Stay at Sonoma Mission Inn – April 12 & 13, 2012 – Sonoma, CA.
At a food – tasting event last summer at the Santa Monica Fairmont I bid on a two – night stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn, I won and the bid money went to charity. I contacted their marketing gal Michelle and she decided to throw in some added perks that I could write about. She added a lunch for 3 at their Big 3 Restaurant, and Spa use at Willow Stream Spa. First I must say by all means, stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn, it is worth every penny. Very luxurious and smartly appointed, with all the amenities that make for a great get away.
Willow Stream Spa, I went everyday that I was there.
It was recently rated amongst the Top Spas by Travel + Leisure Magazine, and is beautifully designed with many amenities to promote health, relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa is 40,000 square feet, an amazingly spiritual place, filled with healing mineral waters.
The Willow Stream Spa offers endless opportunities to find your energy, you can relax by the inviting fireplace, soaking in the mineral baths, Watsu® pool, or indulge in one of their signature treatments.
There is a bath house fee and it includes these marvelous features; use of the signature Bathing Ritual, featuring exfoliating shower, two mineral water soaking pools, herbal steam, dry sauna, and cool down showers. Plus, you get participation in all scheduled fitness classes, and use of the state-of-the-art fitness center and deluxe locker room facilities. Also included is the bathhouse lounge, the outdoor spa loggia, and use of the outdoor thermal mineral pools and whirlpool. You will be refreshed and rejuvenated after any amount of time spent here.
Lunch at Big 3
Big 3, is located on the north corner of the Sonoma Mission Inn’s grounds, just and hop and a jump from my room. It boasts a casual bistro experience and has been open for 50 year’s. It is known for it’s hearty country breakfasts and eclectic American cuisine.
Here’s what I had:
Caesar Salad, with croutons, Parmesan cheese, scallions, and anchovies. Not your usual suspects, this Caeser salad is different and oh so fresh!
Cornmeal Fried Calamari with Thai sweet-hot sauce and marinara sauce. This calamari is crunchy, with no rubbery texture, just good calamari flavor.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings, ten pieces, with “Point Reyes” blue cheese dipping sauce. It is very hard to make Buffalo wings perfect, but hands down the best wings I ever tasted.
“Loch Duart”, Grilled Salmon Sonoma, organic baby field greens, and citrus vinaigrette. Fresh from the ocean, with a great side salad, light and healthy.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with wild mushrooms. Lots of ingredients in the mix, but the best part are the mushrooms.
Desert:
Crème Brulee, with its nice crunchy top, and extra creamy center, a great way to end a spectacular lunch.
It is worth it just to come here for lunch and not be a paying guest at the hotel. It gives you a real feel for this jewel of a property. But if given the chance, stay at the hotel, and imbibe on all of the extra amenities. Above all relax and enjoy yourself, you only live once.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
96 Boyes Boulevard
Sonoma, CA
(707) 939-2410
http://www.fairmont.com
