Getaway Spot: Rancho Valencia

We had the absolute pleasure of getting to stay at Rancho Valencia for a little weekend getaway, take part in so many of the happenings there (ahem.. candlelit yoga), and feel overwhelmingly pampered (waking up to fresh squeezed orange juice at the door?!). Rancho Valencia is the definition of an oasis. Tucked back in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe, the resort is gives you ultimate privacy among the breathtaking mountain views. But before you jump in your car or catch the next flight, here’s how to do it right:

On our tour of the grounds, we were introduced to the multiple tennis courts, pools, fitness facilities and top of the line restaurants. We were then escorted to a private casita where we were trained on the in-room espresso machine, given full access to the complimentary mini bar stocked with every snack imaginable and shown the walk in closet…officially in heaven. The casita housed a massive living room with a fireplace, spacious bedroom, enormous bathroom complete with bath tub and rain shower, and a private patio with a fireplace, outdoor lounge and it’s very own hot tub! We met for specialty tequila cocktails on the lawn to play croquet and watch the hot air balloons rise into the sunset. We then had dinner at the Pony Room which qualifies as the best meal we’ve ever had! The next day we were treated to a balanced and delicious breakfast and a private TRX training class where we got our booties kicked! The best workout! Followed by a trip to the spa for a Six Sense treatment – relaxing tub soak in a private outdoor bath, followed by an hour-long full body and scalp massage. But what really made this whole experience unreal was the staff and how friendly and attentive they were (we’re talking first name basis)! We can’t wait to go back and borrow a Porsche for the day, do some tequila tastings and have dinner in the wine cave. Best. Getaway. Ever.