Our minds began to drift as we gazed at endless rows
of golden vines. It was the end of
the Autumn harvest and we were making our way towards Kenwood, a small town
past Sonoma proper, known for its wine, cuisine, and our final destination, a
European-style resort known as Kenwood Inn & Spa.
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| Exterior View of Kenwood Inn & Spa |
The smooth highway soon gave way to cobblestone
walkways, old world architecture, and elaborate fountains as we passed through
the resort gates. Greeted warmly upon entering the main lobby, we took a seat
near a glowing hearth and sampled local Sherry and Prosecco before exploring
the resort’s inner courtyard where stone fireplaces lined the periphery and an
elegant water fountain under a canopy of palm trees took center stage.
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| Central Courtyard |
From the courtyard, a narrow stone walkway leads past
an old watermill to the main pool and outdoor lounge area. Another leads to an
ornate outdoor hot tub reminiscent of the classic Italian fountains found at
the center of neighborhood piazzas.
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| Watermill |
We made our way to our second floor guestroom,
complete with private terrace, Jacuzzi, European shutters for ultimate privacy,
and a beautiful fireplace. The deliberate omission of a television was a
refreshing surprise that forced us to go completely off the grid.
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| Guest Room Balcony |
My husband took to the bike trails of nearby Glen
Ellen village, and I headed for the spa, where the comfort and charm of the inn
were extended. I slipped into a
terry robe, poured myself a warm herbal tea, and took a seat in the private
relaxation room.
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| Main Swimming Pool |
After a few moments rest, I was led to a dimly lit
treatment room where I would receive the oh-so-fitting ‘Crushed Cabernet Scrub’
treatment. Developed by Caudalie,
internationally acclaimed purveyors of vinotherapy, the treatment began with a full
body dry brush to remove dead skin.
A light cream containing grape seeds, grape seed oil, brown sugar and
honey was skillfully applied and I was then wrapped and left to rest.
Awoken from my bliss, I traipsed to the shower and
returned for a light hydrating massage using moisture rich essential oils. Then it was off to my next treatment –
the Fiszz Facial.
Although a shoulder, neck and scalp massage was gracefully conducted, this was not your typical European-style spa facial. This
treatment got down to the nitty-gritty and included extractions for deep
cleansing. My therapist, a Kenwood Spa veteran, began to explain the latest
trend in skincare – the oxygen facial.
“Would you like to sample it?” she asked. Who was I to say no? She flipped a switch and a machine
started to lightly rumble. With a thin tube-like instrument, she began to
gently spray oxygen onto my complexion.
But it was not oxygen alone.
She explained that hyaluronic acid serum was being sprayed onto the
skin, and the oxygen merely worked to open pores and allow the serum to
penetrate deeper. I carefully swept a fingertip across my skin when she
finished and it was utterly flawless.
Feeling immaculate from head to toe, my husband and I
reconnected at the resort’s private restaurant where we took seats near a
rustic fireplace (a recurring theme).
I ordered a glass of Davis Family’s 2009 Riesling, and he HKG Estate’s
2010 Pinot Noir. We sipped and talked and nibbled on warm bread and olive oil
as we leisurely reviewed the menu.
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| Spa Treatment Room |
Executive
Chef Steven Snook, a London transplant and long-time colleague of celebrity
chef Gordon Ramsey, presents a menu centered on fresh local ingredients. We chose several small plates and one
main dish to sample, beginning with a generous piece of warm Pecorino presented on a wine drenched
barrel plank topped with fresh figs, toasted pistachios, wild honey and baby
greens. We were off to a great start.
The parade of plates continued with Polpo alla Griglia - braised and
char-grilled octopus atop artichoke hearts highlighted with a basil pesto
sauce. Next, wood fired flat bread topped with crème fraiche, caramelized
onion, smoked mushrooms and eggs, and finally, homemade papardelles with seasonal vegetables and pesto
verde.
Although the desert menu included a selection of fine
cheeses and classic Italian deserts that are undoubtedly decadent and
delicious, we opted for a glass of Keller Estate’s 2006 Syrah instead – the
perfect end to the perfect day.
For more on the Spa at Kenwood Inn, download Spa Wanderlust for Apple or Android.
For more on the Spa at Kenwood Inn, download Spa Wanderlust for Apple or Android.
