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Get Back to Nature: Six Stays in California’s Beautiful Surroundings

With two new lodgings set to open this spring near Yosemite National Park - Firefall Ranch in Tuolumne County and Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa County - visitors to California are spoilt for choice when on the hunt for accommodation best situated for exploring the Golden States’ rich diversity of landscapes. From the striking cliffs of Big Sur to the towering Sequoias in Yosemite National Park, there is no better way to connect with the landscape than through staying in it. Read on to discover the top six stays in California which allow you to explore nature at its finest.

Wildhaven Yosemite: A new glamping experience in Yosemite Mariposa County (opening March 2024)
In March, a new glamping experience is set to arrive in Mariposa County, just outside Yosemite National Park. Wildhaven Glamping Yosemite will offer glamping tents and cosy cabins on a beautiful property with mountain and valley views. Located less than a mile from the historic town of Mariposa, the extra-large, safari-style tents and modular cabins with baths feature comfortable beds with linens, electricity, heaters and all the furnishings needed for a comfortable night’s sleep. Wildhaven provides the comfort, cleanliness and customer service of a hotel while being immersed in nature. Tents start at £78 per night which sleeps two, book here.

Firefall Ranch Yosemite: New understated luxury lodging in Tuolumne County (opening May 2024)
Opening in May near the entrance of Yosemite National Park in Tuolumne County, Firefall Ranch Resort is the perfect basecamp for visitors looking for a Yosemite adventure. The Ranch offers understated luxury in serene meadowland surrounded by forested rolling hills located near the park's northwest entrance, with standalone cottage and villa accommodations as well as amenities such as a pool, fine dining restaurant, tavern and wine room. Guests can also access guided excursions to the park, river rafting and snowshoeing, as well as daily wine tastings and nightly fireside s'mores at the ranch. Cottages start at £255 per night which sleeps two people, book here.

Circle Bar B Guest Ranch: The ultimate coastal mountain oasis in Santa Barbara
Located 25 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, get whisked away with the rustic setting of Circle Bar B Guest Ranch. The ranch offers a host of different cabins, all complete with outdoor verandas, ideal for an evening gazing onto the hills as the sun sets. Guests can also venture out and explore the trails of the coastal Santa Ynez Mountains by horseback making use of the onsite stables, or try their hand at coastal fishing at Refugio Beach which is located nearby the ranch. Cabins starting at £310 per night which sleeps two people, book here.

Park Winters: A romantic retreat nestled in Yolo County
Set inside a lovingly restored Victorian farmhouse, Park Winters offers a romantic bed and breakfast in the peaceful countryside of Yolo County. Guests can choose from four luxurious guest suites, each with their own unique character and charm, and will enjoy farm-fresh food prepared by the award-winning kitchen, using ingredients sourced from the hotel's organic farm. Visitors can stroll the idyllic gardens, tour the organic farm and go on a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. Rooms start at £412 per night which sleeps two people, book here. 

Post Ranch Inn: Embrace the dramatic views of the Pacific in Big Sur
Perched high on a 1200 ft coastal ridge, Post Ranch Inn stands as a breathtaking retreat immersed in the natural beauty of Big Sur. With panoramic views of the Pacific and the majestic Santa Lucia mountains, guests can opt for either mountain or sea views. The surrounding landscape has been incorporated into the design of the hotel ensuring it blends into the landscape naturally with the use of eco-materials: glass, wood, stone and grass. Guests needn’t go far to experience nature as the grounds provide a habitat for the endangered Smith’s Blue Butterfly, California Red-Legged Frog and Western Pond Turtle. The Inn also offers a digital detox experience, with three heated infinity pools, guided hikes, yoga classes and a spa offering treatments with locally sourced products to indulge in relaxation. Rooms start at £1,147 per night which sleeps two people, book here

Ponte Vineyard Inn: Up close with the vines
Found in the heart of Southern California's Wine Country, Temecula Valley, Ponte Vineyard Inn is any oenophile’s dream surrounded by over 300 acres of vineyards. This four-diamond, mission-style boutique hotel stands adjacent to Ponte Winery and within walking distance of other wineries, perfect for sampling the local grapes. The inn's 90 beautifully designed rooms offer gorgeous views of the vines from private patios or balconies, immersing guests in the natural beauty of the vineyard landscape. Visitors can also relax poolside at the heated outdoor swimming pool or dine at Bouquet Restaurant in the garden courtyard, which offers a taste of locally sourced Californian cuisine. Rooms start at £180 per night which sleeps two people, book here.

For more information about the state of California, visit media.VisitCalifornia.co.uk and VisitCalifornia.com.

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