Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs offers mud baths, spa treatments, healing mineral pool soaks, and the best of Calistoga right outside its doors.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs is an iconic resort and spa destination nestled in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1952 by wellness experts John and Edy Wilkinson, over seven decades the Calistoga resort has become a globally recognized retreat, offering mud baths, spa treatments, healing mineral pool soaks, and the best of Calistoga right outside its doors.
The resort recently underwent a multimillion-dollar overhaul with SB Architects and EDG Design to create a wellness destination that brings the past into the present, modernizing while retaining historic authenticity. The result is a new mid-century- inspired space featuring 50 completely renovated guest rooms, a brand-new restaurant with vast outdoor seating, a completely reimagined spa, and the same famous mud bath treatments.
Eclectic style & accessible downtown location
Dr. Wilkinson’s progressive roots, accessible downtown location, and eclectic style attract a diverse tribe of enthusiasts to this wellness destination.
A mix of guest room types include a standalone, one-bedroom bungalow; three Spa Cottages; a Peloton room for fitness-minded travelers; and a restored, five-room, 1924-vintage Victorian bunkhouse that sleeps 15. These rooms honor the original 1950’s style, with white oak floors and a warm color palette. Accents include works by local artists and one-of-a-kind handmade pottery pieces by local ceramics studio NBC Pottery.
Several outdoor spaces include a “Backyard” lawn, courtyard, and pool area embracing the gorgeous surroundings. The pool area features two spring-fed geothermal mineral pools and a spa pool kept at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. At the pool area, guests can relax on padded lounge chairs, day beds, and covered cabana areas. A unique vending machine offers pie, elevated snacks, healthy drinks, and sweets, as well as practical items, like earphones, a wine key, and phone cords.
Spa & Wellness at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
The spa at Dr. Wilkinson’s remains the main attraction, offering the same mineral-rich mud bath treatments and secret-formula mud mixture of organic, local Calistoga volcanic ash perfected by Doc Wilkinson more than 70 years ago. The reimagined spa experience, designed by TLEE Spas, uses natural finishes, terrazzo stone floors, cedar wood, and recycled porcelain tiles to create a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
“The unique mineral waters have been evaluated by the Balneology Association of North America (BANA), the leading authority of therapeutic bathing and medicinal springs, and are classified as distinctive, neutralizing, balancing waters with the ability to strengthen skin, balance the peripheral nervous system, reset stressed nervous systems, hydrate, and detoxify.”
The spa features four massage rooms, a brand-new spa garden for outdoor treatments, four indoor mud baths, seven indoor and two outdoor mineral baths, a cold deluge shower, and a dedicated geothermal mineral pool filled with varied temperature water sourced from Calistoga’s natural healing springs.
Treatment highlights include:
THE WORKS
“Dr. Wilkinson’s famed mud bath treatment, facial mask, aromatic mineral whirlpool bath, steam room, blanket wrap, and 30-minute massage”
THE BODY BREW
“Mineral whirlpool bath treatment with fresh hops, dry ale yeast, malt, barley, and a local beer on the side; and a 30-minute sound therapy treatment designed to achieve a balance of relaxation and revitalization.”
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