Elite Traveler Fall 2022

EXPLORE TOP HOTELS

Meadowood NAPA VALLEY, USA

Set among 250 acres, Meadowood Estate is an intimate country hotel and gathering place for Napa Valley locals and wine enthusiasts. Rooted in Napa Valley culture and heritage, the estate is deeply respectful of the community and maintains a close symbiosis with nature and the seasons. A total of 36 suites and rooms make up Meadowood’s accommodations; all are located amid the trees of the estate. Hill House, tucked into the wooded hillside next to the spa, is an expansive one-bedroom retreat. Inside, there is a living area with a wood-burning fi replace and a generous bedroom with views over the forested slopes. Outside, two furnished terraces with fi repits make the most of the locale and the warm climate; soak in the deep tub, freshen up in the outdoor shower, or spend long evenings stargazing. And since it’s right next door, make sure to carve out some time at the award-winning spa. The focus on nature that is evident throughout Meadowood extends to the spa: From the treatment menu and the food to the architecture and interiors, every inch of the spa has been designed in such a way to bring you closer to the environment — earthy colors and textures like wood and stone dress the inside, with the natural products largely originating from its own gardens. Spend a quiet moment re fl ecting in said gardens before a seasonal massage using essential oils and herbs that change depending on the time of year, then head to one of the culinary outlets where the idea of seasonality is re fl ected in the dishes, celebrating the bounty of Napa Valley with the freshest ingredients. The kitchen gardens are bountiful, with crops of zucchini, tomatoes and carrots. To round out dinner, the strawberry shortcake showcases the local berries. Grape escapes Enjoy an afternoon at Meadowood’s Wine Center, where you will explore wine’s rich history and all aspects of wine growing. Trained professionals in the fi eld (writers, wine growers, vineyard managers, sommeliers and culinary professionals) will share their wisdom in classroom-style experiences, private-cellar consultations, cooking classes and pairing consultations — before, of course, sampling some of Napa Valley’s fi nest wines. Hill House from $2,800 per night. Contact Tim Sousa, reservations manager, reservations@meadowood.com, +1 707 531 4788, meadowood.com