Banning House Lodge

Available for 100 percent buyout, the Banning House Lodge—one of Southern California's best-kept secrets for small incentive groups, summits, and executive retreats—commands the hill above Two Harbors, a rustic yacht port at the west end of Santa Catalina Island.

The former summer home of the Banning brothers, the island's turn-of-the-twentieth-century owners, it sleeps groups of up to 34 in 12 craftsman-style guest rooms. Guests share a kitchen, dining room, great room, sunrooms, trellised courtyard facing the mainland, and patio facing the sunset over the open sea.

The property's ownership and management by the Santa Catalina Island Company means every stay comes with deluxe continental breakfast, shuttle service around Two Harbors, and easy access to everything from team-building and activity guides to catered parties at home and a nearby three-bedroom guest house, restaurant, and beach.