Best Resorts in Napa Valley

Guides
by MICHELLE M. WINNER
on MARCH 23, 2023

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What is a “best” Napa Wine Country Resort anyway? A basic definition might be to have a terrific restaurant, outdoor activities, an epic pool, design that provides a sense of place, and a location set amidst beautiful Napa Valley surroundings. It doesn’t have to have a spa, but it sure wouldn’t hurt. And you shouldn’t have to leave the property during your stay to have a wonderful experience. But most of all, a top Wine Country resort is a place for guests to feel well-looked after.

In and around Napa Valley we’ve found resorts that hit all of these notes and a whole lot more. From quaint properties walking distance to town, to expansive properties dotting the hillsides and valley, these are the gems that offer guests relaxation, rejuvenation, and a perfect base from which to explore all that Napa Valley has to offer.

1

Lodging / St Helena

Meadowood Napa Valley

For more than forty years Meadowood has been a well-known part of life in Napa Valley, historically supporting local, family-owned wineries by offering a place to hold tastings, meetings, dinners, and world-class wine conferences. This wine-focused, luxurious retreat near St. Helena is also a favorite of guests looking for privacy while appreciating the spectacular natural world. While the 250-acre estate has long been a destination for golf, tennis, hiking, and swimming, the resort is still recovering from the devastation of the 2020 fires and some of these offerings are more limited. The good news is, Meadowood Napa Valley is still one of the most dreamy places to stay in Wine Country, where three outdoor pools, a sanctuary-like spa, large fitness center, and gorgeous natural surroundings await. Rooms and suites are light, white, and airy, with elegant sophistication and a calming design. And the newly opened Forum serves exquisite but approachable cuisine.

Insider Tip

There is a secret place called the Promontory along Oakville’s southwestern ridge. It was discovered one day in the 1980s by one of the Meadowood Napa Valley owners H. William Harlan, who was hiking in an area he called “an isolated territory” of wild and woodlands. He never forgot the mystical feeling there. Finally in 2008 the Harlan family acquired the parcel. The second generation began to explore this rugged geological area and thought about a grand experiment of trying grapes here. Today there is a vineyard and Promontory wine being bottled. It’s still a secret spot, but a place that guests are able to discover, relax on the large patio, taste wine, and take in the treetop views as the mist that blows in. Appointments can be made through Meadowood’s concierge.

Image courtesy of Meadowood | Paul Lange

Details Visit Website

2

Lodging / Oakville Rutherford

Auberge du Soleil

Auberge Resorts has long been a name equated with luxury, and it all began here in Napa Valley. More than 40 years ago, in a much different Napa Valley that was more farm than vine, a fine-dining restaurant called Auberge du Soleil and a small inn were built within an olive grove by a chef/restaurateur and his partner. It was Napa Valley’s first haute cuisine establishment, and its success grew by word of mouth spread by the faithful. The famed restaurant, tennis court, exceptional spa, and spacious guest room terraces with breathtaking valley views are just the beginning for those who want unparalleled personal service that exceeds expectation.

Insider Tip

Customized, private wine tours can be arranged to suit your preferences and palate. Just ask.

Image courtesy of Auberge du Soleil

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3

Lodging / Napa

Carneros Resort and Spa

Of all of the Napa Valley resorts, this one truly embraces the agrarian roots of the area in terms of style. Think ice cream, bicycles, cottages, fresh donuts, lazy days, outdoor showers, and a curtain of stars in the night sky. Here the newly-revamped spa will pamper you, the hilltop pool with vineyard views will delight you, and the excellent restaurants that source fresh ingredients from their garden and local farms, will inspire you. Up-market ambience is delivered at Carneros with a casual vibe; like the heated slate floors in the bathroom, or the thoughtful addition of rocking chairs on your deck that invite you to sit a spell. Guests will love the perfect simplicity delivered with style.

Insider Tip

Resort guests can order Boon Fly Café’s famous donuts and menu through Cottage Dining to enjoy breakfast al fresco on your private, outdoor terrace.

Image courtesy of Carneros Resort

Details Visit Website

4

Lodging / Napa

Silverado Resort

Outdoor activity aficionados will love the expansive Silverado Resort. A traditional resort that appeals to many tastes, active guests will like the full-service spa, ten swimming pools, two PGA championship golf courses, tennis courts, bocce courts, and onsite hiking and biking trails. Culinary destination lovers will appreciate that there are several restaurants to choose from on property under the direction of acclaimed Executive Chef, Patrick Prager. Those with wedding bells in their future will favor the resort because of the many guest room options, romantic venues for photographs, and the resort’s ability to deliver a personalized menu and guest party experience, whether for an intimate gathering of five or celebrating with 500 of their closest friends.

Insider Tip

Silverado understands the importance of team building activities. Their onsite Destination Experience Coordinator will plan the perfect group experience for your team, whether it be grape stomping, wine blending and blind tasting competitions, or a balloon ride.

