Napa Valley is for San Francisco Bay Area residents what Long Island's North Fork and the Hudson Valley are to New Yorkers: a driving-distance escape from the concrete jungle and its hustle and bustle to a place that celebrates nature; a bit of respite and relaxation and, of course, food and wine.
Many are willing to invest in the journey, however long, to arrive at Napa's charms. But for those who would prefer not to go too far, the Carneros Resort and Spa offers a luxurious getaway at the gateway to wine country, where guests will feel completely detached from civilization despite being only 45 minutes from San Francisco.
It helps that the Carneros is situated on 28 acres, on which there are 76 cottages, 18 two-bedroom
suites and six two- and three bedroom private homes divided into 17 "neighborhoods" (groups of about six cottages) nestled among the grapevines, fruit trees and farmland that make it feel very far away from reality.
The remodeled cottage rooms received modern furnishings and new heated tile flooring in the bathrooms.
The indoor/outdoor, stand-alone cottages with small front- and backyards -- complete with outdoor showers, porches and patios -- give the place a luxury vacation-rental feel. The cottages recently underwent a multimillion-dollar upgrade, which saw the interiors receive modern furnishings and the bathrooms get heated tile flooring and a soaking tub.
Add to that two restaurants, a casual market and a boutique store; two pools (an adults-only pool among the vines and a family-friendly one adjacent to the reception area); and a spa, and the Carneros truly is a world unto itself. Arrival begins in the Town Square area, a sprawling set of buildings and open space. A recent $6 million renovation produced a new wedding and events venue, the Arbor; an upgraded family pool area that has a fun, summer camp vibe, complete with a gym and fitness and yoga classes; a new reception area; and a remodeled fine dining restaurant, Farm, which features a new bar and outdoor terrace, a fireplace and lounge furniture.
For some rest and relaxation, guests can soak in some rays at the resort's adult-only pool, nestled among the grapevines.
The Carneros can be a different resort experience depending on preferences. Looking for some rest and relaxation? The spa and adults-only pool are a great way to spend a lazy day (the zero-gravity chairs employed for pedicures are uber-relaxing). Want to be more active? There's a gym with fitness and yoga classes (some included in the rate), as well as bicycles for tooling around the property and beyond. Bona fide foodies can get their brunch fix at the Boon Fly Cafe, a bustling roadside eatery situated inside a bright red barn. (Tip: Get the doughnut holes.) Follow that up with a seasonal tasting menu dinner at Farm.
Traveling with the kiddos? Get your splash on at the family-friendly pool, followed by some sandwiches from the market. And if it's a Thursday during the summer, head to the Town Square area for the Summer Nights at the Pavilion series, featuring bar bites, bocce, fire pits and live music.
Rates for a cottage room at the Carneros Resort and Spa start at $600 per night. More information can be found at carnerosresort.com.
Corrections: Carneros includes 76 cottages, 18 two-bedroom suites and six two- and three bedroom private homes; a previous version stated an incorrect number of cottages and suites. In addition, recent renovations totaled $6 million; an earlier version listed an incorrect total amount.