If you’re looking to unwind in style or delve into a wine country experience, visit and stay at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Set upon 36 acres, it’s the largest resort hotel in the breathtaking Napa Valley and, of course, one of its finest. What’s more, it’s better than ever, with the unveiling of a two-year, $25 million renovation completed in April. To give you a better idea of what you can see and do, this guide can be your key to maximizing your visit. From spa indulgences, to upscale dining options and vineyard explorations, you’ll find all the essential details for a luxurious Napa Valley getaway!
Meritage Resort and Spa
875 Bordeaux Way
Napa, CA 94558
(866) 370-6272
www.meritageresort.com
How to Get to the Meritage Resort and Spa
The Meritage Resort and Spa is located about 45 miles north of San Francisco. Depending upon your route, you can take Highway 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge. You would then stay on Highway 101 for about 19 miles before turning eastbound onto Highway 37. After approximately 22 miles, you can then turn onto Highway 29 towards Napa. Alternatively from San Francisco, you can cross the Bay Bridge via Highway 80. As you pass through Vallejo, take the Fairgrounds Drive exit to Highway 37. Of course, it’s advisable to use a GPS app, such as Google Maps or Waze to guide you to the resort.
Parking and Registration
Upon your arrival at the Meritage Resort, you have the option to self-park ($10 per night) or use valet parking ($20). As you step into the new lobby area, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly and hospitable staff. The check-in process is usually seamless and staff are on hand to assist you in getting settled and relaxed for your Napa Valley getaway. In addition, you will receive a welcome glass of Napa Valley wine, should you so desire. At this time, you might want to pause to appreciate the resort’s charm, with its fabulous Mission-style architecture and sweeping vineyards.
Accommodations
Of the 476 rooms at the Meritage Resort and Spa, 322 underwent an impressive transformation as part of the $25 million renovation. This includes Meritage Guestrooms, Vineyard Guestrooms, and any of the resort’s lavish suites. Regardless of the type of room you select, you will have several outstanding amenities to enjoy. For instance, you’ll have complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini refrigerator, fine linens, an HD TV with Chromecast, and an in-room safe. That’s not to mention a redesigned bathroom, premium toiletries, a personal device docking station, and even a complimentary bottle of premium wine. Of course, the Meritage Resort also offers accessible rooms, although it’s best to call ahead to make your arrangements.
Pet-Friendly Resort Hotel
In case you were hoping to bring your furry friend for your Napa getaway, the Meritage Resort and Spa has you covered. In fact, the resort even offers a pet-friendly walking trail within its 9-acre vineyard. There is a one-time $50 cleaning fee to bring your pet and $50 per pet, per stay. However, your pet will have use of a branded dog bed and will receive a pet amenity bag and a dog bowl to take home. Of course, you must sign a waiver, and the pet-friendly resort has a complete set of guidelines to review in advance.
Dining at the Meritage Resort and Spa
During your visit to the resort, you’ll enjoy the available dining choices. In fact, you have six options for enjoying a meal during your Napa Valley stay. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back meal or an upscale dining experience, there’s something to please your palate.
Ember Steak
The newest dining option at the Meritage Resort and Spa is Ember Steak, led by Chef Cary Roy. An integral part of the resort’s $25 million renovation, Ember Steak is one of Napa’s hottest new restaurants and features an extensive list of premium cuts, seafood including sushi, and more. Among your current steak offerings are A5 Miyazaki Japanese wagyu ($100), Porterhouse ($140) and a Black Angus Tomahawk Ribeye ($175). As for seafood, your choices include Roasted Salmon Steak ($38), the daily catch, and starter dishes like Spicy Tuna Rolls ($25). Ember Steak also offers a nice selection of crafted cocktails, premium beers and local and international fine wines.
Olive and Hay
Olive and Hay is another exceptional upscale dining option at the Meritage Resort and Spa, open daily for brunch and dinner. Featuring farm-to-table Italian-inspired cuisine, the restaurant offers several delicious options. For example, the restaurant currently has five pizza options, such as the Black Truffle ($30) and Proscuitto di Parma ($26). That’s not to mention pasta dishes like Rigatoni ($27) and main dishes like American Wagyu New York Strip ($62). If you’re a wine lover, make sure to inquire with your server about Olive and Hay’s wine selection. After all, it’s a 2024 Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence recipient, and the Napa Valley is renowned worldwide for its fine wines.
The Commons
If you’re feeling like keeping it casual, The Commons is a great choice! Located next to the new lobby space, It has a full bar and large HDTVs for watching sporting events. From the bar or at your table, you can order handcrafted cocktails, Napa Valley wines and gourmet bar bites like Calabrese Flatbread ($25) and Truffle Fries ($16).
Crush Lounge
Yet another choice for casual dining is the Crush Lounge, which also underwent a renovation as part of the $25 million project. Completely reimagined, the lounge features 12 HDTVs to watch sports, a full bar and plenty of seating available. But what makes Crush Lounge really stand out is its six-lane bowling alley, gourmet bar bites, foosball and shuffleboard.
