Costanoa Comforts

Weekending at the swanky lodge at Costanoa outside Pescadero poses a dilemma. Should you stay indoors, gazing at the crashing surf to the sound of your Bose stereo? Or leave your comfy confines for raw romance? Yep, it’s mating season. Get a guide to escort you to the elephant seals’ breeding grounds at Año Nuevo State Reserve. The PDA between mammals the size of a Subaru has to be seen to be appreciated (tours are available mid-December through March). Other local activities include sunset hikes to the Whitehouse Creek tide pools, adobe brick making, and yoga. Whatever you choose, end your day in Costanoa’s lodge lobby in front of a roaring fire. Feeling like one of those elephant seals yet?

Costanoa, 2001 Rossi Rd. at Highway 1, Pescadero; 650-879-1100. Rooms in the Lodge start at $195; tent bungalows start at $115.