One of the most luxurious Napa Valley resorts, Auberge du Soleil is a Relais & Châteaux and Auberge Resorts inn that embodies the relaxed elegance of California living. In this article, I profiled the hotel and spoke with its 25-year Managing Partner, George Goeggel about the hotel’s longstanding success.
California living is touted as relaxed and glamorous with an added amenity of five-star service. Born into this tradition in 1981, Auberge du Soleil quickly blossomed from a high-end restaurant into one of the most exclusive and luxurious Napa Valley retreats. Situated in Rutherford, California, the inn offers romance through its spectacular views and private indoor-outdoor spaces, tranquility through its deluxe spa and culture through its Michelin-starred restaurant and sculpture garden. The I. Wolk Sculpture Gallery is a collection of over 100 works of art, spread out across the auberge’s 33-acres and curated by Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley. This feature is the perfect fusion of natural and man-made aesthetics. A meander through this well-cultivated artistic garden is just one of the many romantic activities on offer. If the fresh, culinary endeavors of California are more of a draw, dine alfresco on the auberge’s panoramic terrace and enjoy highly recommended dishes including local lamb with olives and lobster salad.
Managing partner, George Goeggel, has been with Auberge du Soleil for 25 years. Besides wining and dining, he recommends private yoga lessons in the auberge’s Japanese Pavillion, a curated art tour or a cooking demo. When asked how the auberge exceeds the luxury quotient of other Napa Valley accomodations, Goeggel extolls the staff’s “attention to detail and personalized access to the secrets of Napa Valley.”
The most luxurious accomodation onsite is the Maison Saint-Tropez, an eight-room villa that features outdoor showers and a private garden. The interior space of this Riviera-inspired suite was designed by Suzanne Tucker, named by Architectural Digest as one of the AD100 Top Designers of the World. This choice of designer is in keeping with the inn’s haute quality, ensured by its status as a member of the Relais & Châteaux and Auberge Resorts luxury hotel groups.
The real question is not if but when to go. Though the busiest times for tourism are July through October, it is possible to visit year-round and, indeed, Goeggel suggests winter visits to those interested in getting to know the true Napa Valley – sans tourists. Whenever you visit, Auberge du Soleil is sure to satisfy your desire for homegrown indulgence.”
Reba Writes 