Image courtesy of Silverado Resort

Details Visit Website

5

Lodging / Napa

The Meritage Resort and Spa

Nestled among the hills and vineyards of Napa, this Tuscan-inspired getaway will keep you near the action of Napa Valley while enjoying all that The Meritage Resort and Spa have to offer. With several restaurants, a bowling alley, and even a vineyard on hotel grounds, you may find it hard to leave. Hit the spa for couples massages, guided meditations, or body treatments. Olive and Hay is the casual yet refined restaurant at The Meritage, serving farm-to-table Italian cuisine. If you do decide to leave the hotel grounds, you can enjoy activities like golfing, fly fishing, or even a hot air balloon ride.

Insider Tip

The Meritage is a perfect holiday destination. Every year, the Meritage creates a winter village, including an ice rink, s'mores, and a VIP Igloo Experience. There's even a rink bar called Santa's Tavern! Is it too early to start thinking about your holiday vacation?

Image courtesy of Meritage Resort

Details

6

Lodging / Calistoga

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection

Is there such a thing as playful luxury? Solage, an Auberge Resorts Collection property, certainly thinks so. In the heart of Wine Country the 130-foot swimming pool at Solage sparkles and invites you to dive right into health and wellness. Active lifestyle aficionados who love to be pampered are in for a treat here. Head to The Bathhouse at Spa Solage and ease yourself into a geothermal pool or opt for a mineral-enriched mud therapy. Hop on your complementary cruiser bike for a spin, pause for a view of the serene setting, and be in the moment here among the historic oak groves. Later, wander over to acclaimed restaurant, Solbar, for a seasonal stroll through the California-inspired menu while enjoying your hand-crafted cocktail, glass of Napa wine, or flight of bubbly on the outdoor patio. After dinner, tuck into your private, cottage-style studio or suite, and prepare to head to dreamland.

Insider Tip

Want to keep the wellness routine going strong on vacation? You can upgrade to have a Peloton bike delivered to your suite to enjoy during your stay.

Image courtesy of Solage

Details

7

Lodging / St Helena

Alila Napa Valley

Alila Napa Valley, a member of the Hyatt hotel group, is a luxurious adults-only retreat in St. Helena. Each of the 69 rooms come complete with luxury bedding, outdoor soaking tubs, and private terraces—many that offer stunning vineyard views. Add in deluxe amenities, such as a spa, outdoor pool, and acclaimed restaurant, and it’s no wonder why this resort is sought-after.
Speaking of the on-site restaurant, Acacia House is a worthy visit any time of day, where classic yet modern fare is inspired by the bounty of Wine Country.

Insider Tip

While we'd suggest staying a night or two, you don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the on-site spa, as anyone looking to be pampered for the day is welcome to Spa Alila. Book any of the soothing body treatments, then post-treatment, make use of the adults-only pool and fitness center to round out your experience.

Image courtesy of Alila

Details

8

Lodging / Calistoga

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

While wine is definitely the draw in Napa Valley, UpValley Calistoga is also well-revered for the geothermal mineral waters that run beneath the Wine Country town. This little gem of a health resort is located a block away from Calistoga’s main street and is the perfect spot for a family visit, a getaway with friends, or a romantic jaunt for two. Crisp, beautifully appointed guest rooms are wrapped around a series of pools in a central courtyard. From the hotel, walk to restaurants, book a hot air balloon ride, check out Old Faithful Geyser, or go wine tasting; all are in close vicinity to the Calistoga area. But be sure to take time to bliss out at Spa Calistoga, located on the resort’s property, then experience the four geothermal mineral pools: a whirlpool, a soaking pool, a lap pool, and a wading pool. Here the mineral waters are what it’s all about.

Insider Tip

Don’t miss the Volcanic Ash Mud Bath therapy at the spa, or the Chromotherapy jet tubs, which adjust your body vibrations to optimize your well-being.

Image courtesy of Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Details Visit Website

9

Lodging / Yountville

Bardessono

Bardessono brings mindfulness to luxury. Located in the heart of Napa Valley in Yountville, Bardessono balances contemporary style with the beauty and simplicity of nature. Whether you're walking amongst their calm, eclectic gardens, enjoying a cool mud bath at B Spa, or relaxing by the rooftop pool, you'll be energized and renewed by the end of your stay. Their restaurant, Lucy, is named after the matriarch, Lucy Bardessono, and Lucy's passion for farming and her eco-spirit are encapsulated in the conscious cuisine. Some of the ingredients in your meal are even picked from the hotel's certified organic garden. If you’re able to tear yourself away from this sleek paradise, you can walk to wineries, bike along vineyards, and shop at the marketplace.

Insider Tip

If you want a more intimate spa experience, all of Bardessno's suites transform into a personal spa. Enjoy a massage or one of their bathing therapies and experience complete relaxation and serenity in the comfort of your room.

Image courtesy of Bardessono

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