Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
For the Maldon sea salt-sprinkled chocolate chip cookies alone, Kenwood Inn & Spa is worth a visit. These dense and chewy delicacies, baked fresh daily, are a temptation singular to this Sonoma County hotel gem. Of course the central wine country locale is too a lure, as is the included bountiful buffet breakfast, the evening wine and cheese hour, and the late night cordial bar, all of which combine to create a decadent wine country getaway.
This level of hospitality is befitting of the inn’s luxe Tuscan vibe. Lush gardens shield private sitting areas within the Mediterranean inspired setting; outdoor fireplaces and fire pits cast a sultry glow and provide a bit of warmth on chilly nights. A line-up of cabana’s surrounding the central pool allows for posh privacy.
Photo, Fran Miller
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
The inn’s 29 spacious rooms, in 14 varied layouts, feature romantic décor, plush bedding, cozy fireplaces, and soft robes. Some feature personal balconies with verdant views of neighboring Kunde Estates’ vineyards, one of the several local Sonoma wineries that pour their varietals every evening at 5pm during the sociable wine and cheese hour. Combined with the glass of sparkling wine offered at check-in and a lobby selection of after dinner cordials, guests may opt to eschew the multitude of nearby destination level restaurants and instead stay-in for the night and enjoy the selection of delicious small plates offered for in-room delivery. A lobby selection of classic board games available for guest use makes this option all the more enticing. Wine, cheese, charcuterie, artisanal pizzas and salads, and backgammon enjoyed by a warm fire as soft jazz plays in the background? Yes, please.
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
Yet, if staying during a Saturday, you won’t want to miss the Saturday Night Dinner pop-up, hosted by Executive Chef Sam Badolato. This prix fixe, four course menu with wine pairings changes weekly and is exclusive to Kenwood Inn & Spa guests. Sample: wedge salad with Point Reyes blue cheese, Bodega Bay clam chowder with smoked pork belly, stuffed quail with Cotechino sausage, and poached fruit with espresso mascarpone and eggnog-soaked ladyfingers.
In the morning, enjoy the room rate-included buffet breakfast. Pastries, house made granola, fresh fruit, a hot dish, and more are offered. Take your selections back to your room, dine in the communal breakfast area, or select a garden table within the central courtyard where an ornamental fountain takes center stage.
Chef Sam Badolato. Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
At any time of year, enjoy the spa-adjacent heated pool and hot tub. (Another hotter tub is situated within a secluded patio on another side of the property.) The small spa features rejuvenating and relaxing therapies executed by expert practitioners who see that your every comfort is addressed. Enjoy the latest in CBD treatments, or partake in the therapeutic benefits of a Himalayan Salt Stone massage. Take-in the vineyard views during a soak in the second story bath tower. Start your appointment with a glass of sparkling wine, or choose from a selection of teas, herbal tonics, sparkling water or soda as you curl-up pre or post treatment in the relaxation room. P.S. This is where you’ll find more of those amazing cookies. It’s worth a treatment booking in order to stash a few in your robe pocket.
Photo, Kenwood Inn & Spa
