It’s not often that I could spend my entire stay on hotel property. Let alone enjoying an entire afternoon in my room and its environs. But such is at the MacArthur Place in Sonoma. Located walking distance from tasting rooms and minutes from stunning wineries, it’s a unique classic. A gem. Just 45 minutes from San Francisco, it’s worth not just staying at, but also staying in.
After check in, I followed a narrow garden path on the way to my room where I discovered one whimsical nook after another. Art and sculptures emerged, all with a sense of humor. Swings beckoned and sunny spots invited me to whittle away the afternoon reading a new book or record random musings in my journal.
MacArthur Place both impressed and inspired me. I felt my stay unlocked my creativity. Ideas flowed as I was both entertained and utterly spoiled. From feeling old-Hollywood glamorous in the outdoor cabana shower to the pure indulgence while sipping champagne in the morning on my veranda overlooking a garden full of oversized playful jacks. Like watching a good movie twice and enjoying it even more the second time, I’m counting the days until I can return.
And then there was the pool to soak up a few afternoon rays in luxury and day dream if only just a little while. On the way, I meandered through the Spa Gardens where they harvest fresh herbs for signature spa remedies. The pool is understated and elegant surrounded by a lush garden view in every direction. Even the jacuzzi was bordered by white roses and lavender.
But time slipped away and I realized that it was nearly happy hour held in the Library. Now, the Library at MacArthur Place is hardly quiet. It’s a fun and lively gathering place for guests where our entertaining hostess, Cynthia, generously poured delicious local wines. After a glass or two (but who is counting?) with a Chardonnay smile, I happily stumbled to my suite for a disco nap before dinner.
When it was time to sleep and party with my pillow, I took the “long” way back to my suite and sat in a swing contemplating the stars and my good luck. And not wanting the night to end, I took a bath enjoying yet another perk; complementary Grape Seed Bath Soaking Tea from the Spa.
The next morning I work up feeling utterly refreshed. I treated myself to a glass of champagne in my white fuzzy bathrobe on my suite’s front porch. Looking down, I saw yet another subtle art installation. A life-like dog sat to my left, who left paw prints in the “wet” cement under my feet. More whimsy to make me smile.
I could have relaxed on my front porch for another hour, but I didn’t want to miss breakfast. So I traded in my fuzzy bathrobe for real clothes and headed over to The Barn for its complimentary buffet for guests. Sitting in their garden room with nearly floor to ceiling shutters with lush green views, I fully enjoyed homemade muffins and a fresh breakfast that lived up to all that I had experienced before.
Looking at my watch, checkout was looming. I could have easily have stayed another day or ten reveling in the charm and whimsical elegance that is MacArthur Place.
Disclosure: I was the guest of MacArthur Place Inn & Spa and Photos courtesy of MacArthur Place Inn & Spa.
Author, journalist and publishing consultant, Donna Sozio has been featured in 200+ media outlets including the Tyra Banks Show, Early Show, Fox News, Good Day LA, Seventeen Magazine, Yahoo! Personals, Match.com, Lavalife.com, WeBlogtheWorld.com, EcoSalon.com, OrganicAuthority.com and many more.
Her books The Man Whisperer (Adams Media) and Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers (Kensington) were Amazon.com bestsellers, had TV/Film options and were translated into German, Portuguese and Czech.
