Top luxury hotels in Napa Valley — and a toast to the good life

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Jen Lyons
May 22, 2023
Bird's eye view of Napa Valley with hot air balloons in the distance.
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It’s no surprise that California’s Napa Valley is a go-to destination for discerning travelers. With world-class wineries, award-winning cuisine, a dynamic arts scene and less than two hours from San Francisco, Napa Valley is the stuff of dreams.The Napa Valley region includes 16 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) or microclimates, and each has a distinct feel. For example, the town of Napa is the see-and-be-seen epicenter of California Wine Country. To the north, St. Helena is big on charm and local history, while Calistoga appeals to the laid-back, outdoorsy set (hello, hot springs!). No matter where in Napa Valley you decide to start your Wine Country sojourn, you can choose from a wide range of upscale accommodations. Read on to discover some of our favorite places to stay, plus why they might be the right fit for your next Napa escape. Would you rather set down roots than stay in hotel after hotel? Consider becoming a co-owner of a luxury wine-lovers escape in or around Napa Valley.  

1. Solage Resort & Spa

The city of Calistoga was built in the 1800s around a bubbling natural hot springs, which local Native American tribes valued for its healing powers. Today, that dedication to wellness is woven into the fabric of the Calistoga experience, including at Solage Resort & Spa

The vibe

This resort is all about relaxation. Lounge by the pool, enjoy a mineral-enriched spa treatment or take a yoga class. 

The accommodations

Natural materials, spacious layouts and clean lines make Solage’s studios and suites are relaxed and subtly elegant. Every room boasts its own outdoor patio, and rooms range in size from 515 to 1,900 square feet. 

The location

Solage is located on the outskirts of Calistoga, making the most of the area’s natural beauty of  while still giving guests easy access to the best attractions in Napa Valley. 

2. Montage Healdsburg

While we have to confess that while Montage isn’t technically in Napa Valley, it remains on the list as a true can’t-miss. Located on 258 lush acres in neighboring Sonoma County, Montage Healdsburg takes design cues from the surrounding landscape, and the end result is nothing short of captivating. 

The vibe

Montage Healdsburg seems to rise unassumingly from the Northern California landscape. The property is surrounded by verdant vineyards, in alignment with the property’s goal of dedicating at least one third of each space to outdoor living. 

The accommodations  

The 130 bungalow-style guest rooms and suites feature floor-to ceiling windows with vineyard, forest or mountain views, balconies with fire pits and ample natural materials. 

The location

Montage Healdsburg is  just four miles from downtown Healdsburg. This Sonoma County outpost is the perfect home base for exploring wine regions including Russian River, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. Don’t forget to ask the concierge for recommendations! 

3. Four Seasons Napa Valley

For true luxury in California Wine Country, look no further than the Four Seasons Napa Valley. This Calistoga property has everything upscale travelers are looking for: ultra-private suites, farm-to-table fine dining, world-class wines and a tranquil spa. 

The vibe

The property is surrounded by an active winery, lending a feeling of authenticity to the property.  Guests have the opportunity to sample Elusa Winery wines throughout the stay, including the signature cabernet sauvignon, a Calistoga AVA staple. 

The accommodations 

Choose from well-appointed hotel rooms, roomy suites with separate sleeping and living spaces, or sprawling, multi-bedroom villas for those who want privacy and plenty of outdoor space. 

The location

The property, set against the Vaca and Mayacama Mountains, offers incredible views. Yet it’s still just a short distance from downtown Calistoga. Walk there in about 15 minutes or hop on one of the property’s complementary bicycles and find yourself in downtown Calistoga in five minutes. 

4. Auberge du Soleil 

With a reputation for true luxury, Auberge du Soleil is a sophisticated escape tucked away in Rutherford. It’s also home to the restaurant of the same name, which was established in 1981 as Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant. Take your pick of prix fixe menus, then don’t miss the opportunity to sample sparkling wine from the tableside cart. 

The vibe

Looking around Auberge du Soleil, you might just think you’re in the south of France. The adults-only property spans 33 terraced acres, surrounded by olive and oak trees. Opportunities for relaxation are everywhere, whether you want to do an art walk in the sculpture garden, enjoy a private picnic or take a yoga class in La Pagode, a Japanese ryokan-style pavilion. 

The accommodations

Auberge du Soleil offers 50 guest rooms and suites, housed in separate maisons named for towns in the south of France. Rooms are bright and airy, each opening up to its own private terrace. 

The location

This iconic property is located in Rutherford, a small town in the heart of Napa Valley between St. Helena and Yountville. This central location gives you easy access to everything you want to explore in California Wine Country.  

5. Stanly Ranch 

Also an Auberge property, Stanly Ranch opened in April 2022 on 712 picturesque acres.  Formerly a working ranch dating back to the 1850s, the property is in the midst of evolution from ranch to vineyard, and while it will be a few more years before they can start harvesting grapes to make their own wines, it’s interesting to see the work in progress. 

The vibe

The aura at Stanly Ranch is casually chic. Both the accommodations and the on-site experiences are designed to showcase the connection between the land and the people inhabiting it. There’s ample outdoor community space and plenty of room to roam. 

The accommodations

Guestrooms, suites and freestanding villas at Stanly Ranch feature a modern farmhouse vibe and are designed with creature comforts like casual seating areas, private fire pits and outdoor showers. 

The location

Stanly Ranch is located on the southern edge of Napa Valley, south of the town of Napa and alongside the Napa River. It’s perfectly placed for quick getaways from the Bay Area that feel a world away. 

6. Meadowood Napa Valley

Located on a 250-acre wine country estate, Meadowood Napa Valley is surrounded by natural beauty. This Relais & Chateaux property is a hotel, private country club and home to a restaurant with three Michelin stars. The all-suite, award-winning spa is flanked by two sanctuary gardens, inviting you to linger after your treatments. 

The vibe 

This property is undoubtedly luxurious, but it’s never stuffy. It has a low-key, relaxing feel that makes it the perfect escape for those wanting to trade the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a bit slower pace. 

The accommodations

There are five categories of accommodations at Meadowood, and not a single one has the feel of a standard hotel room. Choose a Treeline Suite for hillside views from a private deck. Go with a cozy Oakview Room for its wood-burning fireplaces and vaulted ceilings. Or treat yourself to ultimate privacy in Hill House, a one-bedroom suite set back in a wooded hillside near the spa. 

The location

Meadowood is located in St. Helena, in the middle of Napa Valley. Guests enjoy complementary car service to downtown St. Helena and Yountville, so you can easily explore the many wonders of the valley. 

Luxury you can call your own 

Napa Valley is a luxury traveler’s dream, thanks to a wide selection of great hotels, award-winning dining and some of the world’s best wine tasting. Yet the ultimate in luxury isn’t found in a hotel — it’s having your own second home in California Wine Country. Pacaso offers a selection of private homes in locations like Calistoga, St. Helena and Napa. Our unique co-ownership model allows up to eight co-owners to share the cost of buying a luxury property, while giving each owner equitable access to scheduling. Homes are fully furnished and professionally decorated in styles inspired by the beauty of the region. Enjoy your own vacation property in your favorite part of Napa Valley, and let Pacaso worry about all the details. Every time you arrive, you can simply relax and toast the good life. 
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