I always say, “people don’t come to Napa Valley to buy a home, they come here to buy a lifestyle.” Napa Valley resorts are a destination for experiences and a taste of wine country’s luxurious lifestyle. They offer visitors a chance to indulge in farm to table gourmet meals, enjoy limited cult wines produced by local vintners, access to highly coveted off the beaten track wine tasting experiences, and play in small town carefree neighborhoods.
Luxurious Napa Valley Resorts By Neighborhood
Meandering Along Main Street St Helena
St Helena was an agricultural capital in a remote valley that became the “Main Street” of Napa Valley, and is now known for it’s small town charm, friendliness, the creativity of its merchants, tourism, banking, and business.
Book Your Stay at Meadowood Resort
With an abundance of delicious restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, it’s no wonder Napa Valley resorts want to call St Helena home. The world-renowned Meadowood Resort has beautiful forest views, large open spaces and brings in tourists and locals alike.
Meadowood offers membership to full time and part time residents providing access to their spa, golf course, gym, tennis and croquet courts. For anyone looking to make Napa Valley more than just a vacation destination, Meadowood is the perfect luxury resort to entrench yourself in the community and get to know the locals.
If St Helena is the vacation destination of your choice, Meadowood is among the best of the best when it comes to Napa Valley resorts. The resort features a Michelin five-star restaurant, the Grill overlooking the golf course, and food and wine service by the pool. It’s the perfect setting for weddings, special events, conferences and unique wine tasting experiences. Coming in on a Friday? It’s a resort tradition to enjoy a sparkling wine to welcome the weekend.
Calistoga Offers Outdoor Class
Calistoga is best known for its hot springs, spas, and mud baths. It’s Napa Valley’s new playground for the rich and famous! It might be the northernmost town, but it’s home to two Napa Valley resorts in the world famous Auberge Resorts Collection, and soon will be home to Four Seasons Napa Valley and Rosewood’s flagship hotel.
Calistoga Ranch Is a Highly Coveted Resort in Napa Valley
Calistoga Ranch is considered to be the best in class in indoor/outdoor lifestyle. With its own vineyard, the Lakehouse Restaurant, and Lake Lommel, the site is known for frequent appearances by celebrities and some of the most influential people in the Napa Valley.
If you want to experience all that Napa Valley has to offer, Calistoga Ranch has the full bounty. From blending your very own personal wine in their wine cave to gathering eggs from their chicken coop, everyone can find something amazing to enjoy.
Since wine is such a draw for vacationers to the area, the resort features regular vintner member events and an exclusive hiking trail to Davis Estates Winery. You’ll learn the history behind the resort and the winery, and enjoy a private tour of the facilities, followed by a wine and food pairing.
The Vibrant Solage Resort in Calistoga
The unforgettable accommodations at Solage are a fresh and modern take on wine country resorts. Its suites and studios are unique, with small town charm and urban sophistication. All accommodations come with an outdoor patio and design that speaks to an appreciation for the outdoors. Solbar, is the resort’s stylish restaurant with superb food and outdoor dining, with spectacular views of Mount St Helena and the Palisades, is a favorite and frequented by locals.
You’ll have a chance to taste small-production wines alongside world-class art at Solage. But if it isn’t wine that has drawn you to Napa Valley, this resort offers a chance to take in a dynamic cocktail scene. The second Wednesday of each month, Solbar bartender, Kelly Dallas, leads a cocktail creation class for visitors. This gives you a chance to learn just what it takes to be a master mixologist.
Enjoy a Sip and Cycle through winding country roads and dense oak trees, or try your hand at painting with a private lesson right in your very own suite. The Solage resort in Napa Valley’s burgeoning Calistoga is truly a great place to relax and unwind.
Take a moment to catch up on the latest changes at the resort from my podcast with Greg Flynn, owner of Solage.
Yountville is the Place for Foodies
Recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1999, and as a unique region for growing premium wine grapes, Yountville is perfect for those who consider themselves foodies or wine connoisseurs. Known as the “Culinary Capital of Napa Valley,” Yountville is home to many award-winning and chef-owned restaurants.
