Meadowood: A Beautiful and Secluded Escape

Shop, Stop, Stay, and Be Satisfied

(ST. HELENA, CA) -- While there maybe a few places to lodge in the Valley that will rival Meadowood in sheer luxury, it’s the entire experience that the beautiful property provides that draws the rich, the famous, and just the fatigued. Whatever your reason for escape, you will find the therapy on this 250-acre private retreat.

Comfort can be found in the suites, cottages and lodges built in discrete groups and tucked into the nooks and crannies of the valley that the resort sits in. The architecture blends with the environment and rooms offer the dweller beautiful views overlooking lawns or wooded areas and sunny porches to relax on. Several historic stone walls erected by Chinese craftsmen over a century ago dot the landscape and are incorporated into the well thought out environment.

Recreation and wellness are as important as food, wine, and relaxation at Meadowood. The property embraces families and provides championship croquet lawns, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, nature trails, swimming, a health spa and fitness center, and a wine educator, along with an annual cultural affairs calendar full of activities for families, adults, and children.

If you wanted a possible celebrity encounter, the spot mostly likely to view the elusive and exclusive crowd would be at St. Helena’s Meadowood Resort.

But putting all the accoutrements together in a splendid environment is not what makes Meadowood the hang out of the fabulous (President Bush was a notable recent guest). Their air of approachability coupled with discretion and friendly service by seemingly pretty happy people, I think, is what truly sets them apart. Attention to detail is clearly important, and can be found in unanticipated places. The nature trails surrounding the property provide a strenuous little jaunt -- up to 3 miles with a good elevation gain. Just when you have drained the water bottle (recommended and provided by the staff) you will come upon a small stash of fresh bottles, by a trash can (of course) to help replenish yourself.

Contributing Editor ML Hilton recently enjoyed the deftly executed culinary skills of Chefs Nattress and Humphrey at The Restaurant. Read about her evening.

If you would like to experience Meadowood for yourself, check out their contact information on WineCountry.com.