My first big trip of the year is marked on my calendar in ink! At the end of February, I am headed to San Francisco and Napa with my sister and my niece to celebrate my sister’s birthday. In the midst of a seemingly never ending cold snap, I look at the Instagram pictures of those of you fortunate enough to live in California and I just drool with envy. To say that I cannot wait for this girls’ getaway would be an understatement, to say the least!
So today, for a little escape, let’s pretend you could be magically transported to Napa for an all expenses paid girls’ escape – four days filled with wine, delicious food, beautiful scenery and lots of laughter…which would you choose??
Nature and relaxation abound in the quiet spa setting of Calistoga Ranch…
Classic Napa elegance with a Michelin 3* restaurant are the stars at Meadowood Napa Valley…
There is something for everyone at the family friendly resort setting of The Carneros Inn…
The signature Relais & Chateaux combination of elegance, service and great food are the orders of the day at Auberge du Soleil…
With just five rooms overlooking the Napa Valley, only the lucky few score reservations at the elegant and exclusive Poetry Inn…
Walking or biking distance to French Laundry, Bouchon and many wineries in Yountville, there is no need for a designated driver at the eco-luxury Bardessono Hotel…
SO…there you have it…which is your favorite? Or would you decide on a combination of these stunning hotels which are spread throughout the valley?
Since I know
many of you have been to Napa before, please feel free to share your favorite wineries for visiting, delicious restaurant recommendations and any other “must see” places in the Napa area.
many of you have been to Napa before, please feel free to share your favorite wineries for visiting, delicious restaurant recommendations and any other “must see” places in the Napa area.
Cheers!
pretty pink tulips says
Lucky you to be heading to Napa next month!!! And, for a celebration….sounds divine! I'll be back to Dallas that weekend, celebrating my mom's 75th. But, Napa is someplace I'll always love, as I spent my first married year in San Francisco. Having drinks at sunset at Auberge is something I've enjoyed a number of times, but I've never stayed there….so I might choose that. Definitely lunch or dinner at French Laundry though.
Sunny thoughts on this grayish day!
xoxo Elizabeth
Grace | The Beauty of Everywhere says
They all look incredible, I'm not sure if it's possible to choose! Calistoga Ranch looks like my kind of place though 🙂 Sounds like you're going to have a wonderful trip!
I Dream Of says
Oh how fun, Sandy! I love Napa. All are beautiful hotels – the Solage is also wonderful. I think Calistoga Ranch has to be my favorite. (Although the house we rented last May was the best place I've ever stayed in Napa, sadly I heard that it sold.) A sunset drink at Auberge du Soleil, dinner at Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery, the restaurant ant the Solage hotel… there are so, so many recommendations – I could keep you busy for weeks! I'll get my thoughts together and email you. Happy Planning! XO
Samantha Angell says
Ohh, so jealous of Napa! I've always wanted to go to Napa or Sonoma and haven't had the chance to make it yet. As far as which one I would choose…all of them. Simple. I would love to quit my day job and just live there. Ooooh dreaming.
Art and Sand says
All of those spots are out of range for us. We have the good fortune that my oldest (longevity, not age) friend live within an easy drive of Napa and Sonoma so every year we all do a little wine tasting without the expense of the hotel. It leaves more money for a scrumptious meal and buying wine.
Vel Criste says
Lucky you!!! I've never been to Napa, so I would want the Carneros Inn (my family will be with me of course) first and of course see the sights and enjoy the wine wherever I go!
miss b says
Happy New Year! Napa Valley certaily appeals to me and it is on my list of places to visit at some point. Great hotels featured here and I would probably prefer to stay at a combination of them but one would have to be Auberge du Soleil!
Leslie in Little Rock says
I want to visit Napa so much! Auberge or Meadowwood. Can't wait to hear more! Your site is looking so beautiful!
Deb Spencer says
What fun! My sister and I go on an adventure together every year, and we hope to go to Napa soon. We love to bike everywhere, so definitely the Bardessono (although Calistoga Ranch looks wonderful too!) I'm sure you'll have a great time–enjoy.
therelishedroost says
Well since I was just at the Calistoga Ranch I have to lean that way and the Cave for our party was fabulous!!
Castles Crowns and Cottages says
How did I miss this flight????? Oh Sandy, you are in for a treat! I am going to Carmel in June, and I can't wait. My husband and I had wanted to retire in France, but with all the turmoil starting to develop there, we are not so sure. If we had the funds, this area would be the next choice. Oh, ENJOY!
The enchanted home says
You are so speaking my language here!!! LOVE LOVE Napa. I have been to both the Bardessono and Auberge, loved them both so much albeit they are totally different but equally luxurious.
To change things up I might try Meadow wood though you wouldn't hear a peep from me on any of these fabulous properties!~ Stay warm Sandy:)
Daryl Larsen says
Lucky lady!! Napa is fabulous and my husband and I get up there about once every 3 months or so. Meadowood would be my choice but Auberge is fabulous to be sure. Dinner at the French Laundry is a must. You were lucky to get reservations!! Enjoy!
Mocadeaux says
I love the convenience of being in Yountville and being able to stroll to dinner: Bouchon, Redd, etc, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of these places! I will send you an email with more details but some of our "must see" wineries are: Darioush, Kathryn Hall, Chimney Rock, Far Niente, Schramsberg and Silver Oak. Have fun!!!
The Buzz Blog says
We love Napa and stayed at the Auberge du Soleil the last time we went. They had recently renovated the buildings and it was wonderful. But being close to French Laundry sounds pretty good to us, too! Let us know what you decide as we want to start planning a birthday trip, too.
xxoo
C + C
Andrea says
We always stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn… it is magical! Enjoy your trip!!
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
HWIT BLOGG says
Just lovely pictures from a beautiful Napa!
Have a great weekend, take care…
Warmly,
Titti
Heather Lindstrom says
Oh Sandy, Just getting back on track after that whole bug had me down. I'm so glad I caught this post! How exciting for you and yours to take a celebratory trip to Napa Valley. I was lucky enough to spend 4 years there in college, and live right next door to Napa for a number of years. All of your selections are top notch here. I've eaten at Bardessono but never stayed there. I do love the Yountville location for fabulous dining within walking distance. I'm always a fan of Auberge and Solage. So many great options! I can't wait to hear what you choose.
Happy for you!
xx, Heather
pve design says
Sandy,
What a great escape! Blindfold me and leave me at the door of any of those magnificent spots and then pinch me!
I know you will have a great time.
pve