Thank you to our travel writer Kathy Chin Leong for finding this hidden gem!
In ancient times, the ringing of a village bell heralded many things – an enemy invasion, a wedding, Sunday mass. At the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, owner Douglas Ayres has recreated that Old World feeling with Italian architecture, and, not one, but two tower bells that ring intermittently throughout the day.
Here in Paso Robles, Calif., the 21-acre resort is a self-contained village. It is a luxurious one with priceless art inside and out. No one would guess that next door is a La Quinta hotel or that a bustling highway is just down the road. On the pathway to the resort’s main entrance are grape vines, gardens, and gurgling fountains.
Upon my arrival, a grand marble staircase in the lobby seizes my attention. It is no surprise the Allegretto doubles as a wedding venue magnet, for I immediately imagine a bride posing atop the stairs with her flowing train draping each step, one by one. Above the staircase is another jaw-dropper: a fiber optic, Swarovski crystal chandelier which cycles through colors in a hypnotic fashion.
The art and history lover will obviously fit in, but so will the athlete, and the food and wine aficionado. The Allegretto tasting room on the first floor offers a flight for $30 for resort guests and $40 for the public. You can also secure an outdoor tasting of Allegretto signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and more.
ART and ARCHITECTURE
Prior to building the resort, owner Douglas Ayres traveled the globe, collecting sculptures, paintings, precious rocks, mineral formations, and whatever struck his fancy. He also fancied Italian architecture which is apparent in its porticos, arches, windows, pillars, exposed beams, and wrought iron accents and railings. Materials such as limestone tiles, marble, and various stones reveal a love for European design.
Symmetry is everywhere. The Piazza Magica courtyard is perfectly rectangular, and features a fountain in the center, bisecting a quadrant of buildings. At the base of the courtyard, a staircase sits matching stone Grecian statutes. The flower gardens, olive trees, and potted plants display their orderliness as well.
From cowboy to contemporary, from European to Asian, original works captivate the senses. A giant wood Buddha from India anchors one hallway with hands posed in prayer. Near the elevator, intricately carved arches from India astound guests with their level of detail.
While you will discover old treasures, modern pieces delight the eye. In one hallway, a set of onyx rectangles is lit up from the back so that you can see its creamy swirls and veins.
SPIRITUAL
Along with art, spirituality also takes center stage. Few resorts offer their own abbey for prayer and meditation. This sacred space of stained glass windows features 66 stars painted on the celestial ceiling, each representing a book of the Bible. Unique is the carved wood statue, Our Lady of Guadalupe, blessed by the bishop at the Our Lady of Guadalupe basilica in Mexico. Outside in the gardens are two labyrinths. One is a sonic labyrinth, the first one in the world which activates a low tone when people trod on the circular path.
Also available is the Star Garden Trail, called “a journey through the heavens.” A complimentary booklet guides guests through the twelve stations spread throughout the resort, each associated with a sign of the zodiac. Other places on the property invite guests to pause: the gazebos, the swing, and the path to the top of the vineyard, dubbed “The Mount of Olives.” There, a cross-shaped pathway frames a three-foot high, smooth oval rock, polished organically by river waters in India.
Ayres, a fourth-generation developer, has curated mini sanctuaries encouraging reflection. In the halls, niches, and porticos, the couches, chairs, and benches beckon you to sneak away for a book read or a journaling session. In the plaza, Adirondack chairs were custom-made to fit the human form precisely, according to Ayres.
Various artifacts pay tribute to Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and astrology. Symbolism is even woven into the carpets, where interlaced circles represent peace and harmony. On all the beds, the same design is painted on the headboards.
PLAYTIME
Meanwhile, energetic guests will find plenty of recreational activities. Two bocce ball courts, a ping pong table, a giant chess board, a swimming pool, and a hot tub, are just a few of the resort amenities.
You can check out one of the complimentary cruising bicycles or try riding a tandem bike with your partner. Burn off more calories by working out in the downstairs gym.
LUXURY
Those who need pampering can reserve a massage at Allegretto’s small, but well-appointed in-house spa. You can shuffle down in your resort slippers and room robe, and wait in the lounge where a bubbling fountain eases tensions. For further indulgence, you can book a pool cabana for the day. Get a tan, go for a swim, or steep your body in the outdoor whirlpool that backs up to the vineyard.
By dinnertime, you can spoil yourself at Cello, the resort’s fine dining restaurant serving pizza, pasta, seafood, and meat. The wood fire grill masters will create the best rib-eye steak or rack of lamb you’ve ever eaten.
REST
And of course, the rooms are designed both as practical and peaceful havens of rest. Picture snuggly beds with super thick mattresses, plus side lights on the end tables. The eco-friendly rooms require guests to insert their key cards into the electrical card slot to activate the heat and lighting. In the deluxe king that we are in (Room 268), we have a view of the courtyard and a sitting area with a couch and desk area for writing. Needful items such as the refrigerator, a Keurig coffee maker, Wi-Fi, and bedside outlets make it easy for 21st-century travelers. Dark wood dressers, desks, side tables, and headboards, are European classics, matching the symmetry and elegance of the resort.
Years ago, after visiting monasteries and gleaning insight from spiritual sages, Ayres purchased a pastoral hillside, he deemed perfect for creating his resort oasis. It took from 2010 to 2015, but his dream was fulfilled. In his mind, this multi-faceted resort is a gift to travelers and to the world to cherish today and for years to come.
- For more information or to book your stay visit Allegretto Resort
