Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa

Sonoma Coast Appellation

By ML Hilton

(BODEGA BAY, CA) – I have always been the type of person who stares out windows. Car windows on long Sunday drives, and wind-swept beach vistas are among my favorite marathon staring – and not talking – occurrences.

But beyond just looking, and contemplating, ocean views are to me the perfect back-drop for several activities: romantic picnic lunches, family beach gatherings, intimate evening meals, and quiet weekend getaways.

There are a couple of great places to stay on the Sonoma Coast near Bodega Bay, but one of the nicest – with warm, rustic décor that blends effortlessly into its surroundings – is the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa.

The spacious guest rooms give you a panorama view of the ocean, with private decks for sitting al fresco, or large glass patio doors to filter out the cold, but not the overlook. Of course, fireplaces are de rigueur, along with soft robes, wet bars, tile baths, and plush beds.

This is all only important if you plan on spending some time in your room. Which, once you get there you will. Whenever your stay, get to your room before sunset, the changing view as night slowly falls is best enjoyed with a glass of Sonoma County wine. If you really want to get in the mood, make it a Sonoma Coast Appellation variety.

In the morning, open your doors to hear the seals calling to each other, the sea gulls cries as they wheel in the morning air, and the light, mystical sound of the fog horn.

If you plan a stay at Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything they have to offer. If you just rush off after the night is over, you will short change yourself.

To help get your body in the mood, not just your mind, the Lodge had a small fitness room with a fabulous window overlooking (of course) the ocean to help distract you from the pain of reps. There is a sauna for those of us who enjoy going back to our primal roots and doing the sweat lodge thing (no view there). The heated outdoor pool is set on its own patio veranda that gives views of the coast and the hot tub (awww, there’s a reason for spending time together) is on a raised dais and occupies the corner of honor with almost all views looking out to sea, or into the stars depending upon the time of your soak.

The spa has a full compliment of services and I enjoyed the Bodega Bay Salt Glow. This is a scrub and will polish your skin and make you tingle. I had my treatment in the spa room over by the fitness center, but the Lodge offers ever popular in-room massages. I must admit, I did feel a little adventurous traversing the parking area in my robe and slippers heading over to the treatment room.

Dining is also a visual experience, as a well as a culinary one, at the Lodge’s on site restaurant, The Duck Club. It has been hailed by critics who consider it among Northern California’s finest coastal restaurants.

By the way, did I mention the view?

If you would like to stay:

Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa
103 Coast Highway One, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(800) 368-2468
Rates range from $170 to $440
Check online for special packages and other offers