Mr & Mrs Smith Gaige House

Slide into slippers and patter around the house, perhaps finding a nook by the fireplace to settle into with a book, or sampling the matcha cookies and sake in the lounge. Stroll the grounds at your own leisurely pace, pausing to admire the red maples, bristling bamboo and mighty oak trees. Unwind with yoga in the Meditation Room, near the Calabazas Creek – or book a spa treatment and while away the afternoon by the pool. And don’t forget Californian aperitivo – the wine and cheese hour every evening at 5pm. Go up, up and away with an early morning hot-air-balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft (6525 Washington Street, Yountville) – and you won’t be too sad when you come back to earth, because there’ll be a champagne breakfast waiting for you. Take cooking and wine classes at Ramekins (450 West Spain Street, Sonoma) – you can hardly fail to make something tasty with fresh Golden State bounty at your disposal. Jack London Village (14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen) is a quirky historical mill converted into a collection of independent shops and restaurants; it’s named after the author who lived in Glen Ellen for 11 years before his death in 1916. One look across the miles of verdant vineyards in Sonoma Valley, and you’ll realise why wine tasting is top of the tourist to-do list. Winery-hop in your own car, or avoid the dreaded designated-driver duty by booking a private or group trip; call Smith24 for options.