2013 Grand Awards: Bardessono, California

Bardessono, Yountville, California

Despite its setting in the heart of the Napa Valley, the spare construction of Bardessono is more reminiscent of Southern California. The 62-room resort opened in February 2009, and its rooftop pool provides wonderful views of the Stags Leap Palisades and the Mayacamas Mountains. Yountville is an engaging town of 4,000, famous for its Thomas Keller restaurants (preeminently The French Laundry), all of which are within walking distance.

Accommodations are divided into three categories: King Spa-Suite, Steam Spa-Suite and Tufa Suite. The first two are similar, with 550 square feet of indoor space, living areas with gas fireplaces, bottom-jetted tubs, separate showers and private outdoor areas. The 780-square-foot Tufa Suites have living spaces separated from the bedrooms by see- through gas fireplaces. All baths are designed for in-room spa treatments, with stowed massage tables.

Yountville probably has more Michelin stars per capita than any other municipality on the planet. The food at Bardessono is quite good, but would I opt for a dinner there over one of Keller’s establishments, or the creative fare at Redd on Washington Street? Probably not.

There was talk a few years ago of Keller opening an inn across the street from The French Laundry, but at the moment, Yountville doesn’t need it. Bardessono is the best new hotel to open in Napa since Poetry Inn.

King Spa-Suite, $450; Tufa Suite, $600. 6526 Yount Street, Yountville. Tel. (707) 204-6000.

All images ©Bardessono