The Meritage Resort at Napa Opens The World's
First Wine Cave Spa
NAPA,
Calif. - May 16 — Forty feet below the iconic grape crusher statue that graces
its southern end, the Napa Valley made history again today with the opening of
Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort at Napa.
The luxury retreat nestled nel cuore della terra (literally, "in the heart
of the earth,") is the first spa in the world to be developed entirely underground.
Located
in the eastern wing of the Resort's Estate Cave, the 9,000 square foot, $7.5 million
project is an underground oasis, featuring steam grottos, soaking pools, water
walls, and lavishly appointed private treatment rooms for individuals and couples.
"The cave environment is incredibly well-suited to spa design and construction
for a number of reasons," says David Bury, the architect, whose award-winning
projects include Aji, The Oaks, and Spa Ojai. "It maintains a constant temperature,
which makes it very energy efficient, it's quiet, and structurally it's incredibly
stable. And, perhaps most exciting for us, we were able to focus all of our energy
on interior elements — since the exterior of this project was handled by
Mother Nature."
Spa Terra's sumptuous decor reflects the
Mediterranean theme of the Resort, replete with hand-wrought fixtures and extensive
custom tile work. Water elements, heated tiles and vaulted ceilings are complimented
by thoughtfully selected materials, and an earth-toned palate and the incorporation
of many natural elements offers both a subtle reminder of the unique location
and a nod to the rich heritage of the spa tradition.
Lynn Curry
of Natural Resources Spa Consulting worked closely with Spa Terra Director Victoria
Boscarino to develop a menu of services and treatments for face and body that
incorporate local products and draw on the bounty of the region.
The
spa's signature experience, Solo Vino, combines an exfoliating grape seed scrub,
an invigorating jet shower rinse, hydrating body wrap with a wine cave mud mask
and Terra massage; and includes a wine and cheese selection to round out the two-hour
treatment. A complete spa menu is available online at www.spaterra.com.
At-a-Glance:
— 10 private, individually temperature controlled treatment rooms —
Separate mens/womens steam saunas and soaking pools with water walls — Welcoming
relaxation room with water feature — Complete menu of treatments and services
with special options for men, teens and expectant mothers — Spa Terra menu
and wine service available with treatment
Built on an eight-acre
private vineyard, The Meritage Resort at Napa opened in July 2006. From the complimentary
bottle of wine at check-in, to gourmet cuisine at the on-site Siena restaurant,
to luxurious, Tuscan-inspired guest rooms and suites, The Meritage Resort exudes
elegance. For additional information, or to make reservations at The Meritage
Resort at Napa, call 1.866.370.NAPA (6272). Guests can also learn more at www.themeritageresort.com
and www.vinobelloresort.com.
