Lodging

Inn at Occidental

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

When I arrived on a misty February Monday, I was surprised to see adults and school children sitting on the curb in the village of Occidental.  Cyclists in bright logo gear began to trickle in.  I checked into the Inn at Occidental and asked owner Jerry Wolsborn what the fuss was about.  Turns out the 2008 Amgen Tour of California was about to wiz by.  While the exact route has yet to be posted on the Amgen website, I do know that Santa Rosa will be a staging area for Lance Armstrong and his fellow cycling team in February of 2009.

Located off the Bohemian Highway, the Inn at Occidental doesn’t have cell phone towers. In fact, the only thing towering overhead are redwood trees. “Having lived in Marin for 10 years, I’d never been to Armstong,” said Wolsborn.  The 805 acre State Reserve is “under utilized,”added Wolsborn.  From horseback riding, to wine tasting or relaxing at the nearby Oasis Day Spa, the Inn is an ideal launch pad for a wide array of activities.

Osmosis Meditation Garden

Ten minutes away, in the blink-and-you’ll miss-it town of Freestone, I was treated to an Osmosis Cedar Enzyme Bath and a 75 minute Swedish Esalen massage.  Before my treatments I was invited to stroll the Japanese meditation garden and sip herbal tea in the sitting room over looking the bonsai garden.  I have to say, this was one of the best massages of my life, and I’ve had my share of massages.

Another high point of Freestone is Wild Flour Bread Bakery.  Be warned, the organic bakery is only open four days a week, Friday through Monday, including holiday weekends, except Christmas day.  The scones are delicious.

Sonoma Lodge Room

Before you arrive, you’ll want to check out the rooms on-line.  Each room or suite, offers a distinct personality.  All rooms feature overstuffed down beds and fireplaces and include hors d’oeuvres in the evening and a Sonoma Harvest Breakfast in the Wine Cellar dining room. 

 Room prices range from $259 for traditional rooms, to $359 for suites with hot tubs, to $679 for the two bedroom Sonoma Vacation Cottage.  Check on-line for Internet and Mid-Week specials.  The Inn at Occidental is a member of Unique Inns.

Thanks to Iris and Ron Kovarsky for this photo of the Inn.  Osmosis and Sonoma Lodge photo by Nancy D. Brown