Except for that one time, I’ve never wanted to shack up at an Army base, but after a visit to Cavallo Point, I’d like to move in. Granted all of the burly action super heros are long gone, but in their place is one of the coolest resorts on the planet. Who would have thought that Fort Baker, resting at the foot of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge for more than a century, could be reincarnated as one of the country’s foremost eco-friendly luxury destinations? Mad props to Passport Resorts for restoring the original officers’ residences, adding an amazing health and wellness center, and launching one of the area’s best restaurants.

Part of Golden Gate National Parks, the perfectly-situated resort looks across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco’s glorious skyline and up at the Marin headlands. The resort has 13 historic turn-of-the-century Colonial Revival buildings including the Frank House, a two story, 1175 square foot private residence that has views of the city and the Bay with a cozy fireplace and an enclosed front porch.

The fantastic healing arts spa has an array of massage options, including a couples massage and an acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritionist – just about every kind of “-ist” to make you healthy and happy. With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails available from your cottage door, it’s the perfect place to get your daily dose of healthiness. If you’re in to that kind of thing. After feeling all clean and healthy, you can walk across the grassy lawn to the resort’s restaurant, Murray Circle, and indulge like we did.

Murray Circle, Cavallo Point’s fine dining restaurant, is one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in San Francisco. Executive chef Joseph Humphrey has created a seasonal menu with locally grown sustainable ingredients. The 13,000 bottle wine cellar developed by wine director Dan O’Brien is equally impressive. In one of the most extensive cellars in the United States, O’Brien has amassed both internationally renowned producers as well as almost impossible to find rarities. His market list, 100 selections of little-known labels all priced below $100, is the result of some serious sleuthing.

If the Army had fabulous digs like this one, there wouldn’t be a problem finding luxury loving lads to sign up for duty. And by duty, I mean massages, fine dining, hiking over the rolling green hills and enjoying rare wines while gazing at the magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Reporting for duty, sir!

This post is tagged Army, Cavallo Point, Dan O'Brien, day spa, destination spa, eco-friendly, eco-lodging, Fort Baker, Golden Gate Bridge, healing arts spa, Joseph Humphrey, luxury lodging, Marin headlands, Murray Circle, National Register of Historic Places, Passport Resorts, red wine, restaurant, San Francisco, white wine