Poetry Inn Is the Pinnacle of Luxury
A list of the most luxurious Napa Valley resorts wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Poetry Inn. With only five rooms and butler service, you’re sure to feel like royalty here.
Each room is named after a poet and faces west to view spectacular sunsets, and includes indoor and outdoor showers, a private terrace, and a wood burning fireplace. Every morning, guests can enjoy a complimentary three-course gourmet breakfast prepared with seasonal ingredients by the inn’s Executive Chef, and pastries from Yountville’s Bouchon Bakery.
The Poetry Inn offers another unique opportunity with The Farmhouse at Poetry. The elegant, private monthly vacation home is a three bedroom, four bathroom property, featuring a gourmet kitchen, private pool, lounging area, and expansive entertaining space. It offers easy access to some of Napa Valley’s top wineries and is just two miles from Yountville’s world-class restaurants and tasting rooms.
Poetry Inn is owned by Cliff Lede of Lede Vineyards and Winery on Yountville Cross Road. His exceptional, reserve wines, named Poetry of course, await you in Poetry’s private cellar.
Luxury at Bardessono
A unique Napa Valley resort, Bardessono is award-winning with fine dining, wine, spas, and event centers. During your stay, book a table at Lucy Restaurant & Bar. You’ll taste seasonal dishes fresh from the garden, and experience dining unlike ever before. Lucy’s cuisine is presented, cocktails are considered art, and wine is vivid.
From the moment you drive onto the property, Bardessono is less Napa Valley resort, more private community. With bicycles to use as transportation to explore nearby attractions or simply enjoy the “neighborhood,” the grounds seem to transport you away from the hustle of real life. It is also pet-friendly, so it will feel even more like a home away from home for the whole family.
Yountville is also home to art galleries and wine tasting rooms galore, and draws in visitors who love culture, museums, performing arts, and, of course, fabulous wine. Experience art walks, Gallery 1870, the Andrea Schwartz Gallery, or the Napa Valley Museum. It is near the Lincoln Theater for a chance to take in the symphony or ballet. Bardessonno resort truly offers a unique experience within a vibrant community and encounters with endless interesting visitors.
Rich History in Rutherford
Surrounded by world-renowned vineyards, wineries, and olive oil producers, Rutherford is home to the longest running winery in the valley with over 100 years of history – and one of the most luxurious resorts in Napa Valley.
Wine Country Living at Auberge du Soleil
Known as the “Inn of the Sun,” Auberge du Soleil is a quintessential adult getaway. Napa Valley’s first fine-dining experience was opened in 1981 by French restaurateur, Claude Rouas, and its success prompted the opening of the inn to accommodate those wanting to taste more of the lifestyle offered by the region. The inn was started by none other than Bob Harmon, father of Mark Harmon, Founder of Auberge Resorts Collection, who I spoke with on my podcast about how the successful restaurant led to the food scene Napa Valley is famous for today.
From a breathtaking viewpoint, diners can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from Executive Chef, Robert Curry; who is a recipient of 10 consecutive Michelin Stars. After dinner, take in panoramic views of vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains, or walk through the Sculpture Garden which features more than 100 works by over 60 California artists.
Take a moment to relax at the exquisite spa surrounded by mature olive trees, stone basin fountains, and Mount Veeder in the distance. The spa is reserved specially for hotel guests, so you’re guaranteed a calm and quiet visit with others looking to unwind and unplug. Your visit is customizable so you’ll receive exactly what you need. Whether it’s the Meritage Couples Massage, Jasmine Rose bath, or the Best of Auberge Facial, you’ll walk away feeling refreshed and anew.
Discover Everything Napa Valley Has to Offer
Whether you’re traveling to Napa Valley for their world-renowned wine, or one of their incredible events, there will always be a luxurious resort to stay in and enjoy. In fact, I have a comprehensive list of hotels & spas that would be perfect for you to search through depending on the neighborhood you’re hoping to visit most. And when you’re ready to take Napa Valley from a vacation destination to a full-time or part-time home, let’s connect to discuss which town is best for you.
