Maybe it has something to do with its Calistoga location, but Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection gives off a refreshing kind of wine country vibe. Surrounded by mountains and grapevines, the natural geography of Northern California’s famed Napa Valley provides an impressive backdrop that naturally helps win guests over.
Though located on 22-acres, Solage features just 100 single-story, studio-style accommodations. I stayed in a Calistoga King Studio with fireplace and bathtub in a section of the property referred to as the Oak Neighborhood, not far from the spa, gym and geothermal pools. (The easy to navigate property is broken down into four neighborhoods total.) The room was spacious with a king size bed, a fireplace that ignited with the flip of a switch, desk, television, Nespresso machine, refrigerator, (thoughtfully stocked with creamer) and an outdoor patio.
The bathroom had an oversize walk-in shower, large soaking tub and a toilet area with a door that closed for privacy. It would be easy to linger in your room, but Solage offers a nice list of amenities to lure you out and about.
Open daily at 8:30 a.m., its trio of geothermal mineral pools provide more than enough inspiration to roll out of bed and get your day going. The hot springs are located steps away from the spa, fitness center, and Wellness Studio where complimentary fitness classes are held daily.
In addition to the mineral springs, the property’s main pool is both striking and massive. Framed by palm trees, the 130-foot pool is a landmark in its own right, and arguably one of Napa Valley wine country’s most photographed hotel pools. Complete with hot tub, a second, family pool is close by. For folks who’d rather stay dry, there are a pair of bocce ball courts to keep you entertained.
Casual eatery, Picobar, occupies prime poolside real estate. Open for lunch and early dinner service, the menu include a variety of options ranging from an ahi tuna tostada, to duck mole tacos, and Mexican street corn served in a cup. Be sure to get the housemade chips seasoned with salt and lime – they are amazingly addictive.
A few steps away, Solbar restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience with both indoor and outside seating. Customers are a combination of guests and locals, and families are a common sight. This may be wine country, but the craft cocktails here are worthy of a look.
Bikes are a part of the property’s welcoming landscape and available for guests to use during their stay. Employees also use bikes to get around the resort and you might do a double-take the first time you see housekeeping on the move on one of their special three wheelers. The vacuum, broom, and assorted cleaning supplies all fit into the bike basket brilliantly.
Downtown Calistoga is a quick and easy bike ride or walk away. If you want to venture further, do it in style in one of Solage’s courtesy cars. The small fleet of Mercedes Benz are first come, first served and can be used up to four hours.
Rates for a Calistoga King Studio with a fireplace and bath tub start at $1,499. A nightly resort fee of $45 includes pool access and spa access, fitness center classes, internet, in-room coffee and parking. Complimentary charging stations are available for electric vehicles. You can compare rates and book through an online booking site such as Booking.com or Expedia.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
