The Inn at Newport Ranch

The Inn at Newport Ranch is a true experience stay. While the facilities (a main house, several cottages, and an upcoming spa) are lovely, it's really about the location here -- the private property sits on over 2,000 acres of coastal land, defined by cattle pastures, forest, oceanside trails (with stunning views of the Pacific), and even a historic cemetery. Guests come here to get away from it all; daily activities such as horseback riding and hiking can be arranged, and the inn has a super secluded vibe, thanks in large part to the incredibly windy roads one must drive to reach it. However, when more than one guest room is booked, the scene can be much more communal, with guests meeting and chatting over board games and meals. 

Though the facilities, rooms, and common areas (such as the main inn) have a rustic-luxe, cabin-like look (picture lots of wooden accents, leather sofas topped with throw blankets, pretty stained glass, and cozy fireplaces), The Inn at Newport Ranch is thoroughly modern; it opened in 2015, after all. Some rooms lack TVs, but Wi-Fi is top speed for those who need to be in touch. Thanks to its secluded, romantic vibe, the inn is popular among those who are willing to pay for an out-of-the-way retreat. It mostly attracts couples, particularly those who seek seclusion with a bit of adventure mixed in.

Located on over 2,000 acres, with more than a mile of coastal land, this secluded property sits alone on Highway 1 and can only be reached by a beautifully scenic (but terrifyingly windy, at least for this New Yorker) road. Beware of steep drops, fog, mist, and sharp turns -- but these things are what helps to make for the gorgeous views. In Fort Bragg, part of Mendocino County, The Inn at Newport Ranch is about a half-hour north of the quaint Mendocino Village, and about three-and-a-half to four hours north of San Francisco. It's about an hour-and-a-half south of the famed Redwoods, and its Avenue of the Giants.

Extensive grounds and limited accommodations are what give The Inn at Newport Ranch its cozy vibe. Cabin-like (of the upscale variety) accents help as well: The three rooms (located in the main inn), three suites with private kitchens (housed in a separate building), and two standalone cottages (Barb's Place and Sea Drum) all feature rustic wooden furniture (much of it made with local redwood), attractive modern bathrooms, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and unique features like rocking chairs and antique pieces. The three rooms in the main building all lack TVs, and each has a bit of a theme -- that's more attractive than kitschy. For example, the largest of these rooms is the Captain's Quarters, which has a nautical theme and a stunning view of the Pacific. Massive windows in these rooms allow of great natural light; but once the sun goes down, they can be quite dark as overhead light is sparse. The other two rooms, The Chute and The Ranch Room, are relatively small.

Three suites with private kitchens are available as well -- they share a separate building. Guests can also book Barb's Place, a one-bedroom suite, and Sea Drum House, a four-bedroom option with a hot tub, fireplace, full kitchen, terrace, and stunning ocean views. The suites, Barb's Place, and Sea Drum House all have large flat-screen TVs.

A small spa is slated to open in early 2016, but otherwise there are few "conventional hotel" features here. There is no gym, and because of zoning laws in the area, the inn can never operate a full restaurant -- however, the friendly innkeepers cook up a delicious free breakfast every morning, and guests can also enjoy free wine and appetizers in the early evenings. The main inn building also features plenty of cozy communal areas, including a library with a fireplace, a recreation room with a large flat-screen TV and dartboard, and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the ocean. Various outdoor activities -- such as ATV tours, horseback riding, hiking, whale watching, and picnics -- can be arranged.