Latest news with #MontageHealdsburg
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Travel + Leisure
7 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
13 Best Small Towns in California, According to Locals and Experts
California's marquee cities—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego—tend to steal the show. These cities are home to some of the best food, cultural attractions, and vibrant communities in the nation, but the Golden State delivers something even more rewarding for those who veer off the major freeways: small towns filled with abundant charm. From artist enclaves and wine country spots to quiet beach towns and alpine outposts, the best small towns in California offer experiences you won't find in any major city. A busy patio in Healdsburg, California. Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure Healdsburg is a small town with plenty of buzz—and for good reason. "Healdsburg is truly a slice of small-town Americana," Daniel Strawn, the director of leisure sales at Montage Healdsburg, shared with Travel + Leisure about the community, which has a population of around 11,000 people. "What people don't realize is even though, yes, the region is known for wine, it truly has its roots as an agricultural community with many families living here for generations." Visitors can experience that balance between rural charm and modern refinement everywhere, including the town's Tuesday Concerts in the Park, three-Michelin-starred dining at SingleThread, and visits to its best galleries. Strawn is a big fan of The Harris Gallery—Art & Wine Collection, a father-and-son-run tasting lounge and gallery where you get the best of both worlds under one roof. Strawn also recommends visiting in early November, just after harvest, or during the quiet of winter: "These months offer the best time to curl up by our outdoor fire pits while drinking a glass of beautiful pinot noir." Sunset over a beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure "This area is where the country meets the coast in one of the most breathtaking parts of California," Melissa Krueger, the CEO of Classic Vacations, shared about Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has a full-time population of just over 3,000 people. Think dramatic cliffs, redwoods, and white-sand beaches, all in the same panoramic view. Carmel is also filled with fairy-tale cottages, art galleries, and wine rooms. "It's perfect for outdoor lovers: hiking, golf, and coastal adventures are all part of the everyday experience," Krueger added. It's also the perfect place to bring your four-legged family member. "Carmel-by-the-Sea is a romantic destination that's also very pet-friendly," said Mark Jason Williams, the co-author of LGBTQ+ travel guide Out In the World . He recommended making a stop at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve during your stay, adding it's key to "stay for the sunset." Williams also noted that fall is a particularly great time to visit as it's the area's sunniest season, with September and October offering warm weather and perfect golden light. A person kayaking on Caples Lake near Kirkwood, is an escapist's dream come true in all four seasons. "While it's known for having some of the best skiing in California, summer is my favorite time here," Krueger said about this town with a population of just 400 full-time residents. "The wildflowers are incredible, the hiking is top-tier, and the alpine lakes are peaceful and pristine." However, it's key to note that this isn't the place for high-end hotels or plentiful amenities. "Services are minimal—just enough to get by—but that's part of the charm," Krueger said. She recommends grabbing a bite and then spending the day wandering the area trails or kayaking Silver Lake. Lifeguard stand in Carpintiera, California. Carpinteria, located just south of Santa Barbara, delivers beach-town charm in droves. "Carpinteria is a special town with its small, local, old-school surfer's vibe," Louise Astbury, the general manager of California-based Paradise Retreats, shared about the town with just under 13,000 residents. "The beach is amazing and claims to be the 'World's Safest Beach.'" Downtown "Carp" offers galleries, family-owned cafes, and walkable blocks for visitors to explore during a stay. Like others on this list, the shoulder season in October is a prime time to visit, thanks to the annual Avocado Festival and warm fall weather without the trouble of massive summer crowds. A vineyard in Lodi, California."Lodi reminds me a lot of Healdsburg 20 years ago," famed chef Charlie Palmer explained of the Central Valley town. "It's got all the right ingredients: amazing wines, hard-working growers, serious food talent, and a strong sense of community." With a larger population of around 67,000, it's not a true small town, but it remains somewhat under-the-radar as a travel destination, which makes it easier to meet winemakers and find open tables at the area's best restaurants. That said, you may want to hurry up and visit—Palmer sees Lodi as a town on the verge of a breakthrough. "You feel this energy, like it's right on the cusp of something big," Palmer added. Aerial view of Jonson's Beach in Guerneville, California."Guerneville is a charmingly rustic town on the Russian River," Lauren Levin, California resident and chief marketing officer of Lightstone/Moxy