• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • FASHION
  • TRAVEL
  • LIFESTYLE
  • About
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Search

A Note on Style

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Napa Valley Guide: Calistoga Ranch

Napa Valley Guide: Calistoga Ranch

Over the years, I’d read about Calistoga Ranch, one of Napa Valley’s most unique hotels. The location, nestled in a wooded canyon with ancient oaks, is spectacular and I put it high on my bucket list of places to stay. Living in southern California, and with an easy short flight, you’d think I frequented Napa, but that’s not the case. I hadn’t been in close to thirty years, so when the opportunity arose to visit, not once, but two times this past summer, I jumped. Better yet, both times I was fortunate to stay at Calistoga Ranch, checking off one of the hotels on my list.

Located off Silverado Trail, between St. Helena and Calistoga, the Auberge Resort property, is in a prime spot for quick outings to some of the best wineries. But, after daily adventures of tastings, there’s no better place to unwind than at the ranch. It’s a different pace than the rest of the valley offering a tranquil, and absolutely gorgeous, retreat.

If you’re not familiar with Calistoga Ranch, it is not an ordinary upscale hotel. Spread over 157 acres, one and two bedroom bungalows are scattered among oaks, towering cedars and some pretty magnificent landscaping. The bungalows, however, are actually individual pods. Specifically, a two bedroom, the room type I had, consisted of four units – a living room, a kitchen and each of the bedrooms (both fully equipped as masters). They are all connected as a unit with a large planked deck serving as an outdoor living space with fireplace, sofas, dining table, and heaters.

Of course, I was curious as to why the owners of the luxe property would want to use pods instead of more typical lodging spaces. There is a very interesting read from SF Gate that explains it perfectly. Because the site was previously used and permitted as a trailer park, the developers decided to work within the limitations of the existing permit rather than endure the long challenging path for approval of a new development. So each pod was built off site and trailered in with individual vehicle identification numbers, much like an RV.

Accommodating mature trees.
©Auberge Resorts

In many ways, the design works in favor of the uniqueness of Calistoga Ranch where the whole experience is about a connection to the outdoors and nature. My friends and I spent a fair amount of time outside on the plank decked living room, enjoying cool mornings with coffee by the fireplace and warm evenings with a glass of wine. Because of strict tree removal restrictions, the units were sited and placed around them, many times with cutouts for the trunks to have space to continue to thrive. It felt like an upscale treehouse, surrounded by leaves and meandering branches.

The entrance and reception at the ranch.

Hiking at Calistoga Ranch
A gorgeous mix of textures and colors.

Upon arrival, vehicles are left with the valet and all modes of traversing the property are done either on foot or in one of the many golf carts. Most of the time, I preferred walking to take in the details of the landscape. The design is one of the prettiest I’ve seen with California drought tolerant plants in full glory. I would have loved a walking tour of the grounds to learn more about the plant selection and placement, but I’m equally happy with the numerous pictures I captured for memory. Off the paved path, I took advantage of the three hiking trails accessed from inside the resort property that take you to summits with spectacular views of the valley below.

Lakehouse Restaurant at dusk.

Dining options are limited, but made up for by the stunning location of The Lakehouse restaurant. Why would you want to dine anywhere else on the property? It’s set at the deepest part of the canyon with a panoramic view of the small Lake Lommel. Since it was summer, we dined alfresco like most of the other guests. Spotting a handful of deer while dining at dusk was a highlight. Dinner is a four course prix fixe menu, or you can dine from the bar menu, which is what we did. The food was excellent. I’m a huge Negroni fan, and their oak barrel aged Negroni was one of the best I’ve had.

After a day of tastings and touring the valley, I can’t think of a better place to return to than the tranquility of Calistoga Ranch. Either lounging by the pool overlooking a small vineyard, taking in a spa treatment, or napping on your private deck, it’s the perfect way to detox and unwind. I can’t wait to return.

Calistoga Ranch
580 Lommel Road
Calistoga, CA 94515
855.942.4220

 

 

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

TRAVEL
Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on Twitter Share on Email
1 Comment

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy

    September 18, 2017

    Stunning and so much beauty in both Napa and Sonoma. I could take endless trips to the area.

« This Week’s Items 9.17.17
Fall Colored Knits »

MY FAVORITE FINDS

WHAT'S NEW
BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE
JEWELRY

Primary Sidebar

Fashion

SAVE THE DATE: +J SUMMER UNIQLO - A NOTE ON STYLE

THE JIL SANDER + UNIQLO SUMMER COLLECTION

Shadow Play

A CLASSIC EVERYDAY BAG

The Edit

My December Mood

Lifestyle

UPDATING THE 2021 GIFT GUIDE

Travel

Back to That Blazer…

Karima Hunter, A Note On Style

Karima Hunter

Based in Southern California,
A NOTE ON STYLE edits fashion, beauty, and interior design through a luxe lens anchored in classic, timeless style.

