Luxurious country chic sums up this fabulous family-friendly resort surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest and situated a half-mile from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat Entrance. Most rooms have a deck with mountain views. Villas and lodge rooms feature colorful sliding barn doors, industrial-style luggage racks and internet-connected radios. The large pool and giant hot tubs are the property's social hub.
Groups of six can get good value from the hillside villas with two king beds (or one king and two singles) and a sofa sleeper (especially good deals at off-peak times). Most of the buildings are made from recycled blue pine from the 2013 Rim Fire. Maples and aspens are being planted in a many-years-long effort to replenish the tree cover and a nature trail is being built in partnership with the forest service.
A recreation concierge is on hand to help visitors sort through what to see and do. There are free daily family-friendly activities, including s'mores, afternoon talks and scheduled hikes with guides, plus an elaborately designed indoor playground, bocce court, bike paths, mini-ziplines and a giant slide for kids. The large restaurant, an updated version of the classic summer-camp dining hall, offers an airy space, hearty breakfasts, and dishes like king salmon and New York strip steak for dinner. The tavern bar and lounge serves creative Californian cuisine and there are regular poolside barbecues in summer. For a small resort, the grocery–snack bar–gift shop is well curated and stocked and good for a meal on the go. In-room massage services are offered.
Nearby in Yosemite are the Tuolumne and Merced groves of giant sequoias, as well as Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.