When it comes to the epitome of opulent travel, the Auberge Resorts Collection has mastered the art. Not only have they anticipated every imaginable desire—from gourmet farm-to-table cuisine to bespoke wellness initiatives—they consistently deliver beyond expectations.
Attention to detail is not just a phrase for Auberge; it’s a way of life. Their design ethos is meticulous and deeply ingrained, focusing on aesthetics that seamlessly blend luxury and local craftsmanship. Whether it’s the handpicked art adorning the walls or the curated dining experiences, a hyper-local sensibility informs every aspect of their operation.
Each Auberge resort is a vivid tapestry of the community it resides in, offering guests immersive experiences in local culture, history, and traditions. Whether you’re exploring the culinary wonders of avocado in Costa Rica, engaging in a traditional cacao ceremony in Punta de Mita, or taking in a classic silent movie in a lush Newport garden, each experience is a unique and authentic reflection of its locale.
Wellness isn’t just an amenity at Auberge resorts—it’s an integral component. Many of their properties have forged collaborations with The Well, a prestigious spa and wellness center headquartered in New York City. As a result, guests depart feeling not just refreshed but holistically rejuvenated and deeply rooted.
To say I am enamored with the Auberge experience would be an understatement. Selecting one of their lavish properties is a foolproof decision, though certain resorts do hold a unique allure. Allow me to guide you in choosing the Auberge resort that would best cater to your tastes. While I have assembled a list of some of their standout resorts, my ultimate fantasy would be to experience each and every one of them.
Wildflower Farms – Hudson Valley, New York
Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York, specifically in Gardiner, this tranquil haven is a dream destination for those who appreciate nature, gourmet food, and holistic rejuvenation. It is particularly recommended for honeymooners or those enjoying ‘minimoons,’ and even served as the post-nuptial getaway for Fora’s editorial manager.
The property offers elegantly rustic cabins, cottages, and suites, all overlooking expansive fields of wildflowers and lush farmland. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows ensure guests can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery, while sophisticated wood flooring, alfresco showers, and soothing earthy color schemes harmonize effortlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. As for the amenities, they’re nothing short of exceptional. Mini-bars come filled with wholesome, local treats, while towels and toiletries are sourced from local artisans. The in-room library is handpicked in collaboration with Phaidon, offering a curated reading experience.
Dining at Wildflower Farms is an epicurean delight, with a focus on ingredients harvested from their own farm or sourced from the finest producers in the Hudson Valley. Their flagship restaurant, Clay, is a sanctuary for sustainable New American cuisine, featuring expertly crafted vegetable dishes alongside responsibly-sourced meats and seafood. If you’re up for an interactive culinary experience, Chef Rob Lawson offers cooking workshops where guests can create a meal using ingredients they’ve harvested themselves that day—a true embodiment of the farm-to-table ethos.
Completing the Wildflower experience is a visit to Thistle, the on-site spa designed with a naturalistic approach. Here, guests can indulge in an array of treatments that use hand-blended, small-batch oils, and freshly harvested remedies to refresh both body and mind. For a highly personalized experience, a multitude of customized treatments are available—ranging from nutrition consulting and personal fitness coaching to guided nature walks that culminate in a transformative reiki session. Rest assured, I can assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary tailored to your preferences and interests.
Hacienda AltaGracia – Costa Rica
Set amidst the verdant expanse of Costa Rica’s central Talamanca Mountains, this opulent wellness retreat sprawls over 180 acres of pristine landscape. The resort’s 50 tastefully designed casitas not only exude elegance but are also replete with luxurious amenities. Each features a heated plunge pool, a lavish bathroom, artisan-crafted furnishings, and charming extras like glass jars of chocolate date balls and a mini-fridge stocked with local kombucha and loose-leaf tea. Accompanying these are a Scandinavian-chic Stagg stovetop kettle for that perfect brew.
