During a recent stay at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, in-between numerous wine country adventures I enjoyed a relaxing spa day at Spa Talisa, the resort’s luxury wellness sanctuary. The spa is located at a Forbes Five-Star Hotel in Calistoga, California—a charming historic town that also happens to be the largest hot springs resort area in the state.

California Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Calistoga

There are many fun activities and experiences to be enjoyed at Four Seasons Napa Valley, from biking around the scenic vineyards and wine tasting to dining at the resort’s world-class culinary destinations including a Michelin-star restaurant.

A visit to Spa Talisa is a must during one’s stay at the Four Seasons and offers the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful luxury getaways.

Spa Profile: Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

After a morning bike ride followed by breakfast at TRUSS Restaurant + Bar (which is located just steps away from Spa Talisa and is a great spot for a bite before or after a spa visit), my husband and I were ready to unwind at the spa and enjoy several of its signature treatments including the popular Calistoga Mud Experience—a first for both of us.

Here’s what you’ll love about Spa Talisa 

• The spa is located at a Forbes Fives-Star Hotel in Calistoga and is set within a world-class vineyard with beautiful views of vineyards, forests, and the Palisades and Mayacamas mountains.

• Influenced by Calistoga’s 150-year history as a spa and wellness destination, Spa Talisa features a modern, organic aesthetic that draws inspiration from the California countryside and is centered around holistic healing for the mind and body.

• Amenities include sunning decks, a sunken outdoor whirlpool, steam rooms and showers, an outdoor spa garden, private patios with misting decks, co-ed spaces, multiple relaxation lounges, private treatment rooms, and two couples suites.

• Spa Talisa is inspired by the Native American term for “beautiful water” and its private treatment rooms are named after various forms of water.

• The spa menu incorporates indigenous ingredients and premium products from Napa and Italy into its treatments including mineral-rich mud with detoxifying and soothing properties.

• In the spa’s outdoor mud and sun bay, guests can enjoy the signature Calistoga Mud Experience, which improves circulation, soothes muscles, and renews and hydrates skin.

The spa is the first thing you see when you head up the driveway that leads to the resort’s entrance, and it’s located to the right of the main lobby and concierge.

A unique water feature that resembles an above ground infinity-edge pool is located directly in front of the entrance to the spa, while the exterior showcases a contemporary rustic design with meticulous stone details, pitched metal roofs, and oversized glass windows.

Both the spa’s interior and exterior spaces draw from rich farmhouse architectural tradition and blend seamlessly with the natural setting of gardens and vineyards. The spa is sophisticated, elegant, and understated—offering a true sense of place alongside the vineyards and surrounding scenery.

Upon checking in, we were both offered our choice of three Lola’s Apothecary oils, which were to be used in our treatments. We were able to sample each scent in order to choose the fragrance that we found most appealing and we both settled on Delicate Romance, a scent that features top notes of sweet orange and lemon in addition to rose, geranium, vanilla, patchouli, and sandalwood.

Lola’s Apothecary is a luxury self-care brand from England with products that are hand made in small batches and inspired by nature with aromatherapeutic benefits. They are carried in spas around the world and include some of the most indulgent and luxurious body and massage oils, bath salts, lotions, and candles I’ve ever tried.

After checking in, my husband and I were taken to the separate men’s and women’s facilities, where we were each assigned lockers and given robes and slippers.

The women’s locker room was spacious and had individual showers with beautiful tile work, a steam room, and a set of doors that led to an expansive private outdoor patio.

The beautifully landscaped outdoor patio offered views of the Palisades and Mayacamas mountains in the distance and included lounge chairs and a soothing water feature.

It also has a misting deck with wicker seats and foot rests where guests can lounge and cool off on hot days—with the press of a button, a cool mist rises from below for the ultimate refresh.

There was an abundance of sun as well as shade, depending on each guest’s preference. It was the perfect setting for quiet contemplation or hanging out with a friend.

I headed back out the door of the women’s locker room and just before entering the spa’s reception, there are two retail areas located on opposite sides of the hall.

One is right outside the women’s locker room and features a variety of fitness clothing, swimwear, and loungewear—there is also a set of stairs that lead to the co-ed Spa Lounge upstairs.

The other retail area is outside the men’s locker room and has multiple shelves containing an assortment of Four Seasons Napa Valley merchandise ranging from baseball caps to candles, along with other wellness and self-care products.

Between the men’s and women’s locker rooms is an indoor relaxation lounge with swing-like seats suspended from the ceiling by thin ropes with glass doors that look out onto the outside Spa Garden. My husband and I met back in this lounge and headed to the Spa Garden together.

With a sunken outdoor whirlpool, a mud and sun bay, and rows of lounge chairs overlooking the vineyard, the Spa Garden has everything you need to relax before and after spa treatments. There is a water station to help guests stay hydrated in addition to complimentary sunscreen to protect one’s skin on those warmer and sunny days.

The whirlpool is located next to a dramatic oversized rock feature and views of the vineyard can be enjoyed from every part of the Spa Garden.

We spent about 15 minutes relaxing in the whirlpool prior to the Calistoga Mud Experience in order to open our pores so that we could reap the full benefits of the treatment as well as relax our muscles for our upcoming massages.

Sitting in the warm water while soaking up the sun’s rays and looking out over the lush vineyard was an extremely peaceful experience—I could have stayed there all day.

