Vista Collina at the Meritage: A Suite Refuge in Napa

The proverb … “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” … is said to have originated as early as 1659 but today it couldn’t resonate more.  As the year from hell drags on, people are discovering that periodic doses of travel are an essential medication. Napa Valley resorts such as the Tuscan-styled Vista Collina, on the outskirts of town, understand this well. Since the lifting of the “shelter-in-place” ordinance, the relatively new all-suite, multi-level hotel has realized that kids and parents can work remotely away from home, too. That said, the hotel is touting its Workations package which integrates both work and play, letting guests book on a weekly and monthly basis, a completely different type of lodging model as the industry average is typically one or two nights.

Room to Sprawl

Not only are the suites generously sized at 850 square feet, but they also feature giant HD TV’s with Hulu, Chromecast, and Netflix that are built into custom cabinetry, so they grace the rooms rather than overpower them. And it’s no surprise that the kitchen boasts a full-sized refrigerator, stovetop, microwave and dishwasher, and comes equipped with high-end All Clad cookware and matching white china and utensils. The dining table seats up to four.

With room to sprawl, the uncluttered suite is luxurious and comfortable for two adults and two kids. A sofa easily transitions to sofa bed and there are sliding white modern barn doors that separate the various living spaces including the kitchen and bath. Grey laminated wood floors complement dark wood furnishings, and some bedrooms feature four-poster beds with the ubiquitous high-thread-count linens.

The package includes Wi-Fi and a complimentary bottle of wine and as of this writing, rates are running $300 daily for a weeklong stay and $200 a day for a monthly.  When my husband and I stayed, I had the option to work from a desk in the bedroom, on the balcony, or in the kitchen/dining area. Both of us were able to log in for Zoom and Google meetings flawlessly.  Friends were literally jealous when they saw our hotel bed in the background.

More to Love

What makes everything convenient is the fact that this new resort is part of a village enclave comprising a grocery store, wine tasting rooms, retail shops, and restaurants, which are located downstairs. These small businesses surround a large central lawn with plenty of umbrellas for shaded picnics.  Off to the side is a swimming pool which was fully occupied when we arrived.

All guests have access to the amenities of the Meritage Hotel, a sister property across the street set in a lush garden setting with similar design features.  There, both adults-only and kiddie pools, a full-service cave spa, a vineyard, and a handful of bars and restaurants will keep you busy.  After a full workday you can order room service, cook in, or dine out at the Meritage’s new Olive + Hay restaurant, featuring artisanal pizzas and pastas, a fresh catch of the day, roasted chicken, and a pan-seared New York strip. Casual but elegant, the restaurant offers outdoor dining, and indoors when the county permits.  Don’t leave without trying their Tiramisu and the Italian donuts with dark chocolate sauce, real treats for dessert lovers.

For the fall and winter seasons there are numerous programs planned as well as a full Thanksgiving feast offered “to go” at the Meritage … perfect for those staying put at the Vista Collina.  For December, the Meritage will host tea parties with Disney princesses and cookie decorating. Utilizing its real estate footprint, the hotel will construct a Christmas tree lot and will most likely be the first in Napa to offer kiddie bumper car rides. Weekends promise to be festive with holiday brunches and the Vista Collina will showcase artists at its Sunday afternoon craft fairs.

The Verdict on the Workations Package

While onsite, guests staying at least two nights will have the chance to book a holiday photo session with local photographer, Courtney Stockton.  The $150 fee includes shots in the hillside vineyard or on the Vista Collina lawn.

So, I was asked what I thought of the Workations package?  Pounding away on my keyboard in Napa Valley with a vineyard panorama was a whole lot better than staring out the window at my neighbor’s bland yard.  If there is a downside, the worst part was trying to concentrate because I wanted to go outside for a swim and later binge-watch my favorite Netflix shows.
Napa Valley has definitely been squeezed through the crucible – earthquakes, fires, pandemic, fires again. Over the last six months, wine country tourism has been slammed.  The loss of property, businesses, and worst of all, lives, cuts like a dagger right now. Delicately and carefully, people are regrouping and trying to move forward. Hoteliers, vintners, and chefs are jumping into recovery mode. And I for one, am happy to be jumping back into travel, even if it means working while on the road.