Press Release
Auberge du Soleil Debuts New Landscape Celebrating the Heritage of its Hillside Setting
Contemporary South of France-Meets-California Design Opens Up Valley Views And Introduces ‘Le Jardin,’ A Romantic New Garden Retreat for Private Celebrations
RUTHERFORD, Calif. (July 2017) – The redesign of Auberge du Soleil, California Wine Country’s quintessential adult getaway, continues to evolve with a focused effort on transforming the landscape of the hotel’s 33-acre sunlit hillside setting. An extensive effort to return the property to a more native palette and terrain now complements the contemporary redesign of Auberge du Soleil’s rustic-chic maisons. Inspired by the hundred-year-old olive grove and heritage oaks that dominate the landscape, the simplified design celebrates the sculptural forms of the ancient trees while opening up views of the valley and providing access to forested areas of redwoods and an array of live, blue and valley oaks. New fragrant lavender beds, clipped boxwood and myrtle – prolific in the South of France and California – provide a refined and natural palette that enhances the property’s unique sense of rural sophistication and quiet beauty.
“Since we built the hotel more than 30 years ago, the landscape evolved, with plantings and irrigation, from its natural state to a lush oasis which was in contrast to the dry arid conditions of the environment,” said George Goeggel, Auberge du Soleil Managing Partner. “Our goal with this transformation was to take a more responsible, sustainable approach that returns our remarkable landscape to its roots and provides a more native, drought-tolerant solution that serves future generations. In doing so, we exposed the natural beauty of 100-year-old olive trees from the original hillside grove and numerous indigenous oaks and redwoods. We are delighted to share these treasures with our guests by way of a tranquil private trail that invites them to wander and enjoy the uncensored beauty of the property.”
One of the most anticipated elements of the new grounds is “Le Jardin,” an outdoor event space – floored with natural field stone, shaded by a canopy of trellised white wisteria and thoughtfully designed as a picturesque setting for romantic gatherings, small weddings and private celebrations.
The creative force behind Auberge du Soleil’s new landscape design is Steve Arns, a Northern California native and Napa Valley local who draws from deep knowledge of the land and its history to service private estate and prestigious winery clients such as Charles Krug, Chateau Montelena and Frog’s Leap.
“The reconceptualization of Auberge du Soleil’s contemporary guest rooms called for a simpler, more architectural approach to the landscape,” said Arns. “I took inspiration from the agricultural heritage of Rutherford Hill’s original olive grove and the surrounding forest and ancient oak trees. By simplifying the plant palette, we not only created a more natural setting, we opened up more spectacular views of the Valley and wooded areas. The design highlights a simple statement of greenery and flowering plants that honors Auberge du Soleil’s nod to the South of France while embracing its renowned history in the Napa Valley.”
Auberge du Soleil’s guest room rebuild, led by acclaimed interior designer Suzanne Tucker, of Tucker & Marks, Inc., San Francisco, is 80 percent complete with a final phase planned for early 2018. The luxurious maisons feature 50 guest rooms and suites with clean, contemporary architectural interiors, custom finishes and outdoor living spaces that raise the bar for romance in Napa Valley.
Auberge du Soleil’s unparalleled style is one reason why the adults-only hotel continues to receive the highest accolades from the hospitality industry, discerning guests and the media. Perennially ranked among the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and other influential publications, Auberge du Soleil is a Forbes Five Star hotel and a long-standing member of Relais & Châteaux, the most prestigious collection of small luxury hotels and restaurants in the world. For more information about Auberge du Soleil please visit auberge.com/auberge-du-soleil and follow at facebook.com/AubergeduSoleil and on Twitter and Instagram at @AubergeduSoleil.
About Auberge Collection
Auberge Collection owns and operates a portfolio of exceptional hotels, resorts, residences, and private clubs. While Auberge nurtures the individuality of each property, all share a crafted approach to luxury that is expressed through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. Properties in the Auberge Collection include: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch and Solage, Napa Valley; Esperanza and Chileno Bay, Los Cabos, Mexico; Hotel Jerome, Aspen; Malliouhana, Anguilla; Nanuku, Fiji; Element 52, Telluride, Colorado.; Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica; and Auberge Beach Residences and Spa Fort Lauderdale (opening late 2017), Bishop’s Lodge (opening mid-2018), Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah (opening late 2018) and Commodore Perry Estate, Austin (opening 2019) with several others in development. For more information about Auberge Collection, please visit www.auberge.com/. Follow Auberge Collection on Facebook at facebook.com/AubergeResorts and on Twitter and Instagram at @Auberge.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
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