluffs leading out into the Santa Barbara Channel, where the water is blue and clear. The resort sits on the 16-acre grounds of the legendary Miramar Hotel. The ghosts of that historic wellness retreat—which was open in one form or another for more than 100 years—have been excised, and the vibe now is swank, with a clean and subtle color scheme with lots of whites, soft blues, and sandy and gray tones. The rooms and bungalows are chic, as are the food options. Try the produce-centric, locally sourced menu at the Revere Room, Italian-influenced food at Caruso’s (run by Massimo Falsini, formerly of Harry’s Bar in Rome), Edomae-style sushi at AMA Sushi in a converted bungalow on property, and the Miramar Beach Bar, which looks out over the ocean. —R.M.
Werner Segarra Photography Inc. / Courtesy Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon BayhotelThe Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, situated snugly between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is pretty—pretty breathtaking, that is. The Shingle-style hotel's weathered, wind-battered appearance evokes a 19th-century seaside lodge, and red- and gold-accented interiors showcase equally classic taste, with oil paintings, watercolors, and sepia-toned etchings lining each suite. The northern Californian food at Navio, set atop a stunning ocean bluff, is seafood at its best—subtle, savory, and fresh—offering standouts like the Skuna Bay salmon, paired with pumpernickel, sorrel, and smoked onion, and the olive oil poached Halibut, hailing from nearby Oceanside, which would please any lucky locavore. The Conservatory, although a little less lavish, serves equally fresh farm-to-table fare, as befits coastal Californian cuisine. —Ana Kamin
Courtesy Ojai Valley Inn and Spa CalifroniahotelOjai Valley Inn
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025Time seems to slow down as you pull up to this sprawling Spanish revival hotel. Birds chirp from atop the towering oak trees, and the peacefully running fountains set the tone for a zen-like serenity that'll carry through your weekend. The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub and separate shower. Hand-painted Spanish tile, gold-auburn granite, and cobalt blue accents give this room a modern Mediterranean look. But the real highlight is the stucco fireplace with seating, a perfect spot to tuck into a book and indulge in the rejuvenating spirit of Ojai. If that's not enough for you, the pools here are worth the visit alone—attentive staff, killer views, and plenty of space to hop around to keep the scenery fresh. —Krista Simmons
Chris SimpsonhotelSensei Porcupine Creek
$$$ | Hot List 2023 Readers' Choice Awards 2023, 2024, 2025Rancho Mirage is called the “Playground of the Presidents” for its reputation as a lure for American Chiefs of State, including former President Obama, who reportedly has an estate amongst the tony surroundings in the High Desert. Sensei Porcupine Creek expertly caters to those luxurious expectations with its 230-acre desert retreat nestled amid the Santa Rosa Mountains. The resort’s minimalist stone architecture blends seamlessly into the desert landscape, setting a refined tone even before settling into one of 22 rooms. Rooms doesn’t really describe the accommodations; it’s actually 10 luxury suites in the “Estate House,” four casitas, and eight standalone villas. The amenities are stately as well: an 18-hole golf course and tennis facilities built to mimic nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the most famous courts in the world. Guests can take advantage of customizable wellness packages, complete with guided walks, hikes, yoga, meditation, and fitness options. Even the dining feels presidential: Sensei by Nobu—a health-conscious collaboration between Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and renowned physician Dr. David Agus—is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. —Betsy Blumenthal
Randy Galligan/Canyon Ranch WoodsideCanyon Ranch Woodside
An all-inclusive wellness getaway, Canyon Ranch Woodside provides bespoke yoga, healing, and enlightenment programs in addition to the luxurious forested confines. While sitting on the private balcony, each room boasts enjoying a refreshing beverage and a moment of perspective, it’s easy to forget Silicon Valley and San Francisco are a short drive away. The rooms are spacious and modern rustic—think leather sofas and earthy tones, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the redwood forest. There are a few different experiences you can book, whether it’s the weeklong immersion program, or shorter stays that are medical-based, weight loss–based, or spiritual-based. Or you can simply opt for the “Just Be Here” program, where you can figure out what you want to do once you arrive.
Courtesy Pelican HillhotelThe Resort at Pelican Hill
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020The Resort at Pelican Hill, located in the ultra-exclusive Newport Coast zip code, has a luxurious Tuscan vibe, well-manicured hills overlooking the Pacific, beautiful villas and bungalows, and Roman aqueduct-style architecture. At 504 acres, it's huge—so huge that you'll likely need your car to get to your room. It's also surrounded by 50,000 acres of protected green spaces. You'll want to leave plenty of time to relax by the Coliseum Pool, the resort's crown jewel. —Archana Ram
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Chris Gramly/Rancho ValenciahotelRancho Valencia Resort & Spa
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025This 45-acre resort may rest on a tranquil property, but its focus is on more active recreation. Racket enthusiasts can practice their volley on 16 tennis courts (including three European clay courts, as well as four pickleball courts) that make Rancho Valencia something of a tennis retreat, while more outdoorsy types can hike, cycle, or take outdoor yoga classes. Not to be overshadowed: the proximity to world-famous San Diego–area golf clubs like the Farms and Torrey Pines. The 49 hacienda-style casitas are secluded and spacious, each with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, and private patios that overlook lush olive and citrus groves and culinary gardens. Guests are encouraged to forage for fallen fruit to garnish their drinks at the hotel's restaurant, The Pony Room. —J.N.
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This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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