By Charmaine Hibbert

We've just left the Wente Vineyards and heading west on interstate 580, there are some great views when you hit the Eastshore Freeway section that leads on the Richmond San Rafael Bridge, I must admit I'm not a great lover of heights or bridges, but hey you have to get used to a bridge when you're in California, they love a bridge here and high ones at that!!

But its when we hit Marin City and downtown Sausalito, that my heart purrs, it's a beautiful little place and it just seems like you're stepping back in time with all the little shops lining the streets opposite the harbour, but then our hotel comes into view and our first thoughts are wow, its like it's floating on water.

The aptly named Inn Above Tide is the ultimate luxury hotel and from the moment you arrive you are spoilt with such wonderful views. All of its 29 rooms and suites face San Francisco Bay and are all directly over the water so you get some magnificent views of the San Francisco skyline no matter where you reside in this beautiful hotel. All you need to do is sit back and relax and take it all in on your very own furnished private deck and just bask in the views of Alcatraz, Angel Island and Marin. With such an unforgettable backdrop as this, it's the perfect end to a near perfect day.

If more is what you want the hotel offers a small but delightful range of spa treatments where relaxation and rejuvenation is key for golfers and none golfers a like. For more information check out the 'amenities' section on their website. But bear in mind that the spa treatments do get booked up well in advance, so if a spa treatment is what you crave I would suggest you reserve them at the time of booking to avoid any disappointment.

But if being pampered is not you're thing and I cannot imagine why! There are other activities to do in Sausalito, excursions and day trips are available and I found the concierge more than happy to arrange anything you wanted. You should definitely hop on a ferry to San Francisco's many attractions, and enjoy a meal at the numerous great restaurants at Pier 39, especially at Fog Harbour with it's stunning views of Alcatraz.

You can also take a stroll into Sausalito and wander through their shops, indulge in some fine dining or take in one of the galleries which I was unable to do due to our very early morning start. I am still extremely gutted about not getting to explore Sausalito more, but there is always a next time and I had such a magical time on this trip that there surely will be a next time.

If you are considering staying at Inn Above Tide you must make time to check out Marin and the vineyards which are 30 minutes north of the hotel, there are a few vineyards that offer private wine tasting, which is an absolute joy. All in all the Inn Above Tide has exceeded my expectations, I am sure it will yours.

The Inn Above Tide
30 El Portal
Sausalito, CA 94965
USA

Telephone
+(01) 415.332.9535

Website
innabovetide.com