LAS ALCOBAS.
Although St. Helena’s new Las Alcobas hotel reflects the best of Napa Valley — pastoral mountain and vineyard views, locally inspired dining, and chic contemporary-rustic design — hotelier Samuel Leizorek also added something of his native Mexico to the mix:
sobremesa. “It’s the feeling that you have when you’re sharing the table with dear friends and family, and you start having this conversation that goes and goes, and before you know it, you’re in the following meal. And this feeling creates a cherished memory that will bring you back.”
Setting: On a hill at the northern end of St. Helena’s Main Street (Highway 29), Las Alcobas overlooks Beringer Vineyards’ grapevines and leafy estate, with numerous wineries within a mile’s walk or drive. The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone lies a halfmile north, downtown St. Helena a half-mile south.
The appeal: Adults-only oasis for oenophiles, gourmets and all-purpose luxuriators. Chef Chris Cosentino’s Acacia House restaurant and bar, in the restored 1907 farmhouse, has quickly become a destination for local vintners as well as guests. But lounging in the large, neutral-toned rooms is also a delight: Most have wide decks with sofas and fire pits, and some even have outdoor soaking tubs, in addition to the indoor roomy rain forest showers with separate tubs. Atrio spa provides a soothing enclave for treatments with customblended essential oils.
Insider’s tips: At Acacia House, don’t miss two tasty homages to Las Alcobas’ Mexico City roots: a delicious margarita topped with salty foam or — at the complimentary, made-to-order breakfast — savory chilaquiles.
Good to know: Children 16 or younger are not permitted. The vineyard-view pool is heated, but there’s no hot tub. Six rooms are above Acacia House restaurant, closer to Main Street. Las Alcobas is part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection; rates drop in late November.
Details: 1915 Main St., St. Helena. (707) 9637000, www.lasalcobasnapavalley.com. From $599 garden view without balcony, $713 garden view with balcony and $912 vineyard view with balcony, including 14.06 percent occupancy tax.