Hotels, said. "It mixes towering Redwoods, calm river waters ideal for tubing, and laid-back attitudes with trendy restaurants, breweries, and boutique hotels," along with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Levin recommended checking into the retro-chic Boon Hotel + Spa, renting a canoe, and ending the day with craft beer at Stumptown Brewery. Levin added that San Franciscans have long come here, and Angelenos are now catching on thanks to short flights into Santa Rosa. Storefronts in Los Olivos, California. "Tucked into the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos feels like one of those rare places where time slows down in the best way," Levin said about the tiny town that's home to fewer than 1,000 people, about 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara. It's home to a walkable downtown that features wine-tasting rooms, art galleries, and shops, all "surrounded by vineyards, ranches, and open skies," Levin said. "It's equal parts rustic and refined." Sam Highley, the founder of U.S.-focused travel company All Roads North, agreed, noting the town is "the perfect place for a languid weekend exploring the winding backroads." A person hiking between giant sequoias in Three Rivers, Rivers, a town of 2,300 people located in the Sierra Foothills at the entrance to Sequoia National Park, deserves at least a full day's stop, according to Highley. "Many pass through the town on their way to the park, but that would be a mistake." According to Highley, there's whitewater rafting on the Kaweah River, hiking in the foothills, and an emerging food scene that simply must be tasted. Furthermore, Autocamp just opened a stylish glamping retreat here, offering riverside Airstreams and fire pits under the stars, making it a destination in its own right. A couple fishing in Mammoth Lakes, has one more must-visit small town to recommend for outdoor lovers: Mammoth Lakes. "As mountains go, Mammoth has never had the glitz of Aspen," Highley shared, "but things are fast changing." With its namesake high alpine lakes, fantastic hiking and biking trail systems, and nearby hot springs, the town that's home to fewer than 8,000 full-time residents is just as attractive to visit in the summer as it is during ski season. Buildings in Ojai, California. WendyWeatherup/Getty Images Ojai has long been the bohemian dream down in California, and Alex Alioto, the Cali-based head of growth at Whimstay, thinks it's high time you visit, too. The haven, Alioto said, is "nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and has attracted artists, spiritual seekers, and luxury travelers for decades." With walkable streets full of wellness shops, bookstores, and juice bars, just about everyone can find their little slice of heaven. Alioto shared that it's best to come in spring for the citrus blossoms or in the fall for harvest season. Don't miss the "Pink Moment," when the mountains are bathed in a rosy alpenglow from the sunset. Buildings in downtown Solvang, California. With its half-timbered buildings, bakeries, and windmills, Solvang blends whimsy and tradition, and the town comes recommended by several of our local experts. "This little Danish town in California's Santa Ynez Valley was my very first taste of Europe," Jonathan Alder of Jonathan's Travels explained. "It still holds a special place in my heart." "Solvang is so unexpected. You're driving through wine country and suddenly find yourself in a Danish village, complete with windmills, wooden shoes in the windows, and bakeries selling aebleskivers (little pancake balls made of fried batter)," Eugene Triasun, from online travel agency eSky Group, added. "Solvang is playful and super walkable, and there's a warmth to it that goes beyond the architecture." According to Triasun, the best time to visit is in September during the Danish Days celebrations. Promenade with shops in Avila Beach, California. "Avila Beach takes its independent spirit seriously," Kirstin Koszorus of Highway 1 Road Trip shared. "The town has long embraced its role as the liaison between the sea and the woodlands and between the field and the vineyard." Koszorus said visitors can spend a day biking the Bob Jones Trail, hiking to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse, or exploring the Central Coast Aquarium. She also noted you can always find something fresh at Valley Barn, including "seasonal fruits and vegetables, including world-famous See Canyon apples." Houses along the coast of Cambria, California. Joe Josephs/Cambria, a town of just 6,000 people, is the perfect pit stop on a road trip between two of California's major cities. "Perfectly positioned between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this pristine seaside village punches well above its weight culinarily," Alioto explained. "The town's remarkable restaurant scene rivals much larger destinations, featuring everything from farm-to-table establishments to oceanfront dining." But it's not just the food that makes it great. Alioto also recommended stopping at Moonstone Beach, which offers "dramatic coastline walks, while the village center bustles with art galleries, antique shops, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts housed in Victorian buildings." As for the ideal time to book a trip, Alioto said it's best to go in September or October for "warm, sunny days and calm seas."
