Northern Calfornia’s Napa Valley wine region is a legendary luxury travel destination. Yes, Napa wines are world-class. But Napa is also a world-class vacation place, with great things for luxury travelers to visit, do, and taste.
Any luxury traveler planning a visit to northern California should include a minimum of three days in this scenic, compact, altogether magical valley.
Napa Valley is located inland in Napa County, less than a one-hour drive northeast of downtown San Francisco. It is blessed with a delicious climate of warm days and cool nights.
The fast-growing city of Napa is a must-visit. But the Valley extends to the towns of Yountville, Oakville, St. Helena and Calistoga, famed for its mineral water. Napa’s main road, Route 29, takes visitors through picturesque California towns and passes literally hundreds of vineyards and wineries.
Here are some of the best hotels, restaurants, wineries, and recreational and cultural possibilities for luxury travelers to the Napa Valley.
Napa Valley has some of America’s most luxurious and scenic hotels, often facing the valley’s famed vineyards. They range from city hotels to far-flung country inn, and almost always have excellent restaurants on-property.
Auberge du Soleil is perched on a hillside in an olive grove, overlooking vineyards. The resort’s 15 well-appointed cottages are exuberantly luxurious, somehow feeling both rustic and modern. The hotel offers a superb restaurant and a more casual bistro Meadowood is a beautifully designed luxury resort on 33 acres. It features private cottages, elegant suites, and spacious lodges in an estate-like, forested setting. Its off-the-beaten-path location assures a laid-back mood. The Restaurant at Meadowood owns three Michelin stars.
Bardessono is a high-end boutique resort with chic contemporary décor. Rooms feature fireplaces, massage tables, and a courtyard or balcony. Bardessono is an eco-conscious, LEED Platinum-Certified hotel, one of a handful in the US. Guests can take a Lexus hybrid car out for a spin.
Tuscany inspired the concept and design of Villagio Inn & Spa. Rooms feature fireplaces and wine cellars. The spacious spa has private lounges. The restaurant is renowned for brunch, with dishes like Valrhona chocolate pancakes.
Andaz Napa is a member of the fast growing Andaz brand of Hyatt boutique hotels. The Andaz is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Napa. Quietly stylish ooms feature wooden floors and white marble bathrooms…
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