Auberge Resorts has just announced the launch of a new series of hip hotels, the first of which is Solage Calistoga. Located in a bank of ancient oak trees off the Silverado
Trail in Napa's wine country, it's an impressive debut. The 89 'guest studios' have a lofty, barn-chic feel. Each has an outdoor patio, polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings and Wi-Fi. The walls are decorated with works by local artists. The resort makes use of solar and geothermal power and reclaimed water for irrigation. The enormous spa has no fewer than 14 treatment rooms, but the main draw is the open-air 'mud bar' and bathhouse, an updated version of the hot-spring traditions for which the region is famous. Guests can paint themselves in volcanic, mineral-rich mud and follow it up with a dip in a hot tub or cold plunge pool. There is also a gorgeous, 130ft pool surrounded by private cabanas and heated by the geothermal springs. Solbar, a fantastic, bistro-style restaurant headed by Brandon Sharp, has an exquisite tasting menu, which includes wine pairings with hard-to-find, small-batch bottles from great vineyards just down the road. When you're back from pedalling around town on one of the hotel's complimentary cruiser bicycles, kick back with a cocktail by the lamp-lit pool. Come to Solage Calistoga for a glimpse of Napa's future: although the area's traditions have been honoured, everything here is refreshingly modern and forward-thinking.
WHEN TO GO
September and October are the warmest, sunniest months (and harvest time for grapes).
ROOM TO BOOK
The Capella Suite has a private hot tub.
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California (00 1 707 226 0800; www.solagecalistoga.com). Studios from $392; Capella Suite from $790
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