WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The property dates back to the 1960s, when it was built as a small club for the local wine-growing community, but it was redeveloped as a resort when it came under new ownership in the following decade. Today, it’s one of the area’s most luxurious retreats, complete with a variety of recreational facilities expertly manned by a smiling staff.
I pulled up to the gate later than I’d anticipated, but the security guard addressed me by name and said that they had been expecting me. He escorted me to the reception area where, being a little dehydrated from the flight to and drive from San Francisco, I asked for some seltzer water. The receptionist said that since there was no seltzer in my room, she could ask someone to go to the store for it. Since it was late in the evening, I asked her not to worry about it. The next day, however, my room was stocked with soda, tonic and bottled water. Numerous incidents such as this showed the lengths that Meadowood’s staff will go to for its guests.
WHERE IS IT?
Located off the Silverado Trail in St. Helena, Calif., Meadowood is a great home base for anyone looking to explore Napa Valley. I was able to visit five nearby wineries in just two days, and all at a leisurely pace.
HOW MANY ROOMS?
There are 85 cottages, suites and lodges.
ROOM FACILITIES
After I checked in, the same security guard from the front gate led me to my Treeline Cottage room, and I parked my car in front. It was easy settling into the 500-square-foot space right away, especially since the living room fireplace had already been prepared—all I had to do was strike a match from the book. Shortly after I got to my room, a receptionist called to see if I needed anything else, such as more firewood or drinks. Hotel staff had already left a plate of sandwiches out for me, since I had arrived so late. The receptionist said that they wanted to make sure I was taken care of, in case I hadn’t had the chance to eat on my flight.
Aside from creature comforts, like a couch in the sitting area that could accommodate an additional guest, and a window seat in the bedroom that framed the surrounding woods, there were modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and two flat-screen televisions. Turndown service included bottled water and lit votive candles that cast a warm glow across the room. Incredibly, these small candles lasted through the entire night!
MEETING FACILITIES
Five meeting rooms can accommodate as many as 200 guests, with catering prepared on site. The Madrone Room, in particular, is an excellent space for presentations and has an adjacent patio with an outdoor fireplace, while the Croquet Glen is a picturesque setting along the Croquet Lawns.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
Although daily breakfast is not included in the room rate, I thought it was well worth the added charge, if only for the fresh made-to-order juices, like mango, apple, carrot and melon. As we returned to The Restaurant for dinner that evening, the chef offered to prepare a tasting menu, an experience not to be missed. He even accommodated a nut allergy with ease, bringing out two different dishes for us when necessary.
Headed by two-Michelin-starred chef Christopher Kostow, the menu features farm-to-table creations, like black-truffle broth with sweetbread cannelloni, puffed faro and maitake mushroom, and goat poached in whey with preserved bergamot and marinated spring vegetables.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The Health Spa at Meadowood offers treatments at the facility or in-room, while each night, guests receive a schedule for complimentary fitness classes available the following day. There are also two championship croquet lawns, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, two pools (one for adults only), 4.5 miles of hiking trails, and complimentary evening wine tastings.
VERDICT
I had a tremendous time at Meadowood and look forward to returning for the nearby Napa Valley experiences, as much as for the resort.
PRICE
Rates start at $525 for a studio.
CONTACT
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, Calif.; tel. 800-458-8080 or 707-963-3646; meadowood.com.
— Adam Rodriguez
Nestled in the lush landscape of Napa Valley, Meadowood is a hidden gem at the doorstep of some of the country’s most renowned vineyards. Leave the stress of your day-to-day life behind as you enjoy a four-night stay for two at this luxurious retreat. See Adam Rodriguez’s glowing report on his stay in the summer of 2010 below, and then 
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