Napa Valley, the epitome of wine opulence, can often seem like a domain reserved for purely adult pleasures: vineyards, wine tastings, quiet spa retreats. You'd probably be hard-pressed to find anyone who would point to Napa as a family getaway. And yet, nestled among its leafy hills, there are some secret destinations that break with this tradition.
At the top of that list is Carneros Resort and Spa, a charming and vibrant property spanning more than 28 hectares that offers a unique blend of sophistication and comfort as an ideal family home. It's true that at first glance, Carneros doesn't seem like a place where children can have fun; remains a luxury resort in Napa, with private cottages, outdoor showers and fire pits, an on-site spa and wellness center, a wine tasting room and a range of activities that showcase the property's natural beauty and connect guests with the local culture and landscape.
Carneros Resort and Spa
But that's actually the resort's secret superpower: a rare combination of luxury that caters just as carefully to kids as it does to adults. “Families have always been a key focus for Carneros Resort and Spa,” the resort team told me. “The property strives to create whimsical and memorable moments for children, while allowing adults to enjoy the accessible luxury and exceptional amenities that the resort is known for.”
The resort has recently introduced a number of new and playful initiatives that further exemplify this approach. One of the latest (and best) additions to the guest lineup is the in-room Camp Carneros experience, a fresh approach to welcoming the resort's youngest guests. The package includes a tent setup inside the room or in the private backyard depending on the weather, sleeping bags, a fire drill, a flashlight and of course a kit of s you die “Camp Carneros is specifically designed for younger guests, inspired by a classic summer camp and featuring a backyard tent, sleeping bag, lanterns, children's fire pit and more” , the resort team told me.
Beyond the cozy confines of their rooms, children are encouraged to explore the resort through engaging activities such as the Little Green Thumb Garden Tour. This educational experience offers families the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and the origins of the ingredients used at Carneros' signature restaurant, FARM. The tour inspires younger guests to get their hands dirty and connect with nature by walking through the property's culinary gardens and chicken coop. Children will also explore the life cycle of plants and learn to save seeds to replant in the future.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Speaking of FARM, the newly designed and newly launched restaurant now embraces an Italian farmhouse aesthetic while still honoring its deep-rooted connection to Napa's agricultural scene. The restaurant has always prided itself on its close relationships with local farmers and suppliers, ensuring the menu reflects the freshest and most vibrant flavors of the region. (See: Eggplant Parmesan with Red Wine Tomato Preserve, Sourdough Breadcrumbs, and Fresh Mozzarella or Perigord Arancini with Fresh Black Truffle, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Brown Butter Foam.)
“True to our name, FARM enjoys a deep connection to Napa's agricultural region,” the resort's culinary team told me. “We consider it a privilege to be surrounded by many of the world's best farmers and suppliers, and we maintain each individual relationship essential to our ability to deliver the freshest, most vibrant flavors to our guests. Our chosen partners provide us with a connection to the local terroir, the variety of seasonality and the diversity of the region that infuses our creations with a spirit that only a truly conscious farming community can provide.” FARM's ingredients are sourced directly from the resort's gardens (which include 50 varieties of organic herbs and vegetables) and nearby farms: think grilled chicken with artichokes, salsa verde and roasted cauliflower puree or a delicious dry-aged rib eye with potato wedges. and crispy leeks. In addition, the Italian-inspired menu pairs perfectly with Napa's famous wines, creating an elevated and approachable dining experience.
Carneros Resort and Spa
And, before you ask, kids are more than welcome—they're celebrated. FARM is elevated cuisine, but the atmosphere is far from stuffy. It's a perfect introduction to fine dining for little ones, thanks in no small part to the amazing staff, who go the extra mile for young diners, loving them and making sure they feel special.
More recently, FARM also introduced a number of family-friendly dining experiences, including the Moonlight Movies series of outdoor movie nights and live music on weeknights.
The resort's commitment to family luxury also extends to its seasonal programming, which includes new offerings such as children's yoga and Aqua-Fit classes, woodworking and other crafts workshops, Palate Play (a combined children's picnic menu with fresh juices) and swimming. at Otto's Pool, the resort's family pool. There are also more traditional activities, such as a gnome scavenger hunt, a tour of the resort's working beehives, and for the first time, kids and families can also take advantage of the property's new pickleball court.
But perhaps one of the most delightful presentations for families at the resort is something called the Welcome Scavenger Hunt. This activity allows families to familiarize themselves with the station and turn everything into an adventure. It's a playful reminder that luxury travel can and should be family-friendly.
