Nestled into the forested hills of St. Helena, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Meadowood Napa Valley is one of our favorite places to stay when visiting Wine Country. The grounds, which include a nine-hole golf course and croquet lawns, are gorgeous; the restaurant is one of the best in the world; and the doting staff is friendly and accommodating.
Although it’s been a staple for glorious getaways for years, this resort — with individual cottages instead of rooms — has big plans for 2018 that you should not ignore.
Slow Season Perks
It’s been a slow season for skiing, so skip the long drive to Tahoe and enjoy some of Meadowood’s winter amenities instead. Wine Country is quiet right now, which means it’s a good time to score a reservation at a top restaurant (like the property’s own Five-Star The Restaurant at Meadowood) and area tasting rooms have plenty of available appointments.
For those looking to make a weekend of it, the resort also offers a complimentary bottle of local cabernet and a morning meal for two when you book the bed and breakfast winter escape — an extra cozy option during the chilly months.
It should be noted that all sporting activities on the property — tennis, hiking, biking, fitness classes and croquet — are complimentary to guests all year long.
Romantic Revelry
Love is always in the air here, but the Napa Valley resort gets especially giving in February. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, red roses, a heart-shaped cake, rose petal turndown service, chilled Napa Valley sparkling wine and a picnic basket for two are just some of the special touches you can choose from in the Meadowood Romance Collection.
Book a couple’s treatment at the Five-Star spa and you can indulge in an additional 30 minutes of relaxation in your private suite.
And if you’re thinking about planning a Valentine’s proposal, work with the Meadowood team to find the ideal setting on the estate to pop the question or allow the concierge to suggest a memorable spot at a nearby winery.
Elegant Upgrades
In 2016, Meadowood opened its stunning all-suite spa. This summer, a new fitness center, pool area and pool café will make their debut designed by Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects.
The new fitness center will receive a head-to-toe facelift with expanded dressing and locker rooms and more relaxation space. The look of the 10,000-square-foot facility will be similar to the spa, with plenty of natural light and an environment that brings the outside indoors.
Two pools will morph into three with the addition of a new lap pool located adjacent to the gym. A tranquil, adults-only upper pool will feature a lush natural landscape, cabanas and a whirlpool. The children’s wet area will sit next to a functional yet stylish dressing area and family snack bar that’s meant to enhance the pool experience for all ages.
A brand-new pool café will sit between the adults-only area and the lap pool. With sliding glass doors, a shaded trellis, outdoor heaters and indoor fans, it too will mimic the architectural style of Meadowood’s spa. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely meal in a sophisticated setting, all year long.
The resort anticipates the opening of these new experiences in 2019.