Carmel Valley Ranch

"You can smell Carmel Valley Ranch before you can see it—and that’s a good thing, when it’s the wafting scent of lavender greeting you. Dropped deep in the verdant crook of a valley about 25 minutes inland of Monterey Bay, there’s not much lacking here for parents or kids: Service is top-notch, with golf cart escorts at your disposal (when there’s so much grassy knoll it looks like the shire, that’s a decidedly good thing) and a pet friendly policy to ease your travel woes. But what you really come here for—aside from the gorgeous backdrop, of course—is the recreation. Top-tier tennis instructors from PBI International (that’s Peter Burwash, for all you novices) will instruct you in sharpening that backhand, and the ‘Extraordinary Golf’ program works wonders if you’re trying to impress your hard-nosed boss come tee time. We’re also sweet on the kid-friendly activity calendar—with standards like a killer kids pool, to crazier pursuits, like beekeeping and geo-caching lessons, they’ll come up for air from their mobile devices all on their own. Book a Hilltop Garland suite—a fan favorite for its premium views and extra leg room—and if you can cull enough favor, one on a top floor, at that, and grab a bite at the fresh-faced Valley Kitchen, powered by the resort’s own organic produce."