Luxury Incentive Travel Comes to Wine Country
Like a fine wine, building luxurious 5-star hotels in Napa Valley takes considerable time. Napa Valley has long been regarded as the epitome of beauty. A countryside scene full of sweeping vineyards, award-winning wines, and fabulous food pairings, which make it the perfect weekend getaway or a well-deserved vacation. As one of the most desirable destinations in the world, Napa Valley has spent considerable time revitalizing their tourism offerings to extend into large group travel for global businesses.
Full of a wide range of bed and breakfast accommodations and boutique hotels, Napa Valley is slowly starting to build up the 5-star hotel reputation to host large incentive programs. Because of its Mediterranean climate and the permits needed to maintain the environmental integrity of the Valley, it is very difficult to build large properties. Projects have taken years and years, and hotel owners must be dedicated to both quality and sustainability.
The Four Seasons; for example, has been in the works for a long time. And, as you may know—wherever a Four Seasons builds—luxury travel follows. With that said, Napa Valley is on our radar to become an outstanding, long-awaited opportunity for high-end incentives.
Below are four of the most renowned properties coming to wine country:
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley are on target to open in early 2020. Located in Calistoga, right in the heart of California’s famed wine region. With its on-site vineyard, vine-to-table restaurant, wellness spa and 85 farmhouse-style accommodations, there is no doubt that this esteemed property will be in the top the list for any high-end incentive programs considering a wine country getaway.
Montage Healdsburg
Adding to the competition will be the Montage Healdsburg, located in the heart of Sonoma wine country and just minutes from the charming downtown Healdsburg. Offering 130 bungalow style guestrooms and private residences, the resort is set to open summer of 2020, hard hat tours will begin this summer 2019, and a showroom will be available this fall.
Las Alcobas in St. Helena
Another property worth mentioning is Las Alcobas in St. Helena, a Luxury Collection hotel. It opened in 2017 and is a 5-minute walk from downtown St. Helena and right next door to Beringer Estate, one of the oldest wineries in the area. The 5-star resort has 68 rooms and suites and is modern and minimal with a touch of chic farmhouse. All rooms are vineyard or estate views and feature a patio or balcony with an electric firepit and rockers. A beautiful spa and highly seasonal menu influenced by the local harvest are notable features. Recent reviews have compared it to the Auberge properties but offer a more urban setting and boutique aesthetic.
Archer Hotel Napa
Another new build which opened in 2017 is Archer Hotel Napa. It’s called a boutique, however, has 183 rooms and suites. Located in downtown Napa, two doors down from the Andaz, the Archer offers a very cool rooftop bar and a Charlie Palmer Steak. This solid 4-star is in a great location and could cater to some incentives looking for a downtown experience but could also be considered for meetings.
A Relaxing Adventure
While luxury may be up-and-coming in wine country to entice large group travelers, one element of Napa Valley remains the same—relaxing, awe-inspiring activities and entertainment. Historical wine tours and food pairing activities are a near requirement as a day trip in the area, while bike and hot air balloon tours showcase its scenic views.
Interested in learning more about wine country for your next group, just email us at marketing@meetings-incentives.com and we’d be happy to put you in touch with one of our incentive travel experts.