The Tamesis
Wake up in wine country—more specifically, Napa Wine country – an experience in itself. The landscape formed by ancient volcanoes and tectonic plates comes into focus as the sun creeps over the Huacas Mountains and floods the valley floor, reflecting off the familiar swarms of floating hot air balloons. Bird song echoes in the canopy, the color turns golden, and the only thing left to worry about is finding extra time for wine tasting in the afternoon. Welcome to Napa Valley, the land of milk and honey. Whether you’re a seasoned wine country traveler or visiting California’s most prestigious vineyard region for the first time, Napa Valley’s best hotels are sure to set the stage for an unforgettable trip.
The Napa Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is approximately 30 miles long from north to south, but is only 5 miles wide at its widest point. The towns you’ll spend most of your time exploring include Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, with a total of 17 sub-appellations (nested AVAs) that make up the broader Napa Valley AVA. These destinations are also home to some of the most striking hotels in the country, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 11 of Napa Valley’s best hotels for every type of traveler, whether you’re traveling with the family, enjoying your honeymoon, or eager to delve deeper into the world of wine.
Photo: Sun Inn
In 1981, a French restaurateur opened Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant with the goal of bringing the flavors of Provence to California wine country. It was a success and led to the opening of a hotel five years later – the “Hotel de Soleil”. Currently, the Auberge du Soleil is a 50-room resort that is unanimously rated as one of the best lodgings in Napa Valley. Here’s why: First, the hotel sits on 33 acres of sunny hillside. We mean sun exposure – if you catch the tail end of breakfast service, the team has strategically placed umbrellas to provide diners with shade so they can continue to enjoy the view. Then there are guest room views, which bring new meaning to the word panoramic. For wellness-loving travelers, keep an eye out for the spa and its outdoor soaking pool (including soul-restoring cold showers) overlooking Mount Veeder. You can enjoy a traditional massage or a newly launched structural facial in partnership with Vintner’s Daughter.
As for experiences, the concierge team can arrange any excursions in the valley, but don’t overlook the on-site amenities. There is a sculpture garden among ancient olive and oak groves, perfect for an after-dinner walk. Want to work up a sweat? Call the front desk and let them know you want to play tennis, so when you get to the resort’s courts, rackets, balls, and water bottles are waiting for you. If you want to brush up on your wine lingo before heading out for a tasting, you can enjoy a private sommelier experience from the comfort of your room’s terrace.
Photo: Meadowood, Napa Valley
