Inside the Secret Santa Suite at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Before the first snowfall dusts the North Pole…
before the reindeer go into training…
before the sleigh gets its annual tune-up…

Santa Claus quietly disappears for a much-needed winter retreat. And every year, without fail, he chooses Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Few people know this, of course. The elves think he’s “testing new global delivery routes.” Mrs. Claus calls it a “leadership conference.” But in reality, Santa simply needs warmth, rest, and a bit of Wine Country magic after the whirlwind of the holiday season.

Welcome to the Santa Suite, his private sanctuary. And now, yours.

Why Santa Escapes to Sonoma

Santa first discovered Sonoma by accident. One foggy January night—post-holiday exhaustion at an all-time high—he spotted a warm, golden glow coming from the valley below. Curiosity led him to land quietly just outside Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for “a quick peek.”

Minutes later, he was smitten.

The vineyards.
The sunshine.
The people.
The air that just feels joyful.

It reminded him of Christmas… but without all the logistics.

From that moment, Sonoma became his annual tradition.

Santa’s Signature Spa Itinerary

The Fairmont Spa Bathing Ritual

After a season of chimney soot, long-haul sleigh flights, cookie overload, and toy-lifting, Santa goes straight to the Bathing Ritual. He follows the same routine every year—he’s a man of habit, after all.

Santa’s Off-Season Spa Circuit:

• Thermal Mineral Waters
  “Like bathing in a cloud,” he insists.
• Watsu Pool Float
  He claims all his best cookie ideas happen here.
• Dry Sauna
  Perfect for melting away sleigh-flight tension.
• Cold Drench
  “Keeps me nimble for rooftop landings!”
• A Very Well-Deserved Nap
  His record: 42 minutes, 17 seconds.

Rumor has it the elves installed special hooks in the locker room for his suit, though while he’s here, he prefers a plush spa robe  (“It breathes better”).

What Santa Does in Wine Country

When Santa isn’t floating blissfully in mineral water, you might find him:

• Taking quiet sunset strolls through the dormant vineyards
• Enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir by the firepit (strictly for antioxidants)
• Chatting with local winemakers about barrel aging tips
• Practicing yoga in the wellness studio (shockingly flexible for a man with his cookie intake)
• Sneaking extra treats at Sweet Scoops
• Reading in the lobby—his favorite title so far: Holiday Operations: Reimagined

He blends in well… but guests occasionally catch a glimpse of him chuckling with the bartenders at 38° North Cocktail Bar.

The Story Behind the Santa Suite

Our signature General Vallejo Suite becomes Santa’s home during his much-needed time off. Every twinkling light, cozy corner, and festive detail has been placed exactly the way he likes it. Each year our team prepares it for his arrival, ensuring he can rest, restore, and return to the North Pole ready to bring joy to the world again.

And now, for the first time ever, you too can escape to Santa’s signature hideaway, complete with two grand fireplaces to create the ultimate cozy retreat.

He’s not here right now, but he left a message for the next guest:

“This suite is full of peace, warmth, and wonder.
Please enjoy it as much as I do.
And if you visit Fairmont Spa, tell them Santa sent you—
they’ll know exactly what to do.”
— Santa Claus

Experience Sonoma’s Most Magical Suite

Whether you’re here to relax, reconnect, or simply embrace a bit of North Pole magic, the Santa Suite is your invitation to unwind—just as Santa does every year.