Wine & Wellness Getaway
By Laurel House
You don’t need much of an excuse to make the journey to northern California—home of Napa Valley, the country’s most celebrated wine country. But wine lovers aren’t the only ones seeking asylum amongst the vineyards. Located just north of Napa is Calistoga, one of the first official spa towns, where visitors still descend in droves to soak in the restorative waters. Calistoga Ranch, part of the posh Auberge resort family, unites the two worlds, intoxicating the spirit with an array of indulgent spa treatments at their Bathhouse Spa while keeping with the vibe of wine country.
Relaxation at Calistoga Ranch is much more involved than your standard rubdown and muscle tune-up. Tiffany MacNeil, the recently procured activities director, has created an innovative wellness program that encompasses physical and spiritual activities intended to liberate the creative spirit and impart an enriched perspective. The Woodland Haiku class takes guests outside to soak up the energy that radiates from the 157-acre retreat dotted with ancient oak trees, rolling hills, a meandering stream, and a lake. The poetry is inspired by nature—a written depiction of the sights and sounds around you. Once your personal ode to the environment is crafted, it is hand-written on parchment in calligraphy to take home.
If you aren’t feeling artistically inclined, the Ai Chi class, an aquatic moving meditation that takes place in a private soaking pool in the Bathhouse Spa, will sedate your senses. Of course, after a full day of sampling wine-country’s food and wine offerings, getting the blood pumping and muscles moving may be more up your alley. Biking and hiking along Ritchey Creek and through the redwoods, or yoga on the deck or in the wine cave will invigorate your mind while burning a few of those extra calories. Regardless of the activity you choose, you will ultimately leave Calistoga Ranch in a blissed-out stupor.
For more information call (707) 254-2800 or visit www.calistogaranch.com
