By Fran Endicott Miller | Photos Courtesy of Rosewood Sand Hill
Don’t let the business park facade mislead you. Rosewood Sand Hill, though situated within the heart of Silicon Valley’s bevy of venture capital offices, is all about R & R. Sure, you’ll find business-attired and hoody-wearing entrepreneurs conducting deals over pressed-juiced breakfasts and happy hour crafted cocktails, but the true appeal of this luxury resort is in its ability to calm and transport.
Located on 16 prime Menlo Park acres with the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and Stanford University to the east, Rosewood Sand Hill has an inherent, buzzy energy. After all, this area is the world’s epicenter of innovation and technology, and it’s only natural that a palpable vitality fills the air. But Rosewood Sand Hill also knows how to chill. Take a peek at the swimming pool, for instance—family friendly and heated yearround, the expansive pool and its deck (featuring cushy chaise lounges and reservable cabanas) are central to the resort, a signal that this is much more than a business hotel. Never mind that several sunbathers can be overheard talking business via Bluetooth Apple AirPods, the playful splashing of children provides requisite counterbalance.
The state-of-the-art spa underscores that this place is, first and foremost, a relaxing resort. Sense®, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Sand Hill, is a serene sanctuary that embraces its verdant natural surroundings. California luxury melds with fragrant gardens and stunning views where personalized services ensure a tranquil escape. Separate men’s and women’s locker rooms each feature a relaxation area, wet lounge, and outdoor courtyard with whirlpool. At the center of the spa, a coed relaxation lounge opens into a courtyard graced with a soothing fountain. In addition, the spacious fitness center offers the most advanced fitness and wellness suite from Technogym®.
Madera, the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is a destination unto itself. Lucky is the weekend guest who can stroll from one of the hotel’s 121 bright and airy rooms to enjoy artisanal cocktails or a glass from the outstanding wine list. Madera’s elegant dining room has stunning sunset views, and diners are provided with fresh seasonal cuisine, the ingredients for which are sourced from regional farmers markets.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the book-lined Library & Bar, which offers indoor and outdoor settings. Its expansive terrace draws guests on sunny days and warm evenings, while wood-burning fireplaces and heat lanterns make it a favored gathering spot year-round.
The resort proudly acknowledges its diverse Golden State heritage. From Madera’s hues of natural green to the ranch-inspired exterior architecture, to central interiors in tones of walnut, cherry, and cedar, and the exquisite artworks by local artists that hang on every wall and within every nook, California is serenely reflected.
The qualities of the room and the bed are critical when seeking the ideal respite, and Rosewood Sand Hill’s spacious rooms deliver, each with plush beds and bedding as well as a balcony or patio. It’s often the smaller things that provide the greatest delight, such as the leather jewelry box situated bedside or the Nespresso® coffee maker with its jewel-toned pods. Large marble bathrooms feature luxurious bath amenities by Le Labo®, and cozy robes hang at the ready. Wired and wireless internet access is complimentary, of course.
While there are other lauded South Bay hotels and resorts that cater to business and recreation travelers, none provides the wealth of amenities and the level of gracious service as Rosewood Sand Hill; it’s where their sense of place quickly becomes your sense of place.