Stately and historic, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa brings a European vibe to its 13 acres at the northern edge of Sonoma. It also brings thermal waters up from 1,100 feet below the surface to feed the resort’s pools, making it one of the few luxury spa resorts in America with its own source of thermal mineral water.
What to Expect at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Rustic touches grace many areas of this Spanish Mission–style inn, like the lobby’s exposed-beam ceiling and large fireplace. Meanwhile, the accommodations—whether you select a suite or a guest room—feature marble baths and furnishings that favor clean lines, making for an ambience that is quite contemporary and focused on comfort. Many of the rooms include fireplaces, and some suites have four-poster beds, balconies, or sunken Jacuzzi tubs.
Dining at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
The resort’s dining experiences are helmed by chef de cuisine Andrew Cain, an alum of The French Laundry. His signature restaurant, Santé, has become a destination of its own by incorporating high-quality local ingredients into its haute cuisine. Savor your way through the always-changing menu that may include diver scallops in a bacon-scented coconut lobster, a take on bouillabaisse that features local black cod, or a ribeye of Wagyu beef. Finish your night at 38º North, the hotel lounge where you can choose from more than 50 by-the-glass wines.
Fairmont Spa
Also flowing here are those ancient thermal waters—most strikingly at the highly rated Fairmont Spa. The sprawling space takes full advantage of the healing waters in five unique pools, including the Watsu Pool, which is naturally heated to 98 degrees. It’s here you can experience the spa’s signature Watsu, or floating massage. You can also select treatments like a lavender bubble bath or a grape seed and rosehip body wrap. (Spa access incurs an additional charge per guest.)
Golf and Tennis for Fairmont Guests
Once refreshed, take advantage of some of the activities available to you here: Golfers enjoy exclusive access to Sonoma Golf Club, an 18-hole course that dates to 1928 with rolling fairways and mountain views. (The concierge can arrange tee times and lessons.) If you prefer tennis or pickleball, staff can also assist guests in booking courts at the same club or at other locations.
Wine Tasting at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
While at the Fairmont, you’re at the center of Sonoma County’s renowned wine culture. Take advantage of the daily complimentary wine tastings in the lobby, check out some of the outings offered by Sonoma Sips, or ask the concierge to arrange private winery tours to nearby estates such as Buena Vista Winery, Gundlach Bundschu, and Ravenswood. There are also guided bike-and-wine tours that can provide a scenic way to visit local tasting rooms.
Hiking Near the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Some of Sonoma County’s best hiking trails are within a short drive. Explore the Sonoma Overlook Trail, a moderate, three-mile loop with panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley; Jack London State Historic Park, which has more than 29 miles of trails through historic ranch lands and redwood groves; and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, where you'll find waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and a chance to stargaze at the park’s observatory. The Fairmont’s concierge team can provide maps, hiking recommendations, and even arrange guided nature walks for those looking for a more immersive outdoor experience.