If you’ve ever dreamed of journeying to Japan, have been but long to return, or simply want to stay in the lap of luxury, then Gaige House + Ryokan is the primo pick for you. Located in the hidden Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen—just a stone’s throw away from award-winning wineries (we recommend Benziger Family Winery, VJB Cellars, and Wellington Cellars) and top-rated restaurants like Salt & Stone—the off-the-beaten boutique property oozes with Asian-inspired elegance and modern, meditative vibes that’ll sweep romance-seeking travelers right off their feet.

Book a Ryokan Suite for 715 square feet of blissful space that boasts a fireplace and deep granite soaking tub, plus a private patio and glass-enclosed atrium. Wake up to a full breakfast—featuring a rotating entrée, fresh-brewed coffee or tea, and other house-made delights; and avail of an afternoon picnic that comes complete with wine, house-baked cookies, and cheese. On-property offerings include private yoga or meditation classes, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), and spa services (once COVID-19 restrictions lift).

PERFECT FOR: Cultured couples in need of a restful retreat with a side of wine (and sake).

Love is in the air at the aptly named Waters Edge. Perched dockside on Tiburon’s magical Main Street, this intimate inn—whose A+ offerings include an in-room continental breakfast, lendable bikes, and evening wine reception—is the perfect place to rekindle your romance.

And though the bay views, stylish seafaring décor, and genuine hospitality are enough to keep you at the lodge, should you decide to depart, there’s plenty of fun just outside your door, too—from Angel Island, to the storybook streets filled with renowned restaurants like Sam’s Anchor Café, and a surplus of scenic hikes, including the 122-acre Old St. Hilary’s Preserve.

Enjoy your morning coffee or evening cabernet with a side of sailboats by booking the View King room. This generously sized space comes complete with picture-perfect views of the San Francisco Bay, a private patio, vaulted ceilings, soaking tub, and wood-burning fireplace. It’s essentially the recipe for romantic success.

A change of scenery is always good for the soul, and your love life—especially when the view includes vineyards and there’s vino flowing freely. At Vista Collina Resort, the premises offer plenty of alfresco activities and quintessential Napa experiences—including nine boutique wineries, a well-received restaurant (Olive & Hay), cooking classes, indulgent spa treatments, and vineyard terrace vinyasa yoga—that you might never feel the need to leave. For those who prefer pints over pinots, there’s a bevy of top-notch taprooms, too—like Stone Brewing and Fieldwork Brewing Company—just a stone’s throw away in Downtown Napa.

If a “workcation” is calling your name or you want ample room to roam, reserve the spacious One-Bedroom Suite. Cozy up fireside in the large living area, breathe in the brisk wine country air from your private patio or balcony, and make gourmet meals in the full kitchen. Other must-mention amenities include a welcome bottle of wine, working desk with ergonomic chair, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi—ensuring the ideal balance between work and play. 

Tucked away from touristy Tahoe, Wylder Hope Valley is an under-the-radar destination that beckons with its beauty and easy access to Kirkwood Mountain, Grover Hot Springs, and other outdoor experiences. Sited on 165 acres of majestic aspen and pine forests with the West Fork Carson River meandering through, the year-round resort is home to the iconic Sorenson’s Café—where you can savor scratch-made meals, including the beloved berry cobbler, and complimentary coffee, cocoa, and tea—plus on-site activities like a wood-fired sauna, s’mores, and snowshoeing.

Accommodations run the gamut from glamping in a yurt or vintage Spartan, to cozy-chic cabins, cottages, and spacious homesteads that fit eight of your nearest and dearest. Whatever room you book, expect modern mountain environs that are luxurious but still laid-back.

PERFECT FOR: Twosomes wanting to go off-grid (Wi-Fi is accessible but unplugging is highly encouraged) and appreciate all the nuances of nature—and each other.