Luxury Stacation at Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection

First impressions

From the moment we arrived, Stanly Ranch felt special. Ranch hands in cowboy boots and hats greeted us, offering lavender lemonade or a glass of wine, while our bags were whisked away. It was casual yet elevated, a playful welcome that immediately set the tone for the stay.

Our room was bright, modern, and understatedly luxurious, but my favorite feature was the private outdoor firepit. On our first evening, we ended the night roasting marshmallows with a glass of cabernet in hand. The stars overhead sparkled against the crisp Napa air, and the moment felt both nostalgic and indulgent, summer camp meets five-star luxury.

Evening of s'mores by the firepit

Poolside variety

Stanly Ranch has thoughtfully designed its pool spaces for every kind of traveler. The main pool is lively and welcoming, with plenty of loungers and a relaxed vibe that works equally well for couples enjoying cocktails or families spending the day together. Just next to it, the zero-entry kids’ pool makes it easy for little ones to splash and play while parents watch nearby without worry.

For a more tranquil escape, the spa pool up at Halehouse offers a calm, adults-only atmosphere. It’s tucked away from the main area, with a quieter setting that feels like a hidden retreat. If you’re looking for stillness and space to recharge, this is where you’ll want to be.

Dining at Bear

If there’s one part of Stanly Ranch you absolutely cannot miss, it’s dinner at Bear. The restaurant leans into seasonality and Napa’s agricultural richness, and every dish felt both thoughtful and surprising. We started with the wood-grilled carrots, topped with dukkah spice and labneh and the stone fruit, simple but elevated in a way that made them unforgettable. For mains, the hearth-grilled ribeye was perfection, paired with a glass of local cabernet. And dessert? The much-talked-about sourdough ice cream. It sounded unusual, but it was one of the best bites of the entire trip.

The stone fruit at Bear

Sourdough ice cream at Bear

The wellness side

On our second day, we leaned into Stanly Ranch’s wellness philosophy, which proved to be just as memorable as the wine and food. We started with a morning workout at the Fieldhouse, a bright, well-equipped fitness space perfect for any routine. From there, we moved into Halehouse’s thermal circuit of sauna, steam, and salt rooms. The combination of heat, rest, and breath made us feel lighter and more energized.

But Halehouse doesn’t stop at traditional spa rituals. They also offer high-tech recovery experiences, like the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (which you’ll need to book 48 hours ahead). It helps increase circulation and oxygenation, ideal after a packed day of tastings.

That blend of movement, heat, cold, and mindful restoration made our second morning feel like a retreat within a retreat. It’s rare to find a wellness program that feels as considered and rejuvenating as Halehouse.

View from Halehouse

Who should go

Stanly Ranch is versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of travelers:

• Couples celebrating anniversaries or milestones will love the romance of firepits and vineyard sunsets.

• Families will appreciate the kids’ pool and open space where little ones can roam.

• Wellness seekers will find Halehouse and its restorative offerings worth the trip alone.

Final thoughts

Stanly Ranch is more than a hotel—it’s a place that invites you to slow down, savor, and reconnect. For us, it turned an ordinary anniversary into a memory we’ll never forget. And the best part? It’s just over an hour from our home in Marin, making it the ultimate staycation that still feels like a true getaway. Whether you come for romance, family time, or wellness, Stanly Ranch captures the best of Napa Valley with a style that is both playful and deeply restorative.

Insider tips

• Reserve Bear in advance, especially if you want a patio table at sunset.

• Pack a cozy sweater or wrap; Napa evenings are crisp, even in summer, and you’ll want to linger by the firepit.

• Don’t miss the sourdough ice cream at Bear. It sounds unusual, but it’s unforgettable.

• If you’re adventurous, say yes to the cold plunge bath at Halehouse. It’s a rush in the best possible way.

• Make use of the Mercedes-Benz house cars—they’re a chic, stress-free way to see more of the valley.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Napa Valley page.