San Francisco - June 26, 2007

Hey, Sunshine!

NorCal Weekend Getaways

There’s a dark and a troubled side of life in San Francisco: summer wind and fog. But there’s a bright and sunny side, too: weekend getaways.

Daydream you’re in Provence on a plush daybed by the swanky new pool at Auberge du Soleil (180 Rutherford Hill Road; 707-963-1211). The staff will keep you refreshed with cucumber water, apricot sorbet, and a glass of rosé.

Ditch the guys for the two-night Babes in the Woods package at Calistoga Ranch (580 Lommel Road; 707-254-2800). Your perks include reserved seats at the pool (pool boy included), a fridge stocked with ice cream, a chocolate espresso scrub, and an endless supply of trashy rags.

Or flaunt your new bikini (finally) at the more casual but very social Solage (755 Silverado Trail; 866-942-7442), which opens mid-July. Studios appeal to city and country mice and come with bikes for cruising around. Here’s to mud in your eye when the ecofriendly spa opens later this summer.

Love The Carneros Inn (4048 Sonoma Highway; 707-299-4900) so much you want to live there? Now you can (wallet permitting) when you buy a fractional ownership in The Orchard, a private residence club on the property. Call ahead for seats at the infinity pool, e-mail the concierge your grocery list before arriving, or stroll to Farm for seasonal fare.

Go fish in Tomales Bay at the newly restored Nick’s Cove & Cottages (23240 Highway 1; 415-663-1033). The sunset views from the cozy bungalows are natural Prozac.

Need more sun? Check out Weekend Sherpa for a weekly fix of outdoor activities.

And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.