Planning an entire week of vacation can be a hassle even when everyone else is doing it in the early summer. At this time of year—forget about it. Holiday expenses and obligations make it nearly impossible to even consider taking off more than a couple of days at work. But during this hectic season, a getaway can be more rewarding. Whether it’s solo, a romantic escape or a girls’ retreat, nothing is more rejuvenating than taking a break and experiencing a different environment to rejuvenate your senses.
Yountville, CA.
Have you checked the online specials on Southwest.com lately? If not, I suggest you explore the options. If you’re flexible with your dates and time of flight, you can be transported from ho-hum to hallelujah in about four hours. Direct flights to San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose easily reach the gorgeous California valley that is Napa. Once you arrive, a short and beautiful drive transports you to immediate tranquility.
Many parts of the vast Napa Valley wine region are worth exploring, but my favorite place to stay has always been in the heart of Yountville. From here, it’s a quick jaunt to every winery, and as a bonus, you don’t have to drive to enjoy the very best that the area has to offer. While that’s always been the case, it just got better with the opening of the Bardessono Inn and Spa.
This brand new resort makes a far better choice than some of those B&Bs you’ve no doubt seen online. At Bardessono, you have the best of all possible worlds for your escape: The rooms and adjacent porches and balconies provide extreme luxury and privacy, but they’re located just steps away from the area’s most famous and sought after restaurants and shopping.
Yes, this is a “green” property, and that means it’s a bit different than a standard B&B, but in no way does that mean you sacrifice any comfort. Instead, it’s the ultimate indulgence. You can just enjoy relaxing a bit more knowing that the sustainable buildings and operations are helping preserve the environment.
Automatic, energy-saving shades will open and close as you enter or leave your room. The food ordered from room service (fantastic) or enjoyed in the restaurant often includes herbs and fresh veggies from the onsite garden. The developers and staff have taken special steps to ensure that their efforts to be responsible go hand-in-hand with their goals to pamper guests in every way.
In-room set ups for spa services are standard—and a concept that makes perfect sense. The design is genius, with little wasted space despite rooms that qualify as oversized, even when compared to other sprawling resorts. A second story pool and bar, with a courtyard housing dining space, maximize the outdoor area. Reclaimed materials make up the majority of the exterior fabric for the cluster of suites. The interiors include fireplaces, every possible technological convenience, plush linens and incredible baths.
Once outside the room, you’ll find complimentary bicycles, trails and easy access to the most interesting shops in Napa. Within steps you can arrive at the popular Hurley’s Bistro, Thomas Keller’ incredible Bouchon French bistro and bakery, or my favorite restaurant, Bottega.
Bottega is the famous restaurant of celebrated chef Michael Chiarello and one not to be missed. While almost every eatery in Napa is excellent, this particular spot is still new and has created quite a stir on the dining scene in Yountville. House-cured olives, homemade pastas and vegetables from the chef’s garden are all standard. Entrees include fish and meat prepared with a creative flair, in generous portions perfect for sharing. A romantic but lively atmosphere combined with friendly service and a stellar wine list complete the list of reasons to secure a dinner reservation.
When not contemplating where to have your next meal—often a difficult decision based on the number of tempting choices—you’ll want to explore a few of the area’s other offerings, especially the nearby vineyards. There are a multitude within a short distance, including many boutique operations that provide a personal experience and an enjoyable environment for tasting and learning more about the varietals. One to put on your list is Girard Winery, and of course, look for your own favorite brands online—you’re likely to find more than a few nearby.
It’s worth driving a couple of miles to Oakville to visit Gargiulo Vineyards where winemakers create delicious blends, and pair their love for wine with a love for all things music and a Nashville connection. In fact, on my visit, Nashville’s own Billy Dean was hosting one of the vineyard’s seasonal Oakville Sessions, where Music City musicians gather to play overlooking the gorgeous vines.
If you want to combine shopping with your wine, try a fairly new outpost called Ma(i)sonry. It’s a two story design showcasing gorgeous art, plus distinctive home furnishings and décor for purchase, along with tastings from a variety of local wineries. It really is the ultimate shopping experience.
There are countless ways to enjoy a weekend in Yountville, from relaxing at the Bardessono to exploring the dining, shopping and natural excursions nearby. It’s one trip that will leave you completely pampered and totally at ease.
Yountville
Bardessono
6526 Yount Street.
(707)204-6000
bardessono.com
Bottega
6525 Washington Street
(707) 945-1050
botteganapavalley.com
Ma(i)sonry
6711 Washington Street
(707) 252-4444
blackbirdvineyards.com
Girard Winery
6795 Washington Street
(707) 968-9297
girardwinery.com
Gargiulo Vineyards
575 Oakville Crossroad
(707) 944-2770
gargiulovineyards.com
Atlanta
The simplest trips to plan are often those where you can skip dealing with the hassle of the airport and flight expenses and just jump in the car. In the same amount of time it takes to fly to the West Coast, you can arrive in your own vehicle at the South’s own mecca for shopping, dining and culture that is Atlanta. Yes, traffic for Atlantans is a bit messy, perhaps not something you want to consider navigating on a peaceful weekend; but, thanks to the location of a brand new hotel in the area, once you arrive at your destination, everything you desire is within easy access—eliminating any need for dealing with the freeway or traffic jams.
