Fragrant herbs found throughout the 23-acre property are used in the spa.
The captivating village of Yountville, CA, is a haven for aficionados of the finer things in life. It boasts numerous gourmet
restaurants, among them Ad Hoc, Bouchon, and French Laundry, three award-winning eateries from famed chef Thomas Keller. It
is also situated amid the acclaimed Stags Leap growing region, home to Stags Leap Wine Cellars, producer of some of the most
highly regarded cabernets in the world, including vintages that consistently beat out their French counterparts in prestigious
international competitions. But perhaps most compelling, this charming, walkable Napa Valley town is the site of the landmark
four-diamond Vintage Estate and its luxe new Spa Villagio.
The 23-acre property, which is home to both the Tuscan-inspired Villagio Inn & Spa and the French country-style Vintage Inn,
has provided relaxation-seekers with spa services at its intimate on-site spa since 1998. But after listening to guest feedback,
the management team realized that their sophisticated, well-traveled clients were looking for more when it came to their spa
experiences. Thus, the concept for the current 13,000-square-foot, 21-treatment-room sanctuary was born, and the spa opened
its doors in April to much fanfare. "Guests absolutely love the new spa," says spa director Leslie Wolski, who initially worked
with the property as a spa consultant then signed on as spa director as her passion for the project grew. "This is the spa
they were asking for."
The Loft, one of five spa suites, features a fireplace, a daybed, a jetted infinity soaking tub, and an inviting outdoor deck.
Spa Villagio is the epitome of Mediterranean-inspired style. Guests enter along a flower-filled walkway that is surrounded
by soothing fountains and serene reflecting pools. Vaulted stone arched entryways then lead them into an airy reception atrium
complete with rich woods and Napa Valley fieldstone. After a greeting from a spa host and check-in, guests are introduced
to a spa concierge who helps them plan their perfect spa experience before guiding them to either the men's or women's spa
lounge to relax prior to their treatments. Each opulent lounge includes relaxation areas with wood-beamed ceilings, hardwood
floors, Italian-style tiles, wrought-iron and crystal chandeliers, and fireplaces. Lounge amenities include Swiss showers,
steam and dry saunas, and outdoor thermal soaking tubs. Individual guests or couples looking for a more intimate, luxurious
experience can bypass the lounge and head directly to one of the spa's five luxuriously appointed spa suites. Each of the
suites features fireplaces, daybeds, steam showers, wet bars, flat-screen televisions with Bose surround sound and iPod docking
stations, and private outdoor terraces with jetted infinity-soaking tubs.
According to Wolski, one of the spa's biggest successes thus far has been the suites, where the decadent Suite Sensations
($575 per person, 3 hours 30 minutes) customized experiences occur. Already, the packages have been selling out on weekends
and enticing spa-goers, particularly couples, regularly throughout the week. "The suites are popular and gaining in popularity,"
she says. "The booking pace for the Suite Sensations has been more than we anticipated, and the feedback has been extremely
positive—we are very excited!"
With plush chairs, a toasty fireplace, and locally influenced design accents, the cozy relaxation lounge is a perfect site
for pre-treatment soothing.
This response isn't entirely surprising, however, considering the tempting introduction potential spa-goers receive. All Vintage
Estate visitors are encouraged to enjoy a tour of the suites upon arrival at the property, during which time the spa concierge
explains the details of the decadent signature experience. First, clients select from Citrus Notes (lemon and orange), Floral
Notes (lavender and rose), Herbal Notes (basil and geranium), and Woody Notes (cypress and eucalyptus) room scents. Then,
they choose a musical selection from jazz, classical, rhythm and blues, New Age, and nature options. Next, clients can select
either Ambient Art Impression or Ambient Calm for their visual experience and view either a revolving set of 340 pieces of
classical art or images of nature on the flat-screen television throughout the experience. Next, they select one of four customized
sensual journeys—Awaken: An Escape to Energize and Restore; Breathe: A Journey to Breathe Away Stress; Shine: An Exhilarating
Experience for Radiance; and Together: A Romantic Ritual of Pleasure—that incorporates Comfort Zone products and includes
body treatments, hydrotherapy soaks, facials, or massages, depending on the selection. Additionally, the spa's culinary team
provides light refreshments, lunch, or dinner, depending on the time of day.
"I think that guests are attracted by the level of personalization in terms of the amenities provided and the treatment customization
and also the fact that they can choose the timing," says Wolski. "Each Suite Sensation is three-and-a-half hours long, but
only two-and-a-half hours of that is treatment. The guest has one hour of rest built in, and they can also choose to add more
free time to relax and listen to their iPod, enjoy a glass of wine, steam and soak a bit longer, or even take a nap on the
daybed. The suites provide a complete getaway that can be experienced and enjoyed in less than a day."