Boontime!

Tucked about a mile from downtown Guerneville in the heart of Russian River, the sublime Boon Hotel + Spa is an oasis among redwoods. With social distance and safety protocols nicely dialed, there are a few stylish glamping tents and the sweet little Boonito, for those who like their overnights to be boho but not van-life. Boon’s main rooms are quiet and modern, with private patios and old-school record players (we listened to a lot of young Willie Nelson).

In the morning, a gourmet breakfast is dropped off at your door. Explore on two-wheels with one of Boon's on-site bikes, pedaling into nearby Guerneville for food and shopping. Order a delicious BBQ chicken pizza at Rio Nido Roadhouse; eat on their patio or at a picnic table on their large lawn. And don't miss Big Bottom Market, home of Oprah's favorite biscuits. Get a butter & jam with coffee or grab a biscuit sandwich to go. Owner Michael Volpatt has a great new cookbook for the times (and a good holiday gift), Cooking in Place: 50 Days, Stories, and 70+ Recipes to Keep You Sane in Challenging Times.

Back at the Boon, lounge by the pool or soak in the hot tub under the stars. After some spa, spend time in Russian River's wine country: see our two winery recommendations below. Boon-yeah! 

BEST WINE TASTING EXPERIENCES NEARBY: Airy cabanas and the most creative gourmet food and wine pairing: Flowers Vineyards and Winery has been making outstanding pinots and chardonnays since 1989, but they only just opened a beautiful tasting haven a year ago, and it is worth your wine o’clock!

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You’ll be greeted with a glass of rosé, then be seated at your cabana overlooking the property, vineyard, and beautiful, bright gardens favored by hummingbirds. The Flowers Flight is a guided outdoors tasting experience of Flowers coastal estate pinot noir and chardonnay. For a splurge you won’t regret, or forget, try the outdoors Bottles & Provisions experience, tasting Flowers’ estate wines along with creative local seasonal bites. This also includes a half bottle of wine for guests … so yes, plan to stay awhile. 

For those who want to take their tasting experience to higher ground, Enriquez Estate Wines has the perfect private picnic setting, perched atop a knoll overlooking grapevines. It's ideal for those who like extreme privacy for their tasting.

The first-generation Mexican American family-owned and run winery is a labor of love, innovation, and enthusiasm. It's also small-production for a truly crafted approach. Cecilia Enriquez, at just 33, is the winemaker, creating 500 to 700 cases annually, including pinot, tempranillo, muscat, and a rosé. Book a private tasting, ATV tour + Reserve Tasting, or do their self-guided vineyard walk and picnic.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Secrets of Sonoma County" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their adventures in the Russian River. Part of the podcast was recorded from the Boon Hotel and Spa!

It’s a simple five-minute stroll with a picnic basket prepared by Enriquez and up to a lovely lookout with a table. 

Boon Hotel + Spa has some dog-friendly rooms. No dogs in tent cabins. No dogs at Flowers. No dogs at Enriquez.