NewTree Ranch — Hotel in Healdsburg

Given the headaches, anxiety, discomfort, and overall blech of travel, it is rare that I get back from a trip feeling more rested than when I started. Newtree Ranch near Healdsburg, California, is one of those special exceptions. The two bedroom “barn” villa was spectacular, offering peaceful vibes and breathtaking views with modern luxury and all the amenities. And by “all the amenities,” I really mean all. Not only do you have two bedrooms with ensuite baths, a sitting area with a TV that hides itself behind a living moss panel, and a wood burning stove for those cool nights, you also get a professional quality fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen was even stocked with beautiful fresh eggs, lettuces, garlic, carrots, strawberries, and other produce of the Ranch’s own gardens harvested the morning of our arrival. Ranch-made jams, kimchi, and pickles were also available. The pantry has a wide selection of cooking essentials, including olive oils, herbs, spices, chickpeas, almonds, even groats! You can put together your meal and enjoy it at the kitchen island or take it out to the spacious covered deck, which has a motorized screen to keep any bugs out.

Don’t get me wrong, having a beautiful kitchen available doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time cooking. Newtree has recommendations for private chefs to come in and do it for you. Plus, you are minutes away from downtown Healdsburg, which features numerous excellent dining options for all tastes, in addition to bookstores, fashion, cafés, wine tasting rooms, and everything else you could imagine needing. A little further afield you are surrounded by the world famous wine regions of Sonoma County’s Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys, and Chalk Hill.

Of course, once you are settled in at the Ranch your biggest temptation will be to simply stay put. Hang out in the garden, soak in the outdoor tubs, visit the animals (although some distance from the Highland cattle is recommended), even harvest some vegetables to take back to the villa. In addition to chefs, the Ranch also has a list of massage therapists, yogis, tour guides, and others who can come to you and take the experience to the next level.

Finally, and this cannot be stressed enough, this whole experience would be for naught without the folks who make it happen. From start to finish Edward and David’s passion for the Ranch and dedication to the experience is obvious. David, a founder and farm manager, gave us a tour of the woods on the property (bring hiking shoes), let us harvest some potatoes and chives to cook with our lunch, and taught us about his passion for the gardens and forests that make up a large part of the ranch. Edward, founder and CEO, was gracious and attentive, walking us through the villa’s amenities and iPad-based management system and giving us a tour of the rest of the property. My wife, who volunteers with an animal rescue group, got to spend some time with the Ranch’s goats, miniature horses, and chickens.

Are there any caveats? Well, sort of. The first time you drive out to the Ranch it will seem to take a lot longer than you think it should given how close to Healdsburg it is. Don’t worry, follow the directions in your reservation confirmation and you will get there no problem. For those staying in the Barn Villa there is a short stretch of well-kept gravel road. Once you are there the distance is absolutely worth it for the peace and tranquility. A related recommendation is to check in advance with Edward or David if you want to go into Healdsburg but not drive yourself. We went in for dinner and Edward graciously gave us a ride. Getting an Uber/taxi back is no problem, but the drivers need a little help with the directions. And, most importantly, once you get there you won’t want to leave.

Overall, a truly unique and special experience. We will be...

My group and I stayed in mid February for a birthday celebration, and everyone left New Tree Ranch feeling more connected: to each other, to the earth, to themselves. It was an incredibly restorative, inspiring, and relaxing weekend.

We were greeted by David, who is the farm manager. He was incredibly generous, hospitable, and an inspirational, centered person to talk to. It was a treat to get to know the beautiful story of how he found his way to the ranch. His nut milk is a must try; we were all begging for more. And, the canned goods fermented directly from the farm were such an incredible accompaniment to our meals. We all left basking a little in his glow!

