CLICK HERE if you are having trouble viewing these photos on a mobile device
When you think of a Napa Valley getaway, your mind conjures up images of vine-covered resorts tucked into the rolling vineyards of St. Helena or Calistoga. Vista Collina, a new Meritage Collection hotel that opened at the southern tip of Napa Valley in July, lacks that immediate wine country ambiance but makes up for it in many other ways.
Because of its proximity to Highway 29, Vista Collina is an easy trip from the Bay Area — 35 minutes door-to-door from Walnut Creek — and just across the street from a sister property, the Meritage Resort & Spa, which offers Siena, a fine dining option.
Of course, you might prefer to linger on Vista Collina’s 16,000-square-foot community lawn, enjoying a picnic from the resort’s market, Five Town Grocery, and sipping your way through the nine tasting rooms on property, including Mi Sueño Winery, Jayson by Pahlmeyer and Napa Smith Brewery. Did we mention the live music?
ROOMS: The resort features 145 Tuscan-style guest rooms and suites decorated in neutral tones with bold purples and greens. You’ll find super-cozy king or double queen beds with Frette linens, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and personal device docking stations in the rooms. Stay in one of the 39 suites and you’ll also get a deep soaking tub, living and dining room areas and the option to cook your own meals using delivered ingredients and the Hestan Cue Smart Cooking System.
SPLASHES: Our spa bathroom featured a natural-stone vanity, tiles and a rain-water shower. Extra goodies include Frette robes and slippers and Fresh brand bath and body products —score.
EXTRAS: Vista Collina is dog-friendly. If you bring Fido, he’ll get a plush doggie bed (included in the $50 pet cleaning fee). Five Town Grocery will even bake your pup a treat. Ours loved his sweet-potato peanut butter cupcake.
DETAILS: Rooms start at $249 plus resort fee. 850 Bordeaux Way, Napa; https://meritagecollection.com/vista-collina.