It’s pretty special to introduce today’s children to what western life in California was like in the 19th and 20th centuries; yet, it’s convenient for families staying at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort by Ayres, in Paso Robles, California. The Tuscan-style villa opened in late 2015, because owner Douglas Ayres fell in love with the area’s rolling hillsides and sprawling ranches and decided to build an antique- and art-filled hotel, there. The villa, with Mediterranean-style gardens and a vineyard, sits on 20 acres, near Route 101, just a few minutes from downtown Paso Robles. The Pioneer Museum, with its one-room school house, two cell jail and thousand-plus historical items, is less than two miles distant.
From the portico, there’s a soaring lobby with a seating area around the fireplace where kids can ogle at a huge glass chandelier that changes color and a slice of Sequoia Redwood, c. 214 B.C. The wide galley is lined with paintings by Russian Impressionists and landscapes by local artists, statuary and sculptures, antiques from India and family photographs. It leads to the central courtyard, with a fountain and a double staircase, an intrinsic part of the villa lifestyle. The gardens can be reached from the small, non-denominational, French-inspired chapel, through a Romeo and Juliet-style tunnel scaled to accommodate a horse and rider (or small carriage).
There are 171 accommodations in the mostly two-story structure; mine was an extra-large, ground-floor room with 14-foot ceilings. The entryway held an armoire closet (with safe) and a piece housing a fridge and Keurig coffee pot. Inside, the room featured a king-sized bed, a sitting area with a pull-out sofa (rooms with two queen beds are also available), a desk and French doors opening to a terrace abutting the courtyard.
Cello Ristorante & Bar, extends outside to an open-air, covered terrace and serves Mediterranean-inspired food by executive chef Justin Picard prepared from fresh ingredients sourced from local, Central Coast farmers, ranchers and fisher-folks. Local wines include a selection of Allegretto wines.
The resort offers complimentary activities families can enjoy together: a swimming pool, bocci ball, ping pong and tandem bikes among them. Adults appreciate the six treatment room spa with its wide corridors and high ceilings, its couple’s suite, lounge, sauna and outdoor terrace.
The concierge can arrange visits to wineries and fun options, including horseback riding and water slides and wave pools at the Ravine Water Park. Real beaches on the Pacific Ocean are just a 30-mile drive through the hillsides across Route 46, in Cambria.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 2, 20245 Montana National Park Vacations to Experience This Summer
Home to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Montana beckons family travelers this summer with some thrilling and fun adventures and experiences. Whether it’s taking an RV to Yellowstone and Glacier National Park or embarking on adventures in Big Sky, here’s five national park vacations to consider in Montana this summer.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Slideshow
May 2, 20246 European Castles for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these European castles with us.
Destinations
May 2, 20245 Beachfront Resorts for Summer Vacation
Plan summer family travel to one of these beachfront resorts around the world.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
May 1, 2024Music Jams Await the Whole Family in Cajun Country, Louisiana
It’s always time for music in Louisiana’s Cajun Country and, in May, the place to be for family travelers is St. Landry’s Parish. Celebrate Mothers’ Day in Opelousas at Tucka James Music Fest, May 10–11, where 16 artists perform over two days. Friday is Country Takeover and Saturday stars the King of Swing, Tucka James.
ShareThis