North of San Francisco in Vallejo, Highway 29 heads into the hills and scenic wonderland that is Napa Valley. Among the world’s premier tourist destinations, the area is known for its five-star hotels and resorts, world-class restaurants and, of course, its multitudinous wineries. With its lush, rolling hills, stunning vistas and largely temperate climate, Napa Valley is a small slice of heaven on earth. While the warmer months tend to be the region’s busiest time, Napa resorts are open for the holidays as well. The weather is chillier but only by California standards, and there are plenty of Christmas-themed events along with Napa’s standard attractions.
Typically a stressful time of year, a holiday vacation spent in a Napa Valley lodge , hotel or B&B is a great way to relax and let others take care of the planning, setup and execution of Christmastime activities. Not only that, but given that it’s the offseason, the costs are lower than you might think. Best of all, the region is yours to explore without the crowds.
Napa is known for its wine. In the early winter, harvest may be over, but the vintners have plenty of cabernets, pinots and sauvignon blancs for you to sample. Take a self-guided tour of the region or, if you prefer, take advantage of a private limousine service to shuttle you from estate to estate. The wine, however, is far from all Napa has to offer. Enjoy the therapeutic natural hot springs of Calistoga towards the north of the valley. Resorts offer top-notch spa treatments and therapeutic massages designed to help you relax and rejuvenate in both mind and body amid majestic surroundings.
Being that it’s the holiday season, the vacation would not be complete without a helping of holiday joy and wonder. In Yountville, for instance, take in the annual Winterscape Celebration, a month-long festival offering carriage rides, holiday performances, arts, crafts and - naturally - some of the world’s best wine and food. The French Laundry located on Washington St. in Yountville is considered one of the ten best restaurants in the world. While reservations are hard to come by in the busy season, you stand a better chance of getting a table in the winter, even without too much advance notice. Elsewhere in the valley you’ll find Christmas bazaars; an underground amphitheater where carolers and a hand bell choir perform; and lights, lights and more lights. There’s even a holiday train -the Santa Express - that runs from Napa to Yountville, perfect for families.
By California standards, winter in Napa is cold - averaging in the upper 40s. Days usually hover above 50 and can even reach 60, so if you’re coming from the frigid Midwest or East Coast, it’ll feel like paradise. Spending Christmas in one of the numerous Napa luxury hotels or resorts combines stunning accommodations, stellar concierge service and world-class meals with the beauty of the region. Perfect for couples, reunions, singles and families who want to escape for the holidays, Napa Valley spa resorts offer an enchanting, all-around experience that, on top of everything else, is truly out of the ordinary.
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If you’re looking for a premier Napa Valley spa hotel with a 5-star Michelin Guide rating for your destination wedding, you need look no further than the Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville. This Michelin Guide 5-star rated hotel is a Mediterranean styled resort that is a destination in itself. In addition to all the services any discerning traveler might require, they have a full menu of sumptuous spa treatments, at very reasonable prices.