Auberge du Soleil was the first to put Napa Valley on the map as a luxurious overnight getaway, way back in 1985, and upscale hoteliers continue to follow suit in tempting travelers with exceptional accommodations, superb dining, beautiful gardens and, in many cases, sought-after spas. Since then dozens of other impressive properties have opened in the area — here are other outstanding luxurious options.
Feature Photo: Solage
Auberge du Soleil
The grandpère of gracious Napa hospitality began life as an acclaimed California-French restaurant in 1981. Cottages added in 1985 took advantage of its hilltop location in Rutherford — the heart of Wine Country — with dazzling vistas seemingly all the way to San Francisco. Lavish Mediterranean landscaping and olive groves on its 33 acres continue the South of France ambiance found in its recently redesigned 50 rooms and suites. Fountains and courtyards also create a tranquil oasis for the Auberge du Soleil Spa, reserved for guests of the resort.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Couples seeking romance will appreciate the adults-only policy.
- Dining at Auberge du Soleil’s frequently Michelin-starred restaurant is still a must-do, while its Bistro and Bar also provides delicious, locally inspired fare in a more informal setting; you can also order food at La Plage, the sunny pool deck with canopied lounge chairs.
- The spa also offers soaking pools and hammam steam rooms.
Bardessono
It’s no wonder Hollywood stars, BottleRock Napa Valley performers and other luminaries gravitate to this paragon of eco-luxury in Yountville, close to the French Laundry, Bouchon and other premier dining destinations. The 62 rooms feature built-in massage tables, gas fireplaces, soaking tubs and private outdoor enclaves, while a rooftop pool and open-air fitness deck provide sweeping valley views. Lucy Restaurant & Bar celebrates “field to fork” California cuisine, sourced in part from the onsite gardens; guests can also dine poolside June through October.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The expert treatments of B Spa are available in your room or the softly lit Spa Center. Use one of the hotel bikes (included in the $68 nightly resort fee, along with a bottle of Napa wine, daily breakfast bites and other perks) to tour Yountville’s tasting rooms, cafes and boutiques.
- The extensive green initiatives include a guest garden where you can plant herbs to offset the carbon impact of your stay.
Carneros Resort and Spa
This feels like a home away from home in the Wine Country, thanks to free-standing cottages and vacation homes with private fenced yards and gardens dotting the 28-acre vineyard resort. The recently renovated lodgings offer cozy luxuries like fireplaces and heated bathroom floors, good for taking the chill off on cool evenings or mornings in the Carneros district, plus outdoor showers and two pools for cooling off on sunny days. Dining is always first-rate, with lots of open-air seating and family-friendly options, too.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exclusive to guests of the resort, the Spa at Carneros provides exquisite treatments inspired by the Wine Country, while the fitness center, next to the heated lap and family pool, offers many complimentary yoga and other classes.
- Hop on a complimentary bike to explore the bucolic scenery and later soak in the views from the adults-only, hilltop infinity pool.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
Located on the Silverado Trail, just a few minutes from downtown Calistoga, the long-awaited Four Seasons property is the only Napa Valley resort located within a working winery. All 85 guestrooms and suites boast a vineyard view, some feature vines within arm’s reach. Along with Spa Talisa and a 24/7 fitness center, there are two pools, and two onsite restaurants.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Michelin-starred Chef Rogelio Garcia is the Executive Chef of the resort’s signature Truss Restaurant + Bar. Those seeking a more casual dining experience can dine at Campo Poolside, located between the adult pool and the resort pool.
- The Four Seasons Napa Valley is the only hotel in Napa Valley with a daily, supervised kids club. Wine lovers should be sure to reserve a tasting at on-site winery Elusa. Though the tasting room only recently opened to the public, the brand has been focused solely on Calistoga’s terroir for more than a decade.
