The food we serve at Westerbeke Ranch is “nonpareil” (without equal)—at least if our guests are to be believed. Here are some of their comments:

When I hit a retreat for 7 days I know I will be at the mercy of the chef.

There are 2 chefs at Westerbeke and they are sweethearts that make the most home cooked, healthy locally sourced food you can’t imagine.

The Westerbeke ranch story is out of Harlequin romance. Legend has it that that proprietor’s Grandpa gave his wife a Tiffany Bracelet as a present when she was in the hospital way back in the day. She was a practical woman, so she said please take it back and let’s buy some land up in Sonoma. Dang what I would give for some land for a bracelet from Tiffany’s…

Well they bought “a ton” of acres up here and the  Grandpa built lovely ranch style buildings that are so cute!  The land has been passed down through the family.

I love this land. I love this ranch.

Lucky for me I am heading back here in June, September and December.

They are such gracious hosts.

This place is spiritual, very warm and the owners approach to having a honor system for purchases just made feel like they believe in humanity! The food was the best I’ve had at any conference center and I’ve been to many! The cabins are a delight and the beds are very comfortable.  I highly recommend this place for weddings and conferences!

I have been to the Westerbeke 3 times now, and every time has been a resounding success. The location is perfect, close enough to Sonoma downtown but an oasis of shady trails and gorgeous gardens away from it all. The cabins are a little on the rustic side, but they sacrifice nothing in comfort. The meeting facilities are more than adequate, and other amenities include an olympic-size pool and hot tub. Massages can be arranged on-site.

They’ve been making improvements to the rooms and handicapped access. The rooms are on a hill and it’s helpful to let them know if someone has trouble walking up inclines so they can assign rooms accordingly.

Lastly, let me talk about the food. Now, I don’t normally expect much from retreat food, but Chef John Littlewood is a master at taking fresh, local ingredients and making every dish something special. I would match him against any chef in the world, and we joked that he’s the only man we know who could satisfy 23 women, 3 times a day. This is no slight to the other chefs working there, all of whom are amazingly talented. We awaited the dinner bell eagerly and nobody in our group even thought of going into town for dinner at any of the world class restaurants there.

Never a regret with Westerbeke.

Cabins in the woods with gourmet meals…what more is there?

We stay here for work retreats and the food is something we talk about the entire year. Always great vegan options with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Awesome staff and accommodation. Casa grande is amazing. Wildlife, cozy fireplace, shop on site with honor system, massages to order.

Also, a colleague had her wedding here and said it was amazing.

Over the last 2 years, I have visited Weterbeke on four separate occasions, all to undergo pretty intensive trainings.

From the food, to the grounds, to the staff to the lodging, Westerbeke is a 5-star establishment.

When you are on the land, you can easily feel the love and attention put into this home; for a home it is. If you don’t already know, go read about the history of Patty Westerbeke and this land. You will then feel even more blessed to be able to spend time here.

Westerbeke has a warm and well-deserved place in my heart, and I most definitely plan to be back =)