California

Take a cue from online dating and line up your next meeting destination via the perfect proxy.

This summer, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is debuting $25 million in expansions. The new Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge features a central gathering building, communal outdoor fire pits and more than 50 two-bedroom cabins. Also, the lodge recently introduced new Glacier Point at Sunset Tours that run from May through September and combine the expert knowledge of a local guide with the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Groups can enjoy wine, cheese and crackers or their own picnic dinner while enjoying the alpenglow.

Originally built in 1927 and located in Death Valley National Park, the mission-style Inn at Death Valley celebrated its $100 million transformation with a grand reopening celebration in November 2018. The property, owned by Xanterra Travel Collection, features 66 updated rooms, a renovated fine dining restaurant and cocktail lounge, the new Tranquility Spa, and a spring-fed pool bordered by a new café and cabanas.

Quieter months in mountain destinations are no longer a secret, but there are still savings to be found.

Since the days of the Wild West, opera houses have been symbols of culture and community.

The Presidential Touch in Simi Valley

One of the amazing survival stories from the wildfires that raged across Northern California involves the historic Triple S Ranch Napa and neighboring properties in Calistoga. Surrounded by fire on all sides, the ranch was saved due to a 10-hour battle waged by owner Derek Webb and a handful of courageous employees and neighbors.

A bike retreat, Olympic venue, Nordic center and ice rink demonstrate peak possibilities.

>>  Opened in late 2016, the newest member of The Culinary Institute of America family, CIA at Copia in Napa, features a variety of meeting space options, including indoor teaching kitchens, a 200- seat theater, outdoor gardens, a restaurant and an amphitheater on the Napa River. 

The Ranch, a healthy lifestyle company, has introduced three custom group experiences at The Ranch 4.0 at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village in California. The new packages incorporate the core elements of The Ranch’s signature program—hiking, rest, strength conditioning, massages and yoga—with custom programming to suit a group’s individual needs, four-day stays at the Four Seasons and a daily diet of fresh vegetarian fare.