Hotel Yountville
Four-poster beds, oversized sunken spa tubs, fieldstone fireplaces — the plush yet airy rooms at Hotel Yountville tick all the boxes for a romantic getaway. But you don’t have to be paired up to enjoy the hotel’s easy access to downtown Yountville’s fine dining and shops, not to mention the myriad of wineries. Its spa, exclusive to guests, and Heritage Oak restaurant are also destinations in their own right.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dine poolside on the Heritage Oak terrace, or sample cocktails and artisan bites in the stylish lobby bar.
- In the spa, try the new Tara “well bar” to create a customized body product based on Ayurvedic principles and sip Naturopathica tea after one a treatment in one of its six rooms, including Swiss showers and hydrotherapy tubs.
Poetry Inn
Surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon vines on a steep hillside in Yountville, this relatively unknown lux spot has just five rooms. Owned by the folks at neighboring Cliff Lede Vineyards, every suite offers a sweeping view of Napa Valley and includes a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, and balconies built for enjoying wine country sunsets. Bathrooms boast double vanities, heated floors, soaking tubs and both an indoor and outdoor shower. In addition to a pool and hot tub, Poetry Inn has a spa treatment room for massages and facials.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Breakfast is a memorable, three courses that begins with fresh-baked pastries from nearby Bouchon Bakery. A private hiking trail leads to stellar views from the ridge line above the property. It’s a short, but strenuous climb; those wanting more steps can connect to the Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area trail. Along with a complimentary mini-bar, rooms are stocked with light fitness equipment including a yoga mat, yoga blocks and weights.
Solage
A younger sibling of Auberge du Soleil, this sportier member of the Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga recently unveiled a $30 million redesign that includes a new poolside restaurant (adding to popular SolBar), newly built suites and the renovation of all guest rooms and public spaces. The new pool deck includes cabanas and a children’s pool. Hop on a resort bike to explore nearby vineyards and backroads with customized “sip and cycle” itineraries available.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dining at poolside PicoBar and indoor-outdoor SolBar are top-notch, with more restaurants and shops in quaint downtown Calistoga.
- The 20,000-square-foot Spa Solage takes inspiration from the town’s tradition of therapies based on mineral hot springs.
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
The third and newest Auberge Resorts Collection property in Napa Valley, Stanly Ranch offers 135 rooms in single-story cottage-like, structures. (Some are freestanding, while others share a common wall.) All accommodations have a cozy patio with fire pit. Located on more than 700 acres south of downtown Napa, Stanly Ranch is the type of property that makes lingering easy, thanks to three pools, (including a family pool) a hilltop spa, and trio of onsite restaurants.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Along with traditional treatments like massage and facials, Halehouse spa features an impressive lineup of wellness tools including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, salt room, and cedar sauna. Ingredients from the estate garden influence the menu at onsite restaurant Bear. A plentiful number of chargers are available for electric car drivers.
The Francis House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this one-of-a-kind property was saved from demolition by wife and husband team Dina and Richard Dwyer. The couple spent three years renovating the home — that once served as the Calistoga Hospital — before opening it as a luxury inn with five rooms. Along with a heated pool and tennis court, there is an infrared sauna and salt room to pamper guests.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Francis House is an easy walk from downtown Calistoga, loaded with wine tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants. Dina’s breakfasts — dishes like roasted feta and tomatoes on country bread — are creative, delicious and included with every stay.
- The fire pit and billiards table are popular spots to unwind after a busy day of wine tasting.
White House Napa Valley Inn
Built in 1886, this 17-room mansion tucked a short walk away from downtown Napa blends Victorian elegance with modern comforts, including a sparkling pool amid lush gardens and spa treatments. Complimentary breakfast includes selection of delectable small plates, while fireplaces add coziness to many of the bright rooms.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Some of the king deluxe rooms include a nook with twin-sized daybed, ideal for those traveling with a child or third adult.
- Bathrooms offer large walk-in showers, Lather bath amenities and kimono-style bathrobes.
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