Rendez Veuve Spa at the Estate Yountville in Napa Valley

Napa Valley – On the hour and a half drive from Oakland International Airport, we passed through the town of Berkley and Vallejo before we reached Yountville. This is a village along State Route 29 that was established in 1867 in honor of a pioneer who started the first vineyard in the Napa Valley. Concentrated in the village within 1.5 square miles are some of the best restaurants, such as Michelin-starred restaurants The French Laundry and Bouchon by Thomas Keller.

Estate at Yountville (6481 Washington St) is a prodigious, lushly landscaped 22-acre resort composed of three accommodations (Hotel Villagio, Vintage House, and a luxurious five-bedroom villa), two restaurants, several event spaces, a champagne-inspired spa, vineyards, tennis courts, a gym, and two pools with daily food and beverage service.

This itinerary follows an enjoyable stay in Yountville.

Hotel Villagio at Estate Yountville

2:30 PM | Check In

We received a welcome glass of sparkling wine in the Hotel Villagio lobby, which featured warm woods, industrial metal lighting fixtures, and a ceiling that rested on dramatic wooden beams.

We meandered around the grounds, passing olive groves and fountain pools, until we reached our cozy yet elegant hotel room. Mahogany headboard walls and hand-knotted rugs draped over wood plank floors awaited us. I sat in the large freestanding soaking tub in the large marbled bathroom.

5:00 PM | Complimentary wine tastings

We dressed for dinner and went back to the lobby. Complimentary wine tasting is offered in the Villagio Bar & Lounge on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Cocktails are crafted from ingredients in the herb garden.

Shuttles are available to transport you across the vast estate, but we preferred to walk.

Food at Estate Yountville

6 PM | Dinner at Bottega Napa or Ottimo

While Bottega is inspired by fine Italian cuisine, Ottimo offers more casual sandwiches and pastas. Both restaurants are helmed by award-winning Chef Michael Chiarello. 

7 AM – 10 AM | Continental Breakfast

The following morning, I woke up early and went to the lobby, where they served an abundant continental breakfast with regional cheeses, international meats, fresh bread, pastries and ripe fruit. Fresh coffee, tea, and fruit juices ran out before the morning was over.

Program & Amenities at Estate Yountville

8:30 AM | Yoga

Relaxing morning yoga classes were offered in a clearing within the vineyard for hotel guests to enjoy for free. Frankly, I was a little hung over from drinking wine the night before. The morning sunlight was exactly what I needed.

Rendez Veuve Spa

10 AM | Spa

For hotel guests, entrance to the Rendez Veuve Spa is $35. The spa is adorned with vibrant orange and yellow hues from the century’s old wine brand. I was greeted with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and orange juice, and led through an elegant relaxation lounge. Men and women’s facilities were completely separate.

I found towels, a robe, and slippers in my locker room. I spent an hour migrating between eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, dry saunas, and the outdoor jacuzzi. The powerful Swiss experience showers combined a rainfall central shower head with several powerful massage spray heads that were built into the walls at different levels.

The Rendez Veuve Spa also has private suites for singles and couples with an indoor and outdoor fireplace and lounge areas. One featured Crush This treatment that uses the powerful antioxidants of grape seed extract. Their featured treatment, Veuve Exfoliation, includes exfoliation with golden sugar scrub followed by a full body massage with gold shimmer oil and a gold collagen eye mask to help reduce inflammation and minimize fine lines.

Vintage House at Estate Yountville

12 PM | Lunch by the Pool

We spent the afternoon by the pool at the Vintage House, a brighter and more contemporary property on the north side of the resort that was within sight of the French Laundry gardens. Reservations to French Laundry usually book several weeks in advance. Other restaurant alternatives in Yountville include Ad Hoc by Thomas Keller, Bistro Jeanty and Restoration Hardware Yountville.

More Things to Do in Yountville

• Attractions Wine Tasting
• Napa Valley Museum
• Balloon Rides
• Lincoln Theater
• Vine Trail Bike Path