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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.

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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 ’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 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

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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, nicA 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 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. BOB MCCLENAHAN/COURTESY OF VISIT NAPA VALLEY 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. tury Tuscany with a medieval castle authentically Valley’s vibrant wineries, spreading throughout Here, you’ll find every style of wine under the built by Italian masons, blacksmiths and painters. the forested hillsides that tower above the valley sun: classics like , chardon- After crossing the drawbridge over the moat, you’ll floor. Though devastating for those affected, most nay and ; the hard-to-grow pinot noir; the find yourself in a spectacular stone courtyard, of the local wineries came out unscathed—in fact, versatile zinfandel; petit verdot and malbec, used which is the starting point for the winery’s guided according to the nonprofit Napa Valley Vintners, mostly in Bordeaux blends; spicy syrah and more. tours that will whisk you around the main floor,

72 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE.COM up to the turrets and down through a portion of the fortress’s underground caves. You’ll learn all about the boutique property’s winemaking tech- niques as you explore the cellars, armory and tor- ture chamber, filled with replica equipment. The experience ends with a , which can be upgraded to include high-end reserve wines or locally handcrafted chocolates. Those wanting to visit multiple wineries should hop aboard the . The new Famiglia Tour, which launched in April, takes guests on a full-day trip to three family-owned wineries, including Silverado Vineyards, Whitehall Lane and Grgich Hills Estate. Upon arrival at your seat, enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling wine—the precursor to a four-course meal. The food is deli- cious, but the winery visits are the real appeal; at each property, industry professionals show you around, discuss winemaking techniques and pro- vide tastings of the brand’s wines as you go. If hearing about winemaking isn’t enough, turn it up a notch and attend one of The Wine Foundry’s Blend In workshops. The company, known for its customized wine services, makes it a point to educate the public about the winemak- ing process, detailing the importance of flavor, mouthfeel and reaction. Using a graduated cylin- der, a mouth pipette and small bottles of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit ver- Clockwise from top: Castello di Amorosa, crafted with real stones from Italy for an authentic feel; wines from dot, each participant will create a practice blend, Whitehall Lane, one of the stops on the Famiglia Tour; the Napa Valley Wine Train cruising past local vineyards then determine which ratios should be changed to enhance the blend. The Wine Foundry currently Solbar. The same company operates Napa Valley housing artistic costumes, paintings, jewelry and hosts these classes at its main facility, though a Balloons as well, though that experience features more. Outside, large installations, including a second tasting room is planned within the soon- breakfast at Domaine Chandon winery. painted cow statue and a pickup truck whose bed to-open Vista Collina Resort, where workshops Fans of Laguna’s art scene will love Napa’s arts has been converted into a couch, surround a work will be held and glasses of the company’s wine district. Deemed the Rail Arts District, or RAD, area under the trees. Complete with tables and brand—The Anarchist—will be served. this area runs along the Napa Valley Vine Trail and couches, this shady space is used for painting, tie- the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks. The project’s dyeing shirts and more. The sisters often host live BEYOND THE WINE large-scale murals began to debut in early 2017 productions, fashion shows or art exhibitions at Once you’ve had your fill of vino, set out to explore (and now include a piece inspired by last fall’s the St. Helena property, but they’re also involved some other Napa Valley offerings. Early risers and blaze), and this year, the utility boxes along Napa’s with nonprofit Nimbus Arts, where they teach anyone who appreciates a great view will enjoy railroad tracks were wrapped in vinyl artwork. camps and classes for both children and adults. a sunrise ride in a hot air balloon. Calistoga For a blend of wine and art, visit Hall Wines in St. Foodies, too, have plenty of options in Napa, Balloons launches from various sites in the north- Helena. In addition to the oversized stainless steel but one of the most eclectic is the riverside Oxbow ern part of the valley, offering early morning views rabbit in midleap over the winery’s grapevines, the Public Market in downtown Napa. Dine on wood- of the sprawling vineyards, the jagged mountains property features a special art collection that can fired pizzas, charcuterie, sushi, tacos or burgers and the sun rising over the peaks. Once you arrive be viewed on pre-arranged tours. Just up the road, from one of the food vendors, or stroll through at the company’s train car office in downtown downtown St. Helena is also home to numerous art the merchant shops to purchase things like choco- Calistoga, they’ll shuttle you to the launch site, galleries, all within walking distance of one another. late truffles, spices, cheese, olive oil and more. where you can watch as the staff members inflate Those seeking a more edgy style will love the the balloon. Then, climb into the basket and enjoy Ehlers Society, an artist collective helmed by WHERE TO UNWIND an approximately hourlong flight over the valley Melissa and Mercedes Baker. The pair—along When visiting Napa Valley, it’s important to have floor; factors like air temperature and weight in with a third sister, Anna—live and work on their some time to relax. Choose the perfect hotel to the basket determine the trip’s length. A GoPro parent’s former cattle farm, collaborating with do so in style. The first luxury hotel to open in St. will snap photos of your group as you fly, and the filmmakers, performers, fashion designers, musi- Helena in years debuted in 2017, expertly combin- experience is finished up with a farm-fresh break- cians and more. A barn from the 1920s has been ing a modern atmosphere with the property’s rich

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: VERN NELSON/COURTESY OF CASTELLO DI AMOROSA; CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: VERN NELSON/COURTESY VALLEY OF VISIT NAPA H. COLLIER/COURTESY BRENT MILLER; DAVID fast, complete with sparkling wine or a mimosa, at converted into their studio, with separate spaces history. Las Alcobas Napa Valley is centered around

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 73 abhyanga massage, elements of reflexology, aro- matherapy and ancient healing may be thrown in. Keep the tranquility going with a dip in the pool or, if you’re lucky enough to have a room with a view of the neighboring Beringer Vineyards, the deck is another great place to lounge while sipping wine around the built-in fire pit. Another property perfect for a small-town escape is Solage, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, in Calistoga. Stellar service shines here, both around the resort and at the Solbar restau- rant, and the 89 rooms are in spacious cottages with patios. Solage also has a full spa, plus The Bathhouse at Spa Solage prides itself in its geo- thermal waters and mineral-enriched mud bar. Those looking to be closer to the action have The fire pit area next to the pool at Las Alcobas Napa Valley overlooks the neighboring Beringer Vineyards. a few options in the city of Napa. Located down- town, Archer Hotel Napa opened its doors last a historic 1907 farmhouse, the Acacia House, which no matter the season: From colorful crudites to November, bringing a big-city feel to the area. is home to a restaurant of the same name. hamachi crudo, created with tempura to add some The five-story boutique hotel is home to a Celebrity chef Chris Cosentino has designed a crunch, there are plenty of starters to enjoy before Charlie Palmer steakhouse as well as Sky & Vine menu of fresh California fare to pair with selections delving into entrees like the striped bass, Petaluma Rooftop Bar, which offers stunning views. from an extensive wine list. The eatery also crafts chicken or grilled Sonoma short rib. There’s also Vista Collina Resort, a 145-room, libations like the namesake Acacia Cocktail, made Elsewhere on the property, Atrio spa is the per- Tuscan-style property by The Meritage Collection, with gin, sparkling wine and creme de violette, as fect spot to unwind. Arrive early to take advantage set to open in south Napa in early August. With its well as a margarita with sea salt foam, a favorite at of the relaxation room, where guests are treated tasting room village and spacious event lawn, this Las Alcobas’ sister property in Mexico. Though the to dried fruit, almonds and tea blends. Whether will likely become one of the best places to relax in menu changes periodically, expect delicious bites opting for a Balinese, hot stone or lesser-known Napa Valley. LBM

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