Important question: Have you ever had your own private firepit on your hotel room balcony? I hadn’t either, until my recent stay at Alila Napa Valley.
Honestly, if there hadn’t been so many other temptations around the property, I could have happily spent most of my time in my room — and not just because of the firepit. Alila Napa Valley’s 68 guestrooms and suites are the height of modern, upscale comfort. My Vineyard View Room (overlooking Beringer winery’s vineyards next door) offered panoramic scenery through floor-to-ceiling windows; an oversized balcony with plush seating; a sleek marble bathroom with a soaking tub and a rain shower; and a spacious, stylish interior with high-tech touches and thoughtful amenities, such as a welcome half-bottle of wine. Other room and suite categories offer slightly different features — balconies with estate views, for example, include both a firepit and an outdoor soaking tub.
Guestrooms and suites feature expansive balconies with private firepits.
Credit: 2022 Alila Napa Valley
The property originally opened as Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley, but was acquired by Hyatt and reopened under the Alila brand in 2021. Operating as a boutique, adults-only hotel, Alila Napa Valley feels like a true retreat; even with consistently high occupancy rates these days, the property never felt the least bit crowded, and offers a true sense of serenity throughout. What’s more, the staff is warm, welcoming and willing to go above and beyond for travelers. One guest experience manager told me he had recently worked with a guest to plan an entire marriage proposal, down to helping the client buy a ring.
Restaurant, Amenities and Activities
On-site dining is exceptional at Acacia House by celebrity chef Chris Cosentino, featuring a seasonally driven menu focused on local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Housed in the hotel’s restored Georgian farmhouse, the setting couldn’t be more charming — and the food is excellent, as well. Just a few of the standout dishes I tasted included Iberico ham with strawberry-slathered bread; sea urchin cacio e pepe pasta; and petrale sole, presented whole and then plated up with lobster sauce.
Acacia House focuses on local, organic and sustainable ingredients for its seasonally driven menu.
Credit: 2022 Alila Napa ValleyAnd although Alila Napa Valley is within easy walking distance of downtown St. Helena, there’s plenty more on the property that will tempt clients to stay close. Spa Alila, for one, incorporates unique practices such as the use of flat gua sha tools (said to relieve tension and boost circulation, among other benefits) and local products in certain treatments on its recently upgraded menu. Guests are also invited to create a “burden bundle” of herbs to be steeped during their treatment to dispel negativity. And the natural light-filled, indoor/outdoor relaxation room is a highlight for pre- or post-treatment downtime.
Alila Napa Valley has also started introducing unique, complimentary on-site activities, such as the bartender-hosted “Balance and Botanicals” cocktail (or mocktail) crafting class. Another great option is “Scents of the Valley,” an interactive experience led by a trained perfumer, during which guests smell essential oils related to aromas found in Napa, and even make a custom scent spray. For an additional cost, groups can also book “Brushes and Sips,” a painting and wine experience led by local nonprofit Nimbus Arts.
Other fine features of the property include a pool with vineyard views, a 24-hour fitness center and meeting and event spaces. There are also complimentary bikes that guests can use to explore nearby shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, wineries and art galleries. Plans are in the works for an outdoor bar and eatery, as well.
There are a whole lot of luxuries at Alila Napa Valley — and I’d happily return to enjoy them all. Especially my peaceful mornings on the patio, sipping coffee next to a crackling fire, without a care in the world.
