Just an hour north of San Francisco, the Napa Valley is a charming, scenic area known for its rolling landscapes, luxury accommodations and, most of all, the wines produced throughout the region. With more than two million annual visitors, the world-renowned Napa resorts, vineyards and restaurants provide an experience unrivaled anywhere else in the United States. From the larger communities of Calistoga and Napa to the quaint, mid-valley villages of St. Helena and Yountville, even the most discriminating visitor will be charmed by the superb hotels and resorts, the enticing gastronomical creations of world-class chefs and the many varietals of fine, palate-pleasing wines.
The Napa Valley runs 30 miles from north to south; Highway 29 serves as the main thoroughfare in the region. For a slower, albeit more scenic trip, consider taking the Silverado Trail which runs parallel to the highway.
During the summer months it can get very hot in the heart of the valley - into the triple digits for days on end. Those who prefer more moderate climates should consider making the hamlet of Yountville the trip's centerpiece. Even during the warmest summer months, temperatures generally top out in the upper 70 degree range, so the heat is never oppressive.
There is no shortage of activities to keep visitors busy. Of course, wine tasting is at the top of everyones list, but to do any good tasting trip justice, it's best to hit no more than 4 wineries a day. The rest of the time can be filled in with winery tours, shopping for just about anything one can imagine, area tours, farmers' markets, art galleries, world class spa treatments, and even packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of one of the scenic vineyards or resorts. There are several golf courses for sports aficionados, but save time too for a hot air balloon ride, and a can't miss trip to Calistoga to see California's own Old Faithful, only one of three geysers in the world that bears that name because it blows on a regular time schedule. Of course, with geysers in the region, there are also natural warm pools and fresh mineral spas that visitors should make time to enjoy.
As for lodging, Napa Valley is known almost as much for the luxury hotels, inns and resorts as for the wines. There are several world-class accommodations with Michelin Guide five star ratings dotted throughout the region, some with spacious grounds, lavish fountains and scenery, luxury spa treatments, on-site world class dining, and some even feature their own vineyards. If pressed to try to select the best accommodations for your visit, once again, consider the weather, as well as which of the many features are most important to you.
Each of the five star resorts is one-of-a-kind and some are surprisingly affordable, especially considering the amenities included. While there are two in the heart of Napa, most of them are in smaller nearby towns, but should not be overlooked based on that. For example, Yountville features one of the 10 best restaurants in the world and more moderate weather, while, as previously mentioned, Calistoga is home to Old Faithful.
Prepare to be pampered as you walk through the doors and are led to lavish, but tastefully done guest rooms and suites. Other in room features that might be included are oversized sunken tubs, sitting areas, wireless Internet access, wood burning fireplaces, and of course, in Napa, a complimentary bottle of wine. You might even find an in-room wine cellar!
In the morning, do you need gourmet coffee, tea or espresso to get you up and going? Do you require 24 hour room service, a private balcony and/or spa? Most Napa luxury hotels will serve a gourmet breakfast buffet as part of the deal so you might want to save room for that. A stroll through the grounds will differ at each hotel but might feature bubbling fountains and ponds surrounded by meticulously maintained Mediterranean, Tuscan, or French countryside styled grounds. Other amenities that might help you choose could include on-site fitness centers, rental bicycles, heated pools and lounges, afternoon tea service, transportation to the wineries, and of course full concierge service. It definitely pays to do your research to see which amenities are featured and most important to complete your stay.
In addition to completing a romantic weekend for two, Napa resorts and hotels also cater to groups of all sizes. Lavish grounds at some of the inns make memorable backdrops for weddings and receptions, and most hotels offer package deals for these events as well as corporate retreats.
While some San Francisco locals might try to take in the Napa Valley a little at a time, and spend just a day now and then trying to eventually cover the area, those visitors who live further away should plan on spending more time in the region as one day simply isn't enough time for everything the valley has to offer. Just like the wines that have helped make the region world famous, a Napa Valley getaway must be savored slowly to fully enjoy the sensuousness of the experience.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.
