Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club (327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265) is a sprawling 300-acre retreat tucked into the verdant folds of the Santa Monica Mountains, where the cell phone reception is spotty and birds sing from dawn until dusk.

We booked a night at the coveted sanctuary and embarked on the hour’s drive from downtown Los Angeles. After exiting the 101 freeway, our car curved along the canyon roads, and pulled into the hotel.

We were greeted by a warm, professional staff. With glasses of complimentary sparkling wine in hand, we wandered down winding footpaths and up rustic stairways, following discreet signs half-hidden by overflowing foliage.

Wild ducks waddled peacefully along the pathways while crystal chandeliers hung whimsically from tree branches, creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Around each corner, we discovered hidden seating areas, unexpected art installations, and glimpses of the pools and ponds dotted across the property.

Travel Tip: While we booked just one night for our anniversary, I would plan for at least two nights to truly appreciate everything Calamigos has to offer.

Accommodations: Where Rustic Meets Refined

We made our way to our Premium Private Cottage ($800), a 555-square-foot rustic retreat with spa-like amenities. The vaulted ceilings created a spacious feeling, while rich hardwood floors grounded the space. Air conditioning kept the cottage cool.

Thoughtful spa amenities were tucked into unexpected corners throughout the cottage. The king-sized bed – quite possibly the most comfortable we’ve ever experienced – was dressed in soft linens and copious fluffy pillows. Later in the evening, we sank into the prodigious soaking tub with a glass of wine.

The Outdoor Sanctuary

Perhaps the most memorable feature of our accommodation was the private patio. The secluded terrace was complete with an outdoor rainfall shower. My dog was able to safely sleep under the open sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the scent of eucalyptus in the air.

Dining: Farm-to-Table at The Ranch

Feeling famished after our long drive, we walked to The Ranch, a slice of California’s farm-to-table philosophy executed with remarkable skill and creativity. The restaurant sources ingredients from their own organic farm, and we could taste the difference.

The homemade bread deserves special recognition. Warm, crusty on the outside with a tender, pillowy interior, it arrived at our table accompanied by house-made butter with flakes of sea salt. We nestled close together as we ate our dinner, enjoying the romantic intimacy and privacy beneath a canopy of ancient oaks.

Outdoor Amenities and Activities

Delights could be found around every corner – from a vintage merry-go-round, a pickleball court, and three sparkling hotel pools. The spa and fitness center offered additional opportunities for wellness and rejuvenation, and our property map pointed to numerous hiking trails.

The following morning, we were escorted by a complimentary shuttle to the Calamigos Beach Club, a member’s only beach house available to hotel guests. We walked to the shore and settled under umbrellas with freshly cracked coconuts in hand to listen to the sounds of the sea.

Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club was luxurious without being ostentatious, and we felt connected to nature without sacrificing comfort. The unreliable wifi encouraged us to reconnect with what matters most – each other.