This refined 28-acre resort set in the rolling hills between downtown Sonoma and downtown Napa makes guests feel relaxed the moment they check in. The vistas are unobstructed from the resort’s pool areas, and many of the property’s 94 stand-alone cottages with private balconies and six private homes offer views of the open space, too. By day, lawn games are usually underway on the grassy expanse called the Town Square, while in the evenings, a pavilion provides an unparalleled backdrop for stargazing. This is a hotel that values fresh air, as evidenced by the walls in the common areas, which retract to bring the outdoors in. There are other reasons to fall in love with Carneros—namely, the on-site restaurants. The casual Boon Fly Café is famous for breakfasts, with spicy bacon Bloody Mary drinks and tiny made-to-order doughnuts. FARM, on the other hand, is more formal, with menu items such as braised oxtail terrine and smoked Sonoma duck breast. While the hotel offers in-room massages, it will also reopen its spa after a full-scale renovation later in 2018.
More Recommendations
Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa, California
The inn has a country feel, but everything is state of the art. You can expect the best service, without any pretensions.
Stay for Awhile
Once you arrive at the Carneros Inn, throw away your car keys. You won’t be needing them here, and, frankly, you won’t ever want to leave.
A sprawling luxury retreat in the heart of wine country, the inn feels something like a self-sufficient farm village—if farm villages had four acclaimed eateries (one fine-dining, of course) and its cottages were paragons of modernist California luxury. Nearly every spot on the grounds offers views of the rolling vineyards and surrounding horse ranches. You can gaze over the organic garden that supplies ingredients for all of the restaurants, as well as the on-site market and spa. After a $3.5 million renovation in summer 2018, the renowned spa now pampers guests with natural treatments, free yoga classes, an outdoor relaxation area, and more. Then there are two swimming pools, bicycles to borrow, a garden bar with bocce and live music, a cocktail foraging experience where you create signature drinks from the garden with the head bartender, a designer boutique, and vineyard walks. So, yes, hiking trails, winetasting, and hot-air balloon rides are just outside the door, but it’s so tempting to just stay right here on the farm.
Bocce Beauty in Napa
Staying at the Carneros Inn or just visiting for an epic meal at the Farm or the casual Boon Fly Cafe? Need a way to spend some time while you wait on your table? There’s no better way to soak up the more casual and more fun side of Napa than a bit of bocce. You can even order cold drinks and food to be delivered to the picnic tables in the shade, next to the courts. Call ahead to see if you need to reserve the courts. Here’s to great outdoor spaces to gather with friends and family. If you’re eating at Boon Fly Cafe, don’t forget to try the donuts. Seriously. Even if you’re there for dinner. PS, their burger is one of the best I’ve had in years. Years! The team behind Plumpjack has thought of everything. You’ll enjoy every detail.
Napa Valley, California
Napa is the closest you can get to Tuscany without leaving the states. If you are unable to travel to Italy, Napa checks off many of the Tuscan qualities. Stay: With the money saved on not flying to Europe, splurge on a cottage at The Carneros Inn. Eat: At Alex Italian Restaurant try the appetizer sformatino di pecorino con funghi della campagna trifolati (pecorino cheese flan with sautéed wild mushrooms)… amazing!!! Do: Tour the Schramsberg caves where as many as 2.7 million bottles of their sparkling wine is stored. Schramsberg’s sparkling wines have been served at official State functions by every U.S. Presidential administration since 1972. Read More; http://www.mediterraneogifts.com/blogs/news/7089286-13-mediterranean-inspired-places-to-visit-in-2013