Wine country welcomes a ranch-turned-resort
The backstory
Before Napa Valley sealed it status as a celebrated wine-growing region — and even before its first commercial winery was established — there was Stanly Ranch, founded in 1856. Fans of California Chardonnay can also thank the pivotal research carried out here in the 1950s; those studies (clonal trials) yielded grapes that have since been planted throughout the state. Now, the property has just opened in its latest incarnation: Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, a luxury getaway set upon 712 acres of rolling vineyards and ranch land.
The space
The resort spans 135 guest rooms and suites, ranging from about 400 to nearly 3,000 square feet. (That’s not including the multimillion-dollar residences available for those who never want to leave.) “Modern farmhouse” is the feel, with warm neutral tones, natural finishes (oak, black metal, leather) and locally made decor, like hand-fashioned blown-glass lighting fixtures. Layouts flow from indoor to outdoor, so you can amble from your bedroom onto your own sun-dappled terrace, complete with a fire pit, a cosy daybed and views of vineyards or the Mayacamas Mountains.
The dining
The free-standing main restaurant, Bear, specializes in California cuisine, served family-style. Expect seasonal dishes cooked on an open fire, with ingredients harvested from the chef’s garden or sourced from local farms. The other inhouse venues include Basin Bar, a poolside spot for light snacks and a summery spritz (or low-alcohol cocktail), and Gavel, an all-day café with house-made pastries and other treats.
The extra amenities
A West Coast resort wouldn’t be complete without its wellness quarters, and here you’ll find a trio: the Fieldhouse fitness club, the Halehouse spa, and the Springhouse hot/cold circuit with saunas and a cold plunge pool. Features range from the classic (book in for an aromatherapy massage or custom Biologique Recherche facial) to the offbeat (pop into the hyperbaric oxygen chamber if you’re curious about “biohacking”). Since the wellness facilities are a destination in themselves, you can visit without staying at the resort; a day pass will grant access.
The nearby sights
Sip your way through a few of Napa Valley’s more than 400 wineries, go for meditative strolls along the resort’s nearby estuaries and take a spin along the miles of biking trails. If you’re ever ready to trade the countryside for the city, San Francisco’s diversions are just about a 50-minute drive away.