Wrangling a sea-worthy vessel of your own may be a pipe dream, but anchoring yourself in one of Casa Madrona’s hilltop, oceanfront bungalows for the weekend is sure to keep those dry-dock feelings at bay. Nestled in the heart of Sausalito, this historic hotel not only boasts insanely awesome bay vistas — its recent multi-million-dollar seafaring overhaul will make you feel like you’re first mate aboard a luxe, modern yacht. In fact, the deep marine blues, rich mahogany woods, and earth tones throughout the hotel are a dead-on match to Sausalito’s natural waterfront palette. 

“We couldn’t compete with nature in this case, so we complemented it,” says Kim Deetjen of TruexCullins,  the architecture and design team manning the shipshape makeover.

Preserving the 126-year-old Victorian’s charm while incorporating contemporary bayside décor, TruexCullins breathed new life into the lobby, guest rooms (the last seventeen of which will be completed in November), and a new 3,000-square-foot spa.

If you can swing a room in one of the twenty-two hillside cottages (especially one overlooking Richardson Bay with views of the harbor, Tiburon, Angel Island, Mount Tam, and more!), it’s worth it. The modern, romantic hideaways feature French doors leading to a sun-drenched private balcony, a wood-burning fireplace, and spa-inspired bathroom complete with recycled sea glass. The spacious shower rocks, the beds are super comfy, and despite a hike of stairs separating your private oasis from the main building — the staff is at your door faster than you can say “room service.” Oh, and did we mention the awe-inspiring, ever-changing sea vistas in the morning…noon…and night?

And if you really want to make your cruise over the Golden Gate a staycation to remember, the spanking new seaside Spa Casa Madrona offers weary sailors (ahem, hard-working urbanites) a much-needed calm from the storm. Sail away to invigorating scents while you get massaged, scrubbed, conditioned, hot-rocked, and utterly blissed-out. 

Bonus: With a boatload of sweet promos for lodging, spa, and local restos, plus $200-and-under room rates — a trip to Casa Madrona is sure to put the wind back in your sails.