Auberge du Soleil – The Art of Relaxation

The official summer proclamation – Memorial Day has slipped past. If your summer plans don’t include the South of France and a rejuvenation escape is required, may I suggest a marvelous location, Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford?

Auberge Cottage eveningThe Auberge properties have always been on the top of our client list and an early spring holiday reinforced several themes: periodic escapes are essential to our well being and Auberge du Soleil still deserves their legendary status.

Situated high on the hills above the Napa Valley, the maisons are dotted about the art filled rambling gardens, all with sweeping vineyard views. My favorite rooms, the new Maison Saint-Tropez Deluxe Upper Valley View rooms offer 520-plus square feet of indoor and outdoor space. My corner suite had drop-dead views in each direction; an eagle gliding and soaring above the hilly outcropping forest of pine trees enchanted me. Turn another direction and gaze at the undulating picturesque panorama of olive trees, grapevines and an occasional lofty palm tree. Auberge defined: quiet laid back luxury, an enriching experience in a very natural setting.

Highly recommend a stroll through the art and sculpture bedecked gardens, the landscaping is varied and consists of flowering streams, olive trees, and outdoor sculptures in an open-air gallery. Art installation, by Ma(i)sonery includes figurative and abstract sculpture in all media, including bronze, steel, ceramic, stone and wood, amid terraced rock walls created by hand in the Mediterranean tradition.

Details: Many of the maisons have been completely refurbished by Suzanne Tucker, an early Michael Taylor assistant. His vision and spirit has been maintained, subtle neutral tones induce a soothing calmness. The renovation includes a few high-tech touches. All suites at Auberge now feature plasma televisions in both sitting areas and bedrooms. Bathrooms in all rooms and suites feature 15¬inche flat screen televisions for viewing from the extra ¬large soaking tubs. DVD players and wireless Internet access are also standard in all guestrooms.

Certainly you know of their outstanding dining room, many fabulous dinners have been enjoyed in the treetop dining room and the more casual terrace bistro with the wrap around deck. Celebrated since opening day, the dining room and bistro offer innovative cuisine, menus inspired by the bounty of the Napa Valley. Mediterranean flavors are highlighted with local fresh produce; much raised in the chef’s on property garden, ask for a tour.

I adore a mini-escape and Auberge is the perfect antidote for a fleeting holiday or a longer week sojourn – allowing one to explore favorite vineyards and galleries at a leisurely pace. Ultimate relaxation, the tempting terraces, combined with the heavenly views might inspire a complete shut in visit! Options, so many options!

Did I mention the spa? Auberge Spa guests can arrive early to enjoy a water ritual, which includes a soak in each of their three temperate springs overlooking the Napa Valley vineyards and Auberge’s olive grove. Bliss for the Body!

Our clients are VIP, as always!

Auberge Valley view