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Napa Valley in autumn.
Getty
Hospitality traditions run deep in California’s Napa Valley, with an abundance of posh resorts and hotels, more than 400 wineries, dozens of sybaritic spas and some150 destination restaurants that are both globally and locally influenced. The Valley is home to the Greystone campus of the Culinary Institute of America, a unique academic institution that contributes to the area’s vibrant culture of innovation and creativity in food, wine and lodging.
The 30-mile stretch of road on Route 29 that traverses Napa—from American Canyon in the south to Calistoga in the north—beckons those who love art, golf, horseback riding, balloon rides, hiking and cycling and offers opportunities to experience natural mud baths and hot springs.
Here are the best resorts in Napa Valley:
Meadowood Napa Valley
Meadowood Napa Valley Croquet Lawn
Meadowood Napa Valley
Meadowood Napa Valley may be as well known for its three-star Michelin restaurant (under the helm of chef Christopher Kostow) as it is for its luxurious guest rooms, suites and cottages. Set on a sprawling private estate, this resort offers amenities for every type of traveler: swimming, tennis courts, croquet lawns, a 9-hole golf course, hiking trails and a spa. Wine features prominently, of course, with afternoon tastings of some of the best Napa Valley varietals.
Auberge du Soleil
Auberge du Soleil Bistro Bar
Auberge du Soleil
The view from the terrace of Auberge du Soleil is the best of any in the Valley. The 33-acre resort features 50 individual cottages (called maisons) and maison suites nestled among the oak trees, olive groves and an exquisite sculpture garden with more than 100 works of art. This Relais & Châteaux property’s restaurant offers guests the refined flavors of Provence. And wine lovers will appreciate the resort’s location in the Rutherford AVA, known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Indian Springs Calistoga
Relaxing by the fireplace at Indian Springs Calistoga
Tim D Coy/Paul Dyer
Located at the northern end of Napa Valley, the historic, 115-room family-owned Indian Springs Calistoga is set on 17 acres. Especially noteworthy are the resort’s natural resources, which include four thermal geysers that feed mineral water to two swimming pools, and special mud baths derived from volcanic ash and water. This wellness resort also has a full-service spa, offers free bicycles on site and is only a 5-minute walk to Calistoga Hot Springs or short drive to the iconic Old Faithful geyser.
Hotel Villagio
Outdoor pool at Hotel Villagio
Hotel Villagio
Hotel Villagio is a newly renovated, boutique getaway located on a 22-acre estate with a lush vineyard. It’s also convenient to the shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms in the downtown (and very walkable) village of Yountville, California. The property’s state-of-the-art fitness center and 13,000-square-foot spa, with 16 treatment rooms and 5 spa suites featuring fireplaces, are appealing to singles, couples and families. Guests also enjoy round-the-clock room service and complimentary weekend wine tastings.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Carneros Resort and Spa Hilltop Pool
Trinette & Chris/Carneros Resort
Carneros Resort and Spa is nestled amid fruit trees and greenery in the Napa countryside. Only 58 miles from San Francisco by car, the property feels a world away from urban life. This family- and pet-friendly property offers a variety of accommodations, including comfortable farmhouse décor cottages and vacation homes—many with soaking tubs, heated slate floors and al fresco showers. Also on site: pools, a spa and fitness center and three restaurants (Farm at Carneros, Boon Fly Café and the Hilltop Dining Room) that offer farm-to-table dining.
Bardessono
Magnolia Grove in bloom
Hannah Lambert/The Mayfield Group
Bardessono offers a contemporary take on wine country hospitality. Think green luxury—a mix of sustainability, mindfulness and elegance. This boutique, LEED Platinum Certified resort, located in downtown Yountville, has 62 rooms with organic linens, towels and cleaning products, all designed to transform these spaces into personal spa environments. The menu at Lucy’s restaurant also emphasizes sustainable, organic farm-to-table dining. The resort has plans to unveil The Maple Grove Villas in fall 2019 for an even more bespoke experience.
Calistoga Ranch
A luxury lodge at Calistoga Ranch
Calistoga Ranch
This 50-room, Auberge resort is tucked into a private canyon on 140 acres, just outside the town of Calistoga. Cedar-sided luxury lodges capture the spirit of the property’s natural setting with their oversized wood decks and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of forests and vineyards. The resort also features hiking trails, a private lake, yoga studio, fitness center, pool, indoor/outdoor spa and a wine cave to meet the needs of those who want to be active and those who simply want to detox and relax.