If you haven’t been to Atlanta in awhile, you may not be aware of an entirely new reason to visit: the newly completed, ultra-plush St. Regis Hotel. Located in the heart of Buckhead, this soaring property is quickly becoming a favorite of visitors and locals alike due to unparalleled service and remarkable accommodations. On 26 floors, there are 151 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites, a state of the art fitness facility and a signature Remède Spa.
If you haven’t visited another St Regis location, you’re in for a treat, as their rooms truly are spectacular. With such comfortable, gorgeous surroundings, leaving the hotel room to explore may be a challenge. (And the suites are beyond luxurious.) I suggest asking for the availability of the Carolina Astor Suite, which includes a full sitting room, an oversized, immaculate bath and a tile and stone balcony that rivals that of most homes. The fact that rooms and suites come with 24-hour butler service is a bonus, and it comes in handy for everything from securing reservations to stocking the bar to your liking.
Actually, a reservation here gives you instant access to the most sought-after tables and experiences in town, making the indulgence a clear value for your vacation investment. That’s probably why their roster of guest already includes top music celebrities and dignitaries who count on the hotel staff for superior service to access the best of the hotel and Atlanta.
The good news is you don’t have to be an A-lister to get star treatment, as it’s standard for all guests—especially those electing to enjoy a meal at the property’s signature restaurant, Paces 88. Despite the plethora of dining options nearby, a meal here is an occasion in itself, with an inventive menu of Southern favorites and an expansive wine list. If you want to stay and luxuriate in your glorious suite, not to worry, as the restaurant also provides room service—ideal for starting your day, prior to enjoying some of the nearby attractions.
One of the most exciting things happening at the St Regis Atlanta this season is the first hotel ice rink in the city, produced as a result of the St. Regis teaming with Coca-Cola. To celebrate their inaugural holiday season, they’re unveiling the Astor Holiday Rink in a spectacular outdoor setting. Specially priced packages allow for family weekends where all ages can enjoy the outdoor skating combined with activities like tea with Santa and a festive cocktail menu in the bar. For less than $400 per night, you can enjoy the Indulge in Holiday Traditions packages which includes skating for two adults and two children, accommodations, keepsake mugs and of course, take away steaming hot cocoa. This is a rare find in the South, so take advantage of this year as a treat for the whole family or a group of your friends. An outdoor fire and special treats are all part of the experience.
When venturing out of the hotel, you don’t have to go far for the very best shopping and dining. Within a short distance are the always popular Lenox Square Mall and Phipp’s Plaza mega centers. But what I like most is the close proximity to some truly unique shops and boutiques. Directly across the street from the hotel is Sage, a haven of designer goods for women at fair prices. Just down the road are luxury retailers like the bespoke store for men Sid Mashburn and the children’s specialty retailer B. Braithwaite and Sprout. If you’re in the market for home items, a must-stop on your list is B.D. Jeffries, where you’ll find every possible luxury leather good, apparel accessories, amazing antiques and lighting, plus unusual gifts unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.
For dining outside the hotel, there are so many excellent choices, it’s hard to actually make a decision. Some of the newer options include Abattoir, the latest venture by Chef Anne Quatrano, which features locally raised meats and a rustic atmosphere. Park 75 is also an excellent choice for both cocktails and dinner, and especially festive when they begin offering their Celebrity Chocolate Buffet in February. Sushi enthusiasts rave about the creations at MF Buckhead, and now the restaurant has a newly opened, late night lounge called MF Room, with lower priced tastings in a chic, relaxed atmosphere. To fuel up at lunch for some power shopping, check out Flip, a fun spot with a focus on fresh burgers with every imaginable topping available and a milkshake bar. For a classic meal in a club-like setting, you cannot go wrong with a reservation at BLT Steak, one of the city’s favorites for big portions and even bigger flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a couple’s retreat or a weekend of family fun and entertainment, Atlanta has something to offer. With a new stately hotel and the ice skating option, it rivals a weekend in New York City, with much less expense, hassle and travel time. All in all, it is the perfect weekend away.
Atlanta
Stay
St Regis Atlanta
88 West Paces Ferry Road/Buckhead
(404) 563-7900
stregis.com/atlanta
Shop
The Shops at Star Provisions
Sid Mashburn, Bacchanalia, B. Braithwaite & Sprout
1198 Howell Mill Road
Sage
Buckhead Market Place
37D West Paces Ferry Road
(404) 233-8280
sageclothing.com
BD Jeffries
3736 Roswell Road #B
(404) 231-3004
bdjeffries.com
Eat
Abattoir
1170 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 892-3335
starprovisions.com
Park 75
Four Seasons Hotel
75 14th Street
(404) 253-3840
fourseasons.com/atlanta
MF Buckhead
3280 Peachtree Road
(404) 841-1192
mfroom.com
FLIP
1587 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 352-FLIP (3547)
flipburgerboutique.com
BLT Steak Atlanta
The W Atlanta Downtown
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
(404) 577-7601
bltsteak.com