The description, Forbes article and pictures don’t do the experience justice. It’s priced the way it is for a good reason; think a Ventana-like experience but personalized and private. So, here’s what I wish I knew: Food. You don’t need to worry about menu planning. There is intensely fresh and delicious produce from the farm that you can create the most beautiful menu, whether it’s a salad or sauté or roast. There is a big John’s market nearby, where you can pick up some delicious proteins, if you wish to cook at home. It’s a 10 minute drive door to door. No need to stop by Costco or bring your own ingredients. House. There is a full size sofa bed in the attached yes sweet. Everything in the house is room and board, so you know it will be comfortable, and high-quality. The entire house has state of the art technology: from an Apple TV with fast internet, to a full indoor, and outdoor, Bose surround sound system Cooking. The kitchen has two dishwashers, three sinks, two ovens, and an indoor grill. There’s even a charcoal grill provided upon request. There is a fully stocked pantry of dried goods, like rice, popcorn, and legumes. There are plenty of fresh garden herbs, spices, and cooking oils. Activities. Most of the activities advertised on the website are self guided, like farm animal therapy, or forest walks. The only guided activities we had were yoga, a farm tour with David, and an incredibly restorative sound bath, all of which were included in the price of the stay. Working with David was easy to adjust times. There’s no stress making activities. You can freely walk the farm, interact with animals, pick produce. Amenities. There is an outdoor Glamping tent, but it was a bit cold at night, and very hot in the morning. And, there is no longer a hot tub. It had been replaced by two outdoor tubs, where we could soak and enjoy the animals. The pool was freezing cold, but in the summertime it would be perfect. We ended up not having to use our bathing suits. There’s also a gym with weights, machines, and a battle rope.

Overall the Ranch is an experience and a retreat. It’s not your average Airbnb / large house. Set aside time to be mindful and take it all in here. It’s perfect for a family or friends gathering, a yoga retreat, or, once they open a smaller unit, a...

Wow, a stay at the Barn at the New Tree Ranch was absolutely magical, so unique, and breathtaking. Although the pictures are beautiful, in person, this place is even more stunning and lush. Ed who runs and designed the home and grounds has thought of every detail in both the grounds as well as the home. While remote, the place felt so safe and was a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of life, although still close enough to access so many wineries and the adorable town of Healdsburg. The condo itself is well appointed, furnished and full of high tech features, comfortable beds, a refrigerator stocked with fresh picked lettuce and veggies from the garden, as well as stocked herbs in the pantry for cooking. Highlights inside of the barn were a very large kitchen island made from an enormous tree, and a screened off porch at a push of a button to sit outside while being protected. The view from the front of the condo overlooked an enormous garden with a labyrinth of herbs, and flowers. Beautiful sculptures and objects were found in areas throughout. In the distance, we rolling hills with mature trees and wildflowers. There were also some newly planted apple trees full of blossoms, and upon arrival, it was a nice touch to have a vase full of these. Out the kitchen window, we looked at giant sequoia trees. Inside, it had an amazing surround sound with mood lighting and music. .Just above us, was a special Zen like glass house that could be used for yoga or meditation, as well as a nearby outdoor soaking tub. Nearby, was a gas pit and seating area where one could make smores. Below, the condo, on the first floor, was a workout gym we could use. In the garden, there was a large BBQ and food preparation and eating area, as well as another seating area to enjoy the sights and smells of the garden. We enjoyed looking at each morning, and walking through it during the day. We were able to pick more veggies such as asparagus from the ground, to prepare meals or a fresh salad. We also loved that Ed regularly brought over fresh eggs from his chickens in the mornings. The property is enormous, and while one could walk around, we did use our car to drive to the main home where they have the most beautiful chicken coop, horse stables and many other rescue animals- sheep, goats, Scottish cows, and even 2 miniature horses. From there, we walked amongst the animals and down to the lake which had a beautiful teal color. After a day exploring the grounds or the many beautiful roads, wineries and sites through Sonoma County, we would return to our cozy home that offered modern amenities. This was an incredibly unique experience and we loved meeting Ed and hearing about how the ranch encourages and focuses sustainability and improving...