We recently had the opportunity to visit some of Napa Valley’s finest resorts: Calistoga Ranch, Solage Calistoga and Auberge de Soliel. Expectations will far be exceeded by choosing any one of these fabulous properties for your next meeting or event!
Calistoga Ranch
Naturally eloquent. Refreshingly timeless. Calistoga Ranch— a Napa luxury resort nestled in a secluded Upper Napa Valley canyon on 157 lush, oak-lined acres is a rarefied luxury retreat where nature not only coexists with, but helps create, a completely new level of connection, comfort and contentment. Every detail, each dedicated staff member, conspire to bring a deep sense of enrichment and renewal. From a celebration of Napa wine and food to restorative Napa spa offerings…experience a seamless mingling of the outdoors and in for endless inspiration.
Luxurious Napa lodges inspire serenity—with warm furnishings, natural textiles and original artwork accent the beautiful wooded setting; each lodge features welcoming fireplaces, private patios and expansive views. The private Napa restaurant celebrates the rich culture of local wines and cuisine, making use of the lush bounty of the region. For those seeking rejuvenation, it can be found at The Spa, where guests can indulge in tantalizing napa spa treatments and take advantage of the region’s natural healing mineral waters. Other Napa resort amenities and perks include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga deck, a pool featuring dramatic views of the resort’s private vineyard and oak groves, and 140 acres of land dedicated to hiking and active pursuits.
Unique Venue Opportunity: The Wine Cave
Solage Calistoga
Explore 22 acres of gorgeous grounds framed by panoramic vistas of the Mayacama and Palisades Mountains. Warm woods, native stone, indigenous landscaping, and unique sculptures and water features contribute to balance the organic with the contemporary. Enjoy one of the 89 connecting or free-standing retreats nestled throughout the resort, finding respite among comforting natural materials, cozy outdoor patios and a host of welcoming details from Italian linens to hand-crafted bath products. And to explore the resort and neighboring wineries, you’ll have a pair of cruiser bicycles parked outside of your studio.
Of course the cuisine leaves nothing to be desired. Morning, noon and night sample inventive North California fare prepared thoughtfully by Executive Chef Brandon Sharp in his Michelin Star Rated – Solbar Kitchen. After enjoying the spectacular dining, take the time to rejuvenate and restore in the award-winning Spa Solage with the unique Mud Bath treatment. From business meetings to incentive travel, Solage provides the perfect backdrop for providing lasting impressions.
Unique Venue Opportunity: Solstice
Auberge de Soliel
It was these breathtaking valley views that inspired French-born restaurateur Claude Rouas to recreate the sun-drenched ambiance of a Provençal restaurant in the California Wine Country. As Napa Valley’s first fine-dining establishment, it opened to acclaim in 1981 and quickly gained recognition as one of the leading and best restaurants in Northern California, not only for its superb cuisine, but also its spectacular natural setting.
The pleasures of a gorgeous view enjoyed with a glass of wine and an exquisite meal invite lingering. Rouas and business partner Robert Harmon made it possible to do just that in 1985, when they opened the inn, a collection of sun- and earth-toned rooms and suites, each featuring French doors opening onto private terraces, cozy fireplaces and sensuous elements such as private soaking tubs for two. For the Auberge’s signature style of soft-spoken luxury, the partners tapped renowned designer Michael Taylor, who infused his dramatic California style with the essence of Provence.
Auberge du Soleil perfected the art of balancing wellness with luxurious indulgence when it opened Auberge Spa, a retreat modeled after a centuries-old monastery that continues to be one of the most acclaimed spas in the country. That was later followed by a transformation of the swimming pool into La Plage, a sexy, laid-back outdoor pool and living room, where hotel guests can spend lazy hours lounging poolside on oversized chaises or underneath gauze-draped canopies on day beds for two.
Today, the Auberge is as fresh and forward-thinking as it was when it first opened and pioneered a new style of laid-back luxury. Michael Taylor protégée and leading designer Suzanne Tucker has updated the resort interiors with a bright, rich look reminiscent of a secluded Côte d’Azur retreat. Under the direction of Executive Chef Robert Curry, the famed Napa Valley restaurant has earned back-to-back Michelin stars. The spring 2011 renovation of the dining room and iconic terrace will be completed in time for the Restaurant’s 30th anniversary. Moxi also toured their new guest rooms that are currently going through renovations.
Since it opened, resort guests have been drawn to the Auberge for its tranquility, style and unmistakable romance. The pleasures of escape, total privacy, and the intimacy of having a beautiful spot to share are part of the timeless allure of Auberge du Soleil.
Unique Venue Opportunity: The Tree House