When Montage Healdsburg opened in December 2020, the state of travel was in flux. COVID-19 vaccines had yet to roll out, and wine country visitor traffic, once in throngs, had thinned considerably. But the Montage project, which was many years in the making, welcomed guests confidently from day one, knowing that its world-class hospitality — which includes the gold standard in safety protocols — would offer the possibility of a return to travel for its core clientele, namely luxury travelers accustomed to the best in dining, spa services, and activities, all connected with the throughline of top-notch service.
My family and I spent three days at the property this summer, and I can report that the staff have every little detail dialed in, from coordinating activities to arranging housekeeping at unobtrusive times, not to mention nailing the dining experience — whether casual poolside, or more formal at Hazel Hill — for all ages. Attention to all the little details adds up to a comprehensively wonderful experience. It’s unusual for a luxury hotel of this caliber to be so family-friendly, but Montage manifests this commitment seamlessly.
We started each morning with coffee from the casual Healdsburg Country Store near the lobby, where locally roasted Flying Goat Coffee is served. It was a deep pleasure to enjoy a first morning cup on the wooded terrace of our bungalow before heading down to Hazel Hill restaurant, whose extensive breakfast menu includes standout smoked salmon, chilaquiles, and avocado toast with lemon-herb ricotta.
Each day we set aside time to simply be in the woods. While the bungalows are set on the hillside around the property’s central vineyard parcel (of which there are 258 acres, all told), they are all tucked into the trees, giving one the feeling of being in a private treehouse.
Speaking of vineyards, the new plantings here grow under the watchful eye of winemaking consultant Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars. And one of the best room amenities I have ever seen is a half-bottle of his Cabernet Sauvignon, a harbinger of a new restrained style that is, thankfully, catching on.
One of the highlights of our first full day was a family e-bike excursion. The on-site rental company made it an easy thing to pull off, outfitting the four of us with bikes, helmets, and a clear itinerary to a skate park in town along a safe bike path.
Because Montage Healdsburg is situated just outside town, it’s easy to have the feeling of being remote while, simultaneously, having access to nearby restaurants and shops — an ideal combination.
That afternoon, I had a deep tissue massage at the spa, another example of perfectly executed serenity, and precisely the kind of deep, low-key relaxation so many travelers need at this time.
Dinner at Montage Healdsburg can be classic or creative, as you like. My son enjoyed the steak and fries, while I went for an elegant roasted salmon dish.
In a not-altogether unsurprising move, we spent the next day entirely poolside. While the kids moved from sun to shade and in and out of various pool floaties, my wife and I enjoyed ceviche and cocktails. The pool bartender even made mocktails for the kids, complete with umbrella.
I wound down every night just as I began it, with a quick, invigorating outdoor shower, perhaps my favorite feature of the entire property. Bathing outdoors is a luxury that I indulge myself in responsibly — with brief showers that use little water and afford me just a moment of relaxation and focus.
The new Montage Healdsburg ushers in an era of unpretentious luxury in Sonoma County and is graceful addition to both the hotel and dining options in the region. Best of all, the whole family is welcomed here with open arms.
