Cherylynn N.
Yelp
COVID-19 STAYCAYTION
Because YOU deserve it...
Sometimes you just have to say, "Ph*ck it, I work hard so I deserve this..."
Bann at Oak Knoll Napa is one of those times. If you've been stressed from work, school, and/or home life...and need a quick AND safe getaway to decompress, I can't think of a better place.
Bann (home in Thai) is a newish Thai bed & breakfast resort from SF restaurateur, Chef Lalita Souksamlane (Osha Thai & Lao Table). They opened in the midst of the pandemic last fall.
Intimate setting with only 5 bungalows/rooms each with their own theme and dedicated outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard and mountains. Even the welcoming area and mini bar is outdoors, making it ideal during COVID times.
Bann is the ultimate Thai oasis making it the PERFECT place to escape to from the craziness of city life.
T H I N G S T O K N O W
* Only 5 bungalows/rooms so plan ahead.
* 2 guests allowed per a room; additional fee for each additional guest.
* No minimum night requirement (at this time).
* Complimentary Afternoon Tea at arrival (3 pm check-in).
* Complimentary 3-Course Breakfast.
* Mini-bar w/ drinks, snacks, ramen bowl, soda, beer, wine, etc. is an additional charge: https://bit.ly/3gWk7yi.
* Outdoor dining ONLY. Tables were 10-20+ feet away from each other.
* Salt water pool and hot tub: https://bit.ly/3ekiitc.
* Dog-friendly w/ a $25 pet fee: https://bit.ly/3aY0GBi.
* Free on-site parking.
A month prior, I booked the Singha Nakorn Room, Luxury California King. Just to give you an idea, for two nights including tax, resort fee, and pet fee, it was close to $1,800. A rare splurge but it was worth it.
S I N G H A N A K O R N
Gorgeous AND spacious, well-appointed bungalow/room (600 square feet). Southern Thai inspired with rich gold, blue, and teal colors. Fresh flowers and orchids adorned the room and bathroom. Link to video clip: https://bit.ly/3xLohyN.
Beautiful walk-in shower: https://bit.ly/3ehLroU and a deep soaking tub with bath salts: https://bit.ly/3eh5Fip. Link to video clip: https://bit.ly/33h9WMw.
Thai Jasmine toiletries and Chanel perfume. Dental kit, shaving kit, shower cap, and comb available.
The bungalow/room was quiet so it was awesome to fall asleep to crickets chirping and wake up to birds chirping....instead of saws and hammers, courtesy of my neighbor back in the city.
FYI, no hair conditioner, iron, and mini fridge in the room.
Room for improvement:
* For such a large shower, the shower pressure was quite weak since it was just a handheld shower head. I think a rainfall shower head would work better.
* I had issues with the TV (DirecTV).
* WiFi was slow and spotty so leave your laptop at home...you should be RELAXING not working anyways. =)
F O O D
(Onsite herb and veggie garden.)
* Complimentary Afternoon Tea: Array of fruits, cheese, crackers, macarons, and taro cake: https://bit.ly/3ufr5SK.
* Complimentary 3-Course Breakfast w/ coffee or tea: Bread basket, K&J Orchard Fruit Plate, and Choice of waffles, pancake, porridge, noodle soup, or Thai pan eggs: https://bit.ly/3h1WFji. It was in the low 40s in the mornings so bring a warm coat/sweater. Link to video clip: https://bit.ly/3vIAEKo.
* OPTIONAL 8-COURSE TASTING MENU w/ wine pairing (+$150 pp): https://bit.ly/3nLrA4J.
With things opening up and seeing how packed some restaurants were in the area, I'm so glad I opted for this. The nearest guests were 20+ feet away outdoors; not only did it feel super safe but it felt like having a private dinner.
*** Amuse Bouche: Watermelon w/ caramelized sugar, fried fish
(1) Grilled Tiger Prawns w/ wasabi dressing
(2) Tom Kha w/ mussels
(3) Hamachi Kama w/ truffle salt
(4) Lobster Tail**
(5) Salmon w/ Penang curry, served w/ rice berry**
(6) Snake River Farms Wagyu w/ mushrooms**
(7) Asparagus w/ soy chili**
(8) Mango w/ sticky rice and young coconut ice cream
**Portion for two shown in pic.
Everything was delicious, filling, and well-balanced with true Thai flavors (not dumbed down). Since it was a blind tasting menu, I didn't know what we were being served. My only recommendation is if you like your beef cooked a certain way, to request it beforehand (wagyu was well-done).
Since I don't drink wine, they were kind enough to do a cocktail pairing for me instead (3 cocktails made with Japanese vodka).
Upon request, they even cooked Tater Tot an unseasoned chicken breast ($10): https://bit.ly/3vIxh6c.
S E R V I C E
True Thai hospitality. Bann has a small staff but attentive to their guests needs. From Tony, Paul, and Chef Lalita herself, everyone was so kind, welcoming, and approachable.
Overall, I L-O-V-E-D my stay at Bann...the gorgeous grounds, al-fresco dining with a view, personalized service, and serene atmosphere are just what I needed to decompress.
Yes, it's a splurge but YOU are worth it!