Elka's Travels - Villagio Inn & Spa, Napa Valley USA - August 2009

The most sought after strip of the Napa Valley, where well known bakeries, famous restaurants and quality home-made shopping all come together, is also home to the fabulous Villagio Inn & Spa (www.villagio.com). A four diamond resort that fulfils every desire located in Yountville and minutes away from all the excitement San Francisco's wine region has to offer.
I found myself squealing in delight with the ever flowing Mumm Champagne served every morning at breakfast with no limits to the amount to indulge. With a full array of continental breakfast, a fantastic omelette stand and a view of the impressive Domain Chandon vineyard next door, most mornings were spent gazing at the Tuscan style array of villas and fine detail to attention. The concierge was brilliant personally booking tours and wine visits and offering the do’s and don’ts of the Napa.
One activity all holidayers love is lounging around the pool; I found myself stretch out on a queen size bed accompanied with pillows and towels only a step from the water. After a refreshing dip in the afternoon I wandered into the main lobby to find that every day at 4pm afternoon tea is served. Cakes, pastries and home-made delights left me skipping lunches during the days in the valley to make it back in time for the treats Villagio had to offer; another complimentary asset to your stay.

All rooms are spacious with personal balconies and views to the calming vertical waterfall running down the middle of the resort. With a deep soaking bath, four corner post bed, and chilled Champagne awaiting your arrival, you know you are bound to unwind. The Villagio intends to do exactly that and does not disappoint.
With its property sister Vintage Inn next door, a smaller rustic French & intimate property, you are given the luxury of wandering between both and making full use of their gym and business centre & jumping on one of their bicycles whenever you feel the urge to take flight.
Whilst my trip didn’t involve big business, the resort caters for this with ample conference facilities and also supports weddings of all sizes. The meeting area is located conveniently in a quiet region of the resort allowing privacy in a more formal setting.
The greatest reward at the Villagio along with the food, service and staff would be the Spa. Throughout my travels and spa indulgences across the world, the Villagio Spa just became my number one choice. It’s a big claim but one I’m certainly willing to stand by; I would purely fly from Australia to have a week inside their spa facilities (and OK, maybe also for some more of the Napa’s amazing wines)! Newly renovated, with a total of 16 divine treatments rooms including immaculately presented waiting rooms, Champagne served on arrival, a separate men’s and women’s change rooms and all amenities included, I was completely blown away.
The 100 minute couple massage was morish but utterly satisfying. The combination of the attention-to-detail therapists and smorgasbord of massage choice, room temperature, fine details, space and tranquillity made this experience utter utopia. Upon finishing the massage we were moved to a private outdoor spa and shower again with a spa food menu and even more champagne! Their skin care products were top notch. I was left floating and am sure this surpasses many of the so called “celebrity” spa centres we constantly read about. Spa Villagio is the hot tip for 2010 and beyond.
V Market Place located right next door is also part of the vintage estates property and is home to brilliant chef Michael Chiarello and well known restaurant Bottega (make sure you book months in advance). The outdoor setting and experience was Tuscan but with cleaner lines. The mouth watering food and Italian inspired salads were divine but it was the first impression that left us understanding why this restaurant is making world news. Our reservation was running 10 minutes late, however within minutes at the bar we had French Champagne in hand, the manager knew both our names and they also noted our one year anniversary. In life and travelling, people want the little details remembered to make their travel moments truly special, Bottega captured this.
V Market Place offers a range of home-made Yountville delights , paintings, art, books and gifts that offers a glimpse to loved ones of how truly special your stay is, all within a 138 year old winery that now presents these speciality stores.
Some of the top wineries I visited, including Viader, Shramsberg, Joesph Phelps & Pride all offer exceptional tours and views from their incredible wineries. The tip throughout the Napa Valley is to hire a convertible car so you really breathe in this majestic part of the world & see the real beauty; alternatively with all the wine tastings a great idea is to book a car and driver in advance.
Napa Valley consists of 6 well known and must see areas: Yountville, Oakville, St Helena, Ruthford, Calistoga and Napa - all within a beautiful 30minutes drive.
Everyone should have a “Bucket List” detailing life's must-dos, make sure you put Villagio Spa & Inn for a week in the Napa Valley a priority.
Returning asap!
Elka x