Restore, Rejuvenate, and Rekindle the romance at Carneros Resort & Spa
By Elizabeth Kang
You’ve heard it a thousand times; “make time for date nights!”
But with hectic work schedules, kids’ soccer practices, weekend errands, and a dozen other obligations, that’s easier said than done. Still, nurturing your relationship with your partner is a priority that shouldn’t be ignored, and there’s no better place to do that than at Carneros Resort & Spa in Napa.
This upscale property is worth every penny, and because it’s not often you steal away with your sweetie, when you finally do get the chance, you should stay somewhere memorable.
Carneros Resort & Spa is that unforgettable place, with ultra-romantic private cottages, indoor and outdoor fireplaces for cozying up, fine dining onsite, and a newly renovated full-service spa to book that much-needed couple’s massage. All nestled on 28 stunning acres of picturesque vineyards and bucolic land.
Breathtaking Accommodations
Privacy is king at Carneros, where guests can expect a peaceful sense of seclusion and intimacy. Individual, free-standing farm-style cottages offer space away from your neighbors, and plenty of room to relax.
Guests can choose from newly renovated garden cottages, vineyard view cottages, cottages that are closer to the action near Town Square, or cottages in more secluded parts of the property.
Couple’s will love the quaint, private courtyards, equipped with warming outdoor fireplaces and chaise lounges, table and chairs— the perfect place for sipping a glass of wine. Your morning cup of coffee, however, can be enjoyed on your front porch rocking chair.
The indoor cottage areas are just as impressive, swathed in calming neutral tones, and elegant, understated decor. The vaulted ceiling, French doors, walk-in shower and heated slate floors contribute to a spacious and luxurious feel. Outdoor areas are lush with mature native plants, trees and flowers, and private, outdoor showers are a fun bonus.
Larger groups, families, or couple’s who simply want more space have the option to book a one or two-bedroom Suite, or full-sized home. All suites are appointed with two full-sized bathrooms, and the 2,400 square-foot, gated-entry homes are equipped with a full, gourmet kitchen, oversized outdoor courtyard and a second-level private deck with cabana, overlooking soaring vineyard views.
Dining Delights
There are culinary treats and fine dining delights throughout the property at Carneros Resort, just waiting to be discovered and savored.
FARM
You and your sweetie won’t have to leave the premises to enjoy a romantic white-tablecloth dining experience. At FARM Restaurant— the award-winning farm-to-table restaurant located at the resort — the food, wine, and innovation cocktail list are impressive and delicious. Much of the produce used at FARM is picked right from the resort’s own culinary garden, and the eggs don’t get any fresher than those used from the resident chicken coop.
Don’t miss the seasonal tasting menu, where Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli showcases an in-season ingredient in five courses. A recent tasting menu centered around apple, and Chef Meneghelli even created an apple-inspired Winter cocktail for the menu, an Apple Cinnamon Mule. Al la carte options include rustic refined entrees such as Liberty Farms Duck Breast, Seared Ahi Tuna, or a 26 Oz. Prime Porterhouse for two.
BOON FLY CAFE
A more casual but no less delicious option is the Boon Fly Cafe, named after a local pioneer named Boon Fly, who, according to the Carneros website, “planted orchards and vineyards in the area in the mid-1800s.” The bright red, rustic barn-like exterior is a fun nod to the resort’s farmhouse aesthetic.
Don’t miss the signature Boon Fly donuts, served daily for breakfast, or the Chicken & Waffles, featuring the restaurant’s award-winning fried chicken. Lunch and dinner options include a mouthwatering Akaushi Kobe Beef Burger, delicious and hearty main salads, and a fresh Roasted King Salmon.
HILLTOP DINING ROOM
Reserved exclusively for guests of Carneros Resort and Spa, the Hilltop Dining Room serves breakfast and lunch with a side of stunning panoramic views. Guests can sit inside the dining room looking out of floor-to-ceiling windows, or out on the patio. Either way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenes of picturesque vineyards and rolling Napa hills.
A Soothing Spa
The spa experience at Carneros Resort is like no other. Fresh from a complete renovation, the spa and fitness area is serenity at its best, in posh surroundings with state-of-the-art equipment and treatments. New features in the spa include two new steam rooms, locker rooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and a couple’s sweet featuring an outdoor soaking tub and shower.
Renew your romance with the playful and sensual “Aphrodisiac” couple’s treatment:
“Enjoy a DIY couples body scrub in your private outdoor shower, then sink into a side-by-side aromatherapy massage in our luxurious couples suite. Complete your time together in your outdoor bath with an aphrodisiac elixir.”
And be sure to take advantage of the resort’s free fitness classes, including various yoga classes, pilates, and bootcamp style classes. The 24-hour, 3,000 square foot fitness center features high-end cardiovascular and strength training equipment, and a class studio with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing spectacular scenery.
Explore & Play
There’s plenty more to Carneros Resort & Spa than relaxation, starting perhaps, with a trip to the onsite gourmet general market to pick out delicious grab’n go food for a romantic picnic. The Market sells everything from gourmet wraps, sandwiches and boutique wine to organic cheeses, charcuterie, and even picnic baskets.
Take advantage of the complimentary cruiser bikes — equipped with picnic baskets — to haul your goodies and explore bucolic paths and nearby wineries.
Wineries in the area include the famous sparkling wine producer Domaine Carneros, and the more intimate Cuvaison Estate Winery. Visit nearby Artesa Winery for amazing modern architecture and Etude Winery for their notable Cabs and Pinot Noirs.
There’s lots of fun to be had onsite, as well. Play a few rounds of bocce in the Town Square, where guests can enjoy bocce courts, an outdoor lounge area, and shop for luxury resort wear and accessories at onsite clothing boutique, the COOP.
There are two pools to enjoy at Carneros Resort; a family friendly pool, as well as the adult-only Hilltop Pool with lovely countryside views. Both have soothing hot tubs.
Other notable resort amenities include car service (within a 5-mile radius of the resort,) full concierge assistance, and dog-friendly rooms.
Elevate your date night with a date weekend at Carneros Resort & Spa. Your love life (and significant other) will thank you. There’s no better excuse to get away from it all than to spend quality time rekindling the romance and reconnecting in romantic, picturesque wine country.
