California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Calistoga
[Photo by Gabriel Tovar]
Long before there was a wine industry in the Napa Valley, CA, town of Calistoga, there was a spa industry. Members of the Wappo tribe discovered natural volcanic hot springs in a valley near the base of Mount St. Helena more than 500 years ago and believed the waters possessed healing properties.
In the early 1860s, the therapeutic waters attracted the attention of millionaire Samuel Brannan, who built the first hot springs resort in the area. Hoping to replicate the feeling of the spa resort town of Saratoga, NY, in California, Brannan dubbed the development “Calistoga.”
Napa Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Napa Valley
Now Calistoga is the largest hot springs resort area in the state, with a number of spas, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious, offering restorative treatments and mud baths using mineral water drawn from the geothermal aquifer and volcanic ash.
While in the area, visitors can also see the only erupting geyser that remains in the valley, the Old Faithful Geyser of Calistoga. Ready to go “mudding”? Check out our Calistoga spa guide to discover some of the best spas in Calistoga (which include top hot springs spas and resorts).
If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Calistoga, click here.
The Spa at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
1006 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA, 94515; (707) 942-6269
At this family-friendly hot springs resort, one of four heated outdoor pools filled with natural geothermal mineral water on the lush, expansive pool deck is designated just for kids, and the comfortable, contemporary rooms, available in a number of different configurations, are outfitted with kitchenettes that include a cooktop and refrigerator. Complimentary yoga and aerobics classes are included with your stay.
The onsite spa offers a traditional full-immersion mud bath treatment that includes a mineral whirlpool bath with light therapy and aromatherapy bath salts, eucalyptus steam bath and relaxing cool-down blanket wrap. Massage and foot reflexology treatments are also available.
The Spa Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-6258
Dating back to 1952, recently remodeled Dr. Wilkinson’s is the epitome of California-cool, with its breezeblock-embellished midcentury modern motel stylings; colorful murals and swaying palm trees surrounding the pool deck; and outdoor spaces featuring yard games, tree swings, fire pits, and hammocks.
The resort features three geothermal mineral pools heated to varying temperatures—two outdoor and one indoor (adults-only)—an outdoor shower and shaded cabanas. Stylish rooms; an onsite Southwestern wellness-oriented restaurant, House of Better; and complimentary bikes round out the amenities.
At the resort’s spa, guests can partake in “the Mudslinger,” which includes a mud bath, mineral whirlpool bath infused with Epsom salts, facial mask, geo-steam room session and blanket wrap. A variety of mineral bath soaks, massage and body treatments are also available, and facials are coming soon. The lush spa garden (where some services can be performed) is a quiet spot to relax pre- or post-treatment.
The Spa at Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort
1713 Lake Street, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-8000
An affordable alternative to some of the area’s more expensive hot springs resorts and spas, Golden Haven still provides guests with plenty of perks, many designed with groups traveling together in mind. Some rooms feature their own hot springs spa tubs, while others have two bedrooms, and hot mineral water is piped directly into each room for showers. A covered hot springs pool, two jetted spas, a bocce ball court and complimentary bikes are also among the offerings.
At the spa, up to four people can be accommodated in the private treatment rooms, so friends, family and couples can experience a mud bath together, composed of a mixture of clay, peat and hot mineral water. Additional treatments include herbal mineral baths and massage.
The Spa at Indian Springs Calistoga
1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 709-8139
Situated on 17 bucolic acres planted with palm and olive trees, this historic family-owned resort on the edge of downtown Calistoga is California’s oldest continuously operating pool and spa facility, first opened in the 1860s by Samuel Brannan.
Recently expanded and renovated, with luxurious accommodations including lodge rooms, cottages and bungalows, the resort features lawn games like bocce ball and croquet, as well as onsite restaurant Sam’s Social Club and poolside eatery The Chaise Lounge.
Four thermal geysers on the property produce the rich, warm mineral water in the Olympic-size mineral pool, built in 1910, as well as the cooler adults-only pool, and a deposit of volcanic ash also runs through the site. These natural resources provide the basis for the onsite spa’s mineral mud bath and mineral soaks.
Additional services include massage, facials, and body treatments, and the resort recently added a halotherapy Himalayan salt room, too. All treatments include lounging time at the tranquil Buddha Pond.
