Located just an hour and a half from San Francisco International Airport, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa awaits you.
Style & Character
If you are looking for pampering at its finest, you’ve come to the right place. The expansive, meticulously maintained grounds lead you to the modern mission-style hotel where a staff anxiously sees to every detail during your stay. The staff’s unwavering attention to detail is apparent as soon as you enter the grand lobby and everyone already knows your name.
Settle in, unwind and be prepared to experience Sonoma as it was meant to be experienced. The only worry you’ll have during your stay is selecting which wine you’d like to enjoy with your main course…but then the staff is there to assist with that as well. It might be your first stay at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, but as many past guests have found, it probably won’t be your last.
Rooms
There are a variety of accommodations to select from to meet your needs, desires, or budget. We decided on a Mission Suite, which offers a private outdoor patio or balcony. We could enjoy our room service breakfast on the patio each morning while discussing our day’s upcoming activities. An additional perk of the suite is the large seating area by the in-room fireplace.
It was the perfect spot to kick up our feet and relax after days spent hiking, wine tasting, shopping, and biking. A soak in the tub large enough for two also aided in some additional relaxation, and the lights set to dimmers created a warm and inviting ambiance. The décor is a classic and elegant Provence style with a crisp and inviting color palette. Early morning activities might be a bit delayed as the beds are heavenly, and you’ll undoubtedly find it as hard to leave as I did. The complimentary bottle of wine that awaited us was enjoyed by the fire, and we had no problem unwinding and settling into the laid-back Sonoma mood.
Service & Facilities
There is so much to see and do in Sonoma that many people don’t find the time to laze about the pool, but I would recommend at least a leisurely morning dip or pre-dinner plunge just to enjoy all that the hotel has to offer. The lounge chairs are the perfect spot to steal a little sun. Poolside dining at Water Tower Bar is also available should you want to grab a bite or enjoy a cocktail while catching some rays. The fresh organic smoothies are also worth trying (the mixed berry flavor was out of this world).
Sonoma is a wonderland for the active as well as those looking for pure rest and relaxation. The area offers countless hiking and biking options for visitors looking to take in the outdoors. Lovers of the arts will be entertained by the local art festivals, concerts, and plays as well as shopping for pieces by local artisans to take home. Most well-known for its wines, a trip to Sonoma isn’t complete without wine tastings and vineyard tours. Contact the concierge before you arrive, as we did, and upon arrival, you’ll have your day tours already arranged and passes ready for each winery. The staff has also compiled various itinerary suggestions to utilize during your visit, and those are available on the hotel website’s activities page.
The crème de la crème experience that you must enjoy while staying is Willow Stream Spa. Listed as one of the top 25 spas in the world by Travel & Leisure, it is no surprise why from the minute you arrive. As you step through the front door, spa staff takes care of absolutely everything. Situated atop natural mineral springs, the spa offers detoxifying and cleansing mineral baths, the same springs that Native Americans claimed offered healing and medicinal powers. In addition to the baths, indulge in some of the luxurious treatments that are offered. The Vanilla Oil Float treatment will leave you feeling renewed and refreshed. I would also recommend the Chakra Cleanse as an additional pampering session. A clean set of chakras will ensure a positive and enlightening visit…or so they say. Indulge in their full-service showers after your treatments. Their apricot-scented hair products leave your hair smelling of summer. They’re wonderful. When I return, it will be for a full-fledged spa weekend. I can’t wait to try every treatment they offer.
Food & Drink
There are many world-famous restaurants in Sonoma, but you have to look no further than the Fairmont to enjoy a Michelin-rated dining experience. The acclaimed restaurant Santé is on-site and ready to serve you one of the best meals you’ll ever have. The Cal-French cuisine is refined yet unfussy. The price point reflects the restaurant’s notoriety, so you may choose to dine here for a special occasion or if you want a splurge. I recommend the chef’s tasting menu to experience a true party for your pallet. Each dish surpassed the next in flavor profile, and the suggested wine pairings could not have been more on point. It was a meal that will be remembered.
Also on site is 38° North, a wonderful lounge that offers small tasting plates along with its plethora of wines. More than 50 wines are available by the glass, and the knowledgeable bartender is there to assist in choosing just what you might be craving. If you hit the links at Sonoma Golf, you’ll be able to grab a bite at the Golf Club Grill. Take in the view of the award-winning course while enjoying some classic California cuisine.
Conclusion
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is a sensational choice for a true wine and dine experience to celebrate a special occasion, a weekend getaway with friends, or a romantic escape. The hotel lives up to the expectations Fairmont clientele expect and comes with the same price tag. You pay for what you get, and the Fairmont didn’t fail in any aspect of our stay. I’m not sure if I’d select the hotel for any old weekend away, but if you want to up the ante and have a truly memorable experience, then the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is the spot for you. And how could I forget you can pamper your pooch, too! An added bonus for those with furry babies, the Fairmont Sonoma is a pet-friendly hotel, so Fido can receive the same five-star treatment as mom and dad. Cheers!
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