Built in 1927, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa knows a thing or two about attracting guests to Wine Country—the property’s hot springs and the dose of zen they provide are legendary.
But these days, the resort is making history for something unforeseen: Wine Country’s first-ever all-inclusive getaway.
That’s right, everything you love about Wine Country—vino, good eats, spa treatments, tee times, and more—bundled into one escape with just one bill.
From building cultural understanding to personal growth to simply setting aside the time to relax, travel can provide a long list of benefits. But it is rarely easy: research needs to be done, reservations need to be made. It’s not hard to understand why getaways that don’t take much effort to make a reality are appealing.
An aerial view of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa(Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa)
“It’s definitely a little unexpected to see an all-inclusive package in Wine Country, and that’s exactly why we thought it was the right moment to introduce it,” says Karim Ikrimah, general manager at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The idea, he explains, came from listening to guests.
Fairmont’s All-Inclusive Escape package includes a plethora of sought-after perks—something like a one-stop shop for Wine Country’s greatest hits. Each day, you can choose between a 60-minute spa treatment, such as a Pure Relaxation Massage or Caudalie Grand Facial, or 18 holes of golf at Sonoma Golf Club.
All meals are included at all of the resort’s eateries (excluding alcohol), with breakfast offerings at Santé range from a brioche croque monsieur (over-easy egg, rosemary ham, gruyère, béchamel) to an heirloom tomato eggs benedict. Lunch can be enjoyed there, at the Water Tower Bar, or sandwiched between a mineral pool soak and wellness treatment at the Spa Café with options including a pesto chicken wrap or a protein bowl with quinoa, roasted chicken, chickpeas, avocado, and tahini green goddess dressing.
Dinner is a three-course meal at upscale Santé or casual 38° North Cocktail Bar & Lounge, with selections including winter squash soup with coriander crème fraîche and spiced pepitas; rack of lamb with mint tzatziki and polenta; and a hazelnut crunch bar with candied hazelnuts, brown butter, and caramel sauce.
The lawn at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa(Courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa)
When you finish, you’re good to go. There’s no waiting for a check, no gratuity to calculate. You can leave your wallet in your room.
“For ease and budgeting, all-inclusive offerings can be attractive, providing a clearer anticipation of costs,” says Christina Turrini, travel designer at VWT by Chase Travel.
The all-inclusive package at the Fairmont covers the daily resort fee, valet or self-parking, and standard gratuities. Additional perks and amenities include a day pass for soaking in the geothermal pools, a welcome bottle of Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine and housemade macarons, as well as in-room snacks, fruit, and soft drinks that are replenished daily.
While the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa may be the first Wine Country property to woo guests with a one-price model, luxury all-inclusive offerings aren’t new to savvy Bay Area travelers.
Located across from Stanford University next to downtown Palo Alto, The Clement Palo Alto (711 El Camino Real) has operated as an all-inclusive property since opening in 2016. Three meals a day; all wine, beer, and cocktails (charge applies for premium brands); and an around-the-clock Guest Pantry are just a few of the amenities they include.
A guest room at Palo Alto's The Clement(Courtesy of The Clement Palo Alto)
On the Central Coast, Alila Ventana Big Sur (48123 Highway 1) shifted to the all-inclusive model in 2020, with every stay including all food and beverages (excluding alcohol) and experiences such as tai chi, foraging hikes, and meditation. Given the kind of escape from reality this sort of getaway provides, it seems likely other Northern California hotels and resorts will soon follow.
“The beauty of the all-inclusive package is that it really appeals to a wide range of travelers,” says Ikrimah. “An all-inclusive offer takes the guesswork out of the experience so guests can simply relax and enjoy.”
// Starting nightly rate at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is $750 for one person, and an additional $390 for a second adult; there is a two-night minimum on weekdays and a three-night minimum on weekends; 100 Boyes Blvd. (Sonoma), fairmont.com/sonoma
Alila Ventana Big Sur is a luxurious all-inclusive stay.(Courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur)
