Hidden among the verdurous rolling hills of California’s Napa Valley — a region famed for its vineyards — is a tantalizing luxury experience that attracts well-heeled travelers searching for a spot of tranquility to go with their journey through wine country: the Villagio Inn & Spa.

A luxury spa located in the heart of Yountville, the Villagio not only boasts short proximity to America’s most celebrated chefs — Napa Valley is home to the nation’s largest per capita Michelin Star restaurants — it is surrounded by premier wine tasting rooms, shopping and the rich history and culture of wine country.

Standing in the doorway of the inn, I am instantly swept away to a Tuscan-inspired fairy tale by the decor. Located on the 23-acre Vintage Estate — a luxury lifestyle destination shared with the Vintage Inn and V Marketplace — Villagio Inn & Spa features flowing water fountain pathways weaved throughout peaceful Mediterranean-style gardens lining the way to guestrooms and suites.

The inn’s 13,000-square-foot spa facility features sixteen treatment rooms and five intimate private spa suites with both indoor and outdoor oversized sunken infinity tubs, fireplaces, steam showers, wet bars and flat screen televisions with Bose sound systems.  Tucked in the comforts of the private spa suite is where I plan on spending my day unwinding, but first I must stop into the relaxation room — this is where serenity begins.

To get to the relaxation room, which is located through the calming corridors of the stone building, you must pass through the grand entrance hallway where you are greeted by a warm staff ready to get you on your way. From the changing room to the lounger I find myself waiting in a private steam room, an outdoor private patio with refreshments to make the hops about the spa even more enjoyable.

By the time it’s time to begin my treatment, I am already verging on the calm I was seeking, when I booked my visit to the spa. On the agenda today is the Aromasoul Mediterranean Ritual, a restorative treatment created with the necessities of the body and soul in mind. When I enter the second-floor private treatment room  — where a private steam room, jacuzzi and balcony await — I am offered a glass of sparkling wine to begin the path to relaxation. I accept and sink into repose.

The 100-minute long treatment includes a scrub infused with basil, bergamot, mandarin orange and lemon blended with jojoba oil by L’Occitane, that helps deliver a revitalizing and stimulating sensory experience; followed by a full body massage that calms tired muscles, simultaneously relaxing the body and mind.  Recommended to spa goers suffering from jetlag, stress and fatigue, this weary traveler was indeed happy to have chosen the treatment.

After all my stress and aches are lifted, and my skin has been rendered shiny and new, I am given an hour in my private treatment room to let the fruits of the spa’s calming labours linger just a while longer. Delights follow in the form of more sparkling wine and a light feast of salads and desserts, including rich chocolate truffles and a freshly baked lemon tart from the kitchen of Vintage Estate’s Executive Chef, Kevin Miller.

I take my time to enjoy all the amenities before preparing to leave and make sure to stop by the well-curated gift shop on the estate to check out some of the handcrafted jewelry pieces I have been hearing tell of from other guests at the inn.

As I exit through the doors of the Villagio Inn & Spa, I feel rejuvenated and happy with anticipation for the next time I can travel back to this peaceful retreat. Let the others visit for the wine, I’m coming back to Napa for the spa — this spa.