While there is no shortage of enticing spas in Napa Valley, Meadowood (St. Helena, CA) is giving discerning spa-goers another option with the debut of Meadowood Spa. There, guests can embark on a true wellness journey amid the captivating private estate. In addition to the cozy cottages, elegant suites, and spacious lodges, the property also boasts a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. The resort recently underwent a $60-million update, which included renovating the nine-hole golf course, redesigning the guest rooms, and adding the luxury spa.
Exclusive to resort guests and members, the spa reflects its beautiful wooded surroundings and features natural elements throughout. In fact, a grand oak tree welcomes guests at the entrance. Inside, the reception area features oak flooring, reclaimed wood beams, hand-applied textural plaster, and a fireplace with hand-forged steel. Other highlights include a silk rug from Tibet, handmade pottery from a local Napa Valley ceramic artist, and other curated antiques from around the world. Designed to be rustic yet elegant, the spa relies on a color palette of warm greys and browns.
According to director of spa and wellness Michael Conte, the spa differentiates itself by offering an all-suite program in which spa-goers never need to leave the comfort of their private treatment suites. Each of the eight suites features a treatment area with a relaxation space, a private steam shower, a vanity, a bathroom, and a locker. The Treehouse Retreat, featuring a fireplace, a soaking tub, and soothing water features, is another space in which guests can experience treatments and more. “We take a genuine interest in each guest with a wellness dialogue built into every service to encourage people to make small changes in their daily routines that will make them feel better,” says Conte.
It was important that a strong sense of place be incorporated into both the spa and its menu of offerings. “We wanted to showcase our beautiful suites so we built our treatment menu around the lovely spaces we have to offer our guests,” says Conte.
Each experience begins with a soothing signature tea by Ikaati and concludes with a post-treatment organic elixir. The idea behind the menu was to create a curated experience that celebrates the Napa Valley. The Essential Journey (starting at $225, 90 minutes) is designed to introduce guests to the all-suite concept. Following a consultation, a customized pre-treatment therapy is performed in harmony with a 60-minute massage, body treatment, or facial. The spa also offers a variety of packages inspired by the destination, such as From the Fields ($840, 4 hours), which focuses on the body with nourishing botanicals; From the Vines ($710, 3 hours and 30 minutes), which rejuvenates the skin with vinotherapy; From the Earth ($595, 3 hours), which centers the mind with grounding treatments; and From the Gardens ($595, 3 hours), which features a variety of services that change with the seasons.
A culinary menu designed by chef Victoria Acosta complements the spa’s treatment menu with a selection of healthy options, including house-dried fruits from the Meadowood garden; nuts; grains; a variety of elixirs; and other light fare. Spa-goers are encouraged to enjoy the offerings in their spa suites or in the relaxation gardens. “Having an all-suite program is new to many of our guests so if they are a first-time visitor to our spa, they may need guidance on how to fully enjoy our programming,” says Conte. “We encourage our guests to arrive before their treatments so they may enjoy the privacy of their suite and take some time to discuss their wellness goals with their therapist if they choose before their service begins. We then invite them to be escorted to the garden lounges after their treatments if they wish to partake in our other amenities.”
Set amid the 250-acre estate, the spa is the perfect complement to the charming resort. “We offer our guests a wide range of options during their time in Napa Valley, whether they simply want to indulge in a spa service before a day of wine tasting or would like to have a comprehensive wellness retreat,” says Conte. “We are developing exciting programming for our guests that includes classes, fitness, meditation, culinary experiences, and of course, wonderful spa treatments to help all of our guests have a perfect vacation at Meadowood.”
Owners: Bill Harlan and Stan Kroenke
Director of spa and wellness: Michael Conte
Opened: November 2015
Client Base
75% female
25% male
Space
14,000 square feet; 9 treatment rooms
Products
Aromatherapy Associates, Caudalie, Eufora, Glycelene, Ikaati, Luzern Laboratories, Majestic International, Outback Organics, SpaRitual, Yeah Baby
Equipment
Edge Systems,
Hammer Strength,
Life Fitness,
Living Earth Crafts,
TouchAmerica,
Visual One
Architect
Howard Backen, Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects (St. Helena, CA)
Interior Designer
Leslie Hemmings
(Napa Valley, CA)
Spa Consultant
Nancy Nemer,
Red Cashew
(Encinitas, CA)