A visit to Napa isn’t just about tasting wines and indulging in gourmet fare. Oh no. A trip to America’s most famous wine region can encompass so much more, from luxurious lodges to hands-on cooking classes to sunrise hot-air balloon rides. It’s also a chance to indulge in a treatment or two at some world-class spas. Here are four you should check out on your next visit there.
In Yountville, Bardessono sets the standard with in-room treatments.
Bardessono: There’s a lot to love about this 62-suite eco-resort right in the heart of Yountville. Personally, I love the in-room fireplaces, the minimalist aesthetic and the use of salvaged materials in its construction, not to mention the water features that run throughout the property and the second-story pool with perfect views of the surrounding mountains. But one of the best features about Bardessono is the spa experience. You see, while there is a small spa center at the resort that even includes an infrared sauna, each guest accommodation has its own en-suite spa table, so guests never have to leave the comfort of their own room. Just book a treatment and your therapist will show up at the appointed time, and you can just relax in your room afterwards without having to bother about getting dressed or heading back to your room. Of course, you should try the vinotherapy massage with Chardonnay grapeseed oil, but the warm stone massage using river stones is just the thing to work out those muscle aches.
Treatment to book: Definitely order a massage, but if you’re hankering for a facial, Bardessono uses products from the Carita, Dr. Alkaitis and emerginC lines. For the ultimate experience, book the ageless non-surgical facelift. It lasts 90-120 minutes and uses microcurrents to reduce fine lines, LED light to soften pigmentation and promote collagen production, and ultrasonic vibration to infuse your skin with an anti-aging product blend. For a special treat, book one of the spa butler services including a Champagne bath with special salts, essential oils, botanical extracts and glasses of sparkling wine as an added enjoyment.
Spend some time by the pool after a treatment at the Carneros Inn.
Carneros Inn: Nestled in a cozy corner of Napa down in the southern AVA of Carneros, this hotel has a sprinkling of cottages and villas set throughout 27 acres of rolling farmland and gardens. The hotel has become something of a destination thanks to stellar restaurants and one of the best pools in the area. But it would be a shame to miss out on some time at the spa here, which uses local products like warm goat’s milk lotion, lavender oil and fig body butter in various treatments.
Treatment to book: The grape-skin wrap has been specially formulated to reflect a sense of place and includes a body masque of warm oceanic clay enriched with Cabernet Sauvignon grape extract.
Check out Meadowood’s new spa next time you’re up in the area.
Meadowood: Because it’s tucked away in a little valley off the Silverado Trail, this luxury resort of private bungalows and suites still feels like a secret getaway, despite the success of having a three-Michelin-star restaurant and the buzz of a recent $60-million renovation. Part of those funds went into revamping the spa, which reopened last November. The aesthetic here is sylvan chic, with raw wooden beams, rough stone and a neutral palette. Guests can clean up in aromatherapy shower suites before treatments that utilize vinotherapy brand Caudalie products and those by California vegan line Glycelene. Afterwards, there are relaxation gardens with mineral plunge pools in which to keep that sense of zen going.
Treatment to book: This is a wine spa, so opt for the 3.5-hour “From the Vines” vinotherapy treatment that uses resveratrol from grape extracts to combat fatigue and stress over the course of a massage and facial, and even includes a snack from the seasonal menu.
Up at the northern end of the valley, Solage specializes in mud baths.
Solage Calistoga: The town of Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley has long been celebrated for its hot springs and healing mud, and one of the best ways to experience them is at this laid-back but luxurious resort. The spa’s signature treatment is the “Solage Signature Mudslide,” a three-part detoxifying journey. First, you apply the hotel’s exclusive mineral-enriched mud to yourself (or with the help of an attendant) then soak in all the nutrients in a private heated lounge or in the sun. When you’re done, you’ll be led to a private bath suite to wallow in a geo-thermal mineral bath before sitting down for a relaxation session in a groovy sound chair that plays music meant to bring your body into harmonic resonance.
Treatment to book: The mud bath is de rigueur, but if you want to try something else, the list of facials here is truly impressive. Try the soothing phytoCalm facial, which is gentle and designed for sensitive skin, though it will tone and boost after sun damage and sagging from stress.
