The Carneros Resort and Spa
The Carneros Resort and Spa, located just inside the Napa County line off Highway 121, across from Tattinger Vineyards, is a seasoned operation. Surrounded by expansive and picturesque vineyards, the hotel is a sprawling manicured compound that exemplifies California's Wine Country, pampering its guests with a superlative spa and recreational activities, varied dining, excellent and attentive service and unique accommodations composed of individual cottages fashioned after the grape-pickers' digs of the 1930s, all within a private estate winery.
The public areas of Carneros Resort and Spa are scattered about the property, all housed in sleek contemporary ranch-style buildings.
Arrivals encounter the hotel's energetic, youthful spirit immediately upon arrival. Guests enter through a gate, past the cottages, creative landscaping and handsome denim-attired staff. The main building sits atop a bluff with dramatic vineyard vistas visible through strategically placed windows. Like most of the public space here, the lobby benefits from conservatory-style architecture, which allows lots of natural light to filter in. The adjacent lounge proffers a modern version of the classic French baronial fireplace, its towering limestone hearth planted with an impressive Andy Goldsworthy twig sculpture. An elegant arrangement of deep-cushioned sofas and contemporary seating is snuggled up to the fire and provides ample room to relax and enjoy the warmth of the fire and daytime views of the vineyard. A complimentary Internet corner resides off to one side of the room, and reading material and binoculars are at the ready; the region's red-tail hawks, golden eagles and prolific bird life are an ornithologist's dream.
The Carneros Resort and Spa boasts three distinct restaurants. The Hilltop Dining Room is reserved for guests only, serving breakfast and dinner in a modern barn-of-a-building across a small paved courtyard from the main building. The food here, as in all of the dining venues, is farm-fresh with many of the menu's organic herbs and vegetables and free-range meats and chicken plucked straight from the property or nearby fields. Not surprisingly, the food is California cuisine, with outside influences seeping in here and there. The lovely terrace takes in ubiquitous bucolic views.
FARM, the hotel's signature dining room, located down the hill, is housed in a rambling contemporary farmhouse-style structure, replete with a large terrace referred to as the Town Square. The region's temperate weather allows for outdoor dining nine months of the year. The menu here is a more elaborate version of the one on the hill, and the lively bar and sophisticated lounge attract locals, who then head for the dinner tables. Lunch and dinner are served at set hours.
Set beside the road, Boon Fly Cafe is a rustic operation with booth, bench and bar seating, and a menu and decor reminiscent of a 1940s roadside diner. Open from 7 am to 10 pm, it features American classics: hotcakes with bacon, burgers, hearty steaks and locally famous homemade doughnuts. Lines form at lunchtime. The pool bar serves light fare and libations to a relaxed clientele.
Recreation is comprehensive with a fine gym, two pools, a pair of whirlpools and a spa with 15 treatment rooms, including four outdoor treatment areas. The main pool is a striking infinity model big enough for laps. Elegant loungers line the deck, where on clear days views extend to Mount Diablo. Running trails course throughout the property's 27 acres, and bocce ball courts, a yoga studio and children's programs round out the options. The hotel provides 5,000 sq ft of meeting space that has become popular with weddings and small groups.
The spacious accommodations are arranged into tiny rectangular neighborhoods, each comprised of a small borough of freestanding board-and-batten cottages appended with furnished porches and private furnished patios. While the cottage architecture is old-fashioned, the interiors are sleek and modern and aimed at the heart of comfort. The appointments are clean and crisp, with raised ottomans at the foot of every pillow-top bed, cowhide chaises rest beside fireplaces, and desks are equipped for work. Complimentary wireless Internet access, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, alarm clocks, MP3 players and phones with voice mail and data ports provide a bridge to the outside world.
The baths are big, each with a soaking tub and separate shower with multiple showerheads, magnifying mirrors, and spa-quality toiletries from Italy. The bed linens, too, are Italian. Robes, slippers, coffeemakers, and refrigerators are also on hand. French doors open to private furnished patios with dining tables, but no views. Rocking chairs grace the porches, but they too lack views to speak of, most eyeing other porches. The flowering gardens, however, are lovely. The best cottages face the vineyards, others face the gardens. Housekeeping is excellent. Room service operates around the clock, and turndown and twice-daily maid service are available. Pets are not permitted.
Long walks are required between some of the public area and accommodations, but golf carts are available to make the journey. Flaws are few, and service is attentive and easy going. The Carneros Resort and Spa may not be as well known as some others in the area but that will change. Probably sooner then later!
The Carneros Resort and Spa is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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