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Just about an hour from home, we packed up for a quick reset and drove into Sonoma, and I’m still thinking about it days later. We stayed at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, and it ended up being one of those rare trips where everything just works, for me, for Matt, and especially for Margaux.
The property has this old-world, almost storybook feel, soft stucco, terracotta roofs, archways everywhere, and it’s all surrounded by vineyards and that warm Sonoma light that makes everything feel slower and more intentional. It doesn’t feel like a typical hotel, it feels historic and grounded, like it’s been there forever. And it actually has. The hotel dates back to the early 1900s and was built around a natural geothermal spring that runs deep beneath the property, originally attracting visitors as a wellness retreat long before that was even a concept.
Margaux was in heaven. Truly, we could not drag her away from the pool, which is always the best sign of a great trip. There were so many families there for spring break, but it never felt chaotic, just happy, easy energy. In the evenings, something really special happens. The pool staff turns on this beautiful fountain that sprays into the water, and when the light hits it just right, it creates a soft rainbow that the kids can actually swim through. It felt like one of those little childhood moments you know she’ll remember forever. And then everyone gathers around the fire pits roasting marshmallows, kids laughing, parents unwinding, it’s that perfect balance where your child is completely lit up and you’re actually relaxing too.
The mineral pool is the heart of the entire experience and honestly what makes this place so different. The water comes from a geothermal spring more than 1,000 feet underground, naturally heated and rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. You can feel it immediately, it’s a deeper kind of warmth that sinks into your body instead of just sitting on your skin. I stayed in for hours and it was the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. It helps with circulation, inflammation, muscle recovery, even sleep, but beyond all of that, it quiets your nervous system in a way that feels effortless. Especially coming off being sick, it was the first time I felt fully reset in my body.
Right outside the hotel, everything is charming and local, small mom and pop restaurants, no rush, no chains. We stopped at the Sonoma Cheese Factory and ordered Italian sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, and a moonpie, simple and perfect after a long day outside.
This is the kind of trip every mom needs built into her life. It’s so close to San Francisco that it’s easy, no big planning, no stress, but it gives you that full reset feeling. Margaux was so happy, we were relaxed, and I felt like myself again. It’s the kind of place you leave already knowing you’ll be back.
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