The Napa Valley runs 30 miles from north to south; Highway 29 serves as the main thoroughfare in the region. For a slower, albeit more scenic trip, consider taking the Silverado Trail which runs parallel to the highway.
During the summer months it can get very hot in the heart of the valley - into the triple digits for days on end. Those who prefer more moderate climates should consider making the hamlet of Yountville the trip's centerpiece. Even during the warmest summer months, temperatures generally top out in the upper 70 degree range, so the heat is never oppressive.
There is no shortage of activities to keep visitors busy. Of course, wine tasting is at the top of everyones list, but to do any good tasting trip justice, it's best to hit no more than 4 wineries a day. The rest of the time can be filled in with winery tours, shopping for just about anything one can imagine, area tours, farmers' markets, art galleries, world class spa treatments, and even packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of one of the scenic vineyards or resorts. There are several golf courses for sports aficionados, but save time too for a hot air balloon ride, and a can't miss trip to Calistoga to see California's own Old Faithful, only one of three geysers in the world that bears that name because it blows on a regular time schedule. Of course, with geysers in the region, there are also natural warm pools and fresh mineral spas that visitors should make time to enjoy.
As for lodging, Napa Valley is known almost as much for the luxury hotels, inns and resorts as for the wines. There are several world-class accommodations with Michelin Guide five star ratings dotted throughout the region, some with spacious grounds, lavish fountains and scenery, luxury spa treatments, on-site world class dining, and some even feature their own vineyards. If pressed to try to select the best accommodations for your visit, once again, consider the weather, as well as which of the many features are most important to you.
Each of the five star resorts is one-of-a-kind and some are surprisingly affordable, especially considering the amenities included. While there are two in the heart of Napa, most of them are in smaller nearby towns, but should not be overlooked based on that. For example, Yountville features one of the 10 best restaurants in the world and more moderate weather, while, as previously mentioned, Calistoga is home to Old Faithful.
Prepare to be pampered as you walk through the doors and are led to lavish, but tastefully done guest rooms and suites. Other in room features that might be included are oversized sunken tubs, sitting areas, wireless Internet access, wood burning fireplaces, and of course, in Napa, a complimentary bottle of wine. You might even find an in-room wine cellar!
In the morning, do you need gourmet coffee, tea or espresso to get you up and going? Do you require 24 hour room service, a private balcony and/or spa? Most Napa luxury hotels will serve a gourmet breakfast buffet as part of the deal so you might want to save room for that. A stroll through the grounds will differ at each hotel but might feature bubbling fountains and ponds surrounded by meticulously maintained Mediterranean, Tuscan, or French countryside styled grounds. Other amenities that might help you choose could include on-site fitness centers, rental bicycles, heated pools and lounges, afternoon tea service, transportation to the wineries, and of course full concierge service. It definitely pays to do your research to see which amenities are featured and most important to complete your stay.
In addition to completing a romantic weekend for two, Napa resorts and hotels also cater to groups of all sizes. Lavish grounds at some of the inns make memorable backdrops for weddings and receptions, and most hotels offer package deals for these events as well as corporate retreats.
While some San Francisco locals might try to take in the Napa Valley a little at a time, and spend just a day now and then trying to eventually cover the area, those visitors who live further away should plan on spending more time in the region as one day simply isn't enough time for everything the valley has to offer. Just like the wines that have helped make the region world famous, a Napa Valley getaway must be savored slowly to fully enjoy the sensuousness of the experience.
Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2011 All Copyrights Reserved.
About the Author:
If you're looking for a premier Napa luxury hotel with a 5 star Michelin Guide rating, you need look no further than the Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville. This Mediterranean styled resort features all of the amenities discussed in the article, and more, at very reasonable prices. Situated on 23 sprawling picturesque acres, it's a destination in itself, and very much an integral part of the Napa Valley experience.