The buildup of excitement to visit Napa Valley in wine country, California, is almost as good as the actual visit. Flying into San Francisco and driving past the Golden Gate Bridge will lead you to Meritage Resort & Spa, one of several wine and spa resorts in the area.
A vineyard lines the roof, covering the natural caves of Meritage's Spa Terra in a Tuscan-inspired design that also houses a small space for the signature Trinitas tasting bar. Once in robes and slippers, head to the meditation room before entering a room of grandeur – with large Tuscan doors that open under a curved archway -- into a spacious room with two massage beds that lead to a Jacuzzi for two, already bubbling with sparkling wine and infused berries. For 25 minutes, one lucky couple will enjoy this Spumante treatment, soaking and enjoying the jets, drinking champagne and snacking on chocolate truffles, all the while savoring the sounds of classical music that surrounded you. And one knock on the door -- you're done. But first, you must pick out an aromatic oil of your liking for the head, neck and shoulder massage that follows. How about a de-stress oil, or a de-tox version?
Your back, shoulders, neck and head are the areas to which two massage therapists will work their magic. Or at least work some knots out before sending you back to the mediation room with a stress-free state of mind.
Leaving Spa Terra, you'll cross a beautiful courtyard to head back to your room that overlooks both the poolside courtyard, Spa Terra cave entrance and the vineyard. You will not forget the experience with these reminders in view.
Once dressed for dinner, a must stop is in the hotel lobby for a quick wine-tasting, compliments of a local winery. For dinner, a great stop is Mustards Grill in Yountville, open for 25 years, and where many local winemakers meet for lunch. It is also where a Mongolian Pork Chop beckons, as does the quail. For appetizers, enjoy a bowl of mussels and clams in a chowder or a bowl of Dungeoness crab chowder. Oh, and the wine: a bottle of Bell Claret Napa Valley 2005 should do the trick, especially once the server decanters the wine at the table. Sophistication at its best.
The morning air is crisp in Napa Valley, but the outdoor terrace at the Meritage is the perfect spot to enjoy a breakfast of coffee and croissants, paired with our patio view of the Spa Terra cave entrance and the Trinitas vineyards. It is here that you could witness some early morning entertainment -- watching a pack of coyote's chasing a rabbit across the rows of grapevines in the vineyard.
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