Carneros Inn, a Vineyard Resort & Spa in Napa, California

A Napa Valley vineyard haven, just a 45-minutes' drive from San Francisco, and perfect for a romantic retreat or a family-friendly getaway. (For an extra fee, you can bring along the family dog). Set on 27-acres of vineyards and orchards between the towns of Napa and Sonoma, Carneros Inn is one of Califorina's top Wine Country resorts. Instead of hotel rooms, the estate is dotted with 86 country-style, tin-roofed cottages, including 10 suites, each with patios or decks furnished with rocking chairs. (Try to book one with a vineyard view). Their sunny interiors are far from rustic—it's clear the cottages were designed for sophisticated urbanites, with cowhide chaise chairs, wood-burning fireplaces, Italian bed linens, huge bathrooms with soaking tubs and heated tile floors, Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs and an array of other high-tech amenities. Oh, and then there's the private outdoor showers!

Carneros is a place to slow down and slip into a countryside pace. You can have a wine-inspired massage at the spa, go on a long bike ride, play Bocce ball, take out a chef-prepared picnic, borrow a birdwatching guide and scan the treelines, explore local wineries, or relax by one of the pools (there's one just for grown-ups and another one for families—genius!). Foodies will delight in the resort's three restaurants, all featuring local farm-fresh produce, not to mention award-winning Californian wines. Weekend brunch at the Boon Fly Cafe is not to be missed, and for a romantic dinner with a view, book a table at the Hilltop Dining Room.

Room rates from $505.

Insider tip from Mr & Mrs Smith, one of my trusted resources:

"Be sure to pack swimwear (you'll be gutted if you forget it); comfortable shoes for walking and post-wine-tasting moments of instability; a great book; and yoga attire."

Visit Mr & Mrs Smith for more tips, photos, and to book a special Suzanne's Files rate—3 nights for the price of 2! Valid for stays until June 30, 2009 (excluding April 24–26; May 22–25 and May 29–31; June 3–5 and 19-22.) Subject to availability.