However, beyond the casitas lies an oasis of relaxation: the spa operated by The Well. Housed at the pinnacle of the resort with panoramic glass walls, this sanctuary offers heated marble slabs for post-treatment relaxation. Guests can engage in a therapeutic ritual that includes a customized mud mask followed by a steam and sauna session, concluding with a revitalizing facial or full-body massage. For an elevated experience, the river bath ritual is unparalleled; it involves aura cleansing, an invigorating handmade coffee scrub, and a concluding soak in a riverside stone pool, warmed by a wood stove.
When it comes to gastronomy, the offerings are simply divine. Led by Chef Liezl Odendaal, who has an extensive network of local purveyors, the culinary team crafts dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. From arugula salads adorned with local goat manchego and walnuts, and dressed in homemade parsley vinaigrette, to earthy hot cacao brewed from locally sourced 100% cacao powder, the food is a tribute to Costa Rican abundance. Not to be missed are the citrus-infused cocktails and mocktails crafted from herbs harvested from the resort’s organic garden. And yes, all of this is included in your stay, barring alcoholic beverages.
The soul of Hacienda AltaGracia, however, is its extraordinarily personable and attentive staff. From the moment you touch down on the private airstrip, you’re enveloped in a sense of homecoming. Guests are matched with personal attendants, known as “Compas,” who quickly morph from service providers into cherished friends. Whether you desire a freshly printed crossword puzzle or a spur-of-the-moment sunrise hike through the cloud-kissed mountains, consider it done. As you bid adieu, don’t be shocked if you find yourself misty-eyed, waving goodbye to newfound friends.
Esperanza – Los Cabos, Mexico
Picture yourself reclining on an exclusive terrace, savoring a margarita while basking in panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Does this seem like a slice of heaven? Allow me to introduce you to Esperanza, an Auberge resort located in the sun-kissed region of Cabo San Lucas. This luxurious getaway boasts 59 rooms and suites, each offering a breathtaking ocean vista. The interiors reflect a modern Mexican aesthetic, featuring artisan-crafted wooden furniture and vibrant, eye-catching accents. (If the Riviera Maya is more to your liking, Etéreo is another superb Auberge establishment you might consider.)
One can’t speak of Esperanza without mentioning its sumptuous spa. Here, you can let go of life’s stresses in the steam room, sauna, and hot tub, or perhaps indulge in holistic treatments that employ organic and local ingredients. (If you’re a surfer, the desert arnica muscle therapy session is an oasis of relief.) Seeking further wellness enhancements? Tailor your sleep patterns under the guidance of experts, thanks to a program specially designed by The Well.
Gastronomic pleasure is an integral part of the Esperanza experience. Helmed by Chef Alexis Palacios from Mexico City, the resort’s four distinct dining venues make use of organic, sustainable, and locally procured ingredients. Whether you prefer casual meals by the pool or an intimate cliff-side dinner overlooking the cerulean waters, the culinary offerings are crafted to delight every palate.
Activity-wise, the resort is a treasure trove of enriching experiences, ideal for both families and groups. Play tennis, dive into a tequila-tasting session, engage in pottery-making, or discover your inner artist through painting—the options are endless. One unforgettable highlight is a deep-sea fishing adventure, capped off by a dining experience featuring your freshly-caught prize—a truly memorable “sea-to-table” meal.
For those looking to extend their Mexican sojourn, consider coupling your stay at Esperanza with a visit to Chileno Bay Resorts & Residences, also located in Los Cabos. Nestled on one of the area’s few swimmable beaches, this retreat is perfect for larger gatherings. Imagine a 12-person oceanfront villa complete with butler service. Intrigued? Allow me to assist you in selecting the Auberge property that best suits your taste and lifestyle.
Mauna Lani – Island of Hawaiʻi
Nestled along the scenic Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, this oceanfront luxury haven offers the sort of easygoing, island ambiance that I personally adore. It’s also my top recommendation for those aiming to maximize their Big Island experience.
Golf aficionados will find themselves captivated by the resort’s premier courses, intricately designed amid historical lava fields and enhanced by stunning ocean vistas. For those keen on honing their skills, the facility offers personalized training sessions with PGA-qualified instructors as well as a state-of-the-art driving range. If you’re more into physical fitness, the resort’s tennis courts, hiking paths, and top-notch wellness center should not be missed. (See our recommendations for the finest hotel fitness facilities.)
