At this pandemic point in time, it’s all about the ‘little things’- when your favorite restaurants open again for outdoor dining, when a client shares a fond memory of a Journey, or you begin to add ‘real clothes’ to your pandemic wardrobe!

Well, the truth is my recent ‘little thing’ was an invitation to stay and explore the newish Montage Healdsburg. Despite my few escapes over the last year, I felt a tangible sense of déjà vu, my normal life of visiting hotels, performing site inspections, meeting hoteliers and hearing their stories came alive again last week. It was pure bliss. Montage Healdsburg will awaken your spirit, a positive first step back to real living, fine living!

A refined country retreat awaits you in a bucolic valley gilded with hundreds of heritage oaks, that right now, are festooned in the finest intricate draping of pale silver Spanish Moss. Glamour awaits in a woodland setting!

Just outside of downtown Healdsburg, the entrance to the Montage sets the stage for the hidden valley. Vibrant rolling green hills capture your gaze, meander the country road to reach the stunning modern entrance of Montage Healdsburg. In the distance, orderly vineyards are lined up with precision, Mount St. Helena looms on the horizon. Nestled among 258 acres of rolling vineyards and oak trees, it’s truly civilized countryside.

A safe stay included a delicious three-hour leisurely lunch with an old friend – when was the last time you felt so comfortable? The Montage Hazel Hill terrace is lively, sunny or dappled in shade and doggy friendly. I observed the other guests and there was a palpable sense of idleness, of course no one is rushing off to take a meeting, it felt like pre-pandemic life. Slowly but surely, we will regain our footings. Hazel Hill menu focuses on seasonal California cuisine with a bit of French je ne sais quois, an excellent wait staff supports lingering! And actually, I did need to dash after three hours and perform a site inspection.

Bungalow stye living, with one-third of each space dedicated to outdoor living, 130 bungalow-type guest-rooms and suites blend contemporary influence with environmentally conscious design. The spaciousness and broad grounds are one with nature, many of the bungalows truly feel like a private tree house with decks soaring into bird filled tree branches! A no car environment, it’s a serene bucolic paradise. Of course, I rose early to walk the property, map in hand to pinpoint my favorite views from hidden terraces.

The most extravagant and largest of the hotel’s suites is the stand-alone and very private three-bedroom Guest House. On a high knoll, the highest property site guarantees stunning views of Mount St. Helena and Alexander Valley’s vineyards. A mini house with close to 4,600 square feet, the nightly rates run from $10,000 in the off-season and up to $15,000. Each bedroom is like a small apartment and is separate from the generous living space – floor to ceiling glass frame spectacular views. Indoor outdoor living is barely defined, soft splashing water fountains, fire bowls all contribute to an air of outdoorsy elegance.

The bungalow rooms and suites range in square feet from 600 to 1,178.  Nightly rates begin at $645 during the week and $745 over the weekend. Each space has a generous dedicated outdoor balcony or deck – my studio suite had a massive deck and an outdoor fire ring; it was an enchanting spot for moon watching and listening to the newly hatched frog symphony! Did I mention my enormous soaking tub in the massive bathroom and my outdoor shower? My deluxe studio suite was quite spacious and had a pull-out sofa in the living area, all the floor to ceiling windows have screened doors – such an essential feature – I sleep with doors open – many hotel rooms don’t have screens, Montage has this fabulous feature!

Two pools, which I adore – one for families with kiddos and an 18 and over adult zero edge pool spilling down to the manicured vineyards. Cabanas can be reserved, and I know the best locations! I toured the scrumptious 11,500-square-foot spa and mask notwithstanding, the Spa Director sensed my awe when she mentioned a full mani-pedi salon, one of my most missed indulgences! The spa houses treatment rooms, a fitness center, and soon, a hair salon. Outdoor fitness takes place near the pool and a dedicated yoga lawn is encircled by grapevines. During warmer weather, the Hudson Springs Bar and Grill operates poolside, it features a menu of raw and barbecue oysters, crab rolls, grilled fish tacos and upscale classics such as burgers with sweet potato fries and salads crafted with fresh Sonoma greens, as well as other traditional poolside fare and a selection of colorful cocktails, paper umbrellas optional!

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Brimming with natural beauty and singular outdoor experiences, explore the breathtaking landscape of Sonoma through endless on and off-property activities. As at other Montage properties, there’s a children’s program for kids ages 5 to 12, as well as a plethora of activities exclusive to the resort: road-bike and e-bike rentals, bocce, pickleball courts, archery and a bee apiary. I must return and see if my archery Bulls-Eye talents are intact from my Bhutan lessons! Compass Sports, housed in a bike cave, serves as a gateway to unlocking miles of excursions for every taste. In partnership with Scott Bikes, take in the simple beauty of Healdsburg with an unparalleled road bike experience, or hop on an E-bike to explore the resort’s hidden trails and wide-open country roads, where nature’s splendor remains untouched and off-the-map picnics are the best part of the day. Paved roads lead to a 7- or 15-mile route.

Off property activities include water sports at some of the best-known waterways. Paddle your way down one of the region’s best-known rivers with a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle boarding excursion along the Russian River, which flows just a short distance away from the resort and offers exceptional views of the region along its banks. Also, nearby, Lake Sonoma offers 50 miles of shimmering shoreline primed for swimming, boating and fishing. One could idle away a week of activities here. The rustic natural landscape of Sonoma County is a haven for outdoor recreation of all kinds, including horseback riding, bird watching, zip lining, rock climbing, helicopter tours and spectacular hot air balloon rides over rolling vineyards. Paradise and so close to home!

After a day of hearty hiking or outdoor activities, reserve an evening private tasting or tour of nearby winemakers, including Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars, who oversees the resort’s vineyards.

Two options for dining: Hazel Hill serves outdoor lunch & dinner overlooking the vineyards (indoor dining will be offered as the world returns to normal), helmed by executive chef Jaron Dubinsky and chef de cuisine Jason Pringle the seasonal menu is extensive.

Scout Field Bar, tucked into the open lobby, celebrates the spirit of gathering, welcoming guests with creative cocktails, local craft beers and comforting French-infused bites to share. Live music and a glowing fireplace set the mood for pre-dinner cocktails, evening nightcaps and afternoon bites and bubbles. May I recommend a selection of Colossal Cortez Shrimp with bloody Mary cocktail sauce, or citrus Bodega Bay Oysters with Asian pear mignonette, and one of my all-time must try Pommes Frites, with bellwether pecorino and black truffle aioli …how can you say no? Sit around the hearth or perch on the patio, Mount St. Helena beckons!

Travelling with friends, ponder reserving one of the private dining rooms, I loved the treehouse-inspired, glass-walled room suspended above the grounds with its own spacious terrace.

Highly recommend spending several days at Montage Healdsburg exploring the countryside, include a little retail therapy in Healdsburg (shuttles provided), golf and hike, plop at the pool and savor delectable dining – we all need a dose of pandemic pampering. Weekends have been very busy in the hills, I suggest a few days mid-week, I’ll wave from my cabana, I’m returning soon! Ping me for the best view bungalows!

Bulls-Eye – Montage Healdsburg Wins on all Points!