The Best Resort in California Is Nowhere Near the Beach—but Travelers Love It for the Farm-fresh Food and Wine

The readers of T+L love California’s wine country, and it’s no surprise that they’re fans of the state. Napa Valley down to the Central Coast—and the beaches lining the Pacific. No wonder. All these regions have come to represent an idealized, relaxed version of Golden State life, where the sun shines down on rows of grapevines, surfers ride endless waves and natural beauty is everywhere. 

• How Voting Works

  Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 readers of T+L completed the survey for 2025. More than 657,000 votes have been cast in total across 8,700 properties.).

  The criteria used to rate hotels included: their location, amenities and rating.

  • Rooms/facilities
  • Location
  • Service
  • Food
  • Value

  Respondents could rate each characteristic as excellent, above the average, average or below average. These responses are averaged to arrive at the final score.

What Readers Love

San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito (near Santa Barbara), which was founded in 1893, is now a landmark. The sprawling property, dotted with cottages, has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill and John and Jackie Kennedy to the Kennedys. A reader who visited with her mother noted that, “Every staff treated us with respect and kindness.” “We were amazed by all the little details as soon as we stepped onto the property.”

Alila Ventana Big Sur, voted by readers as the best resort for adults only, is located further up the coast. The 11th resort is an excellent adults only resort. It’s an all-inclusive resort, with incredible food and service.

And down near San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa (No. Rancho Santa Fe’s No. 5 had many fans. According to a repeat visitor, “Rancho Valencia was my favorite resort anywhere in the U.S..” The resort is a little secretive, but when you arrive at the gate, and are greeted by the impeccable staff, you realize that you’re in the right place. It’s heaven!”

The Winner

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection

Although it opened in 2023 the winner this year is still a brand new project. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts CollectionIt has become a favorite among readers. One reader called this 6.5-acre hotel “a fantastic understated luxurious hotel.” It is located in Los Olivos – a small town two hours north from Los Angeles – surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. The rooms are stunning and the tavern, restaurant and bar have all been beautifully restored to show off the history of this property. As this hotel is situated in Central California, its culinary offerings are of course a huge draw. The Tavern restaurant is a tribute to local produce and ingredients. Many of these are grown right on the property. The wine list also features a variety of California wines. 

The Complete List

1. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, Los Olivos
Reader Score: 98.27

2. San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito
Score of Reader: 98.76

3. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Calistoga
Reader Score: 97.83

4. The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
Reader Score: 97.25

5. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, Rancho Santa Fe
Reader Score: 97.02

6. Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rutherford
Reader Score : 96.29

7. Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa
Score for Reader: 96.20

8. Mission Pacific Beach Resort, Oceanside
Reader Score: 95.00

9. The Seabird Resort, Oceanside
Reader Score 95.35

10. The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Reader Score: 94.29

11. Alila Ventana Big Sur, Big Sur
Reader Score: 95.23

12. Alisal Ranch, Solvang
Reader Score: 93.93

13. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
Reader Score: 93.8

14. Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
Reader Score: 93.29

15. Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley
Reader Score: 92.70