Indian Springs, Calistoga – Historic Spa Resort

Indian Springs, Calistoga – Historic Spa Resort

As you turn in to Indian Springs palm tree lined drive you are entering a historic spa resort. Situated in Calistoga at the northern end of the Napa Valley Indian Springs Resort and Spa is Californias oldest continuously operated pool and spa facility.

It unfolds over 17 acres of hills and ponds olive and palm trees and roses and lavender. The property is blessed with rare substantial natural resources which have inspired a long tradition of healing and renewal.

Four thermal geysers produce rich mineral water and a deposit of pure volcanic ash also runs through the property. The waters supply our mineral pool and combined with the ash create the special mud for our famous mud baths.

People have long recognized the restorative powers of this land. The Wappo Indians settled here 8000 years ago bathing in the warm waters. The Spanish followed naming the grounds Agua Caliente.

Notable Californian Sam Brannan was an early promoter of the area and in 1861 created the original spa mud baths and water plunge now our Olympic-sized mineral pool. That rich past continues to inspire the present.

Guests still enjoy many of the same spa traditions and resort amenities of more than a century ago from our cottages to mud soaks and the mineral pool to shuffleboard and croquet.

In fact the core experience at Indian Springs has changed very little over the years. That is not a coincidence. Out of great respect for its traditions we offer guests an authentic spa and resort experience that is one of a kind. We invite you to visit and see how the past inspires the present.

Visitor’s Review (FORA Advisor as well)

Located in Calistoga, one of my favorite towns in the Napa Valley, Indian Springs is a historic resort built around the town’s geothermal hot springs. The property and its access to wineries scream “girