Top 5 Weekend Getaways From The Bay Area

We all know how it is, you are super behind with work and the last thing you can do is take 2 weeks off for vacation.  However, you need some way to relax and recharge.  The perfect solution is a weekend getaway!  These are my favorite places to relax and unwind within a 2 hour drive from the Bay Area.

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Just 30-45 minutes from many places in the Bay Area, this resort sits right above the Pacific Ocean.  The resort offers an array of recreational activities that blend the elements of a seaside resort with lavish five-star accommodations, including making s'mores on your guestroom's terrace fire pit, exploring miles of ocean-side trails and golfing on two world-class courses. Be sure to grab a seat around the wood-burning fire pits at sunset to watch the lone bagpiper stroll down the bluff.  By booking with Nick Running Travel clients receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast for two
• $100 Spa credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Carneros Resort and Spa

Carneros Resort and Spa, only an hour from San Francisco sits almost directly between the Napa and Sonoma wine regions making it the perfect weekend getaway for those who want to visit both areas. It is surrounded by 28 acres of grapevines, fruit trees and picturesque farmland.  Cottages have various amenities including fireplaces, indoor-outdoor showers, individual hot tubs and French doors leading to landscaped gardens.  By booking with Nick Running Travel clients receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full American breakfast for two at Hilltop Dining Room
• A $100  Spa credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Meadowood Napa Valley

For those who want to concentrate on Napa valley, Meadowood sits just outside St. Helena and offers a very central location for exploring all the valley’s wineries.  Meadowood boasts a three Michelin star restaurant, and lots of activities onsite including a 9 hole golf course, tennis, swimming, hiking and croquet.  Most cottages have fireplaces and terraces and many rooms are unique.  By booking with Nick Running Travel clients receive the following:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• $50.00 daily credit towards breakfast in The Grill or via room service
• $100 Spa credit
• Welcome amenity of a box of handcrafted Napa Valley Chocolates
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Carmel Valley Ranch

Located about 10 miles inland, this gated private resort spans 500 acres of vineyards, lavender fields, scenic foothills and an 18 hole Pete Dye golf course.  Carmel Valley Ranch features miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, yoga classes, multiple pools and evening s’mores. Of all the locations mentioned this is where you should go if your idea of relaxation and rejuvenation means getting active or outdoors.  By booking with Nick Running Travel clients receive the following:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast for two
• One $100 hotel resort credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Rosewood CordeValle

Just 20 minutes south of San Jose, Rosewood CordeValle is a quiet oasis from the busy hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.  Situated on a private country club in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains this resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind.  Golfers will enjoy the 18 hole Robert Trent Jones, Jr course that has previously hosted LPGA tour events.  Rosewood CordeValle was rated by Conde Nast readers choice awards as the #1 resort in California and #40 in the world in 2017. As a Rosewood Elite Member, clients of Nick Running Travel receive the following amenities:

• VIP Recognition
• Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability
• Special on-property staff dedicated to you as an Elite client
• Top-of-waitlist in high demand periods like holidays
• Elite Price Assurance: If a special offer is developed after a reservation confirmation is generated for an Elite agent’s client, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will extend better value upon request up until 24 hours prior to guest arrival.

The Best Courses to Golf in Hawaii

Now that the Masters has ended it’s officially golf season.  Unfortunately though for many places, the weather hasn’t allowed you to rid your game of the accumulated dust..  How about heading to your favorite Hawaiian Island and enjoy the sunshine on the course and post-round drinks at the beach.  I’ve included my favorite course on each island and the best hotel to stay at to make your trip complete. Make sure to book your trip with Nick Running Travel to get the VIP perks and benefits at all the noted hotels.   

Hawaii (Big Island):

Hualalai Golf Course

Just outside of Kona, this Jack Nicklaus signature course winds through the black lava fields and along the ocean.  The finishing stretch of holes hugs the coastline making you think twice about every shot.  This course also plays host to the PGA Champions tour during the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hualalai

The only way to play this course is to know a member or stay at the Four Seasons.  This hotel is set on Hawaii Island’s exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, this showpiece oceanfront luxury resort in Hualalai captures the essence of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition.  The hotel offers seven swimming pools, beachfront access, three restaurants, and a state of the art fitness facility and spa.  As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, clients of Nick Running Travel receive special amenities and perks, feel free to reach out to us for details.

Maui:

Kapalua Plantation Course:

Consistently ranked as the #1 golf course in Hawaii, playing The Plantation Course is sure to be on every golfer’s bucket list. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, the course was designed on a grand scale in keeping with its location on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains and offers ocean views from virtually every hole.  With dramatic elevation changes, this course offers plenty of downhill tee shots. You’ll feel like one of the pros when you hit one of the longest drives of your life on the severely downhill 18th hole.  The Plantation Course is the site of the PGA TOUR's Sentry Tournament of Champions each January featuring an elite field of previous year's PGA TOUR winners.

Where to Stay: Ritz Carlton Kapalua

The Ritz is set on Maui’s northwest side away from the traditional resort areas of Wailea.  Just up the shore from Ka'anapali Beach the Ritz sits on the pristine 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort, giving guests exclusive access to amenities and activities such as Hawaii’s largest nature preserves with two marine sanctuaries, golf and miles of hiking trails.  A complementary resort shuttle can take guests to great local restaurants like Merriman’s Kapalua, Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar and The Plantation House.  As a Ritz Carlton STARS and Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

• Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Gourmet Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• $100 Resort or Hotel credit
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Lanai:

Manele Golf Course

Built high above the shimmering waters of Hulopoe Bay, this Jack Nicklaus Signature course is Lanai’s premier golf course.  Built on lava outcroppings, the course features three holes perched on cliffs, enlisting the Pacific Ocean as a water hazard.  Tee shots over natural gorges and ravines must be precise, but golfers are rewarded with ocean views from the fairways and even the chance of whale sightings. Be sure to take note of the archaeological ruins that border the greens and the breathtaking views beyond.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Lanai

Four Seasons Lanai was just completely remodeled from the ground up to become the new premier Hawaiian destination.  It sits on the southeastern shore of one of Hawaii’s last unspoiled island.  The hotel has nine different bars and restaurants, snorkeling, diving and sailing.  The hotel can also arrange ATV rentals, horseback riding and helicopter tours. As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, clients of Nick Running Travel receive special amenities and perks, feel free to reach out to us for details.

Oahu:

Ko Olina Golf Club

Home to the LPGA's annual LOTTE Championship, Ko Olina Golf Club is recognized as one of Oahu's premier golf courses. Located on the western coast of Oahu, Ko'olina offers a challenging 18-hole championship course with exceptional water features, multi-tiered greens, and no parallel fairways. Located on the sunny West Coast of Oahu, just a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki.

Where to Stay: Halekulani

Situated on five prime oceanfront acres, Halekulani has been a Waikiki Beach landmark for almost 100 years. Each tropically elegant guestroom features a large lanai that opens to views of the gardens, the Pacific Ocean or Diamond Head. Sunbathe or watch the surfing action on famed Waikiki Beach; relax by the dreamy swimming pool, made up of 1.2 million mosaic tiles; or indulge in the Pacific Islands inspired treatments at SpaHalekulani.  As a Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

• Room Upgrade at the time of booking, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests.
• $100 / $200 Hotel Credit depending on room type
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Kauai:

Princeville Golf Course

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., who brilliantly integrated the wild beauty of the north shore of Kauai. Taking advantage of wilderness areas, natural water features and the dramatic coastline, the course winds its way through magnificent stands of trees and rolling landscape and views that will astonish you with their unforgettable beauty.

Where to Stay: St Regis Princeville

Located in the 9,000 acre resort community of Princeville at Hanalei, this luxury resort on Kauai resides on the northern shore of the "Garden Island" and provides visitors all the amenities expected from an island destination considered to be one of the most spectacular in Hawai'i. Guests of our Kauai resort reside in a bastion of tropical sophistication featuring cuisine that celebrates local flavors along with an array of diverse activities. Don't miss the nightly champagne sabering at sunset from the St. Regis Bar.  As a Virtuoso member clients of Nick Running Travel receive:

• Room upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
• $100 Resort or Hotel credit.
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi