Cavallo Point Lodge, San Franciso

The old army captain’s lodgings line a circular lawn overlooking the bay and main driveway into the hotel. Each home in the Historic section of Cavallo Point has been tastefully transformed into a cosy hideaway, each slightly different to the next, all with hints of detail reminiscent of their former life. Contemporary rooms and suites are set back behind the old historic buildings and thanks to their hillside location they boast unbeatable Golden Gate views. The sustainable and self-containing nature of the hotel’s ethos truly sets it apart, and all Contemporary rooms are designed to self-regulate their temperature, with bamboo furniture used throughout to ensure further insulation.

Murray Circle fine dining restaurant opens every evening to hotel and visiting guests. The ceiling is a popular talking point as the intricate tin panelling that is still there today once saved the original building from collapsing when hit by an earthquake. The architects behind Cavallo Point restored the tin and reinstalled it as a key feature of the restaurant. After dinner, there could be nowhere better for a nightcap than the adjoining Farley Bar. The open fireplaces and comfy sofas with memorabilia of the great outdoors transport you to an American alpine lodge. As the sun sets and air temperatures cools, order a glass of your favourite Californian grape, grab a blanket from the basket and head out to one of the old wooden rocking chairs on the veranda to soak up the fresh pine scent and peaceful serenity of the surrounding wilderness.

Hikers and bikers rejoice at the vast array of trails that lead straight from your front door at Cavallo Point. Pack a picnic and explore the stunning Californian countryside… just ask Brit, the hotel’s in-house local guru on all things outdoors, to point you in the direction of his favourite short hike to Point Bonita lighthouse, or grab a ride with the friendly hotel team and head to the nearby village of Sausalito for a lazy sun swathed lunch with the locals before cycling back to the lodge. For something a little less active, you simply have to experience the delights of the Healing Arts Center and Spa, an oasis of calm amidst the pines where a treatment will transport your mind, body and soul to a state of pure bliss.