A Peaceable Retreat In Sonoma Wine Nation
For many years, the Napa/Sonoma area has been the premier wine nation vacation spot in California, providing not solely its share of award-winning wines and opulent edibles however luxurious lodging as properly. Prior to now few years, a resurgence has occurred with a number of new distinguished properties rising on this space. To me, one property is a reduce above, the Montage Healdsburg.
The Property
From the second I approached the property on Montage Method, I discovered myself captivated by the mild serpentine ascend as I cruised underneath canopied oak timber dripping with moss…solely to reach on the hilltop touchdown with scenic views of rolling hills, lush panorama, orange and crimson coloured vineyards {Fall season}, and enchanting abodes inconspicuously tucked into the hillsides of the property. My first impression…Whats up Xanadu.
The virtually 260 acre property appears like a secluded sanctuary. As you accumulate your bearings, you understand the indefectible blur between the indoors and open air.
From the skin, the structure and its particulars are purposefully designed to mix into their pure environment, at the same time as detailed as choosing the outside constructing sidings to match the bark of the mature oak timber on the property.
From the within, the environmentally delicate design was impressed by the property’s distinctive and beautiful panorama, pulling from nature’s palette by incorporating wooden, stone, leather-based accents, and touches of copper and gold. The ground-to-ceiling home windows all through the principle buildings and bungalows present a seamless transition from indoor to out of doors residing, making a cohesive atmosphere.
The Foyer
As you enter the foyer, you may’t assist however really feel the inviting environment with its distinctive reception desk and a formidable live-edge-wood artwork characteristic; a big stone fire instructions your consideration within the heart of the room, and comfy seating areas overlook the grounds, vineyards and Mount St. Helena within the background. The sensation is extra of being welcomed right into a pal’s luxurious house than checking right into a lodge. The workers is attentive and pleasant, which makes for a really welcoming visitor expertise.
Visitor Rooms
The Montage Healdsburg {MH} affords 130 rooms, suites, and a Visitor Home. The spacious modernized bungalow-style items are sprinkled all through the property, some providing winery views, others offering forest and mountain views, and the Visitor Home affords all of it.
The bungalows are all designed in the identical serene, clean-line, and natural fashion making a tranquil retreat. Distinctive touches reminiscent of artistic wood-slat room dividers and custom-made leather-based straps for storing wine bottles within the bar present an elevated aesthetic. The roomy bungalows are geared up with a seating space, espresso bar, and mini-bar providing an assortment of high-end libations and snacks.
There are two items per construction, however a separating wall extending the size of the balcony retains the areas very personal. Every visitor balcony affords a special but nice view and is furnished with snug seating, with some items offering out of doors hearth pits. Certainly one of my favourite moments was sitting on the deck within the early morning, ingesting my espresso by the fireplace pit and watching the dawn because it forged its pink hues over the hills.
It’s been some time since I can say that a toilet took my breath away, however these loos are distinctive. The spacious, spa-like loos have a soothing cream-colored scheme with wealthy earth-tone accents within the wooden and stone parts. The loos provide a deep soaking tub, indoor bathe, with some items providing an outside bathe…all the time a enjoyable characteristic. An revolutionary implementation I’ve by no means encountered earlier than is the spherical cut-out on the indoor glass bathe panel so you may attain by way of to activate the water with out getting moist or going into “chilly water” shock. Sensible. Montage manages to raise the grandeur of the in-room spa expertise by offering luxurious bathtub facilities by Glass Moderne, a set created completely for all Montage Accommodations and Resorts and produced from the best high quality elements.
Eating
Montage Healdsburg affords a wide range of eating experiences. From informal fare to MH’s signature restaurant serving French-influenced California delicacies, there’s something right here to fulfill everybody’s palette.
Hazel Hill is the signature restaurant on the property. The open kitchen idea offers for an interactive expertise whereas eating on their regionally sourced and seasonally impressed dishes. Pair your meal with a effective wine from their intensive wine assortment and luxuriate in your eating expertise overlooking the resort’s winery. Do you have to need to host a non-public occasion, reserve the glass-encased, semi-private Oak Room and enchant your visitors with a whimsical treehouse eating expertise, or get pleasure from a non-public dinner within the Madrone room.
Scout Area Bar: For a extra relaxed ambiance, get pleasure from wine, specifically crafted cocktails, and delectable bites by the hearth within the cozy foyer or Al Fresco on the Foyer Terrace subsequent to an outside hearth pit. Chances are you’ll even end up having fun with some dwell music on choose evenings.
Hudson Springs Bar and Grill: Situated between the Grownup Solely and Household swimming pools, the Hudson Springs Bar and Grill offers out of doors service on a seasonal foundation. Get pleasure from elevated informal fare and libations as you lounge poolside overlooking the great thing about the resort grounds and Mount St. Helena.
