Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection

The original Napa Valley luxury boutique hotel, Auberge du Soleil, three decades on, is still going strong — so strong that, for many repeat guests, there simply isn’t anywhere else. They come for the setting, with views over endless vineyards and olive groves; they come for the hotel, which is effortlessly, unpretentiously luxurious; and they come, most of all, for the restaurant, which stands out as something special even in Napa Valley, a region that’s arguably America’s culinary capital.

In true French style, the restaurant came first, with rooms provided as an added inducement for diners to drive those last few miles to Rutherford. Today they’re anything but an afterthought. A recent renovation has brought them subtly up to date, but they’re true to the Auberge’s Provence-meets-Napa inspiration, sunny and warm, with glass walls or French doors opening the spaces up to the outdoors via a private terrace — it’s worth springing for the valley view, but there isn’t a disappointing room in the house.

Then again, everyone gets a jaw-dropping, far-ranging view of this picturesque valley from the restaurant. And you won’t miss the restaurant — your concierge will have a stern word for you, and so will we, if you make too many dinner reservations off-site. Executive chef Robert Curry’s cooking lives up to the Auberge’s legend, and the wine list, some 15,000 bottles strong, is the envy of many a Napa Valley hotel.

Combine all of the above with a gorgeous terraced pool deck, a full-service spa, a capacious fitness center, and facilities for tennis and yoga, there’s not much call to leave the property — and many guests don’t. There’s no shame in it — there’s great value in knowing when you’ve got a good thing going.

Please note: Auberge du Soleil is designed to cater to adults; bringing children is not recommended. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed at the pool, gym or spa.

How to get there:
Auberge du Soleil is approximately a 2-hour drive from San Francisco International Airport, 1½ hours from Oakland International Airport and 30 minutes from Napa County Airport.