FAQ PAGE
Your Questions, Answered
Have questions about our legendary spa, treatments, or what to expect during your visit? We've gathered our most frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your experience. If you need anything else, our spa team is always happy to help.
MINERAL WATERS
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Are the mineral pools open to non-hotel guests?
If you're a guest of Dr. Wilkinson's, full access to our mineral pools are included in your reservation. For spa-only guests, a day pass must be purchased on Resort Pass. We happily offer an exclusive discount for the mineral pools. Just ask our team.
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What kind of minerals are in mineral pools?
Our mineral pools draw their water from our natural underground hot spring on property. These healing waters contain minerals like sulfur, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and bromine that have numerous benefits for the skin, muscles, and body.
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How are Calistoga Hot Springs heated?
Calistoga hot springs are heated geothermally - meaning heat from the earth underground. These geothermal forces and tectonic activity within the earth raises the temperature of our mineral pools up to 104 degrees, though the waters are much hotter at the source.
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What is geothermal steam?
Geothermal steam is steam created by the very hot water in our natural hot spring under the earth’s surface. The steam is piped into our spa for use in our steam room and mud bath treatments and features the same mineral-rich, therapeutic properties of our mineral waters.
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What are the health benefits of mineral pool water?
The health benefits of mineral pool water are many. Soaking in warm mineral pools can reduce stress, increase relaxation, and soothe muscles and joints. Because mineral pool water contains essential natural minerals like sulfur, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and bromine they are beneficial to the skin by removing impurities, increasing circulation, and regenerating the skin.
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Is your spa and mineral waters wellness certified?
The Balneology Association of North America (BANA), the authority of therapeutic bathing and medicinal springs, has classified our natural mineral waters as distinctive, neutralizing, proven to strengthen skin, balance and reset stressed nervous systems, hydrate, and detoxify.
MUD BATHS
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What makes the mud in Calistoga special?
Dr. Wilkinson's Spa & Baths is a historic wellness destination in Calistoga, California, known for its iconic mineral baths, volcanic ash mud baths, natural hot springs, and modern spa treatments. Blending decades of tradition with contemporary wellness experiences, it offers a relaxing retreat in the heart of Napa Valley.
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Do you offer couples' treatments?
Yes, Dr. Wilkinson's spa and baths offers couples treatments for mud baths, mineral baths, massages and body treatments. Please contact our spa to ensure your requested time and treatments are available for a couples experience.
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What are the health benefits of mud baths?
The health benefits of mud baths are plentiful. Mud baths exfoliate dead skin, treat skin conditions, treat muscle and joint pain, increase circulation, detoxify the body, draw out skin impurities, and increase relaxation.
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Are mud baths sanitary?
Yes, mud baths are sanitary. Our hygienic mud baths require careful and thoughtful preparation, and utilize scalding hot mineral water which acts as a sanitizer. The alkaline in Calistoga’s unique combination of volcanic ash, peat moss, and mineral water works to kill bacteria. Fresh mud is also added over time and flushed with 180 degree mineral water. Your health and safety are our utmost priority and a clean environment is paramount to our guest experience.
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How long should I be in a mud bath?
Your mud bath treatment consists of 4 steps. A mud bath, a mineral bath, a steam sauna, and a blanket wrap. Your spa attendant will guide you through the steps, making sure you are comfortable and hydrated. You will be in the mud bath for 15 minutes.
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Do you mud baths have a scent?
Mud baths contain a high amount of sulfur, which can sometimes smell strongly, but mud bath smell is an indicator of the important essential minerals contained in the mud which treat the body
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What do I wear for a mud bath?
Most guests opt to not wear anything and be naked during a mud bath treatment in order to allow all of the body’s skin to reap the benefits of the mud’s minerals. However, you can absolutely wear a bathing suit, though be aware that volcanic ash can stain garments. Your spa attendant will assist you throughout the treatment so that your privacy is respected and you are comfortable entering and exiting the mud bath.
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Are mud baths good for your skin?
Yes, mud baths are extremely good for your skin. Due to the high temperature of a mud bath, the heat draws out toxins and impurities in the skin, opening the pores, absorbing oils, and encouraging circulation. Mud baths also have anti-inflammatory properties and exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving you with soft, detoxified skin.
SPA GUIDELINES
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What time should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your scheduled treatment. Please understand that late arrivals will not be given an extension of their service and will receive whatever time is left within treatment time, with a full charge still applying.
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What should I bring to my spa appointment?
Guests should arrive a little early and bring a swimsuit for mineral pool access. Robes, towels, and spa amenities are typically provided, allowing you to relax and enjoy your wellness experience comfortably.
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Is Dr. Wilkinson's Spa & Baths family-friendly?
Yes. The property welcomes families, couples, solo travelers, and groups looking to experience Calistoga's famous geothermal wellness traditions. Some spa services and amenities may have age requirements. Please note that our spa is only available for guests 18+.
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What is your gratuity policy?
Gratuity is not included. A 23% gratuity is suggested and appreciated for our dedicated staff.
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What's your cancellation policy?
Treatments made in advance require a credit card guarantee. The full treatment price will be charged if the reservation is NOT cancelled 24 hours in advance (72 hours for groups of 6 or more). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled treatment time. Please note, treatment times start at the reserved times. Late arrivals will receive the time left of their treatment with a full charge being applied.
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What's your credit card policy?
Treatments made in advance require a credit card guarantee — 24-hour cancellation notice is required.
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What are your age requirements?
Our spa is for guests 18 years and older only.
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Can I take photos during my spa treatment?
While we love a good Instagram op, no photography or electronics are allowed in the spa to protect the privacy of our guests.
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What treatments are safe for pregnancy?
Our prenatal massage is available to guests who are in their 2nd or 3rd trimester only. We do not provide Mud Baths to guests who are pregnant. We do however offer a Mother's to be Soak which has a lower water temperature and is safer for both of you. We do not recommend our Steam Sauna or Spa Mineral Pool for guests who are pregnant.
Facials are safe for any trimester of pregnancy.
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Can I bring my own food or drink into the spa?
To ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests, no food or drinks are allowed in the spa or spa pool. Guests may purchase food and drinks from our restaurant House of Better to consume in the Spa Garden or in our outdoor dining area