Despite the strange travel era that we’re experiencing, California remains one of our favorite US travel destinations for a January getaway for several reasons. So, here’s why… point by point…
Make your January a Month of Full-On Wellness
If you’ve ever been to California, then you’ll know just how good it makes you feel. You get an immediate sense when walking the streets and along the glistening beaches of just how much time and brain space the people of California, particularly in SoCal, dedicate to wellness. In fact, it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say that this corner of the planet is, in many ways, a great contender for the Wellness Capital of the World.
This feel-good sensation and complete dedication to a better mind and a better body are precisely what we need when we launch into a new year. It’s the perfect destination for a January getaway, and if you can stay the entire month, even better!
Cleanse, Detox, and Rejuvenate your January
Aside from the incredible natural settings, the local passion for exercise, and the gorgeous winter sunshine, California is one of the best spots in the US to detox and rejuvenate. Spas exist all across the country, but there’s nothing quite like a Californian spa to make you feel brand new, which is just what we all want to feel when January comes around.
For an authentic sushi experience, go to Japan, for a pint of the world’s best Guinness, visit Ireland, and for the most incredible range of raw juice cleanses, every which way you turn, head to California. When you spend January in California, you’re given endless opportunities to ingest vitamin-rich, vegetable goodness, giving your body the positive start to new beginnings that it needs and deserves.
And don’t forget that at Omnifique, we can make things happen for you. If you want a selection of juice recipes to make while staying in one of our high-end homes, we can make sure you have them upon arrival. If you want advice about where to go for the best in cryotherapy, we can investigate on your behalf. Suppose you want a month of daily massage or acupuncture at home. In that case, we can secure a sought-after professional to be at your service in your 5-star home-rental one the days and times that most suits you.
Take January Outside
Despite being in the business of 5-star home rentals, if you choose to visit California this January, we highly recommend that you spend as much of your time as possible in the outdoors.
When staying in Los Angeles, you can be strolling along the beaches of Orange County and San Diego in very little time. Or, for a breathtaking experience to delight the eyes and the soul, head inland and discover the desert landscapes of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley.
Local Wines for a January Full of Flavor
And don’t forget that Napa Valley in Northern California is famous for producing some of the world’s most flavorsome and prestigious wines. It’s easy to spend a month in California, delicately working your way through the array of strains and recommended pairings that Napa Valley affords.
If you’d like a little insider advice, then naturally, we’re here to help. Here are our top three Napa Valley wines to enjoy fruity and aromatic January in style…
1. Screaming Eagle, Sauvignon Blanc, Oakville
If you’re a lover of crisp, barrel-fermented whites, then the Sauvignon Blanc Screaming Eagle from Oakville is a wine worth uncorking. The history of this particular wine is an excellent treat for party banter, as it’s a wine that was initially crafted exclusively for the winery’s long-lasting clients. In fact, only 600 bottles, or thereabouts, were corked in 2012. Still, it became so popular – more popular than their Cabernet Sauvignon – that it wasn’t long before the invitation to try was extended to the secondary market. We recommend pairing it with a light fish dish and accompanying green salad.
2. Harlan Estate, Bordeaux Blend Red
If you love delving into history and prefer your wine to be red, we suggest trying the Bordeaux Blend Red from Harlan Estate. So, what makes this wine so distinctive? The terroir.
Harlan Estate was founded in 1984 with the vineyard’s “first growth” of California, cultivated across a mere six acres. Today, those six acres have converted into almost 40, with cultivation focused on some of the most classic varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot. The founders of Harlan Estate are winegrowers, through and through, always working to bring farm to table and to reveal the character of their never-before-cultivated soils into the wine glasses of those with a refined palate.
3. Realm Cellars, The Absurd Red… an ‘Absurdly Good’ Red Blend
This final recommendation is for those who find inspiration in a modern, disruptive wine label and the taste of an underexplored strain. The Absurd is the very best wine crafted at Realm Cellars. In fact, they refer to it as the super blend, born from the premise of no rules and no restrictions, which is reflected not only in its attractive label but also in the choice of predominant grape: the Petit Verdot. Try something new this January and go for the absurd.
If you want to visit California this January…
Here are 5 homes you’ll fall in love with:
- Royal, a Bel Air mansion with a pool, a tropical waterfall, and gorgeous views.
- Cream, a modern Hollywood Hills home with panoramic views and a sauna.
- Gold, a sleek Santa Monica property with hills and ocean views and a pool.
- Maple, an award-winning boho vineyard villa with a pool and spa.
- Wood, a romantic A-frame tucked away in a Napa forest, hot tub included.