CLOUDY
55° CLOUDY | Santa Rosa, CA

STAY

What's your stay style?

Sleep, spa, whatever: The best spots for your mood



Hotel Duchamp in Healdsburg
Hotel Duchamp in Healdsburg
Click to enlarge
MONEY IS NO OBJECT
Le Mars: If you have to ask how much a room is here, well, you probably can't afford it. Modeled after its boutique-ey Relais & Chateaux brethren throughout Europe, this mini-chateau in the heart of downtown Healdsburg has the usual luxe amenities but prides itself on service so doting that you never actually notice it. In-house restaurant Cyrus is Michelin-starred, giving Napa's French Laundry a run for its money. 27 North St., Healdsburg, 707.433.4211

Auberge du Soleil: Ultra-exclusive Euro-maisons dot the 33-acre hilltop compound, each with original artwork, hand-stained oak, espresso machines, Italian linens, customized furniture and million-dollar views. Oh, the luxury. 1532 Rutherford Way, Rutherford, 707.963.1211

Meadowood: Welcome to Napa’s playground. At the Meadowood Resort, the rich and famous frolic and cavort through 250 acres of woodland doing, well, whatever they want. Private cottages are outfitted with every amenity imaginable and guests are invited to use the on-site spa, tennis courts, pool and golf course. The on-site restaurant recently garnered two Michelin stars. 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, 707.963.3646OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Cottage Grove Inn: Clustered along a small tree-lined lane, the Cottage Inn is comprised of 16 individual cottages jam-packed with every luxury imaginable: vaulted ceilings, front porches with wicker rockers, Jacuzzi tubs and wood-burning fireplaces. Themed décor includes fly-fishing, country French, library, bird and Victorian styles. 1711 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707.942.8400

Ramekins: This popular Sonoma culinary school seconds as a bed-and-breakfast, offering a cozy spot for visiting cooks. Six private rooms above the school feature private bathrooms, cozy décor and a quiet escape within walking distance to downtown. 450 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707. 933.0452

SECLUDED
Calistoga Ranch: Forty-seven luxury lodges dot the hillsides and canyons around Lake Lommel at this posh Auberge resort. Resistance to the calm earthtones, spa serenity and indoor-ourdoor naturescapes is futile. Tony amenities include outdoor showers, butler service, fireplaces, private on-site dining, pool, spa and wine caves. Should you decide to stay indefinitely, there are 27 owner lodges integrated into the estate.580 Lommel Road, Calistoga, 707.254.2800

Mayacamas Ranch: The Mayacamas are the mountains that divide Sonoma from Napa counties, and pretty much terra incognita for most travelers. That is, unless you've been invited to a exclusive corporate retreat or half-secret celebrity wedding. Views across four counties from the ridgetop location are said to be awe-inspiring; meeting facilities, lodge and eco-cottages are found on the 80-acre estate, where you can hike, canoe and connect. 3975 Mountain Home Ranch Road, Calistoga, 707.942.5127

ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS
Madrona Manor: More than an inn, it’s a storybook experience with the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley as its backdrop. One of the largest Victorian manors in the region, Madrona has been painstakingly renovated to both capture an authentic historic feel and offer modern amenities in luxurious surroundings. Chef Jesse Mallgren serves up solid Wine Country classics in the stately dining room. The grounds are like a French garden, a place to recover from a lengthy day biking the backroads of West Dry Creek. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707.433.4231MODERN LUXE Carneros Inn: Expect to find plenty of urban hipsters and Euro-glam along with the usual Wine Country crew at this newish PlumpJack resort. In the enclosed compound, it’s easy to get lost along winding streets that house 86 personal cottages – ranging in size from funky studio-sized buildings to 1,400-square-foot homes. Most include a homey porch, small garden, indoor and outdoor showers, private patio and fireplace. The resort features two restaurants, the breakfasty-noshy Boon Fly Cafe and upscale FARM. A full spa and pool are big draws for the wine-and-yoga crowd.4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa 707.299.4900

Hotel Healdsburg: One of Wine Country’s toniest pads. With a sleek, minimalist decor, it’s a stark contrast with H’burg’s quaint B&B scene. An outdoor patio, screened-in porch and frequent wine tastings in the lobby make it uniquely Sonoma County, along with plenty of windows and skylights to let in the California rays. Rooms are large and airy with walk-in showers and bedding so comfy you'll be tempted to pilfer a pillow or two. 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707.431.2800

Hotel Duchamp: Just off the plaza, this ultra-minimalist collection of private bungalows will appeal to folks looking for a quiet, zen-like retreat punctuated with whimsical odes to the dada-master. 421 Foss St., Healdsburg, 707.431.1300

B&B SCENE
Applewood Inn: An intimate bed-and-breakfast with the amenities of larger hotels. Just a stone’s throw from many Russian River wineries with a highly rated on-site restaurant and new spa.13555 Highway 116, Guerneville, 707.869.9093

Gables Wine Country Inn: This historic Victorian farmhouse on the outskirts of Santa Rosa has been lovingly restored into a high-end bed-and-breakfast with seven rooms and a private cottage. Rooms are filled with antiques and country charm. 4257 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa, 707.585.7777

Beazley House: Back before every Victorian in Napa was a B&B, the Beazley House was the first. Elegant guest rooms have private baths and garden views. Pet-friendly rooms means you don’t have to leave man’s best friend at home while you indulge. 1910 First St., Napa, 707.257.1649NEVER LEAVE THE PROPERTY
Solage Resort: Calistoga’s newest luxury resort, this ultra-sleek spa destination features zen studio and suite accommodations clustered around a large outdoor pool. Features include two cruiser bikes for toodling around town, a telescope to watch the night sky and a well-appointed on-site restaurant serving both healthy spa fare and heartier plates, depending on your mood. State-of-the-art spa includes a mud “bar” and bath house, stone massage and yoga classes.755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 866.942.7442

Silverado Resort: After a massive facelift, this classic Napa golf retreat is trying to shake off its stodgy rep. Cottage upgrades succeed in giving the Silverado Trail spot a more spa-like appeal, in addition to a massive wellness (read gym, massage and steam room) complex. Two on-site restaurants. Silverado greens are top-notch.1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, 707.257.0200

RELAXATION STATION Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa: This brand new, 134-room hotel in American Canyon (about 20 minutes from Napa) is an ultra-modern, eco-conscious endeavor that includes a luxurious Asian-themed spa and restaurant. The first hotel to garner a Gold LEED certification, the lodging is fully green – from its construction materials to landscaping. 3600 Broadway, American Canyon, 707.647.2100.

VALUE-MINDED

Cheap and Wine Country aren’t exactly congruent, but you can often find deals in the off-season (November through March), or a few spots that still cater to the budget conscious.

Metro Hotel: We love this funky little Euro-style inn. Chock full of whimsy and charm, it has a quaint backyard garden, cafe and is next door to one of hte best THai restaurants in Wine Country, Sea Thai. Located in Wine Country's gateway town, Petaluma, it's about 35 minutes from Healdsburg and Napa. 508 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma, 707.773.4900.

Dr. Wilkinson’s: Around since the 1950s, Dr. Wilkinson’s isn’t the newest or most luxe of Calistoga’s resorts, but it has a classic flair that makes it one of the region’s favorites. Visitors come from far and wide for “mud” baths of peat and volcanic ash or bubbling mineral baths from local hot springs. Rooms range from standard motel-style rooms to more upscale private bungalows and private hideaway cottages. Rooms in the restored Victorian home are special favorites. 1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707.942.4102

All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.