Looking to explore Sonoma and Napa Valley’s prestigious vineyards, or simply retreat to the countryside? Montage Healdsburg provides the best of both worlds…
Nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant vines in the heart of Sonoma County, Montage Healdsburg effortlessly blends creature comforts with breathtaking vistas. The resort exudes luxury in a relaxed and unpretentious fashion, set amongst a picturesque countryside setting that truly makes you feel like you are in California wine country. From the moment you step into the lobby bar on arrival, the rich textures, modern-yet-classic design, open spaces and natural materials impress; we feel they’ve really nailed what the luxury traveller is looking for when visiting the region. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and chilled glass of Chardonnay, before promptly whisking us away on the buggy to our room (732).
The Deluxe King Room.
Clocking in at 649ft² / 60m², our Deluxe Vineyard King Room at Montage Healdsburg was a haven of tranquility – it’s hard not to feel out-of-office here. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open on to a spacious balcony that offers breathtaking, sun-dappled views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. The room’s design seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with rustic charm, featuring wood, stone and copper accents and soft, neutral hues that feel perfectly at home amongst the rugged landscape.
The king-sized bed, dressed in crisp, white linens, ticked the box for the level of comfort we expect at such a price point. The plush slippers and robes added to the luxurious feel, making us feel right at home. There’s a seating area at the end of the bed, complete with a sofa and coffee table, which provided a cozy spot to unwind with a glass of wine if the mosquitos become too bothersome in the evening (we did battle with these on occasion – keep your bug screens closed!), but it’s hard to go past the stunning balcony, replete with fire pit.
Don’t miss enjoying an in-room breakfast on the balcony – even though the mornings can be chilly, the fire pit provides not just warmth but creates a wonderful cozy, romantic ambience that makes for the perfect start to a day in wine country. Dining alfresco in our plush robes and slippers fireside as the sun rose was a serious ‘travel goals’ moment – serenity really is the vibe here. The fire pit is also impressively easy to use, requiring just a turn of a timer switch to self-ignite.
Amenities and Comfort.
Montage Healdsburg leaves no stone unturned when it comes to guest comfort. The bathroom was a spa-like retreat, featuring a deep soaking tub, a spacious walk-in shower, and dual vanities. The toiletries are by Gloss Moderne, and are sulfate and paraben-free as well as vegan. We appreciated the additional amenities like the nail kit, shower cap, makeup remover wipes, and bath salts, although a toothbrush and razor would have been nice at this level. An interesting feature that we’ve never seen in a hotel room before? A circular hole cut in the shower glass, so you can reach in and turn on the shower to warm up before getting in, without getting wet. Genius!
Speaking of showers, the ‘Deluxe’ variant of Montage’s rooms come with not just one, but two, with the addition of an outdoor shower. We found it to be a real highlight of the room, enjoying a hot shower in the cool temps of the Sonoma mornings was such a revitalising start to a day of wine tasting and hot, hot Californian sunshine.
Modern conveniences were thoughtfully integrated; the smart TV easily connected to our devices for streaming and the bedside USB sockets were handy, though we did notice the lack of international plugs. The coffee machine was a welcome addition, but offering fresh milk instead of creamer would have been a nice touch.
The double wardrobes held not just an iron, but a steamer also – very impressive, something we’d love to see more often in luxury properties so we can finally leave our own steamer at home.
Dining.
Montage Healdsburg has two dining options available (three if you count the pool bar) should you want to stay on property to dine. Hazel Hill offers a more formal, fine dining menu that celebrates the region’s rich bounty, while the lobby bar and lounge offers more casual fare. If you’re staying multiple nights, we recommend making the short journey into Healdsburg at least once as there are some fabulous options (we recommend Molti Amici for excellent pizza and pasta, or Single Thread for an experience to remember). Healdsburg truly is a town powered by pizza, and you’ll find great options on almost every corner. Read our Healdsburg guide here.
Resort Facilities and Activities.
Montage Healdsburg’s amenities extended beyond the room, offering plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate. The pool area, surrounded by lush greenery, was a serene spot to lounge and soak up the sun, though it would have been nice to have been able to look upon the vineyards from the pool itself. We went for a dip after we arrived around 6 PM, and were surprised to find that the pool restaurant and bar closed at 5 PM. We eventually managed to order a cocktail to the pool from the main bar, though, thanks to the helpful staff. There’s also a large fitness center adjoining the pool area that was well-equipped for a good workout.
For those looking to explore, the resort offers walking trails, yoga amongst the vines, and even archery. We enjoyed the complimentary shuttle service into Healdsburg Plaza, which took only around 10 minutes, and we never had to wait long for a car. The glass of wine served on arrival and the regular wine tastings in the early evening were thoughtful touches.
Our Verdict.
Our stay at Montage Healdsburg was an unforgettable experience that perfectly paired the luxury travel experience we look for with the natural beauty and unique character of Sonoma County. If you’re in town to hit the vineyards (check out our visit to Joseph Phelps here) or to visit SingleThread (or even better, both), then Montage Healdsburg is a choice that will not disappoint. Our Deluxe King Room provided a serene and comfortable retreat, the perfect base from which to explore the region’s exceptional wines and gastronomy.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a luxurious getaway, Montage Healdsburg delivers an exceptional experience that will leave you longing to return. Visit the Montage Healdsburg website to book your stay.