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Opened in 2016 in downtown Healdsburg on the north end of Sonoma wine country, Single Thread Farm-Restaurant-Inn is best known for its restaurant. Helmed by chef-owner Kyle Connaughton, it holds three Michelin stars and ranks #37 on the list of the world’s best restaurants. And while guests who stay at the attached inn get guaranteed availability in the restaurant Thursday through Monday evenings, there’s plenty more reason to stay at the sleek five-room inn.
Given the small size of the inn, there’s no front desk, per se. Guests check in at the entrance to the restaurant (and often can take a quick peek into the Michelin-starred kitchen when the restaurant is closed). Staff will help you to your room upstairs and then if you need anything, you simply call downstairs for assistance.
My room was a standard suite, though that description hardly does it justice. With its California King bed, 18-foot ceilings, spacious sleeping area, and large kitchen area, it was larger than some apartments I’ve lived in. The decor is a mix of mid-century modern with more contemporary pieces, and sleek lines juxtaposed with sumptuously soft fabrics. The result feels classic but modern, and oh-so-chic but still completely homey.
The bathroom is equally show-stopping with gleaming white subway tiles, a double vanity, makeup mirror, heated floor, and a large walk-in rain shower (suites have separate soaking tubs). Amenities go above and beyond, too, with not only the standard hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, but a flat iron, too, plus quality Aesop and Botnia bath and skin care products.
But the best part of the bathroom was the Japanese Toto toilet, and if you’ve never experienced one, you’re in for a treat. Not only does this bad boy light up when you approach (handy for nighttime bathroom runs), the seat is heated, it flushes automatically and there’s a built-in bidet option with multiple spray settings.
The spacious guest room is rounded out by a small kitchen area with Japanese appliances, including an electric kettle and a matcha brewing set. There’s also a small table and chairs where the complimentary in-room breakfast is served. Guests can also opt for an in-room dining experience, or order complimentary snacks like charcuterie or oysters. During my stay, the room was stocked with several snacks as well, including some cannabis-infused chocolates.
During my stay I wasn’t able to partake in dinner at the restaurant, but based on the in-room breakfast, that’s a mistake I plan to rectify soon. Guests can choose from a Sonoma breakfast with local eggs and produce, a Japanese-style breakfast with fish and rice, and or entrees like a black truffle omelet.
What really wowed me was the attention to detail. The beautiful ceramic origami art in the entryway. The fresh flowers and plants everywhere. The Japanese clay serving-ware made by eighth-generation artisans. Even down to the elegant black cutlery served with breakfast. Everything in the inn feels carefully selected and deeply special.
Despite the inn’s small size, there are some communal spaces as well. The second floor has a cozy sitting room with seating for a half-dozen people, and on the rooftop, there’s a spacious deck with tables, chairs, umbrellas, a rooftop garden, and—because the folks at Single Thread have thought of everything—even a stylish selection of loaner sunglasses if the sun is too bright.
A night at Single Thread doesn’t come cheap. Rooms start at around $1,200 per night, which includes parking, wifi, and in-room breakfast for two. Add in dinner at the restaurant and you’re looking at over $2,000 for two people. But for a special occasion, Single Thread is just that—extremely special, with a wow-factor that leaves a lasting impression.
Book direct at the hotel website or check rates at the Relais & Chateaux site.
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