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San Francisco Chronicle 8/21/17, 5:31 PM https://www.pressreader.com/usa/san-francisco-chronicle/20170820 Page 1 of 2 San Francisco Chronicle 8/21/17, 5:31 PM https://www.pressreader.com/usa/san-francisco-chronicle/20170820 Page 1 of 2 LUXE AMONGST THE VINES AT LAS ALCOBAS NAPA VALLEY APRIL 17, 2018 Napa Valley boasts any number of luxury hotels poised to take advantage of vineyard views. But none has nestled itself so closely among the vines – until now. Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and the first luxe resort to debut in the area in seven years, shares its St. Helena location with historic Beringer Vineyard, and many of its sumptuous guest rooms are within arm’s length of the grapes. The three-acre property, anchored by the 100-year old Georgian-style Acacia House, takes full advantage of it’s stellar location, just steps beyond St. Helena’s quaint downtown district. A central lawn, small pool, and large fire pit face the Mayacamas mountains. A state-of-the- art fitness center overlooks an oak tree-studded creek. And the Acacia House wrap-around veranda commands a Valley view. Most of Las Alcobas’ 68 rooms are housed in three ultra modern buildings that surround the property – a juxtaposition of old and new that creates an appealing aura. Rooms at Las Alcobas – each featuring Rivolta Carmignani Italian bedding and plush robes – are a spacious minimum of 450 sq. feet. Suites are an expansive 1,500 sq. feet; some have outdoor soaking tubs. Every aspect, from linen upholstered headboards, to birch ceilings, to oak flooring, is custom designed in shades of gray. Well more than 50 soothing hues have been harnessed, from carbon, to charcoal, to dove. Spa-like marble bathrooms feature large soaking tubs and stone carved sinks. Each room boasts its own private outdoor balcony with gas-lit fire pit. Morning or night, the glow and warmth of a flickering flame creates unmatched ambience. Cuddle up with a wool throw blanket and add a mimosa or glass of local cab to further elevate the experience. Celebrated Bay Area chef and Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino oversees the resort’s rustically elegant 50-seat Acacia House restaurant, a favored hangout for locals. The warm and welcoming dining room (also in gray tones) is refined yet casual. Every detail, from the steak knives to the antique etched bar ware, has been thoughtfully curated. Cosentino’s menu changes regularly; he utilizes wine country’s seasonal bounty to showcase a refined twist on classic beef, fish, and poultry dishes. Creative vegetable offerings more than satiate vegetarians. All flavors are bold and often unexpected – a dab of caviar here, a serrano chile slice there. And though the wine choices are plentiful, it’s the Las Alcobas margarita that begs for a sup – a lemon rather than lime based recipe libation topped with fluffy salted foam that substitutes for a salted rim. The drink is borrowed from the hotel’s sister property in Mexico City. In keeping with the fusion of historic and modern contrasts, the resort’s exquisite Atrio spa features ancient treatments within its contemporary environs. Atrio’s four votive-lit single treatment rooms and a couple’s treatment suite are flanked by the central Sanctuary, an indoor/outdoor respite where hibiscus tea and healthful treats are offered. A steam room and outdoor shower are co-ed, and Atrio guests are invited to utilize the 24-hour on site fitness center and adjacent fire pit and relaxation area. Unique Asian healing therapies and techniques, for which therapists undergo intensive training, are menu highlights and are found nowhere else in the Valley. Nor is Atrio’s aroma blending experience, a highly personal indulgence led by an aromatherapy expert who guides guests towards a signature scent. The blend is utilized during massage treatment and a small bottle is provided for take home – a wonderful way to extend the refined Las Alcobas experience. 1915 Main Street, St. Helena. Article By: Fran Miller Looking for somewhere new to stay? 11 California hotels among best new hotels in 2018 Conde Nast Traveler calls its selection of 102 best new hotels in the world The Hot List. That means the dreamiest, coolest places to stay that live up to the pre-opening hype. Or as the magazine puts it: "Most of these openings are good. Many of them, great. But only a fraction are what we'd deem hot." Eleven hotels in California, mostly in Southern California, made the cut among U.S. locations. These are the California hotels on the Hot List. Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 1 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 2 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 3 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 4 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 5 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:39 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 6 of 6 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:42 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 1 of 3 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:42 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 2 of 3 Napa Sonoma Summer 2017 6/23/17, 5:42 PM http://trendmag2.trendoffset.com/html5_viewer/iframe.html?201…9%26m%3D8309%26l%3D1%26p%3D1%26pre%3D%26ver%3Dhtml5%22%7D%7D Page 3 of 3 JULY/AUGUST 2018 » LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE.COM SURFER KAYLA COSCINO IS RIDING A WAVE OF SUCCESS COASTAL CREATURES LOCAL SEA LIFE, FROM WHALES AND DOLPHINS TO TIDE POOL TREASURES ON ISLAND TIME TROPICAL BEACHWEAR WITH +FLORALS AND SUNSET COLORS A REASON TO LOOK UP LAGUNA’S DARKER SKIES ALLOW FOR SUMMERTIME STARGAZING Nestled in Napa From unique wine experiences to hot air balloon rides, artistic displays and luxe hotels, travelers will find everything they want and more in Napa Valley’s lush wine country. By Ashley Ryan Napa Valley abounds with unique experiences, from wineries to visit—including one that looks like a castle—a wine train, art galleries and hot air balloon rides. lthough Napa Valley is one of around 90 percent of the area’s grapes had already There are also many different types of winer- the smallest wine regions in been harvested and the 2017 vintage is expected to ies in this valley: Big names like Beringer, Robert the world, it also happens to be see very little impact, if any, from those wildfires. Mondavi, Charles Krug and sparkling wine giant incredibly diverse. From volca- Despite minimal damage, many local businesses Domaine Chandon all call the Napa area home, Anic activity and erosion, which intermingles the faced closures during one of their busiest times of while boutique wineries (many of which offer soil types, to the proximity of the coastline and the the year. Now reopened, and lovelier than ever, it’s tastings by appointment only) like Boeschen elevation change from the hills to the valley, the hard to imagine there was ever a time when Napa Vineyards, Crocker & Starr Winery and Sherwin area boasts more than 100 soil variations, increas- Valley wasn’t an absolute paradise on earth. Family Vineyards offer small-production wines. ing the amount of grape varietals planted here. You’ll even find eco-friendly wineries like Covert This region has more to offer than just its unique- NEXT-LEVEL WINE EXPERIENCES Estate. But there are only so many tasting rooms ness: It’s a destination that lures you in with endless It’s no stretch to say that Napa Valley is famous for you can visit before they begin to blur together. VALLEY OF VISIT NAPA BOB MCCLENAHAN/COURTESY green vineyards, quaint downtown areas and, of its winemaking. Arguably the most well-known Luckily, there are plenty of unique experiences course, delicious wines. Though it’s only about 50 wine region in the country, there are more than to be had in Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa, or miles north of San Francisco by car, its beauty and 400 wineries in the 30-mile stretch that encom- “castle of love,” is a winery in Calistoga owned the slower pace of life will make you feel like you’re passes Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. by Dario Sattui (also of V. Sattui Winery in St. in another world entirely. Helena and Calistoga, as well as more outlying Helena) that transports guests back to 13th-cen- But less than a year ago, fires threatened Napa areas like Angwin and Lake Berryessa.