A True Gem In Napa: The Carneros Inn

After discovering that I needed to be in Palo Alto, California on business last month, I decided it might be a good time for a “girlfriend getaway”.  You know that saying about all work and no play…how lucky for me that work is also travel!  Besides, what better excuse is there for some California fun?  So I called my good friend, Christine, to see if she was interested in exploring some wonderful places in Northern and Central California with me.  She cleared her schedule, always happy to be my travel buddy!  A realtor and interior designer by trade, Christine has always been an easy person to travel with, which is an integral component of successful trip!

We arrived at San Francisco airport early on a Tuesday morning and picked up our rental car.  Christine was happy to drive while I played navigator.  Although I had never been, Napa was on my short list and I was excited to finally get to explore the region.  Only an hour from the airport, we drank in the spectacular scenery along the way, especially once we got into wine country. Looking at the rolling hills, and miles upon miles of vineyards, it was sometimes difficult to tell if were still in the US or a European destination, like Italy or France.

In-Room Luxury

The Carneros Inn would be home for our two nights in Napa. Nestled among 27 acres of grapevines, farmland, and scenic apple orchards, was a property that reflects a kind of rustic elegance–a blend of understated luxury, enhanced by nature. Our check-in was effortless; we were greeted with a delicious glass of Pinot Noir and friendly hotel staff who were eager to please.  After hearing how much I loved the wine, our concierge offered to arrange for a tour of the local winery that produced it, which we gladly took her up on.

We stayed in lovely cottage, comfortable and thoughtfully designed.  A plush king sized bed, cozy sitting area complete with gas fireplace and large flat screen tv, a to-die-for bathroom with heated slate floors, luxurious soaking tub, steamy, multi-faceted shower with an interior door leading directly to an outdoor shower…all contribute to the romantic, tranquil vibe.

The outside space was equally striking: French doors off the bedroom that opened up to a private, serene outdoor living space with an outdoor fire pit, soaking tub for two, a lounge deck with heating lamp, and a private garden.  With a “fireside butler” to light your fire pit and fill your outdoor tub, life at The Carneros Inn is gloriously indulgent!.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Boasting three full-service restaurants, we quickly discovered our favorite…The Boon Fly Cafe.  A casual eatery serving scrumptious, reasonably priced farm-to-table fare, The Boon Fly Cafe was just a quick stroll from our cottage.  We were pleased to learn that many of the ingredients are actually harvested from the gardens of the Inn. You know a restaurant is special when  it attracts as many locals as hotel guests…and it did!

For those with a passion for fine dining, the award winning restaurant Farm won’t disappoint!  Whether you choose to dine fireside in the elegantly appointed dining room, or alfreso under the Napa evening sky, Farm offers an exceptional menu created to showcase local flavors. Chef de Cuisine, Andrew Budnyj collaborates with The Carneros Inn’s Culinary Gardner, Marley Dawson and Executive Chef Steven Tevere to decide what to grow in the on-site 1/2 acre culinary garden. Any additional ingredients needed are procured from local famers, neighboring ranches and award-winning cheese producers.

And if your looking for exceptional scenery, check out The Hilltop Dining Room. Reserved exclusively for guests of The Carneros Inn, the gorgeous panoramic views of nearby vineyards and the Napa Valley countryside will make any wine variety taste that much more exciting!  Enjoy a weekend breakfast or lunch Enjoy craft cocktails (like a yummy Cucumber-Elderflower-Vodka-Collins) and wine seven days a week; breakfast and lunch on weekends.

State-of-the-Art Fitness and Recreation

With a 3,000 square foot fitness center featuring cardiovascular, strength training and Pilates equipment, The Carneros Inn offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Activities include a Saturday “boot camp” workout at stations around the resort, a Sunday vineyard run/walk, and weekend outdoor yoga. There’s even a special yoga class for kids. Bicycles are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis for guests 14 and over.

Expansive outdoor areas are there for guests to enjoy, including a lounge in the “Town Square,  complete with bocce ball courts.  Run into the Market for a picnic meal, or bottle of wine from their generous selection.  Each of the Resort’s two swimming pools is heated to a comfortable 82 degrees.

The Hilltop Pool was my favorite. Reserved for Adults Only, the view is spectacular.  Unseasonably cold at the time of our visit, we didn’t spend as much time there as I would have liked. The second, Otto’s pool, is designated for families and fitness.  Comprised of an infinity edged lap pool, hot tub, cabanas and children’s pool there are pool toys are available for kids to splash around with, and the zero-edge wading pool is perfect for small children.

A Spa To Remember

My only regret, was that I didn’t leave enough time to enjoy the spa!  Open exclusively to guests ages 16 and over, they offer unique treatments that I surely would have enjoyed, like Honey Bee Healthy with myofascial massage and beeswax mask, or Soul to Sole for head to toe relaxation including reflexology and wild magnolia hair and scalp treatment.  Know any Moms-to be? A treatment designed just for them called “Mello Mama” uses specific pre-natal techniques and omega-rich oils to relax and nourish.

I have to say, the two days we spent at The Carneros Inn were so captivating that I started missing it before we even left!  When I return to this gem in the heart of Napa–and I will!–I plan on staying long enough to soak in the Napa sun and treat myself to a “head to toe” spa experience!