With the pandemic putting a hamper on travel plans, the last two Mother’s Days have been limited to your typical bouquet of flowers and celebrating at home. While the world has gradually reopened, Americans are still reporting high levels of stress—meaning it’s never been a better time to treat yourself and mom to a vacation. Better yet, why not make it one that specifically targets your health, whether that be through rejuvenating spa experiences, vegetable-forward cuisine or spiritual wellness.
With its diversity of outdoor wonders, fresh produce and some of the oldest destination spas in the country, California is a no-brainer for wellness-seekers. Whether you’re a Californian craving a pampering staycation or healthy Mother’s Day brunch, or from out-of-state and looking for a relaxing wellness getaway, these California hotels have you covered.
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
With an onsite lavender farm, apiary and vineyards, there is no shortage of activities to keep mom busy at Carmel Valley Ranch. Those seeking a transformative wellness experience will want to sign up for equine coaching (horse therapy) and treatments at Spa Aiyana, which range from bodywork incorporating the Ranch’s line of lavender products to sleep hypnosis to facials using LED light therapy. A stay over the holiday invites you to join the complimentary “Mother’s Day In The Garden” workshop where you’ll make your own bath tea using herbs and lavender oil from the garden. While at onsite restaurant Valley Kitchen, you’ll find a special Mother’s Day dinner of a la carte dishes and family-style share-ables.
As the first hotel built by women for women in 1926, Hotel Figueroa is the ideal place to celebrate the woman in your life. Moms will appreciate a stay in the H.E.R Suite, which comes outfitted with luxury skincare, haircare, health and spa products created by women, like OSEA Malibu, Mintly, Otherland Candles and Parachute.
Alternatively, the Rest and Recovery Suite is ideal for the stressed out mom. She’s sure to get her beauty rest with Beam supplements, mattresses by the world’s first sleep fitness company, Eight Smart (the mattress adjusts for temperature throughout the night) and customizable pillows from women-owned pillow company Pluto. Fitness mirror FORME provides in-room workouts, while Hyperice recovery tools offer self-massage. Whichever room you book, make sure not to miss the onsite art gallery which showcases local female artists on your way to the outdoor pool, rumored to be shaped like a coffin to bury the patriarchy.
Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
Home to one of the top-rated spas in the country, this is the Orange County hotel for moms looking to unwind. Locals and visitors alike come for Balinese-inspired treatments in the 5,800-square-foot space, complete with a private spa garden outside. Those visiting during the week will want to opt for the Empower Hour package, which gets you a 50-minute massage, glass of bubbly and pool access, while a visit on Mother’s Day gets her a complimentary glass of bubbly following her spa treatment. Tanner’s Restaurant offers contemporary Southern California cuisine with ocean views while the attached rooftop lounge, Treehouse by Tanner’s, is a weekend destination for live music and seasonal craft cocktails.
Inspired by the land and sea of the surrounding Central Coast, this hotel’s adjacent 4,000 square foot spa is sure to impress mom with its complimentary steam baths and wide range of treatments. Bath lovers will also appreciate the giant standalone tubs in your room, which fill with water from a faucet in the ceiling. It’s one of several touches—like in-room fireplaces and private courtyards—that make Hotel Cerro one of San Luis Obispo’s top luxury accommodations. If staying over Mother’s Day, a meal at Brasserie SLO is a must for a spring-inspired spread made with ingredients from the hotel’s edible garden—think, strawberry and burrata salad, bottomless mimosas and black truffle risotto. The Mother’s Appreciation Package gets you 25% off and a $50 resort credit.
Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
Conveniently located next to one of the city’s swankiest malls—Westfield Century City, this 400-room hotel makes an ideal launching pad for exploring Hollywood and Beverly Hills. History buffs will love a Mother’s Day breakfast at the French-inspired brasserie, Lumiere, decorated with nearly a century-old pieces sourced from France. Downstairs, more impressive design can be found at the 14,000-square-foot Fairmont Spa Century Plaza, where you’ll find high ceilings, earthy textures like natural polished gray stone and warm woods. With a hammam, sauna, Himalayan salt room and aromatherapy steam room, mom is sure to unwind here. New biohacking services make the spa service offerings here some of the most unique in the city.
