Articles by Fran Endicott Miller

Find Your Bliss at Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Lodge

Find Your Bliss at Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Lodge

The first thing you’ll notice is the lavender. A lush carpet of the fragrant purple flora heralds your arrival, leading the way through the Bernardus Lodge entrance.

Luxurious SoCal Cool at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Luxurious SoCal Cool at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Of the multitude of resorts that line the Southern California shore, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has no equal.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Reveals a Magnificent Makeover

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Reveals a Magnificent Makeover

Rarely do I linger in a hotel room until the last seconds tick down to checkout time. But during a recent overnight stay at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel, staff nearly had to drag me out of my newly remodeled quarters.

Sonoma County Sojourn

Sonoma County Sojourn

Located 30 miles north of San Francisco and boasting six distinct regions, Sonoma County is one of California’s most treasured and diverse vacation spots.

Southern San Mateo County: Museums, Gardens & Wine, Oh My!

Southern San Mateo County: Museums, Gardens & Wine, Oh My!

California’s San Mateo County – home of Silicon Valley and Stanford University - brims with so many unique attractions, it’s difficult to know where to begin your exploration.

Santa Barbara’s Bacara Sparkles Anew as a Ritz-Carlton

Santa Barbara’s Bacara Sparkles Anew as a Ritz-Carlton

Recently added to The Ritz-Carlton portfolio of 100 properties worldwide, Santa Barbara’s iconic Bacara resort has never looked better.

Estate Yountville Unveils Remodeled Vintage House, Hotel Villagio & Spa

Estate Yountville Unveils Remodeled Vintage House, Hotel Villagio & Spa

Visitors to the Napa Valley can find overnight accommodations as diverse as the states and countries from which they venture. From quaint B&Bs to luxury resorts, variations in gracious wine country hospitality exist at every turn.

Santa Barbara Beckons: A 24-Hour Guide to The American Riviera

Santa Barbara Beckons: A 24-Hour Guide to The American Riviera

Santa Barbara – the stunning seaside enclave known as The American Riviera – has weathered its recent fire and rain storms with a community spirit that is stronger than ever.

24 Hour Getaway – Downtown Napa

24 Hour Getaway – Downtown Napa

Having long been considered merely a pass-through to other popular wine country locales such as Yountville and St. Helena, Downtown Napa is now considered a glamorous wine country destination unto itself.

Las Alcobas Sets a New Standard for Napa Valley Luxury

Las Alcobas Sets a New Standard for Napa Valley Luxury

By definition, Napa Valley could well be described as an anachronism. The region’s beloved liquid commodity is as old-school as it gets, but is now often made with state-of-the-art computerized equipment.

California Luxury Travel Trifecta – Mendocino, San Jose, Santa Barbara

California Luxury Travel Trifecta – Mendocino, San Jose, Santa Barbara

For those who subscribe to the notion that California luxury travel is isolated to spots within arm’s reach of either the Golden Gate or the Hollywood sign, we’ve got a secret – three actually.

San Luis Obispo's Tolosa Wines Imbue a Tangible Sense of Place

San Luis Obispo's Tolosa Wines Imbue a Tangible Sense of Place

Those who consider the Napa Valley to be the heart and soul of California wine country are partially on point. The area is no doubt fertile, producing some of the best wines – and best known labels - in the world.

Stop and Smell the Roses at Calistoga's Solage, An Auberge Resort

Stop and Smell the Roses at Calistoga's Solage, An Auberge Resort

Calistoga’s Solage resort and spa makes it easy to stop and smell the roses – quite literally.

Press Your Escape Button at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Press Your Escape Button at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

The stunning curved glass visage of the Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto glistens over California’s Highway 101, intriguing passers-by with its dramatic profile. The location is atypical for a luxury hotel.

Intercontinental The Clement Monterey is Everything You Wish It To Be

Intercontinental The Clement Monterey is Everything You Wish It To Be

It takes a special type of hospitality talent to create a hotel environment that is all things to all people.