It was hard not to get excited as I turned up the driveway of the newly opened Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Lucky enough to call wine country home, I’ve spent years driving by the Silverado Trail address, watching and waiting for the highly anticipated resort to open its doors (it officially opened on Nov. 1).
Located in the all-too-often overlooked city of Calistoga, the Four Seasons is, somewhat surprisingly, Napa Valley’s first and only resort set within a working winery. Its 85 guestrooms and suites (and 20 private residences) are situated among Elusa Winery’s 4.7-acre organic vineyard. For clients hoping to immerse themselves in the world of wine making, it’s a vacation dream come true. Getting an up-close view of grapevines is as easy as sitting on your patio or going for a stroll through the property.
After checking in, guests are whisked to their room in a golf cart. Guestrooms are situated in freestanding villas; all accommodations feature a farmhouse-chic design, offering a gas fireplace, a large soaking tub, a wine refrigerator, a Nespresso machine, an electric tea kettle and a patio or balcony. While second-floor rooms are predominantly white with dark grey bathrooms, the color scheme reverses in ground-floor rooms. Though I found the color striking — its inspiration apparently comes from the barrel room at on-site Elusa Winery — the resulting space may be too dark for some clients’ liking.
All accommodations feature a gas fireplace.
Credit: 2021 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa ValleyWhat to Do (and Eat) at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
The property is an easy 15- to 20-minute walk to downtown Calistoga. Its main drag, Lincoln Avenue, is lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms and spots such as the spa at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, where mineral-laden mud baths have been a thing since the 1950s. There are too many wineries to mention located within a 15-minute drive from the resort. If clients’ plans include touring neighboring Sonoma County wine country, it’s only a half-hour or so away.
For guests looking to relax and enjoy doing just about nothing, the property gives them every reason to simply stay put. Wine tasting is steps from their room at Elusa Winery. Not having to get behind the wheel to take part in a tasting at a working winery sets the Four Seasons above other Napa Valley luxury hotel properties. The hand-farmed cabernet sauvignon vineyard is overseen by famed winemaker and Calistoga resident, Thomas Rivers Brown.
Spa Talisa offers eight treatment rooms (including two couples’ suites), a nail bar and a private patio with a whirlpool that’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Even the 24-hour fitness center comes with a vineyard view.
In addition to the adults-only Serenity Pool and hot tub, there is a family pool and hot tub on the property. The Four Seasons is also the only resort in Napa Valley to offer daily, dedicated programming for children. Its Kids for All Seasons program occupies prime real estate near the family pool.
Guests can relax at the adults-only Serenity Pool or the family pool.
Credit: 2021 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa ValleyThere are currently two dining options at the resort. Casual eatery Campo Poolside serves Cal-Mexican dishes including sea bass, lamb barbacoa tacos and black-bean-and-tuna tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza). Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the churros with chocolate and caramel sauces.
Enjoying sweeping views of the vineyard-studded property and beyond, Truss Living Room offers all-day indoor and outdoor dining. Current menu selections range from a Reuben benedict and huevos rancheros to cured duck breast, Snake River Farms strip loin and a cheeseburger with secret sauce. The bar’s creative cocktail list is constantly changing; the wine list is extensive with some 250 labels.
Truss Living Room offers all-day dining.
Credit: 2021 Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa ValleyThe eatery’s more formal counterpart, Truss Restaurant, is expected to open in the coming months after a chef is named. Michelin-starred chef Erik Anderson (previously at San Francisco restaurant Coi and The Catbird Seat in Nashville) departed the restaurant shortly after the resort opened in November.
As of press time, masks are required in all indoor public spaces in California. The Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ Lead With Care health and safety program helps guests feel at ease. At check-in, guests are provided with antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer and disposable masks.
Due to the city of Calistoga’s no-chain businesses ordinance, the resort is also locally referred to as The Resort at 400 Silverado Trail. Rates start at $1,200 per night.
The Details
Elusa Winery
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
