65° Magazine:
Detailed Luxury at MacArthur Place
“If luxury is in the details then Sonoma’s MacArthur Place easily tops the list of Northern California wine country’s most luxurious hotels. Nearly every aspect within the updated historic Sonoma property is custom, and every amenity is meticulously curated to promote elegant comfort, well-being and freedom from stress.
MacArthur Place exudes a relaxed sophistication representative of its host town; locals describe Sonoma as what neighboring Napa Valley used to be – authentic and unspoiled. Grapes now fill the region, but Sonoma once was primarily horse territory, and MacArthur Place, formerly a nineteenth-century working ranch, embraces its original equestrian charm by paying homage to the farmhouse aesthetic while surrounding its guests in modern splendor.
Sixty-four rooms in 13 layout and size variations are found within 20 historic and contemporary buildings on the six-acre property. Furnishings, finishings, and artworks are thoroughly modern and tailor made. Several rooms feature private patios, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor showers. Sumptuous, overscaled furnishings are custom made in a soothing color palette of warm, creamy neutrals and accented with taupe, pumpkin, and black. Bathrooms feature one-of-a-kind custom-designed millwork vanities in neutral limestone. Shower walls showcase Walker Zanger Café Collection tiles in a glossy milk finish, with organic toiletries supplied by Grown Alchemist of Australia.
The hotel hosts a trinity of culinary concepts, the star of which is Layla, an open, airy fine dining restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beautifully lit with large picture windows and dramatic pendant lighting fixtures, Layla’s modern design reflects its original nineteenth-century barn structure and is a stunning centerpiece and gathering spot. Layla’s award-winning executive chef, Cole Dickinson, draws inspiration from Europe’s southern Mediterranean region in his thoughtfully elevated dishes. As with every detail within the luxurious resort, light fixtures, furnishings, and tabletop accessories are custom made. Jono Pandolfi Designs provides the handmade, understated, sophisticated tableware. Dramatic ceramic accent pieces are special ordered from Sloane Angell Studio in Los Angeles, and the alabaster fish platters are custom made in Egypt.
The Bar at MacArthur is a sultry and sumptuous jewel-toned lounge serving an inspired selection of classic cocktails, beers, and an all-day menu of traditional bar bites with a twist. And The Porch, MacArthur Place’s all-day coffee shop and marketplace, features artisan brands of wellness, beauty, experiential, retail, and food and beverage offerings. This includes uncommon products from brands such as Moon Juice, Giddy Up Nuts, Wooden Spoon Herbs, Metta Good, Paper & Tea, The Floral Society, Bitter Girl Bitters, Jacobsen Salt Co., and BeeKeepers Naturals. Sonoma County roaster Acre Coffee provides the coffee, and an expansive tea menu features locally based Uppercase Tea.
Just four blocks from the boutiques, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms lining quaint Sonoma Plaza, MacArthur Place is perfectly situated for exploration by foot, bicycle (don’t miss out on the complimentary use of the resort’s Blix Electric Bikes), or car. Allow MacArthur Place staff to curate an off-the-beaten-path wine tour. Explore the many local trails, play golf or tennis, horseback ride, or take a hot air balloon tour high above the valley. Whatever your pleasure, a leisurely stroll through the hotel’s own park-like setting is a must.
And when your stay has concluded, replicate the MacArthur Place vibe at home by purchasing the MacArthur Place candle. Custom created for the hotel by Parisian creative house Lola James Harper, its juniper fragrance perpetually wafts through the hotel lobby and evokes the resort’s agrarian nature.”
