Moonlight At The Oasis

Inside a private casita, a masseuse gently kneads you into sublime submission while just outside, a rushing fountain nearly lulls you to sleep. Don’t nap now, however, or you might miss “Moonlight Spa-ing” at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Rated best resort spa in North America last year by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, the resort is offering special evenings through September that include a three-course dinner by the expansive cabana-lined pool followed by sybaritic treatments in the resort’s Spa Garden.

 

Consider booking a room at this charming Spanish-style country inn, along with a table at the acclaimed El Bizcocho restaurant. Executive chef Judd Canepari has created tasting menus that might include slow poached duck eggs covered in (edible) gold leaf or burnt marshmallow ice cream whipped up tableside in mere minutes. Just ask, and the passionate Canepari is sure to invite you into the kitchen for a taste of homemade cheese with crusty artisan bread still warm from the oven. From table to spa, it doesn’t get much better than this. (858/675-8471, www.ranchobernardoinn.com)    ANDREA NAVERSEN