The Lodge at Costanoa in Pescadero, CA.

There are those who like to camp in the great outdoors and others who prefer down comforters and five-star amenities. But who says you can’t have both? For folks who like to mix their kayaking and horseback riding with a reflexology massage and Internet access, there is  Costanoa.

Located in Pescadero on the central coast of California north of Santa Cruz, this eco-resort consists of 40 rooms in a cozy lodge setting, 12 cabins with porches, decks and fireplaces and 70 of the popular tent bungalows.

The bungalows, built on wood frames with canvas tent walls, come in different configurations — some have queen-sized beds that accommodate two while the “family” bungalows are good for larger groups. Bungalows have electricity, sliding windows, locking doors, down bedding and heated mattress pads. Three “comfort stations” with heated concrete floors are placed around the camp and house indoor hot showers, saunas and outdoor fireplaces. The family-style accommodations consist of a pairing of two side-by-side bungalows that can fit up to six. A hot tub in the Lodge is open to all guests who stay in the lodge, cabins or bungalows.

For those who want to rough it, tent sites are available with a wood platform, parking space, water and electricity.

Sixteen hikes within 15 miles of the camp include Ano Nuevo, Big Basin, and Butano State Park. Visitors can explore local tide pools and coastal dunes or take advantage of on-site horseback riding, kayaking and windsurfing. Other on-site activities include stargazing with a NASA researcher, a guided birdwatching tour with an orinthologist, live music and yoga classes. There are nature tours, lectures and presentations and cool programs for children.

For the luxury minded, the spa offers a tempting menu of services including reflexology, deep tissue, scalp massage and a dry brush exfoliating technique.

The Cascade Bar & Grill serves coastal California cuisine featuring local wines, sustainable seafood and organic produce.  A General Store on the premises sells everything from jewelry and candles to fair-trade chocolate to biodegradable cutlery. Here you can pick up picnic fare, a kite, a game of Scrabble and some spa products before you head off for a 10-mile hike or straight to the hot tub.

Rates range from $115-$365 depending on the type of lodging and season.

Photo by Dan Dion