There are those properties that you feel fortunate to have found– the Solage Resort in Calistoga, California is one for me.
If you are unfamiliar with Calistoga, it is a quaint little town in the northern Napa Valley. An easy hour and a half drive (in good traffic) from the San Francisco airport, Solage is a much deserved retreat for the weary professional.
Expect to find luxury accommodations without being opulent or fussy.
The Solage boasts an on site restaurant, SolBar, complete with Michelin Star, a unique local menu and one heck of a sunset view.
The Olympic-sized swimming pool is an afternoon dream, as pool boys present hand crafted cocktails and top-notch snacks amid the colossal palm trees.
What makes this resort so incredible, in my opinion, are two things–
1.) The Scenery.
Everything from bobcats, to mountains, to hot air balloons can be seen at the Solage. The grounds are immaculate and while you have your own luxury “casita” style hotel room, nature is certainly an extension of your private space.
2.) The people.
Solage has found the best of the best in the Napa Valley and has employed them as staff. From the moment they open your car door at check-in, you know it’s going to be an uncommon stay. The bellmen greet you with ease and warmth, then escort you via bike to your room.
I found a bottle of wine, delectable cookies and a welcome note in our room wishing me a happy birthday and thanking me for a return stay. Are you kidding– I’d come back without all this!
Everyday, the housekeeping staff does an infallible job cleaning the room, and even returns for an evening turn down service with bedside mint water.
For my birthday breakfast, our server presented a complimentary basket of warm donut holes and glasses of champagne– or as she said, “the perfect way to start a birthday!” I couldn’t agree more.
My only complaint– and it’s a minor one– the pool was very busy and the pool side servers were working their tails off to keep up. It took a little longer than expected to receive our order, but not because they weren’t trying. During the prime pool season, Solage could use a few more hands by the pool.
If you are looking for relaxation, luxury, and world-class dining, look no further than the Solage in Calistoga– the hotel is a true relief from the weight of the world.
Happy travels!
Check out some of my vineyard experiences in northern California!
Sunscreen Required 