Blend Café
Looking for a something to boost your spirits or a light nibble? Blend Café offers gourmet coffee and freshly baked treats, along with grab-to-go sandwiches.
Room Service
In addition to your many dining options, the resort offers room service, available daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to a menu that features burgers, salads, treats for kids and gourmet bites for pets, like chicken and yams.
Additional Food Options
To ensure that you will have the finest Napa Valley experience possible, the Meritage Resort and Spa has a few other food options. For one, you have Fivetown Grocery, featuring gourmet items that represent the five towns of the Napa Valley. In addition to grocery items, you can also order breakfast items, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. Then there’s the Food & Wine Center, offering hands-on cooking classes and pop-up dining experiences. One other option is to have a picnic in the resort’s vineyard and sumptuous bites from Fivetown Grocery.
The Village Tasting Rooms
While a trip through the Napa Valley is certainly a must, you can get a taste of Napa onsite at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Indeed, you can just visit any of the wine tasting rooms, including new Sora Napa, for a round of “bubbles and bites.” In addition to Sora Napa, you can sample fine wines at Anachrist Wine Co., Gen 7 Wines and Trinitas Cellars. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Village Lawn, the resort’s centerpiece and the setting for special events like the recent Blue Note Jazz Festival.
Related: Blue Note Jazz Festival Returns to Napa
Spa Terra
The Meritage Resort and Spa is well known for its focus, on relaxation and wellness experiences. In fact, the resort’s Spa Terra is considered to be the world’s first fully underground spa. Covering 22,000 square feet, Spa Terra offers a full spa menu, including body treatments, facials and massages. After your spa session is over, you can relax in the lounge area or indulge in the whirlpools. By the way, Spa Terra provides couples therapy sessions, so that you and your significant other can experience a soothing massage together in a setting illuminated by candles. In addition, Spa Terra hosts yoga classes on a regular basis, as well as other group exercise classes.
Related: Best Spa Hotels in Downtown Calistoga
Fitness
If you enjoy keeping active as a part of your wellness regimen during your stay, then head over to the resort’s spacious gym. As you would expect, the fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio equipment and weight machines. In addition, there is a full set of free weights, as well as other gym equipment, such as exercise mats and exercise balls. Adjacent to the fitness center is even more space for group exercise classes.
Two Swimming Pools
At the award-winning Meritage Resort and Spa, you have access to not one but two spacious swimming pools. In other words, there is a family-friendly pool and adults-only pool that’s perfect for lap swimming. At either pool, you can rent a comfortable cabana, as well as order food at drinks at poolside. Please note that access to the swimming pool is open to guests and day visitors for a fee.
Conference and Event Space
With 80,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the Meritage Resort and Spa is the largest in the Napa Valley. This includes the two largest ballrooms, which also underwent an extensive renovation. In other words, this Napa Valley resort can be the perfect setting for any special occasion, including business conferences, private parties and of course, intimate weddings. Furthermore, the resort has its own chapel for weddings and other private ceremonies. That’s not to mention the Estate Cave, that’s quite popular for weddings and other special occasions. Other event spaces to consider are the Village Lawn, Vintner’s Room, the Rooftop Terrace and the Wellness Lawn.
Vineyard Walking Trail,
If time permits, you should consider taking a stroll through the resort’s 9-acre vineyard. Covering 1.5 miles, you can take a self-guided tour or join the Vineyard Yoga Hike on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. Either way, the local landmark at the end of the trail is well worth your time. That’s where you can see the 15-foot-tall Grape Crusher statue, which symbolizes the early days of winemaking in the Napa Valley.
Related: MOHI Food and Wine Festival, Morgan Hill
Discovering the charms of Napa Valley
While you have so many things to see and do at the Meritage Resort and Spa, you must set time to visit other portions of the Napa Valley. This is particularly true if you’re a wine lover, with over 400 wineries to choose from. This includes Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, the two wineries that literally put the region on the world wine map. Of course, there are many other wineries to consider, such as Beringer Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, Domaine Carneros, Inglenook and Robert Mondavi Winery. In addition, the Napa Valley has famous restaurants like the French Laundry, two Culinary Institute of America locations at Greystone and Copia and much more.
Checking Out
Before your time at the Meritage Resort and Spa wraps up, you’ll discover that the check-out process is just as simple as the check-in procedure. Prior to departing, be sure to take a walk through the vineyards or savor a relaxing breakfast on your balcony. If you’re not prepared for the enchantment to conclude yet and wish to extend your stay a bit longer in Napa Valley. simply consult the concierge. For example, you can arrange a late check out or store your belongings securely while you continue exploring the area further.
Related: Small Napa Valley Wineries to Visit on National Wine Day
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS for eight years. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a media fellowship from Stanford University and is a member of Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW).
