Beautiful sanctified, Northern California.
From November 1st thru March Indian Springs, a posh resort & spa in Calistoga, offers excellent rates for the colder months. I personally prefer going to hot springs in the winter because that's when I want to jump into a 104degree thermal olympic sized pool. That's when I want to enjoy being up to my neck in heavy, hot, detoxifying volcanic mud. That's when I want to sit by the fire sipping cool cucumber water.
I booked Sam's Bungalow for $195. This is a cottage with kitchenette and it includes 2 free mudbaths (priced at $85 each). If you rent the room you also have access to the gorgeous beverly-hills-hotel-esque thermal pool until midnight (it closes to non-overnight guests at 5). Another perk is a stable of beach cruisers to ride around Calistoga, not to mention as much cuke water as you can drink. So for the bargain rate of $195 you get an overnight stay access to the grounds, bike rides, pool dips, and mudbaths at the spa. I almost forgot to mention the tennis, bocci ball and croquet courts. Awesome.
Critique:
The bungalow is small and lets be real, who needs a kitchenette for one night. We should have stayed in the lodge which is much more modern and comfortable. The bungalow also had energy efficient lighting which dampens my mood. The bathroom was remodeled very well and they had L'Occitane products! In the morning a continental breakfast would've been nice.. but alas, just coffee and tea and green apples. Not a fan of green apples before 9am.
At the spa they sell some sweet smelling and high quality goods including their huge flannel towels (of which I bought 3). Inside the mudbaths the quality of service is calming and unpretentious. Volcanic ash mud is super relaxing.
The women at the front desk of the hotel and the spa were professional and kind. I am amazed at the thorough thoughtful service. Thank you to the staff. This was one of the most rejuvenating days I ever had. You should visit Indian Springs.
