Solage, an Auberge Resort
World Class Luxury and Pure Bliss in Napa Valley—Detox, Recharge, and Repeat!
A century ago, Calistoga was a town centered around its bubbling natural hot springs and the beautiful weather of the Napa Valley. Today, it’s a bucket-list destination for ardent wine lovers, foodies and wellness seekers for its particularly enviable version of La Dolce Vita, Napa Style! Solage was created to reflect its hometown spirit, drawing visitors as well as area vintners who come here after a day in the vineyards to relax over a glass of wine or a craft cocktail and connect.
We enjoyed winding down our week in wine country at Solage Calistoga, a gorgeous, exclusive resort at the north end of Napa Valley, near the charming town of Calistoga. Napa Valley is a World Class destination, and staying at Solage is the perfect way to experience the very best of what Napa has to offer, in a glorious setting, with unparalleled service and amenities which the Auberge Collection of hotels and resorts is known for.
Staying at Solage gives guests the opportunity to custom plan their stay and incorporate personalized experiences like a Primordial Sound Bath Floating Massage or Signature Mudslide Treatment at the renowned spa, partake in in yoga classes, relax in a private poolside cabana, indulge in a private Chef’s Favorite Pizza Experience on your patio, a game of bocce, hike along historic trails, guided swim lessons and activities for kids, evening s’mores, a personal Peloton in your room, a hot air balloon ride, and much more! Solage is geared to sophisticated, wellness and fitness-oriented travelers who appreciate a pampered, curated experience that can be tailored to their desires. Rooms and suites are among the most comfortable and inviting I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The resort was designed with a deep respect for nature and the place—putting a fresh spin on wine country style with clean lines, natural materials, and loft-like layouts ranging from 515 to 1,900 square feet. Guests will appreciate the thought that went into the design and décor—starting with the spacious feel of a vaulted ceiling, pebble-stone floor shower and furnished outdoor patio that opens out to all the secret gardens of Solage. Suites emphasize casual elegance with their outdoor shower and soaking tub (or jetted hot tub), and cozy fire pit and comfortable seating, seamlessly integrating indoors and the outside.
The cuisine at Solage is a perfect complement to the lavishly appointed, yet totally relaxed resort and showcases the local bounty in a manner consistent with the splendor of the setting. Solbar, the signature restaurant, is a local favorite for craft cocktails or unwinding over a leisurely dinner. The restaurant features extensive outdoor seating overlooking the landmark pool, and is beautifully illuminated at night with a 20-foot fire pit which beckons guests to enjoy the romantic ambience with a special someone, lively conversation with friends, or relaxing with after-dinner cordials. Executive Chef Gustavo Rios, is honored to be part of a “food culture that respects local produce, farmers and ranchers” at Solage. Chef Rios showcases that back-to-the-land reverence with farm-fresh Napa Valley produce. While the sourcing may be local, the menu’s influences are global, resulting in flavorful, inventive border-crossing cuisine. Solbar divides its menu into light, delicate flavors to stimulate your palate, and bold, savory dishes to comfort and nourish your soul, all with ingredients that showcase the best of what’s fresh and seasonal in Napa Valley. Enjoy outdoor dining on the sunlit newly expanded Solbar patio, which has recently doubled in size. Solbar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After a long day tasting wine, nothing could have beat a leisurely dinner at Solbar. As the sun set and lights came on, the air cooled and the ambience became that of a lovely garden party. The cuisine was fresh, lively, and well-balanced. We started with the Crudo of Hamachi with aguachile, mint, avocado, Sourdough Parker House Rolls, Pacific Oysters, Roasted Cauliflower with Rancho Gordo chickpeas, garbanzo beans, cashew-tahini butter, mint, and cilantro, and Uni Carbonara with squid ink bucatini, kombu butter, calamari, Hobb’s pancetta, and furikake—a fabulous fusion of Asian and Italian! Entrees included Grilled Wild King Salmon with roasted baby squash, tomato chutney, charred baba ghanoush, and yellow curry sauce, Rockfish with coconut-lemongrass broth, red quinoa, clams, mussels, shrimp, and herbs, and Liberty Farms Duck with California pistachio porridge, Lacinato kale, duck butter, and cherry jus. For dessert, the Caramelized Apple Tart with Fuji apples, cinnamon-Verjus syrup, and vanilla bean ice cream was a totally decadent, artisanal take on an American classic!
Needless to say, we didn’t want to leave Solage—and can’t wait to get back and enjoy one of the most indulgent, relaxing experiences in the heart of wine country, one that soothes the soul and leaves guests nourished and poised to re-enter the “real world.” ☐
Photos courtesy, Auberge Resorts Collection
Leave a Reply