Carmel Valley Ranch

To a certain type of traveler, the fact that San Franciscans seem so focused on migrating northward, to the Napa and Sonoma valleys, makes California’s Central Coast all the more appealing. Among them, apparently, is the partnership of investor John Pritzker and the Joie de Vivre boutique-hotel chain; together they’ve bought the aging, genteel Carmel Valley Ranch, complete with golf and tennis club, and turned it into a thoroughly modern luxury resort.

It’s just three hours south of San Francisco — much closer if you’re coming from Silicon Valley — and the location, a few miles inland from the still-sleepy town of Carmel, is nothing short of idyllic. The hundred-plus suites are looking quite contemporary, though they never sacrifice comfort for looks; private decks, offering far-ranging views of the estate, are universal, and tubs and fireplaces come in quite handy on cool coastal nights.

The food down south isn’t any less thoughtful or tasty than it would be in the northern wine country — Tim Wood is a veteran of the greater Bay Area culinary scene, and he knows his way around the Monterey Peninsula’s local ingredients. Tennis and golf are on the agenda, of course, as is a fitness center, a smattering of pools, and more outdoor activities than you can shake a stick at, from hot-tubbing to hiking and beyond.