Nestled just outside downtown Healdsburg, once a frontier town now renowned for Michelin-starred dining and upscale tasting rooms, Montage Healdsburg offers a serene escape that mirrors the region’s transformation. Despite the influx of affluent visitors, the town has retained its rustic charm, and the resort echoes this delicate balance with its understated, nature-inspired design.
A Harmonious Blend of Design and Nature
Tucked away from the main road, Montage Healdsburg is marked only by a discreet sign, ensuring privacy and an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape. The resort is thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly into its environment, with the central hub of activity perched atop a hill. From here, 130 bungalow-style rooms and suites cascade down the slope, offering both seclusion and stunning views.
The architects and interior designers, based in California and known for their commitment to sustainable building practices, took inspiration from the area’s natural flora. While subtle elements of luxury are present throughout the resort, the focus is on organic materials, including a striking concrete fireplace and a slab of live oak in the lobby. The design continues with warm woods, earthy textiles, and custom artworks made from cast bark and local stone, creating a welcoming atmosphere in common areas like the lobby, Scout Field Bar, and Hazel Hill restaurant.
Private Retreats Surrounded by Nature
The bungalow-style guest rooms are strategically placed among groves of manzanita and oak, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views. The rooms feature private terraces and outdoor showers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Northern California landscape. Rooms higher on the hillside create a sense of being suspended among the treetops, providing a peaceful retreat where the natural surroundings take center stage.
The resort’s modern interiors create a calm, serene environment ideal for relaxation. Guests can enjoy their private spaces, whether lounging in a king-sized bed or soaking in a deep tub, while soaking in the views of the surrounding beauty.
Wellness and Leisure at Montage Healdsburg
The resort’s gym, though small, is a popular spot in the mornings. However, guests may prefer to explore the nearby hiking trails that wind through the region’s rugged terrain. For a more leisurely experience, the resort offers a zero-edge pool perfect for a few relaxing laps, or guests can unwind with a rejuvenating massage or facial at the spa.
A Culinary Journey: Wine and Dining at Hazel Hill
While Healdsburg is home to a variety of fine dining options, including The Matheson and numerous cafes, Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg stands out with its exceptional offerings. Dining here is an experience, whether enjoyed indoors on a foggy night or outdoors beneath the stars. The French-influenced California cuisine evolves with the seasons, much like the region’s vineyards.
The menu at Hazel Hill features dishes best enjoyed in a relaxed, shared fashion, making it ideal for groups. Start by exploring the extensive wine list, which features some of Northern California’s finest labels. A standout is the Pinot Noir from Littorai’s Savoy Vineyard, or the Surveyor wine, a collaboration between the estate and rising winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars.
For those visiting in the spring, the seasonal dishes are a highlight. A platter of asparagus, dressed in a vibrant almond, citrus, and sorrel sauce, offers a refreshing start. The spaghetti chittara, featuring sweet Dungeness crab with a touch of Calabrian chilies, captures the essence of the short crab season. For meat lovers, the Westholme Wagyu tomahawk steak paired with earthy wild mushrooms is a must-try.
Exploring Healdsburg and Its Tasting Rooms
While Healdsburg’s stylish tasting rooms, such as Ernest Vineyards and Marine Layer, offer unique experiences, Montage Healdsburg encourages guests to slow down and savor the moment. With its breathtaking views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains, the resort invites visitors to take a pause, reminding them that in today’s fast-paced world, sometimes the best experience is simply doing nothing at all.
Guests can relax in a lounge chair, enjoy the serene landscape, and appreciate the natural beauty that defines this exceptional retreat.
You Might Be Interested In:
