Ideas for Spring Break Travel

Spring Break is around the corner for those of you who have kids in school, so I was tempted to write about a few of my favorite vacation getaway places that are easy to get to - either driving distance or a direct flight from California.

Four Nights or more....

The Big Island, Hawaii

Why I love it: The Big Island is my favorite Hawaiian island because its an island of extremes and has so much natural beauty from the molten magma flowing into the ocean to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea, from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach. I just love the landscape of the black volcanic rock against the blue ocean and tropical plants. There is something so exotic about this island that its hard to describe, you just have to go....
Favorite Place to Stay: The Four Seasons, Hualalei
This resort is ideal as there is something for everyone. We stayed for five nights and didn't need to leave the property. There are multiple pools, a large snorkeling pond, amazing restaurants, fabulous spa and golf and a great kid's club.
Highlight for me: Having an evening cocktail at the beachside restaurant and watching the sunset.

Photo Credit: Four Seasons, Big Island

Three Nights or more.....

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Why I love it: Honestly, one of my favorite reasons to travel to Cabo is the short flight from the Bay Area and the resorts are fabulous!
Favorite Place to Stay: The One & Only, Palmilla 
I have been to this hotel with my kids and without and both times have had a wonderful experience. This property has absolutely incredible restaurants, two great pools (one is adult's only), awesome spa, a lovely beach and a fantastic kids club. The service is absolutely amazing and you'll feel totally pampered.
Highlight for me: The magnificent service at this hotel. You feel completely pampered. 

Photo Credit: One and Only, Palmilla

Two Nights or more.....

Healdsberg, California

Why I love it: If you love wine and are looking for a quick get away then consider Healdsberg. Healdsberg to me is how Napa and Sonoma used to be almost 15-20 years ago. Its rustic and charming.  Some of my favorite wineries are from this area. Wine tasting experience is a lot of fun as the wineries are smaller and quaint and more than likely the wine maker would be pouring the tasting for you.
Favorite Place to Stay:  Hotel Healdsberg
I love the location of this hotel as it is in the main town square making it walking distance to lots of great shops and restaurants. Its a small hotel but has a wonderful spa and a great restaurant. The rooms are a great size and very comfortable.
Highlight for me: I love the breakfast they served in their lobby!

Photo Credit: Hotel Healdsberg

Carmel, California

Why I love it:  Carmel is one of those places that you can never get tired of visiting. Its just so charming! I love downtown Carmel with all its quaint shops and restaurants, the beach is just amazing and the natural beauty of the coastline is breathtaking. There is so much to do from the 17 mile drive to wine tasting to a day at the beach to visiting the Monterey Aquarium (which is close by).
Favorite Place to Stay:  Carmel Valley Ranch
While this hotel is not walking distance from downtown, its a great hotel to stay as a family as there is a lot to do on the property from golf, tennis, bocce ball to spa, hiking and nature tours, among many other activities.
Highlight for me: Dogs are allowed on this property so we could take our pug with us and make it a true family vacation!