There are getaways—and then there are escapes. This summer, tuck your passport in your sunhat and retreat to California’s radiant Napa Valley, where Auberge du Soleil, the crown jewel of Rutherford, invites you to bask in a season of serenity, sophistication, and sun-drenched indulgence. Perched on 33 verdant acres of olive groves and rolling vineyards, Auberge du Soleil isn’t just a resort—it’s a love letter to the south of France, written in golden light and whispered through lavender breezes. What began in the 1980s as a fine-dining destination imagined by French restaurateur Claude Rouas has matured into a full-bodied expression of wine country luxury, where Michelin stars shimmer above the treetops and every moment is paired with effortless elegance.

The heart of the resort still beats in its Michelin-starred restaurant, a terrace-framed sanctuary of culinary brilliance. Chef Robert Curry composes a seasonal symphony of French-inflected California cuisine, with dishes that celebrate heirloom tomatoes, coastal seafood, and just-clipped herbs. The wine list reads like a sommelier’s dream journal, and the panoramic views from the dining terrace? Just the icing on the soufflé.

For those seeking restoration, the Auberge du Soleil Spa is where your soul exhales. This adults-only retreat is infused with the gentle rhythm of the valley and designed for deep renewal, offering outdoor soaking tubs beneath the Napa sun and massages delivered in garden cabanas, complete with birdsong. Their vinotherapy facials—infused with the antioxidants of local grapes—prove that even your skin can benefit from a taste of terroir.

Summer here is more than a season—it’s a flavor. Afternoons unfold at an unhurried pace, from lounging poolside with a chilled glass of rosé to savoring private tastings with local winemakers. Guests meander through the sculpture garden, practice sunrise yoga on a sun-dappled deck, and lift off on helicopter tours over endless rows of vines. One might paint with a professional artist in the olive groves, or blend a custom bottle of wine. The answer to every whimsical whim? Always yes.

Guest rooms at Auberge du Soleil feel plucked from a Provençal postcard—only with better lighting and exquisite room service. Each is a serene hideaway with Mediterranean touches, oversized soaking tubs, and private terraces overlooking the hills. They’re designed for those who understand that luxury isn’t about extravagance—it’s about ease, intimacy, and that certain je ne sais quoi.

For those who believe summer should be savored—not rushed—Auberge du Soleil is a season unto itself. It’s where the art of living meets the luxury of stillness, and every golden hour feels like it was poured just for you. Pack your linen, bring your appetite, and let Napa do the rest.

https://aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil/