If it wasn’t for Google Maps, we probably would have never found Calistoga Ranch. Tucked into a private canyon, this acclaimed hideaway in Napa Valley is rated as one of the best resorts in the U.S.. After our last weekend’s stay, I am happy to confirm that it definitely lives up to its reputation.

As soon as our car stopped in front of the entrance of the resort, we were greeted by the friendly bellmen and offered us hot chocolate and apple cider to get ourselves warmed up. While we were checking in, they took our luggages off the car and loaded them to the golf cart, which would bring us to our accommodation. Oh yes, the resort is absolutely huge, 157 acres huge!

On our way to our lodge, which is on the top of the hill, we noticed that Calistoga Ranch is not a regular hotel with high buildings that host hundreds of rooms, but a true retreat with 50 individual guest lodges among the trees. When we finally opened up the door to our “Estate Lodge”, we were speechless. Our home for the next two days was a two-bedroom house with a fully equipped gourmet kitchen and indoor dining area, an outdoor dining and living area with fireplace, an indoor living room with fireplace, an outdoor hot tub, a master bedroom with huge bathroom and outdoor shower, and a guest bedroom also with a huge bathroom. It was just incredibly beautiful! And they prepared a giant soft dog pillow, a bottle of treat, waste bags, a personalized chew toy and water and food bowls for Dodo. What’s more, Dodo even got an invitation to do a Bacon Hunt in their vineyard the next day. For us, they papered a huge plate of cheese and snacks to savor and two bottles of Napa wines. We felt such a warm welcome by all these gestures.

Once we settled down and unpacked, the kids started to watch “Frozen” (one of the DVDs provided by the resort) in front of the fireplace and we (the parents) went into the outdoor jacuzzi right away. Surrounded by wilderness, we immersed ourselves in the hot water while sipping a glass of red wine and gazing at the million of shiny stars in the night sky.

That night, on the most comfortable beds, we all slept nice and sound.

The next morning, I got up early and walked around the resort. It was freezing, but I loved how peaceful and serene the resort is at that time, especially by the lake. I was still in disbelieve such a beautiful place is so well hidden from the outside world.

By 10 am, everyone was up and we got ready to watch Dodo doing the “Bacon Hunt”. Yes, as part of their puppy activities programs, each guest canine is invited to visit the vineyard and look for bacons. Since Dodo has never had bacon before, you could imagine how excited he was after he found the first piece. After that, his nose pretty much glued to the ground and he ran like crazy to find the rest of the bacon strips. He was drooling while running. The kids chased after him and helped him to locate '“the treasures”. It was so fun to watch and we all had a good laugh.

Right beside the vineyard, there are also the veggies garden, pumpkin patch, chicken coop as well as little house for baby goats. The kids were allowed to fetch the eggs directly from the coop. Dodo loved making friends with the chicken and goats. He just wished they could come out and play with him.

For lunch, we visited the main dining restaurant - the Lake House. The dining space was absolutely gorgeous. We ordered a variety of dishes and everything was just delicious!!! My photos don’t really do its justice.

After that, my husband and I decided to visit the Bathhouse and spend some couple time alone. The spa has both indoor and outdoor space, which includes mineral pools and mud bath. They also offer treatment using house harvest honey from 60,000 bees kept on the premises. There are also many outdoor sitting and relaxing seats by the fireplace for you to relax and refresh.

It is also worth mentioning that there are two pools and a jacuzzi at the resort, with one of them dedicated to families. Since it is winter season at moment, the pool-side restaurant wasn’t open during our stay, but the menu tells me that there are a great selection of dishes that would satisfy both big and small guests.

For the rest of our stay, we spent most of our time in the lodge to really enjoy the family time together. We sat in front of the fire and watched movies together, followed by some more soaking time in the hot tub. Then when Dodo was ready to explore, we walked him to the reception so we could get ourselves some heartwarming hot cocoa again. Everyone at the resort has been super friendly and helpful to us. Whenever we need assistance, they went out their way to help us. It was just the perfect family weekend getaway that we have wished. PS: during one of those walks, Dodo decided to check out the lake and learned to swim for the first time. We were beyond ourselves to see him doing that!

Of course, you can understand our sadness when it is time to check out and go home after spending such wonderful two days at Calistoga Ranch. But then knowing it is just two hours drive from home, we are certain that we shall be back and visit it again. Next time, I will definitely try the Mud Bath.