Hiya Friends! I have news. And when I’m excited about something, I always want to share the news before it’s ready to go, so I’ve been trying to keep quiet for a few weeks. But finally, I can share!
If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you know hosting retreats and in-person events have become one of my very favorite parts of House of Haas. We’ve been to far-flung places like Fiji and Bali. We’ve been right here in San Francisco-and have a day retreat planned in Sausalito in November! Watching people arrive as strangers and leave as a group of people who’ve discovered a shared interest — that’s the good stuff. That’s the whole point.
So I’m thrilled to tell you I’m taking my in-person experiences to the next level: I’m partnering with Byline Travel to curate trips to some of my favorite places on Earth.
Let’s call it Amanda Haas Travels.
Not every trip is going to look the same, and that’s on purpose. Some will be food-focused adventures in some of the food capitals of the world — think market tours, cooking classes, meals that make you rethink how you eat. Many will be centered on health and well-being. Some will simply be about experiencing a beautiful new place and spending real time in nature together. Different trips, different lengths, different price points — but the same DNA: good food, good company, and the kind of trip that resets something in you that a regular vacation just doesn’t touch.
I’m kicking things off close to home — in the charming little town of Guerneville, with Autocamp Sonoma as our home base.
If you know me, you know I’d rather sleep in a decked-out Airstream with a cozy bed and running water than in a tent. (Seeing as a I love a daily shower, I’m not very good at “roughing it.” 😉). Autocamp gives us that — a scenic, comfortable landing pad for a weekend built entirely around why we’re so lucky to live where we live: majestic redwoods, a charming small town with great food and wine, and some of the best small farms in the country.
This one is for anyone who loves great food, great wine (if you choose — more on that in a second), and time in nature. Here’s what we’ve got planned:
Friday — I’ll welcome everyone with appetizers and crudités straight out of my cookbook, Homemade Simple: Effortless Dishes for a Busy Life, along with a signature cocktail and a signature alcohol-free option. (I don’t drink myself, so the whole weekend is built to make sure everyone has something delicious to sip, alcohol or not.) Then we’re off to dinner in the private dining room at Boon, the beloved Guerneville restaurant helmed by my amazing friend and fellow chef, Crista Luedtke.
Fun fact: Crista and I actually went to high school together, and reconnected years later when I was emceeing the Napa Valley Film Festival and she was doing a celebrity chef demo!
Saturday — Yoga in the redwoods to start the day, then a tasting at Gary Farrell winery, followed by sandwiches and more tastings at Korbel (or, if you’d rather, free time to explore Guerneville, hike, or wander a local farm — no pressure, this is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of afternoon). That night, I’m cooking dinner for the group, and if you love to cook, you’re welcome to come hang out with me as I prep, ask questions, and lend a hand. Dessert happens under the stars around the fire pit, followed by stargazing through a state-of-the-art telescope.
Sunday — Brunch, prepared by me, with a fireside chat alongside Crista. Ask either of us anything — career questions very much included.
My mission for this one is simple: bring this community together to relax, soak up this beautiful part of the world, and share my food with you somewhere that actually lets you exhale. Families are welcome on this trip, kids included.
Spots are very limited given the timing — this one’s coming up fast — so if Sonoma is calling your name, don’t sit on it.
Can’t make this one? Don’t worry — just wait until you hear what’s next. (Hint: it rhymes with Kauai.) And we’re still on for Cavallo Point on November 14th.
More soon. Pack accordingly.
xo, Amanda
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