St. Helena is located in California.
Many excellent places are available to stay in Napa ValleyMeadowood, the real heart of this area, has been around for 60 years. It shows. In a nutshell, it feels marvelously, authentically, singularly Napa—from its 36 guest rooms and suites designed by locally based, globally renowned architect Howard Bracken, to its impressive wine center spotlighting the area’s best vineyards, and a spa that taps into the area’s centuries-old legacy as a wellness destination. The rooms and suites are decorated in a chic barn style. They aren’t at all rustic–clean lines, a sea of white and neutrals–but the wainscoting and high, beamed ceilings do give fancy farmhouse energy. The cottages and the suites are all equipped with private porches. Although they’re open-plan and airy, fireplaces, soaking bathtubs, window seating and comfortable sofas help to keep them cozy. Spa is the real highlight of this resort and shouldn’t be missed. The space is soothing—low-lit with a big fireplace and deep sofas in the entry area. The space is inviting and continues the aesthetic of the resort (rather that some minimalist, antiseptic extension, as is often the situation), with lots neutrals, dark grays, organic materials, and olive-hued colors. As far as restaurants go, there’s the Terrace Café—alfresco and open only to guests of the resort and club members—that serves light, local fare. The Forum, an all-day restaurant, served me a delicious ceviche and quinoa bowl while I was in town. Menu items are rotated seasonally and the menu leans towards locally-sourced ingredients. There are also excellent vegetarian options, as well as a fantastic wine list. The landscaping is mostly drought-tolerant or native plants, which don’t need a lot of water. To help prevent fires on the property, sheep and goats eat the vegetation to prevent fires. The property has planted 2,300 trees in the aftermath of the Glass Fire and plans to continue reforestation. The resort is committed to hiring locals and sourcing local products (food, wine, spa ingredients). The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The quality of service is high but not so formal and fussy—it may be Napa, but this is, after all, California. —Rebecca Misner
