“I don’t need to do anything else,” my mother gleefully pronounced after she surveyed the lush, English gardens and opulent suite at MacArthur Place Inn in Sonoma. This was a good start to our Sonoma Mother/Daughter getaway. Mom was pleased as wine punch with MacArthur Place Inn that she could literally do nothing else but relax, read a book on our old-fashioned porch or play ping-pong by the pool. And that’s a grand statement for a self-proclaimed type-A personality to make as Sonoma County offers a bounty of exhilarating activities to do while staying at the MacArthur Place Inn like wine tastings, artist studio visits, and farm-to-table dining. Yet the most priceless aspect of a vacation is the opportunity to unplug from daily demands in a peaceful environment.
As my mother reiterated in many fashions during our vacation, MacArthur Place Inn facilitates this. Picture yourself with your cell phone off, liberated from time constraints, playing checkers as the fountain peacefully gurgles in the background.
Or this – you decide to saunter the English-style garden maze in search of the secret hideaways and local artists’ sculptures before the 5 pm cheese and wine hour in the stately library. Or how about this idyllic scene: relish in a nature-inspired spa treatment like Lavender Dreams or the Rose Garden massage at their appropriately named Garden Spa. It’s a wonderful destination to perfect the art of doing nothing.
19th Century Working Farm & Vineyard
Staying with the country-farm theme, as MacArthur Place was originally a working ranch and vineyard, each of the Inn’s 64 rooms and suites are uniquely furnished and decorated. But not to worry, you won’t have to sleep on a farmer’s authentic bed of straw. Their beds, fashioned with down comforters and custom linens, are the perfect balance of inviting fluffiness and firmness so you wake up refreshed.
Historical and Modern Options
If you prefer historical lodging, the Manor House, the property’s original residence of the 1850’s, offers ten rooms to stay in. MacArthur Place Inn also has swanky, modern suites outfitted with fireplaces, original art, hydrotherapy tubs, a wet bar with so large you could host a party with it, and an outdoor private patio complete with a cabana shower and fountain. Being an outdoor lover, Mom spent a lot of time with her shoes kicked off lounging on our tranquil patio.
Locals Endorse MacArthur Place Inn Too
So my mom was an instant and ecstatic fan of MacArthur and if she had a facebook, I’m sure she would have directly ‘Liked’ MacArthur Place and added it as one of her Facebook ‘friends’ – but she and I were outsiders, not a reliable source for a testimony of praise as there are many boutique hotels in Sonoma County.
This is where the Sonoma locals were priceless. Traveling as much as I do, I rely almost solely on the kindness of strangers for recommendations about experiences only a local would know. This was the true testament to MacArthur Place’s spellbinding charm – locals offered unsolicited praise.
Lloyd Davis, owner of Sonoma’s Viansa Winery that specializes in unique Italian varietals, said he stays at MacArthur Place Inn any chance he gets when he’s in town. He also raved about MacArthur’s Saddles Steakhouse and the grass-fed, Kobe beef they served.
Local Sonoman cheesemaker Sheana Davis who also own the gourmet cheese shop Epicurean Connection, excitedly exclaimed that she goes to MacArthur Place Inn regularly for a rejuvenating stay-cation with her girlfriends. She also said she books her parents there when they come to visit.
Central Yet Secluded
Sonoman residents probably love MacArthur Place Inn for another reason as well. It is located directly off the main highway 12 that runs through Sonoma County and a ten-minute walk to the bustling town square of Sonoma yet it retains the feeling of a secluded retreat. It is also a ten-minute bike ride to gawk at Sonoma’s stunning historical Victorian homes and wine taste at Sonoma’s oldest winery founded in 1857 – Buena Vista Winery.
Biking Balances Hedonism
After much imbibing and feasting on Sonoma’s plentiful wine and local gourmet cuisine, a bike ride is a perfect way to give the body a much-needed gastronomical respite. Not only will your digestion system thank you, but the sensory high and tranquil beauty that Sonoma via bike offers is not to be missed.
For my mother who only rides a bike once a decade, she stated with conviction, “For a non-bike rider who can’t wait to get off a bike, I could ride around Sonoma all day.”
Ask MacArthur Place’s concierge for a bike route map and be sure to hit all the spots they highlight for you. For $10 an hour, it’s the most magical (and economical) way to explore the town of Sonoma. Early morning rides are best to get the most peaceful ride while avoiding the mid-day heat.
To impress your own mom or anyone else with a retreat in the heart of Sonoma at MacArthur Place Inn & Spa, book online at www.macarthurplace.com.
Review their July specials on spa treatments and room rates.
MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
29 East MacArthur St.
Sonoma, CA
(800) 722-1866
