The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Is SoCal’s Latest Luxurious Vacation spot

No want to move as much as Napa for the weekend when certainly one of California’s most inviting wine areas is correct in your doorstep — figuratively, anyway, with the tiny, storybook city Los Olivos a 125-mile, two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Situated off Freeway 101 and surrounded by vineyards, lavender farms, ranches and horse trails within the coronary heart of Santa Ynez wine nation, the setting is postcard-perfect. As soon as a Nineteenth-century stagecoach cease, The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern has been a fixture right here since 1886 however just lately debuted a whole rework and enlargement, making it the toniest keep on the town. The historic property is now a member of the Auberge Resorts Assortment, which meticulously modernized its 4 authentic cottages, including 67 freestanding visitor rooms, a spa and occasion venue. The result’s a California luxurious resort completed oh so proper. 

What’s the Story?

A social hub for Santa Ynez locals — and a watering gap for stagecoach vacationers between San Francisco and Los Angeles — for greater than a century, Mattei’s was established by Swiss immigrant Felix Mattei throughout California’s boomtown days. Homeowners got here and went all through the years, though its authentic Craftsman-style constructions and signature water tower had been fortunately maintained, each of which Auberge has preserved superbly. Dotted with old-growth palms, the unique period of the property is ever-present: assume California ranch however make it luxurious, with a seamless connection to the panorama and an indoor-outdoor vibe that’s decidedly low-key.

Checking In

Followers of the trendy farmhouse model will love Mattei’s. Mild-filled with uncovered wood-beam ceilings, classic furnishings, fireplaces and four-poster beds, the resort’s 67 visitor homes and 4 authentic cottages (added in 1910) had been designed by New York studio AvroKO and Auberge director of design Nicole Campion. Zellige tiles and unlacquered brass fixtures adorn the bogs, whereas in-room perks embody Nespresso machines and personal out of doors patios and porches with lounge chairs — very best for that morning espresso or night glass of wine. 

The Meals 

With 5 separate locations to eat and drink on the property, Mattei’s is a bona-fide vacation spot eating expertise. Govt chef Rhoda Magbitang (who labored with José Andrés and the James Beard Award-winning Suzanne Goin on the Chateau Marmont and Petit Ermitage, respectively) oversees the culinary program, which is impressed by regional ranch cooking and skews “native California.” Count on loads of fresh-from-the-garden salads and hearty however refined wood-fired dishes. Every idea has an inside to match the temper. With its leather-based membership chairs and Wild West particulars (search for the vintage horseshoes), The Bar is a effective place for a historically-inspired cocktail (strive the signature Previous Original, “Previous Gus Berg,” named after Felix Mattei’s right-hand man), whereas the ethereal, all-day restaurant The Tavern has a vine-covered trellis to dine beneath. Felix Feed & Espresso is a European-style espresso bar and bakery for pastries and all-day breakfast. Hidden inside the grounds are Gin’s Faucet Bar, named after the Tavern’s longtime Chinese language chef, with a menu that options Shanghai-style bites like duck wontons and shrimp toast. The Shed serves contemporary, Mediterranean-inspired fare poolside. 

Visitor Experiences

Auberge Resorts are recognized for creating one-of-a-kind experiences that faucet into the essence of a location, and The Inn at Mattei’s doesn’t disappoint. As to be anticipated in wine nation,  there are tastings and a paella night time, plus an olive oil infusion workshop the place you’ll make a bottle to take house utilizing components from the backyard. Off the property, there are self-guided e-bike excursions, a llama farm tour and the Los Vaqueros path experience by way of the Santa Ynez Valley. If creating your personal tintype portrait with artist-in-residence Lindsey Ross appeals, you’ll have to guide a spot in certainly one of her classes between October and December. 

For relaxation and rest, there’s a weekly roster of health lessons (barre, yoga, Pilates) and a small however intentional menu of bodywork providers and facials at The Cottage the place you possibly can chill on the spa deck or soak within the sizzling tub post-treatment. Opening early subsequent 12 months, The Lavender Barn will provide a extra complete seasonal spa menu utilizing the Oak Necessities skincare line by California designer Jenni Kayne, in addition to six extra therapy rooms, together with a pair’s-only room that opens onto a secluded out of doors house anchored by two horse-trough tubs for bathing. 

There’s a Surf Air Personal Jet Bundle, Too

If you happen to completely, positively should arrive by non-public jet, need to hit Napa as effectively and have a spare $25,000 floating round, there’s an possibility for that: Mattei’s Tavern (and its sister property, Stanly Ranch) launched a partnership with Surf Air that may whisk you between each areas. You’ll spend two nights at Mattei’s Tavern having fun with excursions, tastings and chef-driven dinners earlier than hopping on a personal Surf Air flight from an airfield in Santa Ynez to Napa, the place you’ll spend the following two days and nights having fun with NorCal wine nation à la Stanly Ranch.