Auberge du Soleil Napa Valley, California Auberge Resorts' flagship and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, the 50-room French country inn, occupying 33 olive grove studded acres on the slopes of Rutherford Hill, enjoys an international reputation as one of the world's best small luxury hotels. Begun in 1981 as a California-French restaurant that set the standards for fine wine country dining, cottage-style accommodations with private terraces overlooking the Napa Valley and a sculpture garden now also dot the serene landscape. The 7,000 square foot Spa du Soleil, built for the exclusive use of the hideaway's guests, with natural springs and a seasonal menu of treatments inspired by fresh ingredients indigenous to the region, is the latest attraction of the "inn of the sun."