Are you a wellness devotee? You’re in luck. The spa’s extensive treatment menu includes a variety of massages, facials (the signature goopGLOW facial is a must-try), and body wraps among other luxurious offerings. When it’s time to refresh and unwind, meander to the secluded beachfront for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. The Surf Shack, a relaxed gathering space offering food, entertainment, and a genuinely inviting atmosphere, will provide all the gear you need.
But Mauna Lani isn’t just about leisure; it offers an array of enriching excursions and activities. From whale-watching expeditions to thrilling helicopter flights and exploratory trips to nearby landmarks like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the possibilities are abundant. Cultural engagements such as hula tutorials and lei-crafting sessions allow guests to delve into the island’s rich history and traditions. The resort also provides convenient access to neighboring attractions like Waimea Canyon and the Mauna Kea Observatory, ensuring your itinerary remains as packed or as relaxed as you’d like.
Cap off your day at CanoeHouse, where you’ll indulge in an exquisite Japanese-inspired, farm-to-table dining experience, all while enjoying the mesmerizing backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Grace Hotel – Santorini, Greece
Setting foot on Santorini feels like stepping into a historical tapestry. This petite island in the Aegean Sea actually serves as the edge of a caldera, a relic of age-old volcanic eruptions. Against this idyllic backdrop, few places measure up to the Grace Hotel, a sanctuary of boutique luxury.
Nestled away from the bustling tourist zones of the island, the Grace Hotel offers a tranquil haven perched on a cliff. Its architectural design features seamlessly integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces, each graced with heated plunge pools and awe-inspiring views of the azure sea below.
Fancy a day trip to Mykonos? The hotel provides the option to charter an exclusive yacht for a leisurely sail across the Aegean waters. Should you opt for a closer look at Santorini’s pristine beaches instead, bespoke sailing expeditions can be arranged. Back at the hotel, your day can be punctuated with sunrise or sunset yoga sessions, or perhaps a leisurely afternoon beside the infinity pool, savoring select vintages of Greek wine.
As evening settles, indulge in gastronomic artistry at Varoulko Santorini, a dining venue led by Michelin-starred Chef Lefteris Lazarou. Conclude your perfect day with a handcrafted cocktail at 363 Bar, where panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean complete the enchanting experience.
Auberge du Soleil – Napa Valley
Auberge du Soleil’s esteemed reputation isn’t just word of mouth; it’s a proven testament to its sublime offerings. Nestled atop a lush hillside in California’s renowned Napa Valley, this luxurious resort is framed by a picturesque landscape of olive groves and oak trees.
Known as the “Inn of the Sun,” the resort exudes an aura akin to the elegance and allure of Southern France. Of its 50 meticulously designed guest accommodations, many boast private terraces and open-air tubs, each complemented by bespoke furnishings and original works of art. As for the views, every room offers an unobstructed panorama of sprawling vineyards and mountainous vistas.
Yet, it’s the culinary experience that truly distinguishes Auberge du Soleil. Originating as a standalone restaurant before expanding into an inn, its Michelin-starred dining establishment serves as a gastronomic oasis. The cuisine is ingeniously crafted using the finest local produce, and a truly expansive wine cellar housing 15,000 bottles ensures a flawless pairing for any meal or palate. For a more relaxed, though equally sumptuous, dining atmosphere, venture to The Bar and savor artful cocktails or select wines accompanied by seasonal dishes like cheese and charcuterie.
When not immersed in epicurean delights, guests can traverse the nearby hills and vineyards on foot or by bike, saunter through the on-site sculpture garden, or indulge in bespoke spa treatments. The resort’s impeccably designed pool area also provides a tranquil space to unwind with your favorite drink. Want to extend your exploration of Auberge Resorts Collection locales in Napa Valley? Consider a stay at Solage in the quaint township of Calistoga. And, if you’re intrigued by the brand’s latest ventures, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the newly inaugurated Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, California.
Eager to embark on this extraordinary journey? Reach out to me to curate and secure your ideal Auberge experience.