The Meritage Resort and Spa Underwent a Massive Renovation

While Napa Valley has no shortage of chic stays, The Meritage Resort and Spa holds a special place among them. For two decades, the sprawling property, nestled among sun-drenched vineyard hills just 45 minutes outside of San Francisco, has been a bustling hub of oenophile activity, drawing guests and locals. And after a multi-year, $25 million makeover completed this month, the resort is ready for its next chapter.

With grounds that span 36 acres, including nine working vineyards, the property claims the title of the largest in Napa Valley, and the latest renovation has touched almost every part of it. From the 467 guestrooms and suites reimagined to reflect the destination’s natural setting to the expansion of its culinary program and recreational facilities, travelers can check in and never have to leave the resort’s grounds.

“Our goal is to capture the spirit of the vines that so often attract people to the region while redesigning the overall resort experience to appeal to the discerning traveler with a passion for places that provide a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, restfulness, adventure, and togetherness to draw them back time and again,” Joe Leinacker, managing director of The Meritage Resort and Spa, told Travel + Leisure.

Guests are now welcomed into an elegant lobby with sloped ceilings, exposed wood beams, and a grand double-sided fireplace that perfectly epitomizes the resort’s rustic chic aesthetic. The property’s new lobby bar now features more seating and serves a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails (including mocktails), small-batch bourbons, and shareable plates of charcuterie, appetizers, and hand-tossed pizzas.

For the rooms, Pacific Hospitality Group, the resort’s owner, teamed up with renowned hospitality design firm HBA San Francisco, who created two distinct concepts. The Meritage rooms are awash in neutral tones with leather accents, built-in millwork, and bespoke furniture that create a sophisticated ambiance, complemented by luxury amenities like Frette linens, touchscreen lighted mirrors, walk-in showers, and private balconies with lounge furniture.

The Bordeaux accommodations add more color to the interior design scheme — deep reds, greens, browns — and also incorporate nature with organic finishes. Upgrade to a specialty suite with idyllic vineyard views, a separate living room with a fireplace, and a fully-equipped kitchen. This type of room category also has a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, a tub, and a spacious balcony.

The resort’s new food and beverage venues are another highlight and focus on showcasing the best and freshest local ingredients — both from its on-site garden (and chicken coop) and regional vendors supplying the property’s multiple restaurants and markets. 

Ember, a steakhouse, is making its debut overlooking the resort’s grand lawn. The moody dining space is clad in dark woods, leather, and stone accents. Here, chef Cary Roy serves prime cuts and dry-aged beef sourced from northern Californian farms, paired with the best bottles of reds and whites from Napa and beyond.

Also new is the airy and elegant Sora, offering bubbly wines, champagnes, and cocktails in a bright tasting room filled with fun pops of color. Returning guests will find the resort’s renovated bowling space, Crush, to be sleeker and more elevated. Here, between games, patrons can enjoy a menu of sports bar classics like smash burgers, tacos, and indulgent boozy milkshakes, a definite crowd-pleaser.

The resort has also completely revamped its pool deck with iconic views of the vineyards, one of the most popular spots for relaxation on-site.

Leinacker explained that the adults-only deck (there is a family-friendly pool, too) was expanded, and the number of lounges has now more than doubled.

“That’s going to become a great focal point. We have DJs out at the pool. It’s just a chill vibe out and very relaxing—you’re lying there in your lounge, looking up at the vineyard and the [Grape] Crusher statue. It’s an iconic Napa experience,” he added.

The Meritage’s other existing dining venues, such as its Italian eatery Olive & Hay, the market and deli, Fivetown Grocery, and three wine-tasting rooms, are still active and remain unchanged.

The resort also continues to offer one of the most comprehensive activities programs in Napa Valley with year-round events such as a summer concert series and a winter ice skating ring (which, according to Leinacker, makes the lawn look like a “Hallmark movie”), yoga classes in the vineyards, and, of course, themed wine tastings. 

Guests can take advantage of the complimentary daily shuttle service to downtown Napa, a short ten-minute drive from the property.

Nightly rates for the new Bordeaux and Meritage guest rooms start at $379, and you can book your stay here. The resort also launched a special “Discover Vineyard Elegance” package, which includes a $200 resort credit to encourage guests to explore the resort’s expanded amenities.