Napa

Auberge's Stanly Ranch opened up in spring of 2022, in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. It's about an hour from San Francisco (it's right off Highway 12). And it sits on 700 acres; what's special is that they've only built onto 96 of those acres. The resort itself has 135 cottage rooms. But it also has two more luxurious options: villa homes and vineyard homes. Both are available for purchase. And the villa homes can be booked overnight—they're ideal for family and group trips. The villa homes are all two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom fully furnished condominiums. They're 2,500 to 3,100 square feet—but they actually feel bigger than that. They have that expansive, airy, California quality. Large sliding glass doors open up to a patio with lounge seating, an outdoor dining table, and a grill that could feed a full football team. Off the primary suite, there's another set of siding glass doors leading onto another outdoor patio space. The kitchen is outfitted to the nines, and a delight to cook and entertain in. The outdoor rain shower and bathtub: also a delight. The villas are surrounded by pathways of…

Sitting somewhere between a community gathering hub and a winery, Ashes & Diamonds is a Napa Valley-owned spot by Kashy Khaledi. Khaledi cut his teeth as an ad exec at the likes of Capitol Records and MTV before deciding to get into the wine business. The first clue that Ashes & Diamond is unlike any other winery in the Napa Valley is the design: porthole windows, stark white facade, and mid-century modern furnishings are a nod to the Napa Valley of the 1960s thanks to LA-based architect Barbara Bestor. As for the wine itself, Khaledi brought in organic and biodynamic wine makers Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses who are churning out a particularly good Blanc (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon from three vineyards in the Oak Knoll District and Yountville). And, in a true nod to his music roots, Khaledi tapped Brian Roettinger, who concepted the album cover of Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail, to design the wine labels. Their yearly membership program starts at three bottles, and perks include access to themed ticketed dinners throughout the year.

The team of aestheticians here meditate before and after the workday. It’s a ritual that informs the healing treatments they perform, like the Bio Energy Remineralizing Facial, a rejuvenating ninety minutes in which skin is flooded with marine extracts and restored with the spa’s proprietary copper-and-amino-acid complex. The pore-opening lavender essential oil steam that’s part of the Allergy Relief treatment, which also includes a heavenly circulation-stirring massage, is another reason we’re in love with this place. That and the fact that the menu includes Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic therapy involving pouring oils, coconut water, and milk over the forehead for an incredibly soothing and—for our money—soporific effect.

The relaxing setting on the patio is one of the main draws of this bistro-style restaurant. Located in the Hatt Building, an historic 1890s ship chandlery, the space has the feel of a French brasserie. The menu is solid, with French favorites such as duck confit and roast chicken.

To dine here it so indulge in authenticity and flavor, as well as minimalism.

Simply striking, in all ways: The Kenzo Estate is owned by Japanese-American businessman and vintner Kenzo Tsujimoto and is a work that marries his affinity for the region, wine, and simple aesthetics. After falling in love with Napa Valley decades ago, Tsujimoto debuted his wine in 2008 to much acclaim–but it wasn’t until 2010 that is dream of opening a tasting room for the public came true. Nestled in a drop-dead gorgeous valley, the estate covers 3,800 acres that include sweeping vineyards and a tasting room.

For the adventurous: A six-day long excursion through the best of California wine country.

Given its grand amenities–including its own nine-acre vineyard–this hotel is a good bet if you're looking for a romantic resort rather than a quaint inn. The customer service is excellent, as is the spa. It offers tastings in it's cellars and is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Napa if you're looking to explore or head out to dinner.

The FARM is Carneros Resort's fancier dining option, known for its stellar farm-to-table line-up.. (The other restaurant is the roadhouse-style Boon Fly Café.) Much of chef Chris Bianco's menu is dictated by what's seasonally thriving, so that may be heirloom tomatoes, baby lettuce, beets, and carrots; meats and fish come from farms across California. The wine list is obviously impressive too, and the cellar features some 490-plus options, including Carneros bottles plus many other sustainable and biodynamically farmed options. There's live music most nights during the summer.

In this red barn right on the Carneros Resort property, weekend brunch is a major thing for both visitors and locals, thanks to diner favorites like green eggs and ham, triple-stacks of griddle cakes, breakfast tacos, and bacon Bloody Marys. They don't take brunch reservations, so plan accordingly. If you have to be in and out, get the made-to-order cinnamon doughnuts or scones.