Meadowood 
Napa Valley 

 

Sitting on the edge of tight knit lawn, short enough to be a carpet I lift the glass of mineral water to my lips and watch the croquet players dressed in white move with purpose on the court.

I place my glass back down on the shaded table in front of me, and dig into my gourmet hamburger, intermittently munching and watching the match proceed. Here at Meadowood the European croquet tradition is alive and well, down to the white attire.

Located just outside of the charming Napa Valley town of St. Helena—Meadowood is situated on two hundred and fifty acres of prime real estate. The Eighty-five cottages, suites and lodges are discreetly tucked among the pines and oaks giving the property an understated elegance.

My suite was tucked away inside one of the gabled rooflines, hidden behind the French doors, and a pure delight of white wainscoting, watercolor landscapes and high, airy ceilings. From my large dormered window I could gaze onto the croquet lawn, or sit on my front porch under an old oak.

One morning I left on an early hike to see what lay beyond my room’s view. I followed one of the properties many paths, and wound my way past the nine-hole executive golf course, and walked along the rim of a lovely bowl shaped valley.

It was only later that I learned this property was located near the intersection of the famed Silverado Trail, and adjacent to an area once inhabited by the Wappo Tribe. In the early 1900’s the valley was home to Chinese laborers who grew rice where the golf course now stands. Not only did the Asians help build the valley’s railroad, but also some of the stone walls on the Meadowood property are part of the Chinese heritage.

In the afternoon, after my hike I decided it was time to try out the health spa at Meadowood. The first thing I noticed was that in addition to the adults playing tennis, or sunning themselves by the pool, there were families. I always appreciate resorts that are friendly to children and adults alike.

Like the rest of Meadowood—the spa did not disappoint. Constructed in the same airy architecture as the main buildings, the spa offered many innovative body treatments—among the most interesting—the Grapeseed treatments, a sure nod to the area’s numerous vineyards. I myself opted for a Swedish massage, and was so happily satisfied that I even fell asleep during my treatment.

As I walked through the lobby to cancel my dinner reservation (I was too relaxed from my massage) and opt for room service I witnessed an act the exemplifies the resorts commitment to service: A patron who was unsuccessfully trying to change his reservation at Mustard’s to watch the finale of Survivor was made ecstatic when the concierge promised to record the show, and have the tape waiting in his room when her returned from dinner. Now that’s what I call service!

Shannon Willitts Falk         November 2001

LINKS WITH ATTITUDE

Here's Meadowood's  web site.

This is the web site of Croquet World Online Magazine, everything you ever wanted to know about croquet.