Sonoma wine country is more than double the size of neighbor Napa and with its gorgeous scenery, superb farm to table dining and esteemed grapes, it’s easy to fall under its spell. Driving past rolling hills, orchards and beautiful vineyards, I turned off West Dry Creek Road and beheld The Madrona.

This gem of a boutique hotel by renowned designer Jay Jeffers located in fashionable Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma County, debuted April 2022. With hidden corners and stunning panoramic vistas this enchanting property set on eight acres of lush, layered grounds feels like a magical wonderland amid glorious nature.

Originally built as a gabled private residence in 1881, the historic estate has been spectacularly re-imagined with lively and whimsical eclectic design. You’ll find animal motifs in fabric, art and in carved mahogany furnishings, eye popping antiques, fanciful lamps, striking chandeliers, horse hair on hide wallpaper lining the walls of the Carriage House, floral carpeting from an artist’s watercolor furnishings, neon yellow walls in the dining room and an impressive art collection. And it all works fantastically. It’s easy to be uplifted into a state of joy at The Madrona. And the wonderful staff are warm, personable and cheerful – a perfect fit!

Twenty-four stylish rooms and private bungalows are each delightfully unique with one of a kind bed frames, some with soaring ceilings, bay windows, original fireplaces, whimsical accents like retro dial phones plus balconies over- looking the hills of Dry Creek Valley. These cozy oases are spread across six buildings, including the Mansion, Carriage House and Bungalows scattered along the outer edges of the property, tucked away in the trees.

Guests enjoy delectable dishes that highlight the season and Northern California as well as international influences at the resort’s award winning restaurant. Talented Chef Patrick Tafoya uses the freshest ingredients grown in the estate’s on-site garden for his eclectic tasty fare.

Some of the amenities and experiences that make The Madrona such a gem include: inviting indoor/outdoor lounge areas in the Mansion with fireplaces, intimate parlors and cozy Hannah’s Bar, picturesque grounds with citrus groves and a half acre garden for guests to wander, enjoy and commune with nature, heated swimming pool with chaise loungers, fire pits and breakfast with homemade goodies on the scenic patio for taking in the gorgeousness and serenity.

The Matheson Where Everyone Is Having A Good Time

 While in Healdsburg, don’t miss a sublime dining experience at master chef Dustin Valette’s trendy, popular and excellent restaurant, The Matheson - combining fine dining in one location (the ground floor) and more casual dishes (on the stylish rooftop -Roof 106). I dined on exquisite tuna tataki, short ribs, bavette steak paired with the region’s prized wines in this high temple of gastronomy.

The Farmhouse Inn, just south of Healdsburg is utterly romantic. This charming luxe boutique resort spread over six acres offers a collection of cottage like suites in soothing hues of white and cream, heated pool and hot tub, plus a superb spa. Country rustic interiors showcase cashmere throws, antique weathervanes, featherbeds,indoor/outdoor fireplaces plus large windows overlooking the woods and private decks. Additionally Farmhouse Inn introduced a new room type, the 550 square foot Cottage Petite Suites which are sleeker, more minimal versions of the country chic décor in the rest of the rooms.

Their acclaimed Farmhouse Restaurant offering a gourmet six course prix fixe menu with many of the ingredients picked that day at brother and sister owners Joe and Catherine Bartolomei’s farm up the road, has a new chef. Jeremy Cabrera is offering delectable dishes such as Black Cod with Manzanita Dashi, Wild Mushrooms, Foraged Sea Grapes and Sea Lettuce and Oz Family Farm Duck Breast with Duck Liver Mousse, Braised Frill Mustard Greens and Pickled Mustard Seeds.

Foodies Delight! Their new all day casual restaurant Farmstand serves three meals daily with chef Trevor Anderson at the helm. I savored an exceptional lunch of beet salad with Asian pears, beet puree and cocoa nibs, cauliflower with cashew crema, fried ginger and shiso, quail with arugula, pearl onions, farro and duck liver vinaigrette, and a crunchy, sweet apple galette with autumn spice ice cream and bourbon caramel. I’m still dreaming about it…….