If ever there was a home away from home, Cavallo Point is it. This luxury resort sits across from San Francisco at the base of Golden Gate Bridge and provides the feeling of a country escape within easy reach of urban pleasures. The hotel sits on Historic Fort Baker – a former military base – chosen for its strategic position at the mouth of San Francisco Bay. Between 1901 and 1915, 24 Colonial Revival buildings were built on the 10-acre parade ground and the post was active through WWII. At the time there were officers’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks, a gym, chapel and hospital.

Today the site is officially part of the Golden Gate National Parks and as a guest here, there will be nothing regimented about your stay.  As you drive up, the cream-coloured buildings with terracotta roofs nestled amidst green rolling hills at the edge of the deep blue water gives you reason to exhale and leave your everyday worries behind. There are 142 rooms – some of them in original buildings and historically designed. Others are in new buildings with a much more contemporary feel that blends seamlessly into the rest of the property. Once you’ve checked in, your only obligation will be to enjoy yourself.  Wine and dine in the Farley Bar or Michelin-star Murray Circle restaurant, treat mind and body at the Healing Arts Centre or attend the Cooking School. If you are more athletically-inclined you’ll enjoy biking, kayaking and hiking in the Marin hills - a journey that takes you right to the ocean with views of classic California coastline. The goal of this hotel is to offer all the comfort and cosiness of a weekend home without the work. From the natural setting to the soothing colour palettes, we’d say: mission accomplished!
Soothing taupe accented by rich browns, burnt orange and golden yellow reflect the natural outdoor setting in this one bedroom suite. These rooms were carefully restored from tin roof to wood floors and tastefully decorated by Architectural Resources Group.  And without question, the room is eye-catching. According to the designers, "he furnishings and fixtures represent an eclectic collection acquired over time.” The mix of fabrics and leathers, different shades of wood and pieces like the tripod lamp with world map shade come together; resulting in a warm room that can be hard to leave when the fog sets in around the bay. The fireplace doesn’t hurt, either!
The bright and airy bathroom is simultaneously energizing and relaxing. Wainscoting is in keeping with the Colonial Revival style of the historic building. And the double sink on rich darkwood cabinetry adds an old-world richness to the room.
Built a century after the original compound, 74 contemporary rooms sit on the hillside, offering views of Golden Gate Bridge from floor to ceiling windows. Designed by Leddy Maytum Stacy, the rooms successfully complement the natural and historic setting. Using the same colour palette as the historic rooms, designers update the look with bamboo flooring and furniture, sleek fireplace, organic bedding and linen, modern desklamps and butterfly-patterned cushions – symbolic of efforts to maintain the habitat for the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly.
This bathroom is the epitome of natural modernity. The wood cabinetry and panels speak to what lies beyond these walls. But natural doesn’t have to mean rustic. The modern toilet and fixtures and large floor tiles make the room tastefully contemporary. 
San Francisco Bay weather is notoriously unpredictable. Which makes it all the more convenient that some historic rooms extend out into sunrooms. On a good day, they’re drenched in warm, natural light. The panoramic windows and wicker chairs invite you to soak up the sun and views of the Bay. Alternatively, grab one of the several cosy throws and curl up with a good book, enjoy a glass of wine with your companions or even take a nap.
According to Cavallo Point’s design team, “the guest experience from reception to room to restaurant should be an experience of singular versions of a cohesive whole.” With that in mind they carefully crafted individual rooms linked together through colour, furniture, materials and art.  They drew inspiration from the Golden Gate bridge, the history of the Fort and the California parks. In the restaurant and bar, dining areas draw you in with warm walnut woods, golden walls and lush drapery. The colour scheme complements the outside views. And added charm comes from a beautiful and painstakingly restored tin ceiling, as well as fireplace inside and fire pit outside.