Spa Profile: Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a historically revered resort in stunning Sonoma, CA.
An elegant Spanish mission-style inn located in the midst of Wine Country atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is historically revered by Native Americans for its healing power. The AAA Four-Diamond resort is surrounded by rolling hills, redwood trees, and beautifully landscaped grounds, where each day ends with a beautiful sunset. Guests have access to an 18-hole championship golf course at the nearby Sonoma Golf Club, in addition to various sightseeing excursions, winery tours and tastings.
The property is home to the 40,000 square-foot Willow Stream Spa, which offers guests the ultimate relaxation experience. Amenities include private cabanas with stocked fridges, mineral baths, a Watsu pool, and plenty of beautiful indoor and outdoor lounging space to enjoy before and after treatments. There is also a 24-hour fitness center, personal training available, and a monthly wellness calendar that offers different workshops and classes such as Yin/Yang Yoga, an Aqua Luna Full Moon Ritual, and more.
We spoke with Jane Turner, Director of Spa Operations at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments to try, and more.
The AAA Four-Diamond resort features beautifully landscaped grounds, majestic redwood trees, and inspiring sunsets.
Why You’ll Love It: Guests visit us for many reasons, such as group getaways, social gatherings, or just an indulgent day to one’s self. The one thing every guest gets from their time here is the multiple benefits from our “waters,” which are sourced from our very own geo-thermal hot spring below the resort. With five pools for soaking, swimming, and relaxing in, we offer the true meaning of “spa.” Our spa is historically revered by Native Americans for its healing powers, as the elegant Spanish mission–style inn boasts an enviable location atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1,100 feet (335 meters) below the surface.
Activities offered included winery tours and tastings.
Key Features: The tranquility and beauty of the spa at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is echoed throughout the 40,000 square-foot (3,700 square-meter) spa, which offers endless opportunities to find your energy—whether it’s relaxing by the inviting fireplace or in a private cabana complete with a stocked refrigerator, soaking in our mineral baths and Watsu® pool, or indulging in one of our signature treatments.
The Bathing Ritual is a self-guided co-ed experience that is beneficial on its own or in combination with any of our fabulous spa treatments and is included with spa access. The co-ed bathhouse features the following amenities:
Use of the signature Bathing Ritual, featuring an exfoliating shower, two mineral water soaking pools, herbal steam, dry sauna, and cool-down showers.
Participation in all scheduled fitness classes.
Use of the bathhouse lounge and the outdoor spa loggia.
Use of the outdoor thermal mineral pools and whirlpool.
The property’s 40,000 square-foot Willow Stream Spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience.
Insider’s Tip: We have created a simple system to help us guide you in selecting an experience that will provide you with the greatest possible benefit. We want you to say, “That’s just what I needed!” after every treatment. Each falls into one of three categories: Relieve, Restore, or Results. In addition, beside these indicators, the benefit of each treatment is briefly described (e.g., deep relaxation) to help you decide.
Relieve treatments provide a simple escape from everyday pressures. They are a great pick-me-up, can facilitate relaxation, and may involve skin rehydration.
Restore treatments are focused on helping you recover from things like stress, travel, overindulgence, or your hectic lifestyle. They are rebalancing in nature and some even provide you with more radiant skin.
Results treatments are more intense and involve processes like detoxification, cleansing, or anti-aging. They are therapeutic and many of them include the use of leading-edge technology.
Guests can relax on the open-air patio that overlooks the cabanas and courtyard in-between treatments.
Snacks Served: Quarterly, our executive pastry chef creates a delicious spa snack. This time we have an almond butter and goji berry rice bar, which is so delicious that we are asked for the recipe every day. We also serve Ayurvedic teas suited to each guest’s dosha type.
The seasonal spa café serves wine country-inspired menu items, including freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and fruit smoothies in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Al fresco pool lounge dining and private cabana rentals provide everything you need for the perfect day in the California sun!
Bonus: Guests sharing a special moment with us such as birthdays and anniversaries will be treated to a glass of sparkling wine.
A guest goes for a dip in one of the property’s five geothermal pools.
Insider’s Favorite: One of our favorite and most unique offerings is the Intuitive Reading (60 minutes $179). Receive insights about current issues in your life and eliminate obstacles that prevent you from attaining your personal goals. Learn what strategies are working for you and the fears that may be holding you back.
Another relaxation area for guests.
Unique Treatment: Guests wanting to make the most of the waters will want to book a signature Watsu Experience (floating massage) in the resort’s cameo al fresco pool with the same name. The clover-leaf shaped pool filled with our signature thermal mineral waters is maintained at 98 degrees, and the pool is also equipped with an underwater sound system.
Watsu is a series of gentle movements and stretches intended to relax your body. In the weightless Watsu pool environment, supported by the massage therapist, guests perform stretching exercises, receive a Shiatsu massage, and experience flowing, unrestricted movement. Other classes, including Water Yoga, are also held in the Watsu Pool.
The spa has five pools for soaking and swimming, including a Watsu pool.
Splurge Treatment: The best way to immerse yourself in all that is Sonoma is the Wine Country Kur, which features two hours of indulgence in blissful vinotherapy products, all derived from the grape and the vine. This all-encompassing experience with body exfoliation, a divine body soak, and a nourishing wrap will fortify and protect the skin, as well as deliver a feeling of sheer relaxation.
Another truly luxurious experience is the Moroccan-inspired Hammam treatment, which combines ancient traditions with detoxifying, organic aromatherapy formulas for a cleansing, detoxifying journey. A full-body polish with a Kese mitt and purifying traditional black soap, a signature hair treatment, and a hydrating body oil application create this beautiful head-to-toe bathing water dance.
One of the popular treatments is the Couples Lavender Kur, a 90-minute service that includes a luxurious lavender bubble bath followed by a body wrap and full-body massage.
Featured Products: The Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Sonoma proudly features product lines including Caudalie, Kerstin Florian, and Sonoma Lavender.
The Fitness Center offers an array of classes, personal training, and wellness workshops.
For more information and to book a treatment, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @fairmontsonoma
[Images courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa]
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes Blvd
Sonoma, Califorina 95476
Tel: 707-938-9000
Email: smi.spa@fairmont.com