Kenwood Inn and Spa: The essence of Italy
By Marcy Joyce
Wine Country Lifestyle / Fall 2016
“Spent our 30th anniversary here,” an open page of the guestbook reads in flowery cursive. “It’s like being in Europe without the hassle of travel. Just beautiful.”
Another handwritten testimonial reads: “What a great escape. Six friends from South Florida had a memorable trip. Cheers.”
Indeed the elegant, romantic ivy-covered Tuscan villa is a sight to behold both inside and out and an ideal retreat for anyone looking for a relaxing and invigorating change of pace from their everyday life.
Nestled in vineyard knolls along the Valley of the Moon highway, this peaceful adults-only getaway warmly welcomes guests from the moment they enter the foyer from the curved cobblestone driveway. Upon check-in, Don Hamilton the rooms manager offers guests a glass of prosecco as they contemplate which spa treatment to choose during their stay. Soft subliminal background music subtly adds to ambiance of the initial experience. The foyer opens to a rococoesque sitting area with books, magazines, a fireplace and an offering of port or sherry for later on in the evening.
The breathtaking beauty of Kenwood Inn and Spa unfolds through the tranquil courtyard’s lush garden with hedges of rosemary, lemon and avocado trees from Central America that bear larger yet milder fruit than the Hass avocados that Californians are used to. A lot of the herbs used in their cooking are grown on the property with its ocher-washed stucco walls, quarry-tile floors and archways over flagstone paths that meander through the gardens.
“It’s not uncommon to see our chef or one of our line cooks picking right from one of our bushes or trees. We’ve even made hot water with lemon from some of our lemon trees,” says Don.
The inn has 29 lavish guest rooms and suites with no forgotten detail from the featherbeds with Italian linens to the deep soaking tubs. Rooms have their own private courtyards in front or veranda in the back. All rooms have fireplaces but no televisions. However, if sports fans want to check the latest scores, Don says there is a “secret TV” in an armoire in the downstairs bar where they can also have a glass of a local wine or beer.
Kenwood Inn and Spa is an enticing alternative at any time of the year, yet it just might be especially appealing during fall and winter with all that goes on as the year comes to a close.
“The hustle and bustle of harvest is great,” says Joel Holland, the property’s new manager who began working at the inn in March having worked in the Napa Valley for 7 years. “With the energy that comes out of the valley with the wineries in production, everyone tends to be in a good mood and excited about what is to come.”
Even during the winter months, guests often enjoy wine and meals outdoors by fireplaces in the eves of the terrace walkways. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and a 24-hour intermezzo menu with seasonal items prepared by chef Ron Stainer who has been in the area for years and brings in as many local items as possible. In the cooler months, more hearty fare like baked pasta is often served along with braised meats and vegetables and salads with citrus dressing. Dessert might be panna cotta, tiramisu or something with apples or pears.
Says Stainer: “We want people to come here and visit from all over the United States and the world to try things in our backyard and things that we like from the area. We’re spoiled as you know. From north, south, west and east we’ve got a plethora of choices.”
Off to one side of the courtyard is a 102 degree jetted whirlpool where guests can unwind that is open 24 hours year-round. As a plus, wine and champagne is permitted in hazard-free plastic cups.
“This is called the Valley of the Moon and in the middle of the night you can see why,” Don says.
On other side is a jasmine arbor trellis that brides have walked through to a delightful poolside promenade with persimmon trees, geraniums, roses, citrus trees and strawberry beds festively lit up with string lights after dark. Groups as large as 100 can be seated near the pool for special occasions. Otherwise, hotel and spa guests restfully read books on chaise lounges.
The property can also accommodate 25-30 guests comfortably in the Tuscany room overlooking the pool and spa which is sometimes used for company meetings.
“One, two or three-day off sites are perfect for business retreats,” Joel says. “We have executive groups and leadership groups that come up from the Bay Area who want to get off site and off topic and enjoy each other’s company but also get some work done and have fun.”
Besides business and couples’ retreats, and celebratory occasions, “girlfriend getaways” draw visitors to the tranquil atmosphere of Kenwood Inn and Spa. While the restaurant is for overnight guests only, people can come for the day to get a massage, facial or body scrub and have access to the pool before and after.
“People have strong attachments to this property,” says Jessica Schorr, the spa manager, reminiscing about a couple who once got married in the spa lounge where people comfortably wait for their scheduled treatment and are offered mimosas or may enjoy tea, hot chocolate or cider. The groom had said “I love her so much, I want to get married now,” so spa guests were relocated and their wedding took place right then and there.
A mom-to-be also brought her husband to the spa to tell him the gender of the baby before their couples’ massage. Quiet moments in the spa tub have been enjoyed by newlyweds on their honeymoon and new parents on a babymoon.
“We get to know our guests,” Jessica says. “Our guests make us better at what we do.”
Spa products such as grapeseed exfoliant, high in anti-oxidants and Matanzas Creek lavender scrub and are authentically local. An exfoliating facial treatment during the holiday season is a chance to put one’s best face forward for the new year.
For more information, visit www.kenwoodinn.com
