Most people know what a hot spring consists of (a natural source of hot or warm water), and that Calistoga is known for its mineral baths of all kinds. But how does it work, and why is this relaxation practice good for you?

One thing we’ve learned is that because heated water holds more dissolved solids, hot springs have a high mineral content, which means it’s all the better for a soak. And while there may not be a ton of scientific research into its health benefits, we do know that this practice of using heat to release toxins is tens of thousands of years old.

“Quiet nights, warm soaks—welcome to Calistoga.”

With its geothermal hot springs of mineral water running underground, Calistoga has a renowned history as a place of healing. Over 50 years ago, members of the Wappo tribe were the first to discover a natural volcanic hot spring near the foot of Mount St. Helena. The rest is spa-history, with visitors coming from far and wide to take part in the curative powers of Calistoga, by relaxing in a mineral-rich hot spring or a volcanic mud bath.

The health benefits may mostly be based on anecdotal evidence, but there’s no denying the zen-like state one emerges with after a long, hot soak. If it makes you feel better and more relaxed, that’s half the battle, isn’t it? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spa experiences that offer that famed Calistoga mineral water for your next trip to Wine Country. Get ready to soak, steam, rest, and repeat.

Calistoga Spa Hot Springs

Because one healing geothermal mineral pool isn’t enough, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs has four, and each is heated to a different temperature to suit all preferences. Have a soak in the outdoor whirlpool, which can get as hot as 104° F (perfect for year-round dips), or enjoy the Soaking Pool and its 100° F waters. If you’re itching for some exercise as well as rejuvenation, the multi-lane lap pool is heated to a cool 80° F, and the wading pool is perfect for wee spa guests.

Quick insider tip—If you have a friend who just wants to join in on their geothermal mineral pools, they can accompany you as your guest for a $25 fee.

1006 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6269

UpValley Inn & Hot Springs

Commitment is the word we’d like to use for UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, as they are one of the few properties that have their swimming pool and whirlpool 100% fed by Calistoga mineral water drawn from their on-site geothermal well. Once you’ve soaked to your heart’s content, indulge the body a little more in their handcrafted dry sauna and steam room. And with the crisp, refreshing decor and tranquil guest rooms on-site, you’ll never have to rouse yourself from your state of zen.

Feel like exploring beautiful Calistoga, but haven’t made plans past your spa experience? Fear not, you’ll be able to with the town’s complimentary shuttle service, providing on-demand transportation to dining, wine tasting, shopping, and other Wine Country activities, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

1865 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-9400

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Spa

Founded in 1952 by holistic wellness advocate, Dr. Jon Wilkinson, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Spa is an homage to his dedication to the healing waters of Calistoga. Doc recognized the restorative properties of these mineral pools, which range in temperature from 85°F to 104°F. Plush daybeds and private cabanas are on offer for guests and include towel service and access to two outdoor pools and one indoor pool.

While staying at Dr. Wilkinson’s feels like a treat enough with its mid-century modern inspired interiors and palm-fringed pools, the true star of the show is in their unique treatments. Whatever you do, don’t skip out on the Volcanic Ash Mud Bath, revered for its detoxifying properties—which you might need after a few days of wine tasting.

1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6258

Indian Springs

You’ll immediately notice Indian Springs‘ eastern influence in both the spa treatments and special features around the property, like the Buddha Pond, which makes for an excellent spot to meditate, or the Himalayan Salt Room. Their signature treatment is the luxurious Indian Springs Mud Bath Ritual. You’ll soak away the day in a luxuriating mud bath while sipping on refreshing cucumber citrus water. Then it’s time to wrap up your detox with a session in the infrared sauna and, of course, a nap wrapped in a flannel blanket. Talk about pampering!

If playing in the mud isn’t quite your cup of tea, book the Pure Goat Milk and Rose Bath or the Indian Springs Salt Glo to help rehydrate your parched skin. Of course, the mineral pools are the true pièce de résistance. Swim laps in the Olympic-sized mineral pool, built in 1913, or find a secluded oasis at the Adult Pool that’s exclusively for the grown ups.

