Sometimes the best trips don’t require boarding a plane. For our anniversary this year, we packed an overnight bag, and in just under an hour found ourselves at Stanly Ranch in Napa Valley. It’s amazing how a short drive can transport you to a place that feels worlds away.
From the moment we arrived, Stanly Ranch felt special. Ranch hands in cowboy boots and hats welcomed us, offering lavender lemonade or a glass of wine, while helping with our bags. It was a playful, relaxed start that set the tone for our stay.
From there, we headed to formal check-in, which felt more like a stylish living room than a lobby. The whole process was quick and seamless, giving us time to soak in the views and start unwinding right away.
Our Suite
We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a Rambler One Bedroom King Suite, which made the experience even more memorable. This spacious two-room suite was designed for indoor-outdoor living, with sliding doors that opened onto a private terrace complete with lounge chairs, a dining area, and a fire pit.
Inside, the layout was thoughtful and welcoming. A sectional sofa and dining table for four anchored the living room, which flowed seamlessly into the bedroom. The highlight was the dual fireplace that connected the two spaces — cozy and romantic whether we were curled up in bed or enjoying a glass of wine in the living room.
The bathroom felt like its own retreat, featuring a freestanding soaking tub and an indoor-outdoor shower that perfectly captured Stanly Ranch’s philosophy of bringing the outside in. It’s the kind of suite where you could happily spend an entire weekend without leaving.
Time by the Pool
During the day, we explored the different pool areas on property. The main pool also known as the Lavender Pool has an easy, social vibe, with families and couples lounging side by side. There’s also a zero-entry pool for kids, which was amazing, parents could relax without hovering too much.
But I quickly claimed the spa pool as my personal hideaway. It’s adults-only, quieter, and ideal if you want to fully switch off. I slipped into the water and then relaxed on the lounger with my book and let the morning drift by slowly, exactly the kind of reset I had been craving.
Dinner at Bear
Dinner at Bear was the centerpiece of our stay, and it turned into one of those meals you don’t want to end. We started with their signature sourdough, served with nasturtium leaves, flowers, and cultured butter — a beautiful and flavorful beginning that set the tone for the evening. Alongside it, we ordered the stone fruit and burrata, a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fresh.
For mains, we shared two standouts: the hearth-grilled ribeye, which was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the arrabbiata, a pasta with just the right amount of spice to keep each bite exciting.
And then came dessert, which was as memorable as the rest of the meal. We shared both the famous sourdough ice cream and the raspberry with carmelia chocolate ganache. Indulgent without being heavy, they were the perfect sweet finish to an unforgettable evening.
Tip: Book ahead and aim for a table around sunset. Watching the vineyards glow gold while dining al fresco was pure magic.
Wellness at Halehouse
We dedicated our second morning to the wellness side of Stanly Ranch, and I’m so glad we did. We started with a workout at the Fieldhouse, then moved through the sauna, steam, and salt room circuit at Halehouse. That mix of heat and restoration felt incredible, like hitting the reset button.
For the adventurous, there are also more advanced recovery options. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber (which requires advance booking) boosts circulation and helps with recovery, while the Cold Plunge Bath is as exhilarating as it sounds. I worked up the courage to try it, and though it was bracing, I left feeling completely recharged.
Travel by Kylie Advisor Perks
One of the reasons our stay felt so seamless is because we were able to enjoy the perks I extend to all my clients who book Stanly Ranch through me:
- $100 resort credit (which we used toward dining and wellness),
- daily complimentary breakfast,
- VIP treatment from the moment we arrived,
- priority for upgrade whenever possible
- early check-in (we were in our suite hours before standard time), and
- a late check-out, which let us linger by the pool and enjoy the property long after we would normally have had to leave.
These touches made our anniversary stay even more special — and they’re exactly what you’ll enjoy too when booking through me.
Final Reflections
Stanly Ranch gave us exactly what we wanted from our staycation: relaxation, indulgence, and just enough adventure. The Rambler Suite upgrade, paired with early check-in and late check-out, made the experience feel extra special.
Living so close to Napa is a gift, and we can’t wait to return with our daughters to enjoy the family-friendly side of the resort, from the kids’ pool and wide-open spaces to The Window ice cream counter and Little Rancher’s Camp with its hawk walks, bike rides, and hands-on farm fun.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a wellness retreat, Stanly Ranch blends luxury with warmth and playfulness in a way that’s hard to leave behind.
Ready to plan your own Stanly Ranch escape? Reach out to me today and enjoy exclusive perks – resort credit, complimentary breakfast, priority upgrade, VIP treatment, and flexible check-in/out – all included when you book through me.