ONSITE REVIEW: Alila Napa Valley

By Lark Gould

Napa Valley remains a classic for food and wine travel. And Napa is all about indulgence – all 30 miles in length and five miles in width of it. Now, the new Alila Napa Valley at the edge of St. Helena, only augments this immersion. 

Find the property, a boutique, five-star luxury brand under the Hyatt moniker that opened a year ago, adjacent to the circa 1876 wine groves and Victorian tasting rooms of Beringer vineyards with accommodations looking over these groves. Formerly, Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel by Marriott, Alila’s 68 airy rooms and suites make a point of pulling in these surroundings through such touches as private fire pits on each patio for sipping in the romantic firelight on the patio. Other accommodations offer deep soaking tubs on the patio for a very rare experience of Napa’s seasons. 

Golden Touches

More Midas touches include precious wine pourings on check-in and exquisite Pinots and Chardonnays in the mini-bar. And, of course, the wine wanderings to be had all around Napa leave no taste untended. 

But Alila is a destination in itself for those who want to chill with their favorite vintage and those who want to come with friends, partner, book club or business associates. You’ll feel an immediate calming as you pick up your room key in the dedicated front office house and make plans between sips. The sunny California weather is warm but not too warm and everything, from the simple oblong lap pool area to the Cape Cod style restaurant and bar, to the tony accommodations beyond, seems to sparkle. 

Ample Amenities at Alila

Alila’s accommodations range from 440 square feet up to the expansive 1,494-square-foot Vineyard View Suite and spread out among two buildings and three floors. The rooms are light and airy with large balconies fitted with two plush rockers, a daybed couch and the easy-on fire pit for staying warm under the stars. Expect muted tones, craftsman furnishings, soft luxury linens, bespoke Italian furnishings, a marble and tile bathroom with rainshower and hand nozzles, a sumptuous Victoria + Albert soaking tub with perfumed bath salts and a reading rack, plus a separate water closet and sink with a Toto Japanese washlet that greets you and keeps the seat warm. 

Naturally there is a mini-bar here with not only local wine but designer waters, locally-sourced almond snacks and a Nespresso machine. 

Enjoy a choice of outlets and ways to keep small devices charged but, as Alila is a leisure resort in the middle of the wine country, the guest room purposely lacks a dedicated desk space – although with a little maneuvering, one can jimmy this with furnishings and resources in the room. A bedside lighting console works the curtains as well as reading and “romantic” light settings.

Alila Immersive Moments

Motifs of slate and distressed woods, marble, metals and glass seem to ring through Alila’s design, all producing an understated sense of calm, even in the spa. A spacious spa relaxation area there offers the pillowed loungers and tea service and connects to an outside patio with a tranquil water feature, comfortable chairs and cathedral shading that opens to the sky. The spa lacks a Jacuzzi-style amenity but does offer steam and a hot and cold outside deluge shower. A 24-hour fitness area with TRX equipment, Peloton bikes, yoga studio (with complementary classes), and outdoor relaxation area can be tapped as desired. 

And the spa is a noted highlight of Alila, if only for its intense and holistic  treatment menu that focuses on fresh and local products and unusual east-west approaches. Recommended: The Talisman treatment – a 60- or 90-minute infusion of aromatherapy oils and hard-edged basalt rocks for smoothing every muscle. Customized activities – from expert lectures to wine, cheese and chocolate tastings, to perfume-making, painting, cooking and cocktail creating can be set up as needed. For small meetings, such capabilities can prove impressive as break-out sessions for larger agendas. A comfortable meeting house called The Barn, plus an adjacent outside event space, can easily seat groups of up to 200 people. 

Dining à la Alila

Acacia House by Chris Cosentino is at the heart of Alila. Meals are served in-room or in Alila’s central restored cape farmhouse featuring an ample wrap-around porch. The menu overseen by the acclaimed “Top Chef Masters” winner. Dishes are seasonally driven to showcase Napa’s notable local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. The menu offers an extensive wine list crafted by the resort’s master sommelier, as well as signature cocktails. Of those, the Acacia Margarita gets the accolades for its use of top-flight tequilas topped with a luscious salt foam. Must-try dinner entrees might include vintage strip loin with snails, green garlic, spicy greens, horseradish, or sea urchin cacio e pepe – whipped with fine herbs.

While days are active with wine tasting plans (make sure to call to reserve spots well in advance or work with Alila’s concierge to determine tasting room availabilities), and can also be filled ambling through St. Helena – a 15 minute stroll from Alila; or Calistoga – a 10 minute drive; or the villages along the way to Napa, a short half hour drive on rt. 29; or taking one of the hotel bikes and exploring the country roads, nights are quiet and dedicated to the culinary delights that abound in this year-‘round destination. 

Alila is the perfect place to use World of Hyatt rewards for an easy mix of business and pleasure. Napa is less than an hour’s drive from SFO or OAK and Santa Rosa Airport (STS) is now open for quick jaunts from major gateways through Alaska, American, Avelo and United. The airport is a 40-minute drive from Alila. Private car can be arranged by the hotel or car rentals are available at the airport. 

CONTACT: Alila Napa Valley, 1915 Main St., St. Helena, CA 94574. (707) 963-7000. www.alilahotels.com/napa-valley; Alila is one of three Alila resorts in California, joining Alila Ventana Big Sur and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.