We’ve written about the delicious, world-class wines we’re so fortunate to have in our backyard. Part of what makes them so great is the richness of the Wine Country soil, which is, in fact, also well-known and appreciated for another good reason: it makes a marvelous, soothing mud bath. Combined with the waters of local thermal springs, the volcanic ash found in Wine Country soil creates a mud that is said to smooth the skin, relax muscles, calm aches, and improve circulation.

The charming, historic Napa County town of Calistoga is where many head when a day of mud baths and relaxation are in order: the first resort to take advantage of the hot springs was opened there by Sam Brannan in 1860. Today there are over a dozen spa destinations in Calistoga. They bring the ash in fresh every day and mix it with steaming mineral water from a nearby spring, and add peat moss for texture and to help the body float, and aromatherapy ingredients such as lavender or eucalyptus.  

Combined with a massage, a visit to a steam room, and a dip in an inviting swimming pool, the mud baths are just one part of the full package that today’s attractive Wine Country spas offer to de-stress and rejuvenate.

A mediation area at Osmosis Spa,
Sonoma County. Photo by Brent Olson

In Sonoma County, the unique treatment is that of the Cedar Enzyme Bath, offered by Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, located just off Bodega Highway en route to Occidental. The profoundly relaxing bath is much like being buried in warm sand on a beach – you are immersed up to your chin in a bed of finely ground cedar, rice bran, and plant enzymes, which create a calming woodsy aroma as the ingredients heat naturally, by fermentation. Osmosis, a true hidden gem yet a Sonoma County favorite and known worldwide, is said to be the only spa in North America offering this treatment.

Whether just eager to try a dip in the mud or in need of a full day of pampering and peace, few places deliver the way our local Wine Country spas do.

Resources:

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

Follow the reasons on Facebook

Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors