Harvest Inn

Hidden in plain sight on the edge of the charmingly old-fashioned Napa Valley town of St. Helena is the Harvest Inn, a rustic boutique-style hotel set on 8 acres of parkland and redwood groves. This is the wine country’s main artery, and literally St. Helena’s Main Street — but from within the hotel’s expansive grounds, not to mention the English Tudor inn house itself, it feels like a world apart.

With 74 rooms it’s deceptively large, but with the accommodations broken up into distinct “neighborhoods” it never feels that big. In fact the overriding is one of privacy, the guest rooms taking plenty of space, most equipped with fireplaces, all with views of the gardens or vineyards. In a hotel like this one the bathrooms are equally as important as the bedrooms, and these don’t disappoint: they’re pure luxury, right down to the Aveda toiletries.

The spa, the pools and the hot tubs certainly don’t hurt the relaxed vibe. There’s a wine bar, naturally, but perhaps surprisingly no restaurant. But beyond a breakfast in the wine bar, there’s really no need. You’re in what might be the culinary capital of the United States, and there are worthy options all around, from downtown St. Helena up to Calistoga and down to Yountville, home of the French Laundry among other world-class eateries.

How to get there:
Harvest Inn is a 1 1/2 hour drive from San Francisco International Airport, 30 minutes from the Napa County Regional Airport and just 15 minutes from Yountville center.