Edgar Allen Poe defined poetry as the rhythmical creation of beauty. It is fitting, then, that one of Napa’s most breathtakingly beautiful, five-star boutique hotels is called Poetry Inn.
But while each of its epic suites (more on that later) is homage to an iconic poet, the hotel is technically named after a slice of heaven in Northern California called Poetry Vineyard. A legendary site – think steep hillside juxtaposed with the majesty of the Stag Leap District’s valley floor – the Poetry Vineyard is home to some of award-winning winery Cliff Lede’s top Cabernet crops.
Originally opened in 2005 by Cliff Lede and designed by the one-and-only Howard Backen, Poetry Inn is utterly grand, yet intimate beyond measure. To find, one must follow a serpentine trail up a tranquil and green mountainside just outside of Yountville. The hill seemingly ends at an immense gate – think Jurassic Park, but modern and chic. Only those with reservations will be buzzed in, and when the gates open, it feels as if entering an oenophile’s Shangri-la.
There will be a cheery member of the staff waiting with wine in hand to welcome guests as they approach the parking lot, likely with all check-in details already handled. Upon parking and entering the combination mansion-cottage, there is not so much a formal lobby, but a great room with cozy furniture and snacks waiting, themed for the time of day. There are also floor-to-ceiling windows offering a 180-degree view of Napa down below that one would need to be in a hot air balloon to see otherwise.
It takes a moment to pick one’s jaw off the floor, but once back in place, it is time to walk to the room.
Strike that.
There are no rooms at this hotel.
The Poetry Inn only features suites, and there are just five across the entire property. Each, as noted prior, is named to honor a great poet – Robert Frost, E.E. Cummings, Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman – and there are thoughtful, tasteful accents that evoke the sensibility of each suite’s poet without feeling gimmicky.
The signature Backen style – seamlessly blending the lush surroundings with the entire property’s design – is obvious and appreciated everywhere, but especially in the suites, each of which has an oversized balcony with plush seating (some with swinging daybeds), allowing all those who enter the chance to become one with that same insane view from the great room. Each of the suites also has a romantic wood-burning fire with a Firestarter log and ample kindling, light fitness equipment, a spa-style bathroom covered in striking limestone and marble, and indoor-outdoor showers with rain shower heads.
And then there is the service.
Every member of the staff feels like a friend, one with intimate knowledge of the entire region and always seconds away from bringing a new surprise to the suite.
In the morning, for example, a personal breakfast steward delivers coffee drinks, juices and a three-course gourmet breakfast that rivals those at any fancy eatery in town. By way of example, a typical breakfast may feature chocolate-stuffed croissants from the nearby Bouchon Bakery followed by duck confit eggs benedict and homemade potatoes, and finally fresh fruit with granola. There is also access to an honor bar and ample wines from Cliff Lede as well as its sister label, Fel, smart TVs enabled with streaming services, wi-fi property-wide, and rich Italian towels and bathrobes, among other little luxuries.
Those who wish to book spa services get five-star treatment as well. All those who book a treatment need only put on the in-suite bathrobe and relax. At the time of the service, the therapist will knock on the suite and offer a warm neck pillow, guiding one to the treatment area. There is an impressive array of services, all customizable and available for one guest or a couple to enjoy together, including:
- The Epic: a three-hour combination body exfoliation, biodynamic massage, aromatic hair/scalp treatment and facial
- CBD Muscle Soother: an hour-long massage (with optional 30-minute add-on salt and sugar scrub) that targets pain and inflammation with broad-spectrum 500 mg CBD oil
- Sound Bath Session: a curative meditative sound bath session with crystal bowls, symphonic gong and specialized chimes
The property also doubles as an art gallery, with curated pieces throughout the hotel available for purchase, and of course there is a lovely outdoor pool as well.
Beyond all of this, there are a host of activities that the staff can arrange for guests ranging from balloon tours and exclusive private wine tasting experiences to wildlife hikes and sumptuous VIP dinners.
In summary, everyone who enters the Poetry Inn is in for a happily ever after (of a lifetime).
For more information, visit www.poetryinn.com.
6380 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558