MoonAcre Spa at Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
1880 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-0992
Inspired by the Great American road trip, Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa makes you feel at home with fun and stylish Camper guest rooms and suites with retro-inspired details. There are three geothermal mineral pools on the property for guests to soak and swim in, in addition to outdoor games including Bocce ball, outdoor fire pits, and complimentary cruiser bikes for local adventures.
MoonAcre Spa is the property’s on-site wellness sanctuary that is a hip and modern version of 1880s classic Calistoga bathhouses. In addition to mud baths and a steam room, the spa’s signature mud bake features geothermal salt soaks and mineral-rich baths that offer numerous skin and hair benefits.
The spa also offers regular wellness classes including Wellness Wednesdays (5 to 6 p.m. weekly) where guests can participate in fun activities ranging from aqua yoga to guided hikes. The classes are free for guests and cost $25 for non-hotel guests.
Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort
1300 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-4441
A family-owned boutique hotel and spa in Calistoga, Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort is a relaxing getaway with accommodations that feature a mix of Tuscan design and Wine Country charm. Set amidst lush gardens and fountains, the intimate destination is also home to a world-renowned spa.
Spa Profile: Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort
The spa at Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort is known for its therapeutic geothermal water and traditional mud baths (including private mudrooms for two), offering guests a place where they can experience a blend of wellness while indulging in rejuvenating treatments and rituals. Curated spa packages are also available and are designed to honor each guest’s individuality while promoting health and wellness.
Spa Solage at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection
755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515; (866) 942-7442
Designed with a deep respect for nature and located on the outskirts of Calistoga, Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection is a stunning retreat that reflects the spirit of its hometown. Featuring clean lines, natural materials, and loft-like layouts with outdoor patios, the property’s design aesthetic offers a fresh take on wine country style.
At Spa Solage, the resort’s award-winning wellness sanctuary spanning 20,000 square feet, guests can relax and detox with a wide range of year-round and seasonal treatments. The spa’s menu features an impressive selection of services including massage, facials, baths, body treatments including a full-body mud mask, and more.
Among the spa’s unique amenities are exclusive geothermal pools with varying temperatures from icy cold to 103 degrees. A special experience available to spa guides are Starlight Nights at the Bathhouse, which is designed for two people and includes a mudslide for two with a rose petal bath, candle lights, and shared dessert under the stars.
Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
400 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 709-2100
Set within a working winery in Calistoga, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is a landmark luxury property that features a modern farmhouse-chic aesthetic. Surrounded by the region’s natural beauty with views of forests, mountains, and wineries, the resort is the ultimate wine country getaway.
Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is a serene sanctuary that is centered around holistic healing for the mind and body. Inspired by the Native American term for “beautiful water,” the modern spa offers numerous relaxing amenities for guests to enjoy including a sunken whirlpool, sunning decks, an outdoor relaxation garden, and private patios with misting decks, among others.
Spa Profile: Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley
Spa services feature premium products from Napa and Italy, along with indigenous ingredients, and there are private treatment rooms in addition to two couples suites where guests can experience a wide range of services. The spa menu includes various massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as its signature treatments that incorporate mineral-rich mud with detoxifying and soothing properties.
True Spa Calistoga at Mount View Hotel
1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515; (707) 942-1500
Situated in a historic 1919 building in downtown Calistoga, Mount View Hotel features an elegant Art Deco interior; expansive pool deck; and individually decorated rooms, suites, and artist cottages with private patios and whirlpool tubs. The in-house eatery, Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, is a local happy hour favorite, and the hotel’s outdoor theater hosts regular events like concerts and film showings.
On-site True Spa’s private wellness experience, True.Ritual, merges the benefits of Calistoga’s natural hot springs mineral waters with 2,000-year-old Nordic wellness traditions—hot, cold, rest, repeat. Also on offer: massage treatments ranging from Hawaiian-inspired loma-loma to CBD; Bentonite mineral mud “cocoon” body treatments; and several facials, with a micro-current enhancement option available.
[Photos courtesy of spas and hotels]
Some of the links on our site may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.
Lotus Abrams is a San Francisco Bay Area-based writer who has written articles on topics ranging from beauty and interior design to business and tech in her multiple-decade career. Her work has been published in Marin Magazine, Nailpro, Beauty Launchpad, Brit+Co, PUNCH, SoCal Design, SPACES, American Salon, Chicago Agent, and more. Follow her on Instagram: @lotusabrams_writes.