Homes Away from Home During the Pandemic
November, 2020
If you’re looking to travel during the COVID-19, a private home rental can be the ideal way to get away while minimizing your health risk. Even when renting your own place, you should be conscious of how you plan your trip to be as safe and relaxing as possible.
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite options for fully private luxury home rentals in California, available during the pandemic.
Select homes booked through Ben Sands Travel receive a $200 credit towards additional amenities of your choice such as housekeeping, villa pre-stocking, or a personal chef.
Hacienda Oceanfront Home (7 BR, 8 BA)
Santa Barbara, CA
Rates: From $4900
Why: “Situated on a verdant bluff overlooking the golden sand of Santa Barbara’s Pacific coastline, Hacienda Oceanfront is a beautiful seven-bedroom villa that presents the best of California’s Mission Revival style. The home sits on a 1 ½ acre Spanish Adobe Estate, offering tranquil surroundings for unforgettable moments. It is ideally suited for romantic escapes, group getaways or a family retreat. A private path leads down the cliff-face, where you to start each day with a walk on the beach. Marvel at the waterfall feature which cascades off traditional clay roof tiles, into the pool. Spend sunny days on a chaise longue or spread out on the sand of your beach lounge. Multiple terraces and a cabana, each with elegant deck furniture, allow you to enjoy the Pacific view from different angles. Gather at the point patio at dusk for a sunset cocktail, then head back to the house where you can prepare an al fresco feast on the barbecue.” (from Luxury Retreats)
The View at Old Las Palmas (4 BR, 4.5 BA)
Palm Springs, CA
Rates: From $1850
“The cool, colorful glamour of Palm Springs in the ’60s is alive and very well at this custom-built California ranch. Socialite and philanthropist Jeannette Edris Rockefeller lived and entertained at this mid-century classic, and Hollywood filmed scenes in the movie Cat City here. Walk or bike down quiet streets to shopping and dining along Palm Canyon Drive. The villa’s nearly 5,000 square feet of space are laid out around a backyard made for entertaining, with panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and tall hedges for privacy. Sip a drink in one of the loungers by the saltwater pool and hot tub, and heat up the barbecue in the outdoor kitchen for an alfresco dinner. Cozy up to the outdoor firepit on cool desert nights or move the party inside to the wet bar and pool table.” (from AirBNB Luxe)
Sky House (5BR, 4 BA)
Dillon Beach, CA
Rates: From $2180
Why: “Shades of blue from powder to periwinkle echo the hues of the scenery outside this futuristic hillside villa on the California coast. From its perch, the land sweeps down to a pristine sandy beach, with panoramic views over Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay and Point Reyes. Take it all in from the patio bathing in the sun on the loungers, relaxing beside the fire pit or soaking in the hot tub as the sun sets. Walk 15 minutes in either direction to explore hiking trails, sand dunes and tidepools on the beach, and enjoy coffee or lunch in the quaint cottage-filled town of Dillon Beach.Stepping inside, floor-to-ceiling windows provide 270 degree views of the ocean, only interrupted by a Malm fireplace situated in the middle of the room, perfect for warming up in front of on cooler evenings. For some evening entertainment head to ‘Sky Cinema’, a state-of-the-art home theater with 4K projection and 360° sound for a truly immersive movie-watching experience, or to the game room for some friendly competition on the foosball table or Xbox. Or for some ultimate relaxation, unwind in the Cedar steam sauna and enjoy a hydro-massage in the luxurious spa.” (from AirBNB Luxe)
Spring Mountain Retreat (4BR, 4BA)
St. Helena, CA
Rates: From $2500
Why: “Make the most of the California sun on the estate’s spacious terraces, which feature a pool, bocce court, lounging and dining areas, and a barbecue overlooking the vineyards. In the evenings, linger outside by the fireplace or step inside to socialize around the wet bar and pool table. There’s also a TV, Wi-Fi and conveniences like laundry facilities, heating and air conditioning. A recent remodel gave this vacation rental bright and airy living spaces that are both chic and comfortable. The open-plan great room incorporates a sitting area as well as a fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar and breakfast table. A separate formal dining room is ideal for special occasions, and a living room with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace is just the spot to sip your new favorite vintage after the meal. While Spring Mountain Retreat feels secluded, it’s only a 15- minute walk from Downtown St. Helena, where you’ll find a range of unique shops and eateries. It sits at the base of the famed Spring Mountain wine appellation with easy access to the many wineries off Spring Mountain Road. St. Helena is located in the heart of the Napa Valley region and Napa’s world class restaurants and famous cabernet wineries.” (from AirBNB Luxe)
The Villas at the Montage Resort (3BR, 2BA)
Laguna Beach, CA
Rates: From $7000
Why: “Reigning over Laguna Beach from its rugged cliff-top location, the stylish Montage Laguna Beach blends arts-and-crafts style with the luxury of a full-service resort. Rooms, suites and bungalows feature 400-thread-count linens and five-fixture marble bathrooms with a large shower and tub and private balconies or patios with ocean views. Guest room décor is bright and airy, with light-colored appointments befitting a resort by the sea.The grounds of the hotel are irresistible. During the day, the crystal-blue pool is refreshing and relaxing; come evening, fire pits roar in the nighttime sky. There is a wide variety of ways to enjoy the stunning property, but one favorite is to visit the lobby bar for live music, delicious cocktails and a sunset for the ages. Even the arrival and departure experiences are notable, with a logoed cap gifted upon departure.” (from Forbes)
Note: The Montage Laguna Beach Villas do not come with a $200 amenity credit but rather have Virtuoso amenities listed below as they are part of resort property.
Welcome Amenity
$60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom at The Loft or Room Service
$200 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay
Early check-in, subject to availability
4pm guaranteed late check-out
Complimentary VIP Access to South Coast Plaza, Southern California’s Premier Shopping Destination and exclusive shopping offers/discounts at select luxury retailers.
Complimentary Wi-Fi