Healdsburg Nation Retailer: The Healdsburg Nation Retailer is an enthralling market the place visitors can choose up barista-crafted coffees, regionally made pastries, wine, and specialty meals reminiscent of artisan jams and cheeses, house-made pickles, and regionally cured meats. The shop additionally sells distinctive presents and significant merchandise characterised by the wine nation way of life.
In-Room Eating: When you want to dine within the consolation of your guestroom or balcony, a full menu of in-room eating choices is accessible 24-hrs a day.
Hearth S’mores: Finish your night on a candy observe with marshmallows and chocolatey goodness as you roast your S’mores and interact in hearth chats {obtainable Friday and Saturday evenings}.
Occasions
What could possibly be extra inspiring than to plan your subsequent occasion within the coronary heart of wine nation, showcasing Montage Healdsburg’s spectacular environment? Say “I do” on the Grand Garden amid the vineyards, have a good time that “particular one” with all of your family and friends within the Grand Ballroom, or host the proper assembly someplace within the over 6,300 sq ft of versatile indoor and out of doors area that MH has to supply.
Wellness
Discover stability and serenity on the Spa Montage Healdsburg. MH’s 11,500 sq ft retreat contains 11 therapy rooms providing an array of providers and facilities impressed by wine nation influences, a state-of-the-art health heart, and an adult-only zero-edge pool. Get pleasure from Yoga courses within the winery, take time for a sauna, or deal with your self to mani/pedi on the Salon. The resort affords all of the Health and Wellness experiences you’d count on at a top-rated luxurious resort.
Experiences/Actions
From curated wine and culinary occasions to household packages, the experiences and actions are bountiful at this property.
Meet the Maker: Visitors and locals are invited to affix every week when native vintners and distillers share their craft and inform the story behind every bottle whereas sipping and studying from the creators themselves. This occasion is well-liked with the locals and is an effective way to mingle with the group.
Culinary Choices: Remember to inquire about particular choices reminiscent of Chef’s Tasting, The Excellent Pairing, Weekend Brunch, and making ready a Gourmand Picnic Basket to go.
Compass Sports activities: For out of doors lovers of all ages and talents, go to Compass Sports activities, situated on-sight, for complimentary E-bikes, Archery, and Pickleball.
Households: This family-friendly property affords loads of out of doors area for the kiddos to discover, play within the pool, or take part on the actions supplied by Paintbox, the resort’s child membership that caters to youngsters ages 5-12 with half to full-day actions…and let’s say it as it’s, when the youngsters are away, the mother and father can play.
Particular Actions: Inquire about particular experiences particular to this property, reminiscent of Beau, the Canine Ambassador, foraging for Truffles on the property, and the beekeeping program and honey tasting.
Cadillac Partnership Program: The resort has a home automobile obtainable each day on a first-come, first-served foundation to take lodge visitors to and from the Healdsburg Plaza. Additionally they provide a complimentary Experience and Drive program by way of Cadillac, which lets you borrow a Cadillac and do your personal exploring in Sonoma; contact the Concierge for extra data.
Venturing Out: When and if you select to depart the property, a brief journey to Downtown Healdsburg is very really useful. The Healdsburg Plaza incorporates a charming city sq. surrounded by quaint outlets, good eating places, and hosts varied music and particular occasions. When you’ve got the time, many surrounding cities are price a go to, reminiscent of Downtown Sonoma, St. Helena, Yountville, and Downtown Napa, to call just a few. For wine-tasting adventures, join with the lodge Concierge.
Abstract
In abstract, I had extraordinarily excessive expectations for this property, and it didn’t disappoint! This resort, by far, surpassed my expectations. I’ve turn out to be a loyal fan of the Montage Accommodations and Resorts model as a result of they don’t produce cookie-cutter resorts. As an alternative, every lodge displays the tradition and captures the essence of the areas they symbolize, creating a customized visitor expertise.
The Montage Healdsburg is a gleaming instance of this, with its secluded setting amid the native oak timber, rolling hills, and vineyards, and the environmentally aware design decisions that blur the traces between nature and man-made.
Nevertheless indulgent the property’s rooms, areas, and facilities are, the true heartbeat of the property is the pleasant and unassuming workers. I get pleasure from how the staff interacts with the visitors and the locals who come to hang around. The resort’s welcoming and welcoming environment encourages vigorous engagement creating an ambiance that resonates all through the resort.
All I can say is that this property offers me all the best feels, and I’m going to name it…the luxe Montage Healdsburg is Sonoma County’s most extraordinary wine nation retreat.
