JETSETTER: Napa Valley, California Awaits (and on sale!)

Yet another travel destination to add to the wishlist, my angels. 

Here's what Jetsetter correspondent Amy Westervelt has to say about this exquisite destination location - Bardessono in Napa Valley, Yountville, California.

Just a short walk from some of Napa Valley’s best restaurants and wineries, Bardessono aims to be the greenest resort in the area. Built on six acres of the Bardessono family's land, this Italian-inspired hotel is low-key and down to earth. Every element, from the rusting steel to the recycled cyprus wood, has been carefully chosen by skilled artisans. Every room is a spa suite, which means a therapist comes to you, and when your massage is over you can relax in the giant soaking tub or in your private courtyard. With a rooftop pool for lounging and carbon fiber bicycles for exploring, Bardessono is a luxuriously moody escape in the heart of Yountville.

WHAT WE LOVE

• Every room is a spa suite
• Rooftop pool never closes
• The greenest and only LEED Platinum hotel in California
• Contemporary design with reclaimed wood and earth tones
• On-site gardens and local farmers supply restaurant

WHAT TO KNOW

• Quiet and adult-focused; not great for kids
• Bulk dispensers for shampoo and soap (so, beauty addicts, you can bring your faves)
• Need to drive/ride to wine-tasting vineyards
• Poolside dining is now available

WHY TO GO

• Eco-friendly, Food and Wine, Off the Beaten Path

 
 

 
THE JETSETTER REVIEW
Sipping champagne by Bardessono’s rooftop pool and looking out at the Stags Leap palisades and Mayacama Mountains, I would never have guessed that this place gets most of its energy from solar panels or that the hot tub is heated by a geothermal system. But that’s the whole point. Bardessono lives up to its eco-luxury claims discreetly. Once home to the Bardessono family, who emigrated here from Italy in part because of the Tuscan-style scenery, Bardessono is now a modern escape fit for any city dweller, yet it's truly at one with nature.

Situated in downtown Yountville, north of most of Napa’s vineyards, the 540-square-foot California modern guestrooms are surrounded by a series of four courtyards, giving the property an intimate feel. Bardessono’s skillful design makes use of local and recycled items like wood reclaimed from a walnut orchard and rusty steel beams. These details, so carefully chosen, give the hotel a soulful quality. I half expect a family member to greet me at the door.

After spending the better part of a day lounging by the pool, sipping award-winning vino and taking in the view of the resort’s vineyards, I head back to my room for a massage. Generally, I like the whole ritual of going to a spa — checking in, changing into a robe, hanging out in the relaxation room — but given that all of the 62 rooms at Bardessono are spa suites, I decide to give the in-room massage a try. (You do have the option of getting your service done in the spa.) Truth be told, it’s pretty awesome when my therapist opens the hidden massage table tucked away in my bathroom. Each of the earth-toned suites has a private landscaped courtyard and indoor and outdoor showers.

Bardessono is directly across the street from Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery and within walking distance of Ad Hoc, Keller’s rustic family-style restaurant. After my lazy afternoon, I walk over for a late reservation and feast on black mission fig marmalade on palladin toast and pork chops. It is without doubt one of the best meals of my life. In my food-bliss, I feel like a night swim; Bardessono's rooftop pool never closes, so it works out perfectly.

The Steam Spa-Suite has large glass panes, a gas fireplace and a private furnished courtyard. I warm up in the indoor shower/steam room and crawl into bed, full and completely relaxed. I don’t notice the organic sheets or bamboo flooring, just how comfy the bed is.

WHAT TO DO

• Dine. When you don’t have hundreds of dollars and several months to wait for a reservation at French Laundry, Ad Hoc is there with everything that makes Thomas Keller great at a fraction of the price (Prix fixe menu $49).
• Bite. The magic of Bouchon Bakery: perfect buttery croissants, macaroons that melt in your mouth, baguettes that taste better than you ever thought they could.
• Taste. Within walking distance from Bardessono, Jessup Cellars offers free tastings, a rarity in wine country these days.
• Eat. Food Network chef Michael Chiarello earns his celeb status every night with handmade pasta and house-cured meats at Bottega Ristorante, one of the best Italian restaurants in Napa.
• Sip. Operating out of an actual caboose from an abandoned train (attached to the Napa Railway Inn), the Coffee Caboose serves coffee good enough to keep up with the town’s four-star restaurants, compliments of independent San Francisco roaster Ritual.

Ok, so intrigued?  You can book a suite for a hugely discounted price now through Wednesday, yet travel in July!

• Elevated Spa-Suite from $360/night (reg $672) 550 sq ft, gas fireplace, private furnished balcony, views
• Steam Spa-Suite from $380/night (reg $697) Private courtyard, 550 sq ft, shower-steam room, outdoor shower

The Bardessono Napa Valley SALE ends later tonight, so be sure to check them out for all the information, to hold your room or to visit other lovely travel destination opportunities.  Jetsetter is free to register, so please Be My Guest! xo