Next time you’re planning a getaway to Napa Valley, a must luxury stay for a romantic weekend escape is 5-star property Meadowood Napa Valley, which is surrounded by lush vineyards in St. Helena, a mere 11.8 miles from the stunning Silverado Trail.
Photo credit: Meadowood
We had an opportunity to review the hotel in August while in Napa for the annual Cochon555 Food & Wine Festival at the renowned Charles Krug winery, the oldest in the Valley.
Think cozy cottages, sophisticated suites and upscale lodges with free Wi-Fi, goose-down bedding, coffeemakers, and wet bars with minifridges. Some have wood-burning fireplaces and private terraces, which I’d recommend given the lush green lawns and trees in every direction.
Complimentary perks include local car service, wine socials and bottled water, plus access to the gym, outdoor pool, hiking trails and fitness classes including Cardio Strength Training, Zumba, and Flow Yoga. We love the wellness aspect to the property — it’s a lovely combination of exercise class options, a gym, a spa and nature in all directions. Other pampering features include al fresco, in-room and seasonal poolside dining. And of course, my favorite: two hot tubs (YAY!)
Below is a shot of a lobby “station” on a hot late August afternoon: iced tea and lemonade were certainly welcome. Did I mention just how fabulous their cookies are?
Hotel lobby (corner seating area)
Treeline Suite
Our suite had vaulted ceilings, tons of wonderful natural light and beautiful views of the wooded area surrounding the property. To our left were hiking trails, a family pool and then further along, an all adults only pool. Just above the adult pool is a boutique and the gym. They also serve tea and coffee here every morning if you don’t want to trek to the lobby or restaurant. We also had a lovely deck, a must when you stay at this nature-centric property.
Photo credit for above two photos: Meadowood
Given that you’re in the heart of Napa Valley, it’s worth noting their wine “hour” every day from from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. I also love the fact that they offer special perks like bike rentals and shoe shine service as well. Because Meadowood is also a club, locals come here to play tennis and croquet on their perfectly manicured lawns.
We didn’t have time to take a bike out but hope to on a future trip when we have more time to experience the property over a couple of days. On a bike, I can only imagine the incredible photography I’ll be able to capture.
I’m a huge fan of Molton Brown shampoos and lotions, so was thrilled to see them perched up on the sink when we arrived. We were both equally thrilled about the extra deep soaking tub as well because not all luxury properties have one. Who doesn’t need a nice hot soak from time to time?
Photo credit: Meadowood
While I personally think that the activities and natural beauty amidst all of the rooms and cottages are its biggest asset, (I’ll get to the over-the-top-food in a minute), the rooms are also incredibly comfortable and spacious and the service is out of this world.
Let’s take a look at some of their other ‘stay” types!
Tree Top Room
Airy and sunny, with wrap-around windows and vaulted ceilings, the California king bed is surrounded by views of the resort’s tree top foliage and distant hillsides.
Photo credits: Meadowood
Other features are a sitting area with a wood-burning fireplace, desk, bar cabinet and dining table. Napa Valley Treetop view guest room: 460 square feet of indoor living space. The spacious bathroom offers a romantic pedestal bathtub, shower and vanity. Selected spa treatments may be enjoyed in this guest room.
Located high on the hillside this room offers a luxuriously quiet, tranquil setting. Nature lovers will appreciate the views into the leafy treetops. You will want to keep in mind, however, that the secluded setting means you’re a little further away from resort activities such as swimming, tennis and golf. Note that it was quiet from nearly everywhere in this luxe stay, so if peace and relaxation is your need, Meadowood is your spot.
Cottage Room
Favorite features of this guest room include French doors opening onto a large, private porch with views into the resort’s wooded hillsides. Cottage Guest Room in Napa Valley: 415 square feet (285 square feet indoors and an additional 130 square feet of outdoor living space on the large private porch.)
Photo credits: Meadowood
Lawnview Room
Lawnview Rooms, located in the resort’s Croquet Lodge, are aptly named for their views of the croquet lawns and fairways.
Photo credits: Meadowood
These guest rooms feature California king beds, large fireplaces and French doors opening to outdoor patios. The spacious bathrooms offer double vanities and combination tubs and showers. Selected spa treatments may be enjoyed in these guest rooms.
Dining @ The Grill
The Restaurant at Meadowood is one of seven Michelin star restaurants in Napa Valley and the main restaurant at the property. Given our last minute booking, it was completely booked during our stay, so we hope to return at a future date to do a proper review of this gem in our Restaurant Reviews section, so stay tuned. The Restaurant’s culinary team is led by Chef Christopher Kostow and Restaurant Director Nathaniel Dorn so we can’t wait to experience it first hand.
Because we were at the Cochon555 Food & Wine Festival the previous day (unlimited food and wine all day long), we opted to brunch at their other restaurant The Grill rather than do an evening meal. OMG – can you say heavenly?
Sure, it’s much more casual than The Restaurant, however the food at The Grill will far from disappoint. Although they have a lovely wine selection for both lunch and dinner, their cold pressed organic juices were so exquisite, we couldn’t resist.
Garden blends included cucumber, cilantro, Romaine, New Zealand spinach, celery, ginger root and lemon as well as our other favorite: Crimson Watermelon, Lemon cucumber, Galia Melon, Red Shiso and Lime. Okay, so it didn’t last long. It was so delicious, that I ordered two on that ever so hot afternoon.
You can also get an “elixir” as an addition or on its own. Think Ginger, Orange, Meadowood Honey, Cider Vinegar and Cayenne. Let’s just say that we’re huge fans.
For brunch, there were so many divine options that it was hard to choose, but we opted for what they refer to as the Early Girl Tomato Gazpacho (perfection, really….), the Day Boat Scallops with Meadowood Garden carrots, coconut and cress, the California Amberjack Ceviche which they served in a lime vinaigrette, Passionfruit, Serrano and Malanga, and a simple but creatively made Cobb Salad with chicken, bacon and green onions.
There is so much wow in their menu that I’d strongly recommend The Grill for lunch or dinner. You can also just opt for a Wagyu Burger (you’ll know that I am a huge Wagyu fan if you’ve read enough of our restaurant reviews), a Chicken Sandwich or a healthy Ora King Salmon Buddha Bowl with Quinoa, Chickpeas and Tzatziki. As you can see, health and wellness is high on their list, so the whole menu gets our two thumbs up!
Room for dessert? We didn’t really given the heat, but how can you resist mouse or white chocolate? Let’s just say I can’t. We tried their Earl Grey Yuzu Mousse made with white chocolate, violet sugar (yes, really!) and almonds, and their Strawberry Vacherin, which is made with Lychee and Lime Meringue. Both were astonishingly “light” but will hit the spot whether it’s a sunny afternoon or the last bite you take after dinner with a cuppa Joe.
For our serious foodie readers: we’ll be posting some of these gems over on our @LuxuryFoodies Instagram feed (WBTW’s sister brand) this month, so be sure to follow along.
Meadowood has so much to offer, so what are you waiting for? Fly to San Francisco and get yourself to Napa for a whole lotta pampering, fun, food and R&R!
DETAILS:
Meadowood Napa Valley
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 531-4788
http://www.meadowood.com/
Other Fun Articles Worth Reading:
- Guide for Heading to Napa Wine Country
- Exploring Napa Valley with Food in Mind
- Napa’s Masters and Makers
- Foodie Heaven Along Napa Valley Trail
- Events and Festivals in Sonoma Valley
- Oscar Parties & Film Festivals in Wine Country
- Sonoma Valley’s MacArthur Place Inn & Spa
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Note: we were hosted by the hotel but all opinions expressed are entirely our own.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
