Monday, September 7, 2009

New cottages outside Yosemite National Park

Just got back from a trip to Yosemite National Park last week. Despite some smoke from recent foothill fires (they're pretty much knocked down, now), I had a fab trip and found some new stuff. Just off Highway 41, and a mere 2 miles from Yosemite's southern entrance, I stumbled upon the Cottages at Tenaya.

Part of (and a five-minute walk from) the AAA Four Diamond-rated Tenaya Lodge, these pretty yellow cottages offer the benefits of a more secluded escape than the main lodge, but with access to Tenaya's signature amenities and services. If the 50-room property looks familiar, it should: it was once called the Apple Tree Inn. Tenaya recently acquired the property, dubbed it the Cottages at Tenaya, spiffed it up with fresh new decor and added some nice touches. So now you can have the best of both worlds: a peaceful cottage experience and all the big-resort luxuries (indoor/outdoor pools, spa, fitness center, upscale dining, concierge service) nearby.

Tucked into the pines, some of the cottages are split into two or three units, so you may have some neighbors, but chances are all you'll hear is the wind through the pines. Now that the busy summer season is past, you can find some great fall and winter package deals. One to check out this winter: the Spa Snow Day/ Girlfriend Getaways Package.

Picture a morning cross-country skiing at Badger Pass (set to celebrate its 75th ann'y next year), then getting a deep-tissue massage at the spa beforearriving back at your cheery yellow cottage with the fire going and deep snow outside. Or end your day at the Lodge's Embers with its signature Blue Flaming Coffees—a mini light show (the server creates it in front of you). Yeah, now that's a getaway.

4 comments:

ClaireWalter said...

The photo looks lovely. Coincidentally, one of the first pieces I did for SUNSET was of the
Tenaya Lodge, shortly after it opened.

Unknown said...

Nice pic, I haven't been to Yosemite for 20 years. Last time I went too crowded.

ClaireWalter said...

JJensen - Suggest you visit in winter. Not every road is open to vehicles and not every trail is accessible. My first visit was in winter, and a group of us cross-country skied out to Glacier Point Hut for the night. We had the road and the scenery to ourselves, and the view of Halfdome in the moonlight on a cold, clear night was magical. And if you're not into x-c skiing, the Ahwahnee is a warm, welcoming oasis from snow.

Anonymous said...

The link has been changed. Here's the new one:
http://www.tenayalodge.com/cottages.aspx

 
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