Just as Dorothy traveled through magical forests and yellow brick roads to reach sparkling Emerald City and ultimately, her home; I journeyed through Highway 101 and Highway 29 from San Francisco through the magical vineyards and yellow flower-flooded fields of Northern California to reach Villagio Inn & Spa located in the quaint city of Yountville. After only a short visit, I could see why the wonderful people who live in this region call it home.

As I approached the entrance of the Villagio, my mind wandered off to Tuscany, Italy. I walked around the artfully sculpted stone fountain of an angel frolicking in the water surrounded by flowerbeds filled with delicate blue and red field flowers. I then entered the arched double glass front entrance doors, architecturally dense with weight as a marble frame surrounds their exterior. I liked the oversized gas lamp fixtures - a warm touch at the entrance. The main lobby is an open space with a small check-in desk to the right, a welcoming cozy bar directly in front of you, a large concierge desk filled with enough fliers and magazines to fill a small library and the main living room and dining areas to the left. There is a square, white stucco and stone fireplace planked by fire wood lining each side reaching as far as the ceiling. The light cream marble, like the tile floor, was complimented by rich hued, intricately detailed area rugs that served as the base for rose velvet loveseats and comfy traditional armchairs. There are beautiful floral arrangements on every table. The windows bordered with dark wood have large shutters and overlook views of magnificent Californian nature. A baby grand piano sits tucked away behind a very large bank of window seats, which have throw pillows strewn throughout, making it quite comfy after the 45-mile drive from San Francisco.

Managing Director David Shipman oversees the beautiful resort facilities, including the Villagio and the Vintage Inn. While the inn and spa, which recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, is completely Tuscan in style, the sister resort, Vintage Inn, also located in Yountville, is classic French Country. The two resorts are spread out over 23 acres of the most breathtaking land – it’s even listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The Vintage Inn boasts beautiful vineyard views of Domain Chandon, producer of the country’s finest sparkling wines. Both resorts have classic exterior architectural features with modern interiors. The Villagio transports you to a Tuscan village through its brilliant architecture and landscaping as the guest rooms are clustered into two-story buildings creating the illusion of a meandering hillside town. The tile rooftops scattered amongst the property compliment the blue California sky, with only the site of vineyard hills peaking over and through the opening spaces. The Villagio, consistent with a Tuscan village, is comprised of 112 guest rooms. My guest room was on the second floor. The dark wooden shutters on the windows provided a safe and cozy environment at night. I rested in cream Frette linens with a classic monotone tuxedo stripe bedspread. In the morning when I opened my balcony door, the sunlight flooded my room. I sat outside in a comfortable lounge chair on my private balcony and relaxed as I listened to the trickling stream and fountain running throughout the courtyards of this well-planned resort. I enjoyed pampering myself with luxurious Molton Brown products generously displayed on the elegant vanity area. There was also a lovely bar set up with a large selection of teas in the dressing area. The guest room was nicely divided into separate living areas, reminiscent of a small apartment.

To make my way back to the main house and indulge in the complimentary champagne breakfast buffet, I walked the meandering trail and admired the lingering fountains, which lead me to the serene pool area. Thick columns and structured trees define the poolside boundary with private canvas lounging cabanas scattered about. The main house was bustling with action by the time I strolled in that morning. The champagne bar and breakfast buffet was lavishly set up in the middle of the lobby as if in a private home, with the dining room tucked behind an opulent silk striped curtain to delineate the different rooms. The champagne bottles were elegantly displayed and chilled in a large silver sculpted serving bowl, and glass stemware was symmetrically lined up. There was also orange juice, coffee, tea and any other drinks your heart desired. The selection on the main buffet table was abundant. Bread pudding with crème anglais and mixed berry sauce, spinach and ham frittata, scrambled eggs and country potatoes lined the table in sparkling silver serving pieces. The casual cheese platter offered Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar and Havarti, to list just a few. A toaster was set up next to a basket of fresh bagels and a wide selection of preserves in individual sized glass jars sat next to a tray of freshly baked muffins, croissants and sliced bread. There was also yogurt and cereal. Breakfast is an important meal, especially in Northern California, when you are walking through vineyards and tasting wine all day long. The brunch at the Villagio is just as excellent.

Yountville is a walking town. That’s a good thing because it is also a fine dining town. The Villagio Inn & Spa is across the street from world-renowned restaurants. It is referred to as the “Left Bank” for all the French delicacies found in the highly acclaimed restaurants. I dined at Redd, Bistro Jeanty, Hurley’s, and Bouchon. I left Bouchon very late, and having my luxurious room waiting for me at the inn was a welcoming touch to the end of my day.

After the indulgent meals one enjoys in Yountville, the Villagio Inn & Spa offers many activities to balance your stay. The serene 40–foot outdoor heated lap swimming pool, beautiful tennis courts, bicycle rentals and a 3,500 square foot full-service spa with 10 treatment rooms will keep you at a high activity level. Scheduled to open next month is a newly constructed, beautifully designed 12,000 square foot spa, which will have designated areas for men and women resulting in extreme privacy for both. Rustic wooden exposed beams compliment the natural color stones and tiles creating a modern yet rustic décor. The design of the new spa is exquisite in that it truly takes advantage of the California climate and lifestyle in that the facilities are built utilizing an indoor/outdoor design aspect. Fireplaces situated on private outdoor balconies create perfect outside living spaces to enjoy while being spoiled. The original spa will be turned into The Retreat which will be used for select spa treatments, and bridal party preparation and festivities.

In addition to utilizing the resort for private sanctity retreats, meeting facilities are available for groups of up to 500 people. The hotel offers on-site catering and eight different conference areas ranging from the 2400 square foot Historic Barrel Room to the 375 square foot Villagio Board Room, and finally, the 16,000 square foot Vineyard Pavilion. State-of-the-art equipment is available in guestrooms and meeting spaces to provide any technical amenity for guests staying at Villagio.

If you want to bring back a taste of Yountville, you must stop by and visit with Scott Lewis at the V Wine Cellar, which is conveniently located next to Villagio. Mr. Lewis will help you make excellent wine selections and his precious dog, Spud, will welcome you with a wagging tail and kiss on the ankle.

The entire city of Yountville and the staff of Villagio Inn & Spa are inhabited by talented artists, chefs and wine makers, all passionate people who understand the true meaning of enjoying life. I did not actually see a rainbow on my visit, but I do believe that somewhere over the vineyard hills, dreams do come true.

Villagio Inn & Spa
6481 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
Tel: (800) 351-1133
Groups: (707) 948-5070
www.villagio.com

- Written by Stephanie T. Horwitz (stephanie.t.horwitz@gmail.com)

Ms. Horwitz is a frequent contributor to Vezeo.

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