A lot of people have preconceived notions when it comes to the Napa Valley. I think the picture in most people’s heads is a decadent, top-shelf community for wealthy wine enthusiasts. Though it’s true a lot of communities dotting Highway 29 fit this description, Napa has a quirky, less intimidating gem on its northernmost side. About 10 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of heavily trafficked St. Helena, there’s a little town the Wappo Indian tribe called “the oven place”- Calistoga.

Built next door to million-year-old geysers, the town was settled by clever Sam Brannan, an early California millionaire. Sam had the foresight to use the area’s natural resources to attract upscale visitors. His intention was to build a retreat that would rival Saratoga Springs, New York. Brannan put the names California and Saratoga together to create a name suitable for his Napa Valley oasis: Calistoga.

Calistoga is known for its mud baths, relaxing and healthful spa treatments, and mineral water. Since the 1850s, tourists have flocked to the small resort town to experience the healing powers of the health spas. You still see vintage store signs in front of some of today’s local businesses. The old signs add an air of nostalgia to this beautiful and eclectic little town bordering Mount St. Helena.

One of the many popular local health retreats is Lincoln Avenue Spa. Located centrally on Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main street, this spa is almost impossible to miss. Its impressive-looking historic building, dating from 1890, charmingly houses the spa, which has an elegantly casual lobby, complete with a large tropical fish tank. You’ll notice tall ceilings and impressive looking Redwood doors throughout the spa, which lead you into the treatment and massage rooms. Ornate stained glass windows grace the spa’s back rooms.

Lincoln Avenue Spa is now offering a couple of decadent new services - the Wine Body Mud treatment and the Body Salt Scrub.

The wine mud is the newest pairing choice available for an aromatherapy steam session. This mud and steam combo is one of the most rejuvenating spa experiences I’ve ever had.
First, you choose your mud. Each of the muds, which are actually fine clays, has special properties. Lincoln Avenue’s wine mud performs as an antioxidant, which counteracts the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues. The spa owners obtained the grape skins that are used in the clay from a local winery. So if you choose the wine mud, you are really getting an allover wine country experience!

Once you’re in the steam treatment room and undressed, you apply the mud - prepared for you exclusively - to yourself or your partner. Couples treatments are very popular at Lincoln Avenue Spa.

After you’re covered in mud, you bask in warmth on one of Lincoln Avenue’s custom-designed Honduran mahogany steam tables. Tropical heat and aromatic steam surround you as you unwind and recharge.

During your steam treatment at Lincoln Avenue, your attendant applies a delicious-smelling facial masque. You have the choice of either a moisturizing or cleansing masque. The moisture potion is made with heavy whipping cream, rose petals and honey; and the cleansing concoction is a combination of papaya, peppermint, chamomile and other herbs.

Finish your treatment off with a high-powered shower that will help you remove every speck of the mud. You can also opt for an herbal Jacuzzi bath after your shower.
Lincoln Avenue Spa’s other newest treatment is the Body Salt Scrub. If you’ve ever enjoyed or wondered about the benefits of a facial or in-the-shower exfoliation, this is something you must do. It’s like either of those times 10.

This is a full-body experience that leaves your skin super smooth and gives you a nice radiant glow. The salt provides a cleansing exfoliation that removes dead skin cells and impurities, and the herbs and oils moisturize and nourish your body.

Here’s how it works: A mixture of natural sea salt and special herbs and oils is applied all over your body, one side at a time. When I had this done, I felt like I was being scrubbed and polished like a classic automobile. The smell is invigorating; it reminds you of a morning walk on the beach - a very clean beach, that is.

My favorite part of the salt scrub was the rinsing. After each side of you is covered in the salt, warm water is poured over your body as a rinse. I loved it; you could pour that water over me all day and I’d be happy. The experience left me feeling very nurtured and pampered, and reminded me of swimming in the Caribbean. I guess that’s what a combination of sea salt and warm water will do.

Included in your Body Salt Scrub treatment is aromatherapy. You have a choice of soothing and calming lemongrass; eucalyptus for oily skin and congestion; or rosemary, a spiritual aroma for dry skin and memory enhancement. You also get to choose a hot Jacuzzi or steam bath as part of the treatment.

Other spa treatments available at Lincoln Avenue include several types of massages and herbal facials. You can also opt for an a la carte mineral Jacuzzi or aromatherapy steam bath.

There’s another spa in town with something new for visitors: Cedar Street Spa now offers the Hot Stone Massage. This treatment involves the use of igneous Basalt stones that have been deeply compressed in the earth. These stones are heated to 130 degrees, and your massage therapist glides between 50 and 60 of them across your back in long, sliding strokes. Stones are also placed on your various energy points.

The stones are snuggly warm - they give you a very cozy feeling as they generate heat that relieves muscle tension. It’s a more holistic, less intense experience than a deep tissue massage, and the stones’ weight and smooth texture are comforting. I really liked the smaller stones put between my toes. The feet take so much pounding, and the warmth emitted by the rocks feels like a personal radiator designed specifically for your body.
Cedar Street Spa also offers a large variety of other types of massages, as well as natural herbal facials and refresher treatments.

So visit Lincoln Avenue and Cedar Street spas in Calistoga for these invigorating and intriguing new treatments. These two properties belong to Spas of the Wine Country, a collection of health spas in Calistoga and Sonoma. Right now, you can take advantage of discounts on couples’ packages and enjoy other special savings at Spas of the Wine Country properties: http://www.spaswc.com/