Forget about “My Space” for keeping track of your international friends! Among the many niceties that the Stevenswood Resort & Spa offers. One of the most unique is FREE INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS. I’d say that alone is worth a drive up from San Francisco (about 110 miles north on Highway 1)!

After a two-night stay, my girlfriend and I felt like we could easily write a David Letterman Top 10 reasons why we love Stevenswood Resort & Spa. Which is no surprise, after reading the bio’s on the new co-owners, Michael Webster and Seth Kelman. Between the two of them, after 25 years of consulting for various enterprises, there is little they don’t know about the hospitality industry. After deciding they wanted to open their own inn, it took 10 years of searching literally hundreds of properties worldwide before they decided that Stevenswood, located on Northern California’s Mendocino coast, was the idyllic spot.

After the Free International Phone Calls (can you tell how much that impressed me?), here are our other top nine favorites:

1. Overnights include a scrumptious breakfast where I could never decide between one of the imaginative egg offerings served with hot fruit and nut scones or the “granola plate” which was a thing of beauty. A big bowl of the homemade crunch came surrounded by a mis-en-place of smaller containers of dried fruit, fresh fruit, roasted nuts, yogurt and many other accessories. And for once, I had no complaints about the coffee. I was brought a large French press of strong Private Labeled Big River coffee that rivals Peet’s best.

2. No generic toiletries here — only Premium Spa Amenities by Hermes, Paris, are allowed, as well as plush Chenille Spa Robes & Slippers.

3. Guest can reserve a PRIVATE hot tub (clothing optional) where you can sip your wine while watching the glorious sunset over the panoramic vistas.

4. Luxury suites (there are 10) come with a wood-burning fireplace, all set up and ready to light, which was perfect since I was a Girl Scout drop-out.

5. No shortage of sweet dreams, as you luxuriate on your Temper-Pedic sleep system. (Have you noticed that no one refers to them as just beds, anymore?)

6. They made it (almost) tempting to hop on the treadmill in the compact gym which offered incredible ocean views. There was also a romantic two-person cozy sauna for after your workout.

7. If you can’t bear to completely unplug, there is complimentary Wireless Internet throughout the resort and a free laptop if you didn’t bring yours.

8. Indigo Eco|Spa, Stevenswood’s state-of-the art, five-star luxury spa is all about pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. I highly recommend this…
Pacific Sea Detox (90 minutes): $235
Naturally re-balance the body – with the richness of Pacific Sea plants and aromatherapy, essential oils from local old growth Redwood extracts and ocean lipids applied in a whole body wrap on a warmed bed. Followed by a full body massage, utilizing all natural lotions, shea butter and eucalyptus elements to revitalize sore muscles, inspire replenishing cells and rehydrate tired skin. A custom made procollagen marine crиme clinically proven to reduce lines, wrinkles and increase hydration is applied from head to toe following your full body massage.

And afterwards, I swear I looked at least 10 years younger, five pounds thinner, taller, and riche. (OK, maybe not, but I certainly felt wonderful!)

9. Perhaps my favorite thing about Stevenswood is its serene setting. Nestled in a forested spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean, walking the acres of private property, we felt like we were transported to an animated Disney film, surrounded by chirping birds, a technicolor tangle of flowers, towering trees, scampering squirrels, baby deer, and just about every other cliché of nature.

Stevenswood Spa Resort
A: 8211 North Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95456
T: 800.421.2810
W: www.Stevenswood.com

By Vagablond’s Token Redhead.