As one of the country’s first retreat properties, Canyon Ranch has been attracting moms looking to get away from it all for decades. Their latest addition to the brand, set in the tranquil Redwoods forest just an hour’s drive from San Francisco, makes for a revitalizing retreat with its endless outdoor activities—think, hiking and forest bathing—and spectacular treehouse accommodations nestled in the soaring canopy. If visiting over Mother’s Day, the Power of Breathwork program will teach mom breathing techniques for anxiety, sleeplessness and negative thought patterns so she can return home better equipped to manage it all.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Palm Springs
With 41 secluded, climate-controlled pools anchoring the hotel’s luxurious suites and Spanish-style casitas, this spacious property is a true desert oasis. Fitness junkies will be kept busy with daily yoga and workout classes, 23 tennis courts and five golf courses, while moms seeking some pampering will want to book a session in one of the 38 treatment rooms at the 23,000-square-foot spa, which is outfitted with seven private whirlpool baths, two inhalation rooms and two steam rooms. Take advantage of all La Quinta’s wellness amenities with the Spa Getaway package, which includes a $200 spa credit, unlimited fitness classes and daily breakfast for two at the resort’s casual restaurant TWENTY6.
Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, Redding
The city with some of the best weather in the country year-round, nature lovers will want to stay at Redding’s most luxurious hotel. Located on the banks of the Sacramento River, the hotel is steps away from several of the city’s hiking routes and river activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding. Better yet, a portion of the proceeds from your bill go to the attached Turtle Bay Exploration Park, a wildlife sanctuary teeming with fun animal experiences for the whole family—like a private, behind-the-scenes feeding with a beaver or opossum. Don’t miss the Northern California fare at onsite restaurant Mosaic.
San Francisco Proper, San Francisco
With a hyper-seasonal menu celebrating San Francisco’s culinary bounty and culture, a Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Villon is sure to impress. Equally impressive (and delicious) is the tapas at Mediterranean-meets-Californian restaurant La Bande. Architecture aficionados will want to stay the night to take in the creative vision of Kelly Wearstler, whose innovative mid-century European-inspired design makes the property one of the hippest in town.
Mom is sure to rest well here with all 131 rooms and suites outfitted with handmade-in-California mattresses, Italian bed linens, Aesop bath amenities and Wearstler-designed robes, plus a view (thanks to the hotel’s triangular shape). Those seeking a workout will appreciate the well-stocked fitness center (think, Pelotons, treadmills and weights).
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa Valley
Opening this week, a Mother’s Day trip here is sure to impress mom as you’ll be one of the resort’s first guests. But even if you plan a belated mother’s day getaway, she’ll still be impressed—the property is set on 712 acres of rolling vineyards surrounded by the Mayacamas Mountains.
Onsite wellness facility Halehouse at Stanly Ranch is a destination in its own right, with its spa pool offering spectacular views, wellness specialists leading biohacking programs and more traditional, but no less indulgent, treatments like a full body massage. Those visiting on Mother’s Day will want to sign up for the Gua Sha Workshop on Saturday May 7 led by Botnia Skincare’s master esthetician, Dani Shields. Guests get to prepare a customized face mask and a bag of skincare goodies to take home.
A breakfast visit on Mother’s Day looks like an indulgent brunch buffet filled with California cheeses and decadent meats, plus a complimentary mimosa for mom. But with 379 newly renovated rooms, the largest day spa in Monterey County and a convenient waterfront location across from Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll probably want to spend the night. The pet-friendly hotel is also the perfect launching pad for excursions to Big Sur, Carmel Valley and 17-Mile Drive, and it’s just steps away from the bike path, which offers views of the seals and sea lions frolicking on the shoreline.
The Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles
As the annual host of the Golden Globes, this Hollywood hangout is sure to impress mom this Mother’s Day. So too will their new Mediterranean restaurant, Sant’olina, set on the rooftop with one of the best views of Beverly Hills. Downstairs, mom can work up a sweat in the fitness center or optimize her workout at Upgrade Labs, one of the country’s first biohacking facilities. Across from the labs, lies the infamous pool where Angelina Jolie took a dip after winning the Golden Globe back in 1999. Today, the largest heated pool in Beverly Hills—with its personal chaise lounges and signature cocktails served from the poolside bar—is the perfect place to unwind.
Hotel San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo
One of the newest luxury additions to San Luis Obispo, Hotel SLO—with its casual Cal-Italian restaurant and hip lobby—is one of the most popular local hangout spots in town. Mom will love unwinding at onsite Sol Spa, where she’ll find an indoor-outdoor relaxation lounge, salt sauna and meditation room. Those looking to get active will want to hit up the fitness center or rent a complimentary bike for exploring the surrounding quaint downtown area. The 50-foot swimming pool, jacuzzi and rooftop terrace are the place to see and be seen.
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Huntington Beach
A short 30-minute ride from Disneyland makes this beachfront resort the closest to the famous parks. But with its own bridge connecting the hotel to the beach, newly-refurbished cabanas, multiple pools and a water playground, you don’t need to travel far for family fun here. With five dining outlets to choose from—including esteemed fine dining restaurant Watertable—you’ll never have to leave. A special Mother’s Day brunch buffet on May 8th will include everything from customized poke bowls to charcuterie boards to a farm-fresh salad bar. Moms seeking some privacy will appreciate the room’s private balconies and Pacific Waters Spa, set in a Spanish-style estate.
Lamp Lighter Inn, Carmel-By-The-Sea
If mom loves a beach sunset, then she’ll love a stay here. One of the closest accommodations to Carmel Beach, this quaint inn embodies the beach atmosphere in which it’s located with its charming nautical cottages and cozy fire pits (made more inviting by the resident cat). For over 100 years, the bed and breakfast has been attracting travellers looking for a peaceful, welcoming place to rest up after a day of exploring. Just steps away from Carmel-By-The-Sea’s adorable shops and cafes, and a short drive from Big Sur, it makes for a convenient stay close to all the area’s main attractions.
An adults-only hideaway separated from the hustle of downtown Palm Springs by its manicured floral gates, it’s no wonder this hotel used to be the Hollywood getaway of choice shortly after opening in 1947. Blending vintage furnishings with eclectic artwork, the 38 villa rooms and quiet three pools here make for a modern retreat. The vintage experience continues at onsite restaurant Del Rey, where inventive cocktails and tapas-style plates are served at a twelve-seat oak and marble bar, and tufted green vinyl booths. Mom’s will want to opt for the Rose All Day package which gets you a bottle of chilled rose, a fruit plate, late check-out and a reserved poolside cabana.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills
The only hotel in Southern California rated five stars by Forbes every year since 1993, this 195-room hotel is undoubtedly one of the city’s swankiest. It’s within walking distance from Rodeo Drive and Century City, but with a pristine rooftop pool and sophisticated facilities surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it’s an urban resort you’ll probably never want to leave.
The Rest and Reset Package gets mom a welcome glass of champagne, afternoon tea, a treatment at the Peninsula Spa, room service dinner and breakfast in bed in her own set of complimentary pajamas. It also includes “Peninsula Time”—flexible check-in and late check-out—valet, access to the fitness center and pool, and a daily fruit amenity.
With soaring treehouses perched atop the majestic cliffs of the Central Coast, it’s no wonder this resort is a Hollywood favorite. From sound meditations to tasting the region’s healthy bounty on an edible tour of the onsite garden to taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean—there are countless relaxing activities to help mom unwind here.
