It's often said that we Northern Californians live the good life, but if you want to live the really good life, head to the new H2 hotel in Healdsburg.
Just opened on July 1, H2 takes eco-chic hospitality to the next level. It's going for the gold in LEED certification, helped in part by the "living roof" of succulents that captures rainwater for the hotel's watering system. There's a posh pool that's solar heated (of course) and the hotel is helping to restore the creek on its property. The room floors are lined with sustainable bamboo, sparkling water flows from watering fountains, the room robes and bed linens are Coyuchi (luxurious, organic, from Pt. Reyes) and you can take a morning Vinyasa class (on Saturdays), if all of the above doesn't zen you out enough.
Now let's talk about the food and the drinks. First off, there's Spoon Bar, helmed by celeb mixologist Scott Beattie (formerly of Cyrus), which makes one of the most refreshing cocktails I've ever tasted: a Cucumber Collins with Square One Vodka, lemon, Yuzu and fresh pickled cucumbers. Sipping this baby poolside in the Sonoma heat was worth the trip in itself. Their mojito (a drink easily messed up) was also a solid refresher. Check out the full cocktail list here.
SpoonBar the restaurant (named for the "Spoonfall" water sculpture at the entrance), was hopping with a New York level of energy on a Saturday night. The fare is Mediterranean, headed up by Executive Chef Rudy Mihal, formerly of Odessey in Windsor. Everything's locally sourced (naturally), making tasty menu items like Tagine Lamb Stew with Chickpeas and Gleason Ranch porchetta less guilt-infused.
H2's outfitted with a fleet of Design Within Reach-spawned PUBLIC bikes, which I endorsed earlier this week in our Stuff We Like blog. You can take them for a spin (complimentary for guests) throughout the Dry Creek Valley wineries, an activity I'm deeming a bucket list item for any good-life livin' Northern Californian.
Check out the H2 hotel online and read their blog, which is actually very funny.
