History Revisited

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Heritage is at the heart of St. Helena’s latest design destination—Alila Napa Valley. Known for curating luxurious escapes that aim to further connect guests to the locale through remarkable experiences and sustainable design, Alila expanded their global offering with the Wine Country outpost that celebrates the soul of the existing property while embracing its future.

Guest suites embrace the Napa environment through neutral tones and wood accents. Photos courtesy of Alila Napa Valley.

Centered around a Victorian-style guesthouse that was built in 1905 and a historic farmhouse, the now sprawling property sits adjacent to the iconic Beringer Vineyards. “The hotel is located on Main Street in St. Helena and has direct access to the Beringer tasting room, which is accessible through a footbridge,” notes Heidi Miersemann, general manager of Alila Napa Valley. “Hundreds of other wineries and tasting rooms are within close proximity, but the property itself feels private and tucked away.”

Alila worked with renowned design firm Yabu Pushelberg to transform the original structures and mastermind new guest rooms and a spa. “With impeccable attention to architectural detail and inspired interior design, including touches such as artisan woodwork, bespoke furnishings and more, it’s intended to feel like a private estate experience,” she notes. “Classic and refined, yet never stuffy, this is an atmosphere that allows guests to surrender, relax, and completely engage with their surroundings like true Napa locals.” The firm convertedthe first floor and veranda of the Victorian home into Acacia House, a relaxed yet fine dining restaurant that offers seasonal American cuisine and a robust wine list. Just a few steps from the home are the 68 guest suites that are equipped with ample terraces that often feature firepits, lounge seating and intimate access to the surrounding vineyards while inside custom Italian furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms make you want to stay indoors.

All suites have lush lounge seating and firepits for enjoying the amazing weather. Photos courtesy of Alila Napa Valley.

While many visit the region for the farm-to-table fare, Alila leaned on the local fauna and flora to develop Spa Alila’s sustainably driven healing program. “Nature takes center stage with healing herbal remedies, basalt stones from the California coastline, obsidian gua sha stones and locally sourced handcrafted ingredients and products,” says Miersemann. “One standout spa treatment focuses on vinotherapy and utilizes a cabernet grape-seed scrub and skincare by Vintner’s Daughter, a local brand made by April Gargiulo of Gargiulo Vineyards in the Napa Valley.”

The pool sits between newly built guest suites, facing Beringer Vineyards. Photos courtesy of Alila Napa Valley.

From the impeccable design to the unforgettable dining experience, Alila Napa Valley delivers a sumptuous hospitality experience that is deeply connected to the magic of St. Helena.