To ensure mom gets her beauty rest, you’ll want to book the Sleep Package, which gets mom two 60-minute sleep spa treatments, access to a video series created by sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus and a gift bag of sleep goodies (think, a sleep spray and sleep mask). Best of all, it includes a special menu at acclaimed restaurant Sierra Mar, with dishes using ingredients known to encourage deeper slumbers.
Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, Huntington Beach
Through the month of May, this beachfront hotel is offering two splurge-worthy packages for treating moms. The first gets you a massage, scrub and wrap, and facial—all 80 minutes long—and a spa lunch complete with sparkling wine. The second includes a 50-minute massage and facial with a glass of sparkling wine. One of the first hotels in surf city, Waterfront Beach Resort has been attracting families for decades to its two pools, waterslides and private cabanas. Home to Orange County’s highest coastal rooftop lounge, it makes the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
Located an hour north of San Francisco and once a sacred healing ground for Native Americans, this manicured property nestled in the redwood forest is sure to help mom unwind and recharge this Mother’s Day. Wellness seekers will love the hot tub, geothermal pools and variety of treatments on offer at the highly-rated Willow Stream spa. While foodies will appreciate the special Mother’s Day Brunch on offer—think, crab benedict, pastrami smoked salmon and seasonal macarons—and that Napa Valley wineries are just a 20-minute drive away.
The Cassara, Tapestry by Hilton Collection, Carlsbad
Set above the 50-acre Flower Fields, teeming with ranunculus flowers, a stay here is a welcome upgrade from your typical Mother’s Day bouquet. The Flower Fields package, available until Mother’s Day, gets you a stay in one of the hotel’s luxury rooms, two tickets to the fields and waived parking fees.
Flower lovers will also appreciate the Flower Fields inspired cocktail served at onsite Cassara Kitchen & Bar—a hibiscus sour made with grapefruit juice, agave nectar and hibiscus syrup. Further relaxation awaits at the heated pool, jacuzzi and Ocean Pearl Spa, complete with a eucalyptus steam room and lounge.
Known as the “Airbnb of the sea,” these private boat accommodations are perfect for the mom who wants to get out on the water, away from the crowded restaurants and busy hotels. You can take your pick of vessel, with the option to book a captain or no captain. Those wanting to take in the epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge without making it an overnight affair can opt for a day rental instead.
Apple Farm Inn, San Luis Obispo
For the mom who likes her hotels quaint and charming, the Apple Farm Inn is sure to delight. While the hotel has over 100 historic rooms, you’ll want to book one of the four set in the Millhouse, the site of a century-old, 6,000-pound white oak water wheel that creates the tranquil sound of flowing water. While the inn is slightly removed from SLO’s center, onsite activities like weekly wine tastings in the cellar, farm tours and a pool keep the whole family entertained.
Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley
With 28 acres of lavender, olive orchards and vineyards to explore, mom will never want to leave this wine country resort. A Mother’s Day brunch at Lucia Restaurant looks like a farm-to-table buffet, with many ingredients sourced from the onsite organic herb and vegetable gardens, vineyards and fruit trees. You’ll find the same approach at the onsite spa, where the garden-to-treatment philosophy guides the offerings. A eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna, warm pools and complimentary yoga mats are a welcome reprieve after working up a sweat from one of the lodge’s guided hikes or a game of tennis.
Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, Huntington Beach
Even if you’re not staying here, you’ll want to visit on Mother’s Day for the special holiday brunch at onsite restaurant Pacific Hideaway—think, lobster benedict and cast iron cinnamon rolls. But with a laid-back, coastal vibe making it one of Orange County’s most beloved hotels, you’ll probably want to stay a while. Steps away from Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street, it’s perfectly situated in the heart of California’s surf capital.
Wellness amenities include weekly yoga classes and in-room yoga mats, as well as a partnership with Talkspace, an online therapy platform. The hotel also offers sweet perks like complimentary coffee and tea service and a daily evening social hour.