Ah, Timber Cove. Where do I begin? Romantic, secluded, vibrant, invigorating, serene. So many ways to describe the newly renovated Timber Cove, but no single word quite encapsulates the magic of being there. You know how there are those places that you see online that look beautiful, but when you visit it in real life, it doesn’t quite meet the expectations that you’ve set for it? Timber Cove is the exact opposite. In fact, many of the pictures don’t do it justice.
Set high on a rocky, dramatic bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Timber Cove is a taste of the old and the new. Originally built in the 1960s, Timber Cove retains its authentic mid-century vibes, while bringing in modern amenities and a contemporary hotel experience. No kitschy lodge here. It recently underwent a huge renovation, and I was lucky enough to be able to experience a weekend getaway in the newly designed space.
I was immediately smitten by The Great Room with its A-frame structure, high vaulted ceilings, and statement ceiling upon entering. The hotel was was originally inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, where the lines between indoors and outdoors are blurred. Interior design duo, The Novogratz, was brought in to spruce it up for modern times. Fun, colorful mid-century furniture and accessories are scattered throughout the Great Room to bring light and airiness to the original wood walls. What I like best about it is that it encourages guests to interact with each other, yet there are still individual spaces set apart for those who want a private moment to themselves.
We were lucky enough to stay in the Ocean View Suite, a little corner room that overlooks the water and has its own sitting area and patio. To be frank, we could’ve stayed in that room all weekend. The room stays true to its vintage roots, replete with records, a record player, and a Smeg fridge. It has a small dining table, sitting area, and even a fireplace. The sitting area leads out to a private deck, where you can whale watch in privacy. Our bedroom was a separate room, with two large windows opening up to the ocean. What better way to start and end your day?
The rooms are also dog-friendly, which is a HUGE plus for us. The renovation included a whole new extension that makes more rooms that are dog-friendly, including many of the ocean view rooms.
We dined at Coast Kitchen, their restaurant, four times over the weekend, and I can say that each time was completely different.
We also had the opportunity to wine taste and dine in the stunning private Hirsch Room. The Hirsch Room is true “experience dining”. It’s a small, private dining room that faces the ocean, and is a beautiful way to enjoy delectable food and a truly stunning view. So honored to be able to have that experience.
Saturday morning, we were lucky enough to have sunny weather for a tour hosted by Unbeaten Path. We trailed along the rocky bluffs while Margaret, the founder of Unbeaten Path, gave us a history of Timber Cove and background on all the animals that live there. She is absolutely inspirational and knowledgeable about all the nature surrounding Timber Cove, and I would highly recommend taking a tour with her. An hour was not nearly enough. We even spotted whales!
Want a more “guided way” to explore the grounds? They have a fun scavenger hunt, where you can search the grounds for numbered rocks that encourage you to see all the different, significant sites that Timber Cove has to offer. So fun!
In the afternoon, we headed up the hill to Fort Ross Winery Tasting Room, where we enjoyed our wines with sweeping views of the forest and Pacific Ocean. Fort Ross was founded by a South African couple, who began working on the vineyard in ’91. Now, their distinct wines have garnered multiple accolades and served in many popular restaurants in the Bay Area.
Finally, we took a moment to reflect and watch the sun set over the lodge. The skies were awash in periwinkle and dusty rose, and you could hear the waves crashing on the rocky shores. The winds were blowing strong, and there was nothing more romantic than being wrapped up in their plush robes, hearing nothing but the sounds of nature. Living in a loud city, you don’t realize just how much unpleasant and anxiety-inducing noise there is until you head to a coastal escape. Though the trip itself was fleeting, it was the restorative getaway I didn’t know I needed.
Bonus!
For a limited time, Timber Cove is offering a midweek Spring special for Cultural Chromatic readers! Readers will enjoy 30% off Ocean View suites (where I stayed) and 15% off Ocean Cove View and Ocean View rooms and two Garden Mule cocktails upon arrival. Book by April 30th for stays through May 31st. VALID BY CALLING THE HOTEL 707.847.3231 OR ON TIMBERCOVERESORT.COM WITH PROMO CODE GARDENFAM15 FOR OCEAN VIEW ROOMS OR GARDENFAM30 FOR SUITES.
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