The Concierge Insider: Yountville, California
The first in a new series, “The Concierge Insider”, is a
behind-the-scenes look into the lives and secrets of some great concierges in marvelous
locations. Each guest concierge featured
will give us insider tips into their own locate, plus some highlights and
anecdotes of their career. Join me for
this fun, informative and interesting series that will shed new light on a
destination you could be about to visit!
Mary DuVoure,
Villagio Inn and Spa, Yountville, Napa Valley, California.
Villagio Inn and Spa and Vintage Inn are wonderful choices
if you are planning a trip to the Napa Valley.
Large, luxurious rooms, a breakfast spread beyond belief, and within minutes’
walk of some of the country’s best restaurants, including the French Laundry,
Bouchon, Redd, Michael Chiarello’s Bottega, Hurley’s, Bistro Jeanty and so many
more, These are dotted amongst wine tasting rooms, galleries, spas, boutiques
and a chocolate shop to die for, Kollar Chocolates in the historic V
Marketplace.
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| Photo: Sally James |
Seated in relaxed and gracious elegance in Villagio’s
spacious welcoming lobby, you will find concierge, Mary DuVoure, who’s warm and
generous spirit will surround you and start your journey in true Napa
style. Enjoy Mary’s stories!
How long have you
been a concierge?
I left the corporate world to take the position at Villagio
Inn and Spa in Yountville in 2003 and haven’t looked back.
What is your most
unusual request?
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| Somerston Estate |
What is your favorite local “hidden” gem?
Kayaking on Lake Hennessy, or going up to Somerston Estate where you can drink the spring water from the ground.
Favorite 1 day getaway?
Going to the ocean, like Rodeo Beach to walk my dog.
Carmel.
What referral gets the most “thank you’s” or “wow”s
Dinner at the French Laundry, and also Bottega..
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| Photo: Sally James |
Best Napa “splurge”?
Aside from The French Laundry, a chauffeured guided
experience of the valley. They get you into all the unknown wineries with
special treatment everywhere you go!
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| Something must be good in there! Photo - Sally James |
Favorite international destination
Ireland
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| Pride Mountain view |
Most unforgettable
trip moment
When I arrived in London on one trip, a business man I had
met on the plane offered to share his driver taking me to a great hotel, then
picking me up the next day for a tour.
Favorite city to
visit
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| Hotel Fountaines du Luxembourg |
Favorite city hotel
Hotel Fountaines du Luxembourg, on the Left Bank of Paris. For a tired visitor arriving after a long
flight, it was perfect – champagne and fully stocked bar, right amid all the
Left Bank’s wonderful cafes and such refined elegance!
Most moving thank you
gift
A guest made me some hand strung pearls, that she had
personally selected knowing my favorite colors, eyes and style.
Something no-one
knows about being a concierge
How much work it takes to be good at the job. You really need to be able to get outside of
yourself and be thinking of the guests’ preferences.
A black coat that covers all occasions – dressy, casual,
wind and rain.
If you only have 1 day
in Napa, you must………
Hire a driver; visit 2 great wineries with a picnic in a
vineyard. It’s more important to get
quality than quantity to experience the “essence” of the valley.
What are your
favorite travel apps and websites?
Best spot for People
Watching
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| Bouchon deck for people watching ...especially during the Yountville Day's parade. Photo: Sally James |
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