Indian Springs Mineral Baths and Spa

Indian Springs Mineral Baths and Spa

Indian Springs Baths and Spa in Calistoga sits at the northern end of the Napa Valley.  Most visitors to the Napa Valley only venture as far north as St. Helena leaving Calistoga about 15 minutes north relatively un-gentrified.  Calistoga still retains the feeling of a small town.  Its claim to fame is not so much the world class vineyards up and down the valley, but the natural mineral hot springs that Bay Area locals have for generations gone to "take the waters."

The place looks as though it could be a set for a 1940's era movie.  When updated, the designers took care to provide modern conveniences and sensibilities but yet prevented them from intruding upon this fantasy.  Very carefully maintained, the spaces and grounds are spotless.

My favorite is the olympic sized swimming pool with naturally heated mineral spring water.  Although huge, it seems to lend itself more to lazy lounging and  sipping cold lime water while cultivating one's tan.  Special rates are available during the winter months, where a room tariff includes having hot mud shoveled over your naked body - an experience long remembered.