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Travel + Leisure
14-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Wine Country Resort Feels Like a Modern Treehouse—and It Has Vineyard Yoga, Grazing Goats, and Gorgeous Valley Views
The modern, natural design of the property, from the rooms to the restaurants, is the epitome of non-fussy luxury. There are treehouse vibes in every room, with floor-to-ceiling windows, spa bathrooms, and furnished private balconies that invite the outdoors inside. Enjoy breathtaking vineyard views at farm-to-table-focused Hazel Hill Restaurant, the perfect spot for sparking romance and curing famished appetites. Montage Healdsburg is located in the heart of wine country close to charming towns like Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Geyserville, known for their vineyards and local eateries, so you can easily access all the area has to offer. There's a rare beauty in waking up to the reddish-orange glow of the morning sun over lush vineyards after a good night's sleep under a twinkling night sky. For those seeking a perfect balance of luxury, rest, and vino, the Montage Healdsburg provides the ideal place to unwind. The fire place and bar in the hotel lobby. christian horan/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg This hotel is just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, a journey that took us over the Golden Gate Bridge and into the rolling Sonoma Hills. Upon arrival, we were immediately taken by the property's design and aesthetic, which is perhaps best described as a rustic modern treehouse, with leafy views and warm, organic stone, wood, and copper accents. After a seamless check-in accompanied by a glass of locally made wine, we were given a checklist of what to see and do on the vast 258 acres of private property before being golf-carted to our cliffside deluxe suite that had unforgettable vineyard vistas. Meanwhile, Montage's attentive standard of service ensured an experience that felt bespoke and luxurious, and included everything from grapes to (believe it or not) goats and sheep. Here's what it's like to stay at Montage Healdsburg. There are 130 rooms at Montage Healdsburg, each a testament to the property's refined sense of design that doesn't compromise on cozy comfort. There are several accommodation types to pick from, ranging from the Vineyard Rooms that include a balcony with grape field or forest views, to the luxe, standalone Guest Houses, which span more than 4,600 square feet, and have three bedrooms as well as sweeping views of the property and Mount St. Helena. Every room, though, is stunning at Montage Healdsburg, regardless of which one you select, with indoor/outdoor flow incorporated into every unit. Hardwood floors and marble bathrooms with freestanding soak tubs exude quiet luxury, while natural materials like wood, stone, and copper accent each room. Some even have private fire pits on the balcony—perfect for cool evenings, gazing at the stars. The terrace of the Hazel Hill on property restaurant. Barbara Kraft/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg Dining at Montage Healdsburg is an experience in itself, and there are three on-site restaurants. For poolside eats, head to Hudson Springs Bar & Grill offering coastal-inspired dishes. The halibut ceviche and crispy calamari are not too heavy, and felt refreshing after hours lounging in our beach chairs. The Cortez shrimp street tacos also packed a punch of flavor. For something even more casual, there's Scout Field Bar, a lobby bar with small plates. The main full-service restaurant is Hazel Hill, which is, according to my wife, the 'fancy schmancy' choice. Here, a California-French fusion menu utilizes local farm-to-table ingredients, and the seafood and breakfast dishes felt like the standouts to us. And, if you love ambiance, the restaurant's vineyard views were the most picturesque and romantic on the entire grounds. The vineyard-adjacent Yoga Garden is a peaceful setting for relaxing and stretching out the stress. Set among cabernet sauvignon vineyards, the yoga sessions at Montage Healdsburg skillfully blend mindfulness with nature. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting like me, this one-hour class provided a pretty serene escape and an intimate way to connect with the hotel's surroundings. One caveat for all the parents: Yoga is only available to resort guests who are 16 years of age and over, so teens and children will have to sit this amenity out while visiting the resort. For those who prefer to stay active in other ways, there is hiking, biking, archery lessons, bocce, and pickleball, as well as a modern fitness center equipped with all the gym necessities. Interior of a spa treatment room. Christian Horan/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg The 11,500-square-foot Spa Montage is a sanctuary of serenity, whose treatments reflect the region's natural beauty. After a morning walk of the property's 258-acre grounds, watching the goats and sheep doing their thing (they help keep weeds under control, which can compete with vines for water and nutrients), it felt heavenly to lie down and unwind with a massage. The spa uses locally sourced botanicals to enhance each massage, facial, or body therapy, and I was told by my wife (who enjoyed a facial) that Valmont Skincare products are used, a leader in Swiss cosmetics. While the resort does have just about everything you need on site, for those with cabin fever or the urge to explore, Healdsburg is about four miles away. This quaint, walkable town is known for its artisanal shops, tasting rooms, and farm-to-table restaurants. Eager for more wineries and restaurants? The hotel is only about an hour from nearby towns like Geyserville, California, and Santa Rosa, California, where you'll also find the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which is dedicated to the Peanuts creator. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is about 86 miles, or a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Though there are ride-hailing services available in the Healdsburg area, I recommend going the rental car route for convenience and ease. Montage Healdsburg is a part of Preferred Hotel Group, a program that represents independent luxury properties around the globe. If you reserve your stay through the Preferred Hotels website, you can earn and redeem points on your bookings. The hotel is also a part of American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts. If you book your stay through Amex's travel site with a qualifying card, you can get fun perks like early check-in, late checkout, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and, if available, a room upgrade. It's also a part of The Edit by Chase Travel. Similarly, if you reserve your stay through Chase's travel site with the right travel card, you'll get things like a gift upon arrival, a $60 breakfast credit, and a $100 property credit. Nightly rates at Montage Healdsburg start from $645. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
Travel Daily News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Montage Healdsburg appoints John Wielenberg as Hotel Manager
Montage Healdsburg appoints John Wielenberg as hotel manager, bringing 15+ years of luxury hospitality experience and operational expertise to Sonoma resort. HEALDSBURG, CALIF. – Montage Healdsburg announce the appointment of John Wielenberg as hotel manager, overseeing daily operations for the resort's 258-acre retreat in Sonoma wine country. With more than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and a strong foundation in food and beverage operations, Wielenberg brings a collaborative leadership style and a deep commitment to service excellence. Wielenberg joined Montage International in 2023 as hotel manager at Pendry West Hollywood, where he led key departments including rooms, security and Spa Pendry, while also supporting the success of the hotel's award-winning culinary concepts helmed by Chef Wolfgang Puck. Previously, he held leadership roles at renowned properties across the U.S. and Europe, including The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Half Moon Bay, and Los Angeles & JW Marriott L.A. LIVE, where he oversaw operations for 10 distinct dining venues. In 2020, Wielenberg played a pivotal role in steering The West Hollywood EDITION through the pandemic as executive assistant manager, setting new benchmarks in financial performance, guest satisfaction and employee engagement during a challenging time for the industry. A native of Bösel, Germany, Wielenberg launched his hospitality career in a family-owned restaurant, where he gained early exposure to service and culinary excellence, laying the groundwork for impactful operational leadership. Montage Healdsburg is located on 258-acres in the heart of California's world-renowned Sonoma wine country. Built within the constraints of the natural landscape, the transformative hideaway offers 130 bungalow-style guest rooms and suites and 40 privately owned Montage Residences settled among oak trees and vine-covered hills with a contemporary aesthetic. The resort features three dining outlets including signature restaurant, Hazel Hill; an 11,500-sq. ft. Spa Montage with zero-edge pool overlooking the resort's own 15.5 acres of vineyards; and Montage's signature children's program, Paintbox. Montage Healdsburg is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts' worldwide collection.
