Escape the Valentine’s Day clichés and fall head over heels with California instead. Discover epic star-gazing opportunities in the desert and diverse landscapes from the comfort of a hot air balloon. It’s time to fall in love with California.
Sunset-to-Stars in Anza-Borrego State Park
Experience nature at its finest on a Sunset-to-Stars adventure in Anza-Borrego State Park, California’s first International Dark Sky Community. The wonder of the desert night sky awaits and what could be more special than starting the tour with an off-road ride through Badlands to Font’s Point where you can watch the sun fade before an evening of stargazing at Clark Homestead. Private excursions are available if you want to take the experience to the next level. What’s not to love?
Big Sur Glamping
Make your trip that little bit more special by trading in the five star, four walled hotel rooms and get back to nature with the ultimate "Glamping" experience at Treebones in Big Sur – think cosy yurts with ocean views and a hot tub. Try a night in the cocoon named ‘The Autonomous Tent’ secluded on the edge of the resort with your own private deck and outdoor fire pit. For those looking for something a little more unique, how about overnighting in an actual tree-house? With weekly yoga classes, endless hiking trails, and an onsite massage therapist, this place will do wonders for your mind, body and soul.
Sip, Cycle and Soar in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is California’s prestigious wine region and the area boasts some of the most sought-after grapes. As well as expansive wineries Napa has a whole host of wonderful experiences for you to enjoy. If you want to explore on two wheels Getaway Adventures will sort you out with their Velo n’ Vino bike tour – take on a 30- to 80-km bike ride fueled with frequent stops at local wineries and a delicious picnic packed with cheese and artisan breads.
For an alternative view of this remarkable wine region, head for the clouds on an epic hot air balloon ride. This unforgettable experience will allow guests to soar high above Napa and take in the beautiful scenery. With a whole host of different tour packages you could be sipping on mimosas post-flight and enjoying a delicious brunch at one of the nearby wineries.
Luxury living in Newport Beach
Lover of all things luxury? Grab your friend or your loved one and live like a king or a queen at the luxurious Resort at Pelican Hill where you can haul up in your private bungalow and enjoy luscious spa treatments. For the ultimate luxury, rent a private yacht to explore the beautiful seafront houses from the water. Once you’re out on the open ocean you will soon find yourself surrounded by dolphins, whales and seals who all frequent the waters here. The fine dining, high-end boutiques and close proximity to Temecula’s wine region complement your once-in-a-lifetime trip perfectly.
Cosy up at Big Bear Mountain Resort
Let the good times roll with a stay at Big Bear Cool Cabin situated at Big Bear Mountain, just two hours east of LA. A home away from home, but with the addition of beautiful mountain scenery all around, guests can choose from a cabin with fireplaces, hot tubs and even Netflix for a cosy night in. For something a little more special, experience ‘Movies in the Meadow’, where film lovers can sit next to the fire pit with a blanket and watch a film on the big screen, while sitting under a blanket of glistening stars. The films start from 5pm which means that you will have plenty of time to grab a table for two at the Pines Lakefront restaurant afterwards.
Go on a California Safari
In the heart of wine country, at Safari West in Sonoma County. Go on a search to find some of nature’s finest creatures, from herds of wildebeest to towering giraffes. With an incredible 400-acres of wilderness to be explored, the only thing missing here, is you. As the day begins to draw to a close, opt for ‘dinner in the bush’ and pull up near scenic Watusi Lake where the table is ready with five-star service and scenic views of wildest wine country. For a really wild night, choose to stay overnight in a luxurious Safari West tent and get up close to nature.
If these wonderful experiences don’t make you fall in love with the Golden State, we’re not sure what will.
