Napa Valley's New 'Green' Resort

Solage Calistoga, a new Napa Valley resort, has something that sets it apart from the rest of the market: it's green

Opened in late summer of 2007, this hideaway benefits from extraordinary hotel lineage that includes Auberge du Soleil and nearby Calistoga Ranch.

A new hotel brand in its own right, owner Solage Resorts operates a rigorous conservation and environmental policy (though it isn't yet LEED-certified).

What to Expect

This environmentally conscious spa hotel on Napa Valley's northern edge is located in one of the world's top wine producing regions, with convenient access from Oakland, San Francisco and Sacramento airports. The location is a great base for exploring Napa Valley and indulging in the culinary pleasures of nearby St. Helena and Healdsburg.

The First Impression

Arrival is a scene straight out of the movie Sideways, with carfuls of Polo-clad travelers in between various rounds of wine tastings at local vineyards like Schramsberg and Sterling Vineyards.

Glossy white-painted bungalow-style buildings are intersected by drought-tolerant gardens of olive trees, sculptural succulents and wild grasses.

	At Solage
	Credit: Solage Calistoga:

The lobby has the air of a pristine spa, complete with white-beam ceilings, free-flowing architecture and mannered staff with perfect complexions.

Finding Your Room

Upon checking in, guests are chauffeured in covered bicycle carts to a series of bungalow-style cottages arranged along a drought-tolerant greenbelt (or grayish green) throughout the property. The arid planters require anywhere from 40%-60% less water than traditional landscaping.

	Outside a Cottage
	Credit: Solage Calistoga

A total of 89 guest "studios" and "suites" are graced by freestanding entryways flanked by two Beachcruiser bicycles to enjoy during the length of stay.

In-Room Amenities

Loft-style rooms feature chilly concrete floors that defy global-warming and wool upholstered furnishings like generously sized sofas and hearty club chairs.

	A Room
	Credit: Solage Calistoga

Most rooms look out onto private patios with vineyard views, while others overlook opposing guest rooms. Larger room categories include the added perks of outdoor bathtubs and more generous entertaining areas, ideal for summer get-togethers under the Napa sun.

Bathroom and Details

Bathrooms are a little sparse for anyone used to veiny slabs of marble or Waterworks-style luxury. A simple sanctuary of raw floors and occasional double vanity, the bathroom's best amenities are the details like pebbled-floor shower, soaking tubs in larger studios and rainforest-style showerheads with low-flow caps for water preservation.

Bathrooms are stocked with full-size toiletries that don't require daily replenishment and won't end-up floating in the San Francisco Bay; but at the same time, they won't end up in your guest bath back at home.

The Green Details

The most successful part of Solage Calistoga is an element you won't even notice -- the fact that it's one of America's most eco-friendly luxury resorts, built upon a green initiative that extends from the bamboo and reclaimed cedarwood floors to furnishings painted with nontoxic vanishings.

The hotel is a member of the Green Hotel Association, an online directory of "green"-focused hotels and resorts.

Other eco-friendly touches include the use of environmentally safe cleaning products, solar panels and extensive recycling throughout the hotel and restaurant.