This adventure is part of Wish You Were Here, VegNews’ vegan travel series—in partnership with Harley Quinn Smith and Meg and Komie Vora—where we chase down the best plant-based spots and experiences around the globe. 

Can a few days of movement, mid-century charm, and poolside cocktails (and mocktails) really leave you feeling refreshed and reset? We headed to Flamingo Resort and Spa in Santa Rosa, CA to find out.

Tucked into California’s Sonoma County, Flamingo Resort and Spa is a nostalgic nod to old-school glam, mixed with some new-school wellness. With its pink neon signage, mid-century modern architecture, and palm-fringed pool, the property balances retro cool with an accessible, restorative vibe. It’s not a place that demands anything from you—and that’s part of its charm. 

Flamingo Resort and Spa

Whether you’re slipping into a yoga class, floating in the hot tub, or sitting still in a sound bath, everything about this place invites you to slow down and settle in. Flamingo Resort and Spa encourages guests to “relax and explore with an array of complementary and by-reservation activities throughout their stay including […] yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing and Wim Hof inspired breathwork experiences,” according to the resort’s official wellness program.

Staying active while on vacation

Our weekend kicked off with a high-energy, high-intensity pilates class. The resort’s full-service fitness center, operated by its on-site sister health club, offers a packed schedule of classes including barre, cycling, strength training, and dance-based workouts. Hotel guests currently receive one complimentary class per day through the club.

Flamingo Resort and Spa

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Separately, the hotel also offers its own wellness programming. During our stay, we took part in a calming sound bath and a grounding yoga session, each complementary and thoughtfully led. They added a sense of stillness we didn’t realize we needed. We also squeezed in a barre class that left us sore (in a good way) and a little more centered. For those wanting even more structure, the resort also offers tennis and pickleball courts, a 25-meter lap pool, and access to personal trainers. What we appreciated most was that there was zero pressure to do it all—the wellness experience here feels more about honoring your energy than chasing intensity.

Spa indulgence and relaxation at Flamingo Resort 

No wellness trip is complete without a little spa indulgence, and the spa at the Flamingo did not disappoint. The resort invites visitors to “embark on a journey to holistic wellness at the Club and Spa at Flamingo with our state-of-the-art fitness center […] rejuvenating spa treatments, and much more,” the resort website reads. 

We experienced the hot stone massage—a deeply relaxing treatment that left us feeling reset from head to toe. The atmosphere was calm and unpretentious, and the use of cruelty-free, vegan products was a thoughtful touch we really appreciated.

Flamingo Resort and Spa

Before and after our service, we took our time enjoying the spa amenities, which include a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. Whether you’re there for a full treatment or simply looking to slow things down, the space invites you to unwind on your own terms. Mornings at the resort unfolded slowly. A post-class dip in the pool, a few minutes in the steam room, and then a long breakfast—there’s something deeply satisfying about having nowhere to be and knowing the day is yours to shape.

The pool is the heart of the property, and it shows. Set against a backdrop of lush trees and surrounded by loungers and daybeds, it’s the kind of space that can shift depending on your mood—quiet and restorative at times, buzzy and social at others. We lounged in the shade, sipped cocktails (and mocktails) from the Lazeaway Bar, and let the day unfold without a crazy agenda. The drinks were playful but balanced—not too sugary, and well-matched to the resort’s health-forward vibe. We also loved that the resort encouraged connection without forcing it. Solo guests, couples, families, and friend groups all coexisted naturally, and the energy felt inclusive

Flamingo Resort’s vegan dining 

Food-wise, The Lazeaway Club, the resort’s on-site restaurant, offered a refreshing take on vegan dining. Several clearly marked plant-based dishes are available on the lunch and dinner menus, and our servers were more than happy to guide us through additional modifications. Our top picks? General Tso’s sticky tofu and crispy scallion pancakes—both flavorful and filling without being heavy.

Flamingo Resort and Spa

The menu had a focused selection of vegan options that felt both thoughtful and satisfying—plenty to keep us nourished and happy during our stay. A standout moment was when the kitchen surprised us with specially prepared Indian-style fritters paired with a housemade chutney—a beautifully spiced, savory bite that made us feel truly cared for. A range of vegetable-forward side dishes also rounded out our meals, each one well-seasoned and clearly made with intention. While the menu isn’t overly expansive, it’s clear that care went into crafting the dishes that are available, and the staff’s willingness to accommodate dietary needs made the experience feel even more seamless.

Night life at Flamingo Resort

When the sun goes down, the energy at the Flamingo shifts just slightly. The resort’s on-site club, Vintage Space, brings a playful nightlife option right to the property. It leans into Flamingo’s mid-century aesthetic with soft lighting, colorful cocktails, and a retro-futuristic vibe. Depending on the night, you might catch live music, themed parties, or a lively round of trivia. It’s not an over the top scene—but it’s inviting, and a great way to end the night without needing to leave the grounds.

The Flamingo Resort and Spa delivered exactly what we came for: a gentle, grounding escape. It’s not about polished perfection or high-gloss luxury—it’s about finding your rhythm again. The setting encourages you to move your body, quiet your mind, eat well, and connect with your people. It’s a flexible, feel-good option for couples, families, and friends alike—especially those craving a slower pace, sunshine, and the freedom to do exactly as much (or as little) as they like.