Located on the coastal lands of the old Cascade Ranch, the Costanoa is private property nestled among some of the most pristine public parks the Golden State has to offer. With everything from camping facilities to luxury rooms available, travelers of ALL budgets may take advantage of this beautiful retreat’s superb setting by the sea. Whether you pitch a tent on the beach ($30) or get a room over the spa (Premium King $240), this is the perfect place to forget about cell phones and become reacquainted with Mother Nature.

Costanoa’s main facilities are a small collection of rustic buildings that tastefully blend into the grounds. When I first reached them, the sun was dipping low on the horizon, blazing fire across the ocean, and I was completely enchanted by my surroundings.

My spacious room was in the lodge with the spa and outdoor hot tub. I had my own fireplace. When I opened the doors to my balcony, I could immediately see myself writing, looking up at the hills tinged gold in the fading light.

The large armoire in my bedroom held a small refrigerator and spa robes, but no television. Movies are shown in a common room most evenings, but the Costanoa Lodge is a place to forget about the outside world, lose yourself---or find yourself---without the distraction of sitcoms.

Beside a softly playing Bose radio, the staff had left a note of welcome. It directed me to an Adventure Guide with enough acitivity suggestions to fulfill any outdoor enthusiast’s fondest desires.

You may hike directly from the Costanoa to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California’s oldest state park. Naturalists lead hiking tours in the afternoons. With advanced reservations, the Costanoa staff can bring horses from off-site stables for your use, or rent a mountain bike for an easy ride to Butano State Park for whale watching. Visit the Ano Nuevo State Reserve where the Northern Elephant Seals mate from December to March. Tickets for such tours can be acquired (and are required) from the state parks department by calling 800-444-4445. Or do as I did, and greet the daybreak with a run on the beach and a search of tidal pools. The trails are easy to follow! Or go windsurfing in Half Moon Bay or lie on the beach or visit a lighthouse or ....

In addition, the General Store offers hot meals and bottles of wine to buy for your room, cabin or tent. Canvas Cabins line a field in the back of the Costanoa, a happy compromise between staying in the lodge or on the beach. RV hookups are available, too.

If you enjoy the outdoors, I could not recommend the Costanoa more highly. I left this wonderful place feeling revived and peaceful. And I didn''t even have time to get a massage in the spa!