Steeped in serenity and surrounded by breathtaking vistas, the wellness-focused Stanly Ranch resort brings much needed R&R to Cali wine country. —Andréanne Dion
Stay: Famous for its wineries, the Northern California city of Napa is also a coveted wellness destination for those in need of a little rest and relaxation. Nestled among over 700 acres of rolling hills neatly lined with vines, Stanly Ranch—Auberge Resorts Collection’s third luxury property in the region—blends seamlessly into the earthy landscape. Though the sprawling resort is home to 135 rooms distributed over clusters of free-standing cottages, and villas, bustling restaurants, a collection of pools and spa facilities that draw locals and visitors alike, it’s above all a sanctuary, a place to escape the stresses of the daily grind and reconnect with nature—and, perhaps, yourself. The views of the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains are expansive, the sky above wide-open and the atmosphere serene.
Fresh off a five-hour flight and an hour-long drive from the San Francisco airport, we’re greeted at the Ranch House (a.k.a. the lobby) with a glass of lavender lemonade before being whisked away to our villa in one of the pint-sized electric vans that silently shuttle guests and staff (called ranch hands) through a winding maze of pathways. Dashing past the manicured garden, we spot ripening lemons, fiery peppers, plump summer squashes and, nearby, a chicken coop. All around the property shrubs of lavender, flowers in bloom and eucalyptus trees scent the air and serve as a refuge for bumblebees, butterflies and tiny, camera-shy hummingbirds.
Inside the villas, airy modern farmhouse décor takes centre stage, with warm neutral tones, cosy textured fabrics, wood, metal and leather. It creates a compellingly soothing space to unwind, while the private terraces complete with gas fire pits and, in some cases, outdoor showers, draw you outside to bask in the sun. The bracelet that was clasped on our wrist at check-in unlocks the door; an ingenious detail, we realize, as we step out and hear the door close behind me. A little too relaxed already, we forgot to grab my room key.
Relax: Wellness is a serious business at Stanly Ranch, where you’ll find a trio of offerings focused on the mind and body. Halehouse is a spa with a treatment menu that ranges from Biologique Research facials to Swedish massages and lymphatic dry-brushing sessions. Springhouse offers a hot and cold circuit (including access to an hyperbaric oxygen chamber for those who want to dabble in biohacking). Fieldhouse, the property’s 24-hour gym, holds fitness classes and mindfulness workshops. We opt for a deep-tissue massage and, one hour later, end up feeling surprisingly loose-limbed and refreshed.
After a sip of bone broth (a quintessentially Californian health drink and a Gwyneth Paltrow favourite), stop by the stunning cedar sauna—the perfect spot to soak in stunning views of the mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows while you sweat out your worries. From there, pad out to one of three pools: the adults-only spa pool, the kids’ pool or the Lavender pool. The latter has private cabanas and the poolside Basin Bar, where you can order a snack and a cocktail. Forgot your SPF? There’s Supergoop! sunscreen available for guests to use.
Sip & Savour: Start the day at Gavel, the on-site coffee shop, where you can nibble on freshly baked pastries (get there early to snag one of the popular flaky lavender croissants) and grab a hot beverage or a green juice to fuel your morning adventures. While you’re there, browse the curated gift selection, which includes soft-as-can-be Lingua Franca cashmere sweaters delicately embroidered with the name of the resort, California-made bodycare and coffee table-worthy cookbooks.
At Bear, the property’s signature restaurant, chef Anthony Stagnaro and team whip up seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner menus starring local ingredients paired with unexpected flavours. Far from dainty, the generous portions make for shareable plates—just as well, as you’ll definitely want to try a bit of everything. On days where a lie-in is in order, splurge on room-service breakfast of stacked pancakes, crispy bacon, juicy berries and an enormous pot of coffee, if only for the small pleasure of enjoying it on your private terrace as the sun slowly rises over vineyards.
For oenophiles, a trip to Napa wouldn’t be complete without a glass—or two, or three—of wine. There’s no shortage of fantastic wineries around the property and plenty of opportunities to visit them, whether it’s a hike and lakeside picnic at the neighbouring Hudson Winery or an ATV ride through the award-winning Three Sticks vineyards. The resort also takes the classic wine country experience to new heights by offering private in-room tastings led by experts.
Make & Explore: Once blissed out on spa treatments, wine and good food, there’s still a seemingly endless roster of activities to partake in. From nature walks to workshops with local artisans (felt-hat design with Hampui was on offer during our visit) to mixology and cooking classes featuring ingredients plucked straight from the resort’s garden. For thrill seekers, spend an afternoon tracking mountain lions with a wildlife conservationist in Jack London State Park, go on a bird of prey walk, get behind the wheel of your dream luxury car or soar high above the ranch in a hot air balloon to discover breathtaking vistas of the Napa Valley. End the day with s’mores by the fire and a guided stargazing experience on the Great Lawn, where celestial-inspired treats and cocktails set the tone.
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