When I visited the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley shortly after it opened several years ago, I noticed something instantly. The property looks like it has always been here. Situated in a pocket of Calistoga’s undulating hills laced with vineyards, the place feels understated and timeless.
The resort is situated in the middle of the thriving Elusa vineyard.
Summer in Napa Valley casts an undeniable spell, as golden hues settle over the region and make for perfect days of discovery (and populating countless Instagram feeds, of course). At its heart, the resort curates the season’s most coveted experiences, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in adventure and culinary artistry.
“Our team feels genuinely passionate about creating those moments, whether it’s a perfect sunrise or the right vintage,” says Robby Delaney, the property’s general manager. It’s all about the details here, from rare local wines savored in the surrounding groves and behind-the-scenes access to sought-after addresses.
The breathtaking lobby at the Four Seasons Napa Valley.
Delaney and his team also assemble bucket-list adventures for those whose hearts beat for exhilaration. Greet dawn with a breathtaking sunrise hot-air balloon ride above endless vineyards. Or, choose a fantasy ride—a Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini—for the Napa Valley Dream Drive, a 50-mile rally through wine country’s spectacular backroads (I cruised around the region in one of the resort’s Lucid Air house cars for two hours).
An exclusive partnership also grants guests the Pritchard Hill Experience at Chappellet (@chappellet_winery), an opportunity for barrel tastings and guided wine flights in a private meadow overlooking Lake Hennessey.
Spa Talisa's zen garden's whirlpool
The valley’s legendary bounty finds its ultimate expression through the resort’s Taste of Napa during Festival Napa Valley experiences, including chef Rogelio Garcia’s (@chefrogeliogarcia) dishes for the Jon Batiste headliner show (July 13). Garcia’s intimate chef’s table at the resort’s signature restaurant, the Michelin-starred Auro (@auronapavalley), offers front-row seats to culinary innovation. Don’t miss his seven-course tasting menu with dishes like Japanese Senaka bluefin tuna or cinnamon churro. His James Beardrecognized approach is also showcased in monthly wine pairing dinners.
This summer also offers the NIWA x Laurent-Perrier Pop-Up Experience, marrying seasonal Nikkei cuisine with Champagne in the vineyard-view lounge. A true vine-to-glass journey awaits at the on-site Elusa Winery (elusawinery.com), with barrel room tours and limited-production tastings. TRUSS Restaurant + Bar (@trussnapavalley) offers contemporary American cuisine with Mediterranean flair and sweeping views.
Hawaiian amberjack at Auro
Looking for holiday getaways? The resort ensures summer weekends are equally dynamic, with July 4th and Labor Day Weekend celebrations featuring live DJ sets, poolside barbecues and rotating ceviche and taco bars.
“Our team feels genuinely passionate about creating those moments, whether it’s a perfect sunrise or the right vintage.” –ROBBY DELANEY
Michelin-starred chef Rogelio Garcia oversees Auro.
I always love resorts that walk the walk on the experiential, and the team here delivers, with everything from cocktail classes to vineyard yoga to bocce tournaments. And if you’re planning an extended family affair, consider the Families Villa Retreats, with full kitchens and expansive indoor-outdoor living; a Kids For All Seasons program also engages young explorers. Couples can indulge in serene wellness rituals or lounge poolside at the adults-only infinity pool for romantic escapes.
Guests can indulge in the NIWA x Laurent-Perrier Pop-Up Experience this summer.
After leaving the resort, you’ll have an unconventional but assuring thought: The staff here doesn’t just offer experiences; it orchestrates moments so perfectly curated, you’ll swear they were plucked from your dreams of summer. 400 N. Silverado Trail, Calistoga, 707.709.2100, fourseasons.com
