It’s been a minute or an hour, and the Glass fire left a smudge on the footprint of Meadowood. But the Forbes Five Star Luxury Badge is more than intact, despite a loss of some rooms and its Michelin Restaurant.
The resort has always been nestled into a charming, picturesque valley at the base of the mountains and planted amid olive trees and grape vines. The agriculture harvest is part of the charm, olive oil and vineyard products are sold in the check in gift store. Still 250 acres of charming wine country estate, rows of vines, wooded canyons running to the edge of the foothills.
Pre-fire, Meadowood had 132 rooms and the famed Michelin restaurant, the smaller footprint is quite cozy. No date on groundbreaking to recover the lost acreage, I didn’t feel we were missing out on anything!
Perched below huge rock-studded mountains, foot paths climb above the cottages plunked into the hillside, extraordinary views stretch across the valley, birds soar and the quiet is restful. The property opened three new pools and an outdoor café for summer snacks, The adult pool is just short of Olympic size, has four Cabanas and numerous lounges, a lap fitness pool and a family kiddo pool. The fitness center is massive, has saunas and a steam room and an expanded area for classes.
The Spa – oh my, a haven of relaxation, subtle nature inspired tones, eye catching art, a pulse dropping elegant space with sauna, steam and a couple’s massage space, and outdoor relax corners.
Each guest room has stunning views, splashed with sunshine terraces and sitting areas. Woodland vistas or grapevine views, private terraces open from French doors. There is a great sense of privacy and pampering. Cottage 35 requires a steep set of stairs, but the highest terrace is well worth the trek! Sweet dreams, indeed!
Studios to suites, each are unique. My suite had a sofa bed plopped in front of the fireplace, I offered the King bedroom to my travel pal as I was happy to have housekeeping build a nest of five fluffy down filled toppers on the sofa bed, my standard six pillows with fireplace blazing, it was heaven! Vaulted ceilings with views of the treetops, a veritable bird nest! Awaken to nature and slumber under the stars. Spacious bathrooms with double sinks, a soaking tub to drown in and a spacious shower – easily room for two!
Dining – The Forum. Farm to table experience, the menus honor the land and the wines that surround the estate. A relaxed atmosphere, the dining room has been converted from a tennis court with a soaring canvas awning – floor to ceiling windows let in light from outdoors. Open for breakfast and all-day dining until 10 pm. The menu offered a great selection of salads, meats, and my favorite risotto! The choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner feature classics and new favorites, along with comfort food, healthy snacks, family-style options and a complete wine list to complement the meal. Northern California restaurants rarely offer the So Cal special, Huevos Rancheros, it was a yummy breakfast for me, an all-day meal based on the generous proportions!
Staff – beyond gracious, helpful and knowledgeable. Whenever I stay at a property, I ‘take the temperature’ of a property by talking to staff. High turnover translates to underappreciated staff, long term employees translate to the owners are good to staff. I was pleasantly surprised by the staff longevity and one of the Forum servers knew everything about the chef – his history- how he had worked his way up from dishwasher over the years to become the current head chef. What it said to the server is if you put in the work, management will reward you. It’s a hotel story that I enjoy hearing. In 2024, Meadowood announced Chef Alejandro “Ale” Ayala as Executive Chef of Meadowood Napa Valley. With a distinguished career that spans more than three decades at Meadowood, he began as a dishwasher, line cook and now the esteemed chef at Forum.
Activities: Yoga classes, hiking on property, biking, Five Plexipave tennis courts are available for leisurely play, while two experienced tennis pros offer private or group lessons.
A tranquil sanctuary offering the best resort and spa and dining experience.
Highly Recommend!
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