On this trip I discovered there's so much more to Napa than wine, including an unforgettable outdoor shower with vineyard views.
I'll never forget the moment I stepped into my cottage at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley. My mouth just dropped open in awe, and it seemed to keep getting better and better as the bellhop showed me around. Having never stayed in a place like this before, I knew immediately that this was the kind of breathtaking experience I wanted to share with my clients.
More Than Just Wine Country
What surprised me most about Napa was discovering there's so much more to do than drink wine. Don't get me wrong, the wine is incredible, but I had this preconceived notion that Napa was only for wine enthusiasts. Our guided tour took us to Grove 45 for olive oil tasting, where we learned about the olive trees, the owners' history, and how to recognize different types of extra virgin olive oil. I even learned about authenticity seals that I'll now look for when buying olive oil at home.
Beyond tastings, there's biking, hiking, hot air ballooning, spas, and hot springs. Napa truly offers something for everyone, whether you drink wine or not.
The Ultimate Wellness Experience
I stayed in the wellness suite, which came with its own private sauna in the backyard. But the most unforgettable moment happened on my last morning. After a final dip in the heated pool (despite the mid-40s weather), I decided to take advantage of the outdoor shower one last time.
Standing there with warm rainfall shower water pouring over me while gazing out at the stunning vineyard views was absolutely magnificent. It was invigorating, rejuvenating, and completely outside my comfort zone. I'd never taken an outdoor shower before, even though I love camping. That moment taught me to slow down, be present, and embrace new experiences.
The Little Details That Make All the Difference
Walking into my room, I found the word "welcome" spelled out in thick grass strands across the king-size bed, along with a silk pillowcase embroidered with "Carneros Resort and Spa" and my name. There were also two thick cookies on the table with a sweet note and water. These personalized touches made me feel incredibly special and welcome, like I truly belonged there.
These details give me ideas for how to create similar moments for my own clients. It's like rolling out the red carpet and saying "thank you for entrusting us with your vacation."
A Transformative Experience
This trip changed me in ways I didn't expect. I tend to carry a lot of tension in my shoulders from my stressful full-time job, but being in this beautiful, peaceful place taught me to let my hair down and truly relax. I learned to savor every moment instead of letting time escape too quickly.
Now, when stress builds up, I can look back at my photos and videos to mentally transport myself back to that place of peace and rejuvenation. Having that outdoor shower experience gave me confidence to try things I normally wouldn't do and to fully immerse myself in new experiences.
Why Work with a Travel Advisor
While I attended Carneros as part of a familiarization trip (I'm a travel advisor myself), the experience showed me exactly why working with a trusted advisor matters. Our hosts, Kim Richards from Carneros Resort and John Langley from J.MAK, went above and beyond to ensure we understood every facet of what clients could experience.
When you work with a knowledgeable travel advisor, you get access to exclusive perks like early check-in, late check-out, generous resort credits, complimentary breakfast, and special deals when available like third-night-free offers. You're also working with someone who has firsthand experience and can ensure you have that same jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring experience.
People invest significant money in vacations, especially when they want memorable experiences with lasting value. A travel advisor ensures you get your money's worth and take home memories that will last a lifetime.
If you're considering Napa Valley, don't hesitate. Book this place and work with a trusted travel advisor to do it. You deserve an experience that makes your mouth drop in awe, just like mine did.