MORE

Sign Up
and never miss a post from
A Note on Style
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe and get new posts from A NOTE ON STYLE delivered to your inbox!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow A NOTE ON STYLE on Instagram

Hanging in the shade and working on my tan. #satur Hanging in the shade and working on my tan. #saturdayvibes #tanluxe
Personalizing a self tan with Tan-Luxe products. A Personalizing a self tan with Tan-Luxe products. Adding the drops to my lotion, using their hyaluronic serum for a quick tan and the water mist for maintenance. Odorless, quick drying and produces a natural looking color. Will be my new tanning go-to.❤️ Got all of my summer beauty needs from Nordstrom.
.
@Nordstrom @nordstrombeauty #nordstrom #ad

Follow my shop @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKstyletip #LTKbeauty
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3EYGM
The vintage Patricia von Musulin earrings styled b The vintage Patricia von Musulin earrings styled by Roberto Johnson in this story from The Cut take me straight back to the 1980s. I'm sure we carried the exact pair at Lina Lee during my years employed at the Beverly Hills store. If I dig deep, I might still have them!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
photo: Bella Newman / The Cut
I get my @hoganbrand sneakers on @mytheresa.com an I get my @hoganbrand sneakers on @mytheresa.com and today my new favorite pair are on sale…❤️
.

Link to style in my @anoteonstyle shop in the @shop.LTK

#liketkit #LTKSeasonal #LTKstyletip #LTKshoecrush
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3DSw7
I adore these chunky Sophie Buhai sterling hoops. I adore these chunky Sophie Buhai sterling hoops. They're so good, and sadly long gone. I'm sorry I missed them.​​​​​​​​
.​​​​​​​​
photo: Henrik Purienne #sophiebuhai
I like pieces with versatility. Easy styles that c I like pieces with versatility. Easy styles that can go from day to night without missing a beat. Two of my new favorites are a pair of Sophie Bille Brahe pearl earrings and a black linen Ascenso dress - both from @mytheresa.com 
.
#mytheresa @mytheresa @mytheresa.com #ad #pearls #mothersdaygift 

Follow @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal #LTKMothersDay
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3DHO4
I can’t wait for warmer weather to wear easy sum I can’t wait for warmer weather to wear easy summer looks like this. This #ASCENO would be so simple to dress up or down with jewelry, flats or heels. And these #LOROPIANA brown sandals are fabulous classics. Both pieces would be the starting point for several outfits. 
.
My must have summer accessories will always include stylish sunglasses. The @saltoptics x @amareesnewport frames are my current go-tos checking all the right boxes. Add my new petite Bottega bag and I’ll be good to go.
.
Meanwhile, I discovered the instagram account of @cauvarjao highlighting gorgeous properties in Brasil and Portugal like the home pictured here. So beautiful! Take a look!
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
PC: @archiandbeyond 
@ascenolondon dress, Bottega Veneta bag, @loropianaofficial sandals, @saltoptics x @amareesnewport sunglasses
New beauty favorites I picked up at Nordstrom from New beauty favorites I picked up at Nordstrom from ILIA and BYREDO. Plus, the 2 face toning devices I love.
#nordstrom @nordstrom @nordstrombeauty #ad

Follow my shop @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKbeauty #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3CRQ4
I like the mood of the palette used in this room f I like the mood of the palette used in this room from Freifrau.  The soft colors combined with a mix of old world detailing and contemporary furnishings is a theory I'd replicate in my home and closet.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
top and skirt: #Co
decor image: #Freifrau 
#Chanel Pre-Fall 22 pump
pearl earrings #sophiebillebrahe
Just returned from a road trip to Napa with stops Just returned from a road trip to Napa with stops in Paso Robles and Sonoma on the way up and a visit to Big Sur and Los Olivos on the way home. The beauty of California is over the top.
.
Scroll through my story for pics and a look at a few of my favorites. 
.
@postranchinn 
#bigsur #postranchinn #hwy1 #california #napa #fourseasonsnapa #losolivos #bellslosalamos
I don't think I'll ever tire of an all white bathr I don't think I'll ever tire of an all white bathroom. Details make all the difference. Let's start with the gorgeous lighting from Urban Electric. Mirrors hung in front of the windows is so pretty and unique too. 
@dakotawillimon 
@marymacwilson @urbanelectricco #dakotawillimoninteriors
Since I’ve edited the contents of what I carry i Since I’ve edited the contents of what I carry in my bag, I’ve been able to downsize. And, with fewer items to transfer from one bag to another, I’m less reluctant to frequently change styles. This has inspired me to curate a collection of small handbags in a variety of colors and shapes. 
.
I’m covering the spectrum – from metallics to brights and pastels. My newest addition is beige. I selected this beautiful chamois hued Bottega Veneta and love how it looks with so many things in my closet. 
.
The obvious pairing is white, black, brown and other neutrals but contrasted with a color, it takes on a very modern note. I also think it plays beautifully with other textures, especially raffia. 
.

#mytheresa.com #mytheresa #springpicks #bottegaveneta
#ad
.
Follow @anoteonstyle on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content.

#liketkit #LTKstyletip #LTKSeasonal
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/3B0Xi

By visiting A Note on Style you are consenting to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Content may contain affiliate links, whereby at no additional cost to you, we may receive commissions if a purchase is made through them.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2022 A Note on Style LLC. Site Design + Development by Allyssa Barnes. Disclaimer.

A Note on Style uses cookies on this site to improve performance, for analytics & for advertising. By browsing this site you are agreeing to this usage. Learn more. OK
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Scroll Up
Looking for something?

Thanks for subscribing!