Napa Valley isnāt usually the first place that comes to mind for travelers looking to book a multi-generational vacation, especially with young kids in the mix. Wineries and five-star dining donāt exactly scream family friendly. But if you play it right, Napa can be a destination getaway for all agesātasting menus, juice boxes and all.
Set on 28 lush acres just outside the town of Napa, Carneros Resort and Spa has long been synonymous with luxury, romance, and relaxation but this hidden gem has quietly evolved into a retreat that caters to families and mixed-age groups.
Family-Friendly Luxury Cottage Suites
Family vacations work best when thereās enough room to give everyone breathing space. Nobody wants to hear grandma snoring, and ideally, thereās a way to send the kids to ātheir roomā so the adults can have some private vacay time.
Thatās all quietly built into the plan at Carneros Resort and Spa (see the Forbes Travel guide entry here). At the heart of the resort’s appeal for families are its Cottage Suites. These well-appointed accommodations have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs of parents traveling with grandparents, teenagers and younger kids while preserving the resort’s commitment to opulence, comfort and maybe even romance.
The modern-farmhouse-style two-bedroom cottages feature two spacious abodes on a shared mini-compound, which gives adults and children separate living space around a large communal deck and garden. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed and an ensuite bathroom with twin shower heads, and another shower outdoors (yes, thereās a door with a lock). The second cottage, with its own large soaking tub, can be fit with twin beds for children or teens, or a grandkid and grandparent, who want space to call their own.
The thousand-square-foot shared outdoor gathering space is like a private backyard with its fire pit and heaters, chaise lounge chairs, and a table big enough for room service brekkies or lunch. As part of the resortās Cozy Cottage Nights program, families can book private backyard movies, old-fashioned game nights, fireside sāmores or backyard stargazing sessions for a nominal additional charge.
A Wealth of Family-Centric Activities
Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Carneros Resort and Spa has family-centric activities that cater to all ages. Their kids programming is probably the most innovative in Napa Valley, with kids yoga and culinary garden tours, an aqua-fit pool program for kids ages 5 to 10, a scavenger hunt around the property, and a juice-tasting (you read that right) modeled after whatever it is the parents are doing in the barrel rooms down the road.
The family-friendly Hilltop Pool has shallow waters for young swimmers and a deeper section for adults, all with panoramic views of the Napa Valley. There are private cabanas for parents who want a tranquil retreat while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Another enticing option for grownups: Pickle ball courts with Veuve Clicquot. The resort recently opened new courts for dinks ān drinks (did I really say that?), which isnāt a terrible way to enjoy a few hours with your partner while your child is bonding with the grandparents.
A New Paradigm in Napa Valley Getaways
Boozy golf weekends or drunken bachelorette parties are more on brand for Napa Valley but properties like Carneros are creating more options for whatās possible. The Carneros Two-Bedroom Residences are a step up in luxury and comfort for multiple couples or extended family groups traveling together seeking extra space and privacy.
The 1,700-square-foot vacation houses sleep six (including a Murphy bed) and have generous indoor and outdoor space that includes a full kitchen and living room, screened-in porch, lavish bathrooms and showers, and a thousand-square-foot private garden area with in-ground hot tub.
Having space to share with a large group, and of all ages, makes sense. A setting like Napa Valley is really too glorious to keep all to yourself.