1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 709-8139

Mount View Hotel & Spa

To make relaxation an art, start your getaway at Mount View Hotel & Spa. Take a dip in the mineral waters of the hot tub and then recline in style in a cabana by the heated pool. There are also a myriad of bath-related treatments to choose from at the spa, from oxygen baths to mineral mud baths. And for those who want a little more outside the box experience, the spa also offers Cannabidiol (CBD) oil massages. We’re willing to bet you don’t see that on the menu at your local day spa.

Mount View Hotel & Spa has also adopted a “cause integration” to hospitality and donates 50% of its profits to charity, to causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ole Health, Project Ceres, and more. So if you’re civic-minded, you can relax easy knowing that while you’re laying your head at night, your stay is changing the world for the better.

1457 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-1500

Solage

This Auberge Resort takes the Calistoga hot springs spa experience up a notch. Artfully designed and ecologically conscious, Spa Solage includes updated twists to the renowned Calistoga mud and mineral water therapies. If you’re in town celebrating a romantic weekend, check out the Starlight at the Bathhouse experience, where you can soak, steam, and retreat in private under the stars. Sparkling wine and a shared dessert too? Don’t mind if we do.

When you’re ready for some social interaction, take advantage of Solage’s social events, with pool parties, sound meditation workshops, film festivals, and of course, learning to be a winemaker for a day.

755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515, (866) 942-7442

Golden Haven Hot Springs

Golden Haven has private, mineral mud bath rooms to accommodate duos, as well as individuals who want a little silent soak time. For a more communal, less muddy experience, check out their hot springs pool, which is heated by the hot springs mineral water and emerges from the ground at between 140-150° Fahrenheit.

With 28 rooms, Golden Haven also has space for an overnight stay, so you can remain in that totally zen state of mind. For the truly exclusive experience, book one of their hot springs rooms, which feature a private, two-person whirlpool spa. Best of all, the water that feeds this hot tub comes from the same underground hot springs source used throughout the resort. Doesn’t get more private than that.

1713 Lake Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-8000

Napa Valley is known worldwide for its prized vineyards, but it’s the charming town of Calistoga at the region’s northernmost tip that offers its own alluring reasons to visit—rejuvenating natural hot springs, boutique-lined shopping strips, stellar hiking trails, and irresistible eateries.

Beyond its geothermal geysers and relaxing spas, Calistoga has a plethora of swanky resort-style retreats, so no matter how you define relaxation, this collection of hotels has got you covered.

Hot Springs Retreats

After a day of sipping and seeing, slip into a state of deep relaxation at these Calistoga retreats’ detoxifying hot pools and mud baths—some of Northern California’s most-prized and best-kept secrets.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4102

Operated by the same family since 1952, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs has welcomed guests with the same iconic neon sign for more than six decades. Renovated accommodations have a comfortable, mid-century modern feel, and groups can even reserve a restored 1924 Victorian house that sleeps 15. Millions have experienced its spa, which boasts three geothermal pools brimming with natural mineral water, and many guests enjoy the indoor mineral pool as well, which is kept at a balmy 103°F.

Insider Tip: Sink yourself deep into a mud bath in one of the garden’s open-air spa tubs—their proprietary mud mixture includes organic Canadian peat mixed with volcanic ash from nearby Mount St. Helena, topped off with warm natural mineral water.

UpValley Inn & Hot Springs

1865 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-9400

Named after Calistoga’s advantageous northern placement within the Napa Valley, the UpValley Inn & Hot Springs is a boutique wellness destination and Napa fan-favorite. UpValley’s pool and hot tub are 100% natural mineral water—fed by the on-site geothermal well and the steam room is refreshingly scented with eucalyptus essential oils. Make it a day at any of the surrounding wineries, take a complimentary cruiser bike for a spin, or hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail that’s a quick five-minute walk away from your room.

Insider Tip: If you prefer a more secluded accommodation with all the hotel amenities, book UpValley’s “Hidden Apartment”—a private, smartly furnished one-bedroom space that’s away from the après-winery hubbub.

Boutique Hotel Charm

Surround yourself in elegance at these quaint Calistoga gems, each offering stylish accommodations and personalized service to make for a restful, unforgettable Wine Country retreat.

Embrace Calistoga

1139 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-9797

Treat yourself to a five-star stay at the historic, adults-only Embrace Calistoga, a luxuriously renovated 1873 bed and breakfast in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country. Here you’ll experience unmatched hospitality from owners Brent and Chris, including plush bathrobes, generous wine and cheese happy hours, and delicious bedtime chocolates. You’re sure to feel like family when you sit down for freshly squeezed orange juice, bottomless French-press coffee, and Chris’s gourmet breakfasts on Embrace Calistoga’s beautiful wraparound porch.

Insider Tip: Make sure to grab yourself a complimentary snack pack and area map from Embrace Calistoga before you leave for a long day of Napa wine tasting and touring.

The Bergson

1010 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-5755

What The Bergson lacks in size, it makes up for in elegance—its luxurious rooms and suites feature fireplaces, feather beds, jetted tubs, and private balconies. Take breakfast outside on the intimate garden patio or eat in your room, cocooned in a fluffy bathrobe. Just minutes from downtown Calistoga, The Bergson offers many guest-exclusive specials for local restaurants, spas, wineries, and activities.

Insider Tip: Planning a quick getaway? The Bergson doesn’t require a two-night minimum stay like many of the surrounding Calistoga hotels

The Inn on Pine

1202 Pine Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6829

The Inn on Pine is surrounded by vineyards but is still just a hop, skip, and a jump from Calistoga’s enchanting downtown scene. Each of the Inn’s 13 comfortable guest rooms are quaintly decorated and many include a jetted whirlpool tub, as well as a gas fireplace. Outdoors, a pool and hot tub boast epic mountain views—perfect for grabbing that bottle you bought during the day’s wine tastings and soaking it all in. Our favorite part? The generous continental breakfast and fresh cookies daily.

Insider Tip: Hit up the detoxifying FAR Infrared Sauna at The Spa at EuroSpa next door—it uses heat energy to relax muscles, reduce stress, and relieve joint pain.

Luxe Resorts

World-class hospitality meets iconic vineyard views at these premier Napa Valley resorts with amenities and delicacies that are straight from pages of your most sumptuous storybook.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

400 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 709-2100

Plan a legendary Wine Country getaway—the kind that only the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley can deliver. As the only Napa Valley accomodations with an on-site winery, organic working vineyard, and Michelin-starred restaurant, Auro, the Four Seasons offers unparalleled fine dining and grape-to-glass experiences. Select from stylish guest rooms, expansive suites, or private, multi-bedroom villas and do stop by the grand stone Spa Talisa to unwind with a mud bath or vineyard scrub.

Insider Tip: The Four Seasons can arrange for a private chef to prepare a dinner party for you and your group, so you can sit back and worry only about memory making.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection

With its sophisticated guest suites, massive outdoor swimming pool, award-winning Spa Solage, and geothermal pools with mountain views, the Solage Calistoga epitomizes Up Valley luxury. You’ll truly be living the good life in Wine Country as you ride complimentary bikes around town, take a cold plunge and revel in a eucalyptus steam room session, savor farm-to-table fare at Solage’s top-rated restaurant, Solbar, and sip whiskey by firelight.

Insider Tip: A meal or two at Solbar is certainly worth your while, but for something on the more casual side, don’t miss the tacos at the resort’s poolside bar, Picobar. Pair it with guacamole, featuring whipped avocado, seeds, nuts, and goat cheese, and you’re set.

Honorable Mentions