A Northern California resort and a Southern California health retreat have been named the best in the nation by Travel + Leisure.
Appellation Healdsburg was named the nation’s top resort, while The Ranch Malibu earned recognition as the top wellness retreat in the publication’s annual World’s Best Awards.
“T+L readers continue to search for hotels and experiences that draw them in—those with a rich backstory, entrancing interiors, and an authentic sense of place,” the publication said of its annual awards.
Here’s what to know about Appellation Healdsburg and The Ranch Malibu.
What to know about Appellation Healdsburg
Appellation Healdsburg, which officially opened in September 2025, was created by Chef Charlie Palmer and “offers 108 guest rooms (99 guest rooms and 9 suites) spread across 12 buildings,” according to the resort’s website.
“Billing itself as a ‘culinary hotel,’ this Sonoma County newcomer fulfills the promise: walking into its lobby mirrors the experience of entering a Michelin-starred restaurant, with local bites upon arrival and a full view into the kitchen,” Travel + Leisure says.
In an Instagram post, the resort said its recognition by the publication “is a moment we’ll never forget.”
“We opened this hotel less than a year ago with one belief: that hospitality is at its best when it is rooted in place … We built this space for the people who make this region what it is. We are honored to be doing it here,” the resort wrote.
Some of the resort’s luxury amenities include:
“The resort brings together food, wine, and craft experiences—from Folia Bar & Kitchen and Andy’s Beeline Rooftop to hands-on culinary workshops and access to Sonoma County’s renowned wine regions including Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley,” the resort’s website says.
Room rates vary depending on the season and accommodation type. The average nightly cost for a stay at the resort ranges between $350 and $470, with luxury suites or peak-season weekends pushing prices up to $1,000, Expedia booking data show.
Other California resorts that made Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards include Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito; Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Collection in Napa Valley; El Encanto Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara; and Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside.
What to know about The Ranch Malibu
The Ranch Malibu is an intensive, luxury fitness and wellness retreat in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.
“This longtime celebrity favorite, known for its weeklong hiking-focused programs, recently took a step to broaden its appeal: for the first time since it opened in 2010, animal-based proteins are a part of its culinary offerings,” Travel + Leisure says.
The retreat offers a variety of private and group programs that differ in length, structure, and level of personalization. The retreat says its programs are based in a “proven methodology that transforms both body and mind while establishing lasting health habits.”
“This is where transformation science meets California luxury, creating lasting change that extends far beyond your stay,” the retreat’s website says.
Some of the retreat’s amenities include:
The cost of a stay at The Ranch Malibu varies by program. The resort’s signature seven-day package starts at $7,600 for double occupancy and $9,200 for single occupancy, according to a resort flyer.
One more California wellness retreat was featured in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards: Cal-a-Vie Health Spa in Vista.
What to know about World’s Best Awards
Along with naming its top resorts and wellness retreats, Travel + Leisure recognized hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, and other travel experiences across the globe through its annual World’s Best Awards, which is in its 31st year.
“Every year in our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their favorite travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more,” the publication said.
This year, the publication said more than 207,000 readers voted, casting more than 661,000 votes.
“No matter what you’re searching for, this winning list is proof that there’s always more to explore,” the publication said.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Two California hospitality spots top Travel + Leisure rankings
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