The mud and sun bay is located in a corner of the Spa Garden in an enclosed space where guests can enjoy the Mud Experience in privacy. Two small bowls of mineral-rich mud had been placed next to a set of towels that were draped over the sitting area for us.

My husband and I took turns applying the mud with our hands all over each other’s arms, legs, backs, chests, and abdomens until we had used up the entire mixture. It felt cool and refreshing against my skin as I sat on a towel and basked in the sun while waiting for the mixture to dry. The mud offers many benefits such as soothing muscles, improving circulation, removing toxins, and hydrating skin.

The mud and sun bay also has two side-by-side outdoor showers and within 10 minutes the mud had dried. After we had rinsed off the mud, we both noticed how much softer and smoother our skin felt.

The Mud Experience is complimentary with the purchase of any 80-minute spa service and costs $35 with the purchase of any 50-minute face or body treatment. It is also available a la carte for resort guests and costs $50 without the purchase of a spa service.

It was almost time for our massages so we headed back inside and went upstairs to the co-ed Spa Lounge. At the top we were greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows in a light-filled hallway that overlooked the garden towards the spa entrance.

There was a drink station with infused water located next to the Spa Lounge entrance. The Spa Lounge has two different areas for relaxing—the room on the left is cozy with long couches, a fireplace, snack corner, and a coffee table with an oversized game of Tic-Tac-Toe.

The room on the right had beautiful stone walls, glass windows overlooking the vineyard and Spa Garden, and individual lounge beds with pillows, blankets, and side tables. It was one of my favorite spaces at the spa because it felt very calming, serene, and connected to nature.

My therapist came out to greet me and led me back to one of the treatment rooms. Spa Talisa is inspired by the Native America term for “beautiful water” and all of the treatment rooms are named after different water forms.

My service took place in the “Stream” room and the other treatment rooms had names like “Dew” and “Brook.” At the end of the hallway was the Fountain Suite, one of the spa’s two couples suites with side-by-side treatment beds—perfect for enjoying a service with a loved one or friend.

Both my husband and I experienced the Serenity Massage, which is offered in 50 and 80-minute versions. It’s a customizable massage featuring light to medium pressure with long, flowing strokes.

Prior to starting my service, my therapist applied some of the Lola’s Apothecary oil I had selected earlier to her hands and placed them under the head rest, instructing me to take several deep breaths to relax me before my massage.

The service was extremely relaxing and included a scalp and foot massage as well. My therapist took the time to work on areas of tightness where she discovered knots, but she never went too hard or caused any discomfort at any time during the massage—it was exactly what I needed.

Those looking for deeper muscle work would benefit from the Terra Firma Recovery massage, which incorporates a muscle-soothing balm with peppermint and frankincense to soothe muscles while promoting healing and recovery.

Various enhancements can be added onto a treatment for $35 each and include offerings such as a foot scrub, hair and scalp treatment, shea butter for soothing dry skin and inflammation, dry brushing, muscle relief, and a 111SKIN eye mask.

Another signature treatment offered at Spa Talisa is the Talisa Facial, which is a customized service that is designed to meet the specific needs of each client’s skin.

Available in 50 and 80-minute versions, the facial starts with a thorough analysis provided by the esthetician, who will recommend specific steps and products to treat various skin issues ranging from rosacea and acne to dryness, resulting in a healthy and glowing complexion.

Spa Talisa also offers the Vineyard Scrub, a local treatment that utilizes antioxidant-rich grape seeds from on-site Elusa Winery (Four Seasons Napa Valley is the only Forbes Five-Star resort in Napa Valley that has an on-site working winery, and offers a thorough integration of the grape-to-glass experience into guests’ stays.

The treatment also rejuvenates skin with nourishing olive oil, eliminating harmful free radicals. This customized ritual is perfect for the traveler looking to instantly refresh and recharge. Guests are invited to choose their favorite crystallized sugar or sea salt creation out of the seasonally selected body scrubs before relaxing into a soothing body butter application, which promises to leave the skin polished and glowing.

After my incredible treatment had concluded and it was time to return to reality, I returned to the locker room to retrieve my belongings before making my way back to the spa’s reception area.

I purchased multiple items including a candle and an exclusive Four Seasons Napa Valley rubber duck so that I could take a piece of Spa Talisa home with me. I also picked up one of the spa’s Lavender and Grapeseed Bath Soaks, which I enjoyed in my room’s tub later that evening—the perfect ending to an amazing spa day.

Needless to say, I slept very well that night and the following morning I enjoyed another relaxing session in the spa’s whirlpool. Resort guests can enjoy the spa amenities even if they don’t purchase a spa treatment, which is an added bonus, although you’re definitely missing out if you don’t give at least one of Spa Talisa’s amazing treatments a try during your next visit.

Cost: Serenity Massage ($250/50 min; $375/80 min); Calistoga Mud Experience (Complimentary with purchase of any 80-minute spa treatment; $35 with purchase of any 50-minute spa treatment; $50 a la carte)

Insider Tips: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to give yourself time to enjoy the spa amenities. Bring swimwear if you plan to use the whirlpool or try the Calistoga Mud Experience. If you’re hungry and want to grab a bite either before or after your spa treatment, TRUSS Restaurant + Bar is a great spot at the resort and is a short walking distance from Spa Talisa.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sun-Thur); 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fri & Sat)

Address: 400 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515

Phone: (707) 709-2100

For more information about Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @fsnapavalley

[Photos by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk