The perfect mother and daughter getaway, where the A-listers go
NAPA DAYS are here again
AT Auberge du Soleil, a stunning five-star resort nestled above luscious vineyards in Napa Valley, it’s easy to feel giddy – and that’s not just because of the excellent local wine. It’s the scenery, the service, the whole shebang.
Auberge is well known as the dreamiest (and most exclusive) of the wine country’s hotels.
No wonder it’s the go-to for Alisters like Julia Roberts, Christina Aguilera and Sara Sampaio.
I wanted to treat my mother like the star she is, and win Daughter Of The Year award in the process, so we headed for the hills in pursuit of total luxury too. Spoiler, we found it. The hotel is a little piece of Provence nestled on 33 acres in the heart of Napa’s sun drenched vineyards.
Perched at the top of a long and winding road just an hour and 20 minute drive from San Francisco, Auberge looks out onto lush green gardens and olive groves that stripe the gentle hillsides, with bright blue skies that turn into magical pink come dusk. It is spectacular.
It’s a wine-lover’s paradise of course, but the adults-only resort really does offer a full 360 sensory experience.
It’s home to a Michelin star restaurant, a beautiful pool area, a state of the art gym and a divine spa, so you can sip, swim, steam, sweat and scoff in total style.
THE Michelin star restaurant is worth booking the trip for alone. Overlooking the breathtaking Napa hills, the restaurant serves bright, clean dishes like seared Ahi tuna and prime beef pave, matched expertly with local wines.
The food and wine take the spotlight, but there’s also the hum of laughing guests, the clinking of wine glasses and the impeccable staff that ensure your night is served with a heavy side of occasion, celebration and romance.
The open air terrace frames a view of the idyllic gardens and the majestic Mayacamas Mountains, the earthy tones of the landscape matching the chic interior.
The hotel opened in 1985 but recently underwent a full renovation led by famed designer Suzanne Tucker who re-imagined the 50 rooms and suites with a contemporary yet rustic country inn feel, taking cues from the beautiful landscape unfolding from the individual private patios.
Deep soak tubs, plush heavenly beds, a fully stocked complimentary minibar and all the modern amenities you could want for await you inside.
If the rest of the resort wasn’t so wonderful you honestly wouldn’t want to leave your room.
Unwinding at the spa is a must. With a range of treatments available, two steam rooms, cold, warm and hot plunge pools, it’s the per- fect place to rejuvenate the body and the mind.
I had possibly my greatest facial yet, the signature Best of Auberge (90 minutes, $325) which used a fantastic NUFACE device and left my skin with a dewy, hydrated complexion and visible immediate firming.
The piece de resistance was the use of the exclusive Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, the holy grail of oils, which is produced locally but now of worldwide fame.
The resort is romantic, but it’s not exclusive to couples.
It offered us the perfect place to make mother-daughter memories that really will last a lifetime, but we also met two old friends celebrating a special birthday and a family who flew half way round the world for their annual get-together.
One morning we observed a very excitable chap and his wife arrive
at the pool. First-timers in awe of the place me and mum mused, although later we found out it was the couples 11th visit. Auberge du Soleil delights devotees time and time again, the staff are incredible and the stunning resort really is the last word in elegance. Even the mention of the Auberge name evokes glee. Writing this sat in Dumbo House back in New York, a guy learned over my screen, ‘ohh the Auberge. I’ve yet to make it out there but it’s next on my list.’ Make it yours too.