Top 5 destinations for your socially distant vacation: California luxury resorts

Palm tree lined pools. Rocky coastlines. Landscapes where mountains meat the sea. The freshest ingredients. Laidback lifestyle. That’s the norm in California. But, what about staying at a California luxury resort during COVID?

It’s a time of year when people are normally traveling all over the place. You might be wondering what to do with the rest of your summer. And what about the fall? Or the rest of 2020? 2021?

Where can you vacation in California during COVID?

As COVID numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction for the United States, we continue to be more limited in where we can travel. This is a dynamic situation, and things are changing daily. But overall, here’s the trend if you are thinking about a vacation during COVID. As a US citizen, if you are going to travel near term, domestic is your safest bet.

For more detail on this, read my article covering the Top 50 destinations in the US for your post-quarantine vacation (linked here).

If you are thinking about taking a vacation during COVID, I need to tell you something. There are so many amazing properties spread across the US that were designed for social distancing. And that was wayyy before it was the travel industry’s hottest trend! If you don’t believe me, read on.

This article will dive into the region occupying the majority of the left coast of the United States. I will share 5 of my favorite California luxury resorts to consider for your California vacation during COVID.

 

Top 5 California luxury resorts for your post-quarantine vacation

Whether you live in California, driving distance from California, or you’re willing to fly to the west coast, there’s a breathtaking option for you. 

And yes, I understand that there are some areas in California that are seeing spikes in COVID cases. The properties on this list are all in remote locations, have tons of outdoor space, and offer secluded accommodation options. For example, casitas, cabins, villas, bungalows, private homes, or full buyout.

We’ve chosen options at different price points and rounded things out geographically within California. Everyone has different needs and priorities, so they are not listed in ranking order. 

It is also not an end all, be all list. There are too many great properties to include them all. If you do not find something that matches your needs, please reach out and ask (email me directly: jordan@thejourneybound.com). I am happy to have the conversation and guide you in the right direction!

You might be looking for a near term driving distance getaway. Or maybe you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel. Either way, continue reading and use this hand-picked list of Califnornia luxury resorts as a starting point. 

 

VIP perks and amenities for you

I am partnered with many of these properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means free stuff and VIP treatment for you! At a minimum, this means:

  • Free breakfast daily
  • Food, beverage, or spa credits to use during your stay
  • Potential room upgrades

Plus, I will always contact the properties directly on behalf of my clients. This ensures they are ready to welcome you personally, and gives you the best chance of receiving extra amenities and room upgrades 🙂

 

Rancho Valencia | Rancho Santa Fe, CA – Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa delivers a relaxing, yet elegant ambiance. It is a California style wellness retreat that combines the warmth of authentic hacienda-style accommodations, the comfort of modern amenities, and the charm of Mediterranean landscaping. The property is situated on 45 lush garden acres and citrus groves, offering the space, privacy, and comfort of your own coastal ranch. The rejuvenating spa and signature onsite restaurants, showcasing the property’s commitment to sustainability and wellness, round out a complete 5-star experience.

Choose from 49 private, luxuriously-appointed, individually heated and cooled guest casitas with spacious patios and fireplaces.

  • Open: Now
  • $799++ per night

The Resort at Pelican Hill | Newport Coast, CA – Perched upon 500+ acres of unrivaled Pacific coastal beauty, Pelican Hill exemplifies Italian essence, Newport Beach style. The property is set apart as a world unto itself. It offers a sanctuary of seclusion, a feast for the senses, and a retreat for family and friends. The private, residential-style villas and bungalows are spacious and casually elegant, with an attentive staff to anticipate your needs at every turn. Resort amenities provide all the comforts of home with the activities and relaxation of an ultra luxury vacation away.

Choose from a variety of residential style bungalows and villas spread across the sprawling property.

  • Open: Now
  • $695++ per night

La Quinta Resort | Palm Springs, CA – With 41 climate-controlled pools spread throughout the property, La Quinta is the perfect remote desert oasis for relaxation and renewal. There are pools for kids, pools for privacy, and pools for relaxation. Immerse yourself in total rejuvenation with their award-winning wellness treatments. Get your sweat on in the footsteps of Sampras, Federer, and Djokovic on their world class tennis courts. After, indulge in the finest, locally sourced ingredients at one of seven onsite restaurants.

Choose from a variety of luxurious suites, casitas with private patios and hot tubs, and villas that will make you feel like your Palm Springs home away from home.

  • Open: Now
  • $250++ per night

Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA – Carmel Valley Ranch has always provided guests an escape with 500 acres to roam, explore, and discover. It is a place where people do everything from rekindling romances to reuniting with friends and family. Or, simply an excuse to get away, play, and find joy. You’ll swap stories by the fireplace and gaze at the stars from your private deck. Their hand-crafted, homegrown approach to food means they try to use ingredients grown on their own land whenever possible.

Choose from a wide variety of suite options, ranging from studio to 4-bedroom, all including private fireplaces and patios.

  • Open: Now
  • $500++ per night

Timber Cove | Sonoma Coast, CA – At Timber Cove, warm hues, sturdy timbers, and midcentury accents create a uniquely captivating hospitality experience perched on the ruggedly breathtaking Sonoma coastline. The recently renovated structure balances the authenticity of the original 1960’s legend and the comforts and amenities of a new luxury hotel. Onsite, a coastal wine country culinary concept offers seasonal fare with clean, crisp presentations. One part modern hippie and two parts rustic modern, Timber Cove is a magical place. As a guest, you can expect to experience a deep connection with both land and sea, while relaxing in a casual, sophisticated space.

Choose from a variety of rooms and larger suite style accommodations.

  • Open: Now
  • $349++ per night

Again, this is not an end all be all list of California luxury resorts. But, whether you’re looking for a west coast vacation during COVID or if you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel, this hand-picked list is a great place to start. 


Most luxury travelers don’t have the time, knowledge, or expertise to plan truly awesome vacations. I offer a personalized travel planning and concierge service to help you save time, access the best travel experiences, and travel hassle free.

I am partnered with many of these luxury properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means VIP perks and amenities for you! To contact me directly, email jordan@thejourneybound.com. To start planning your trip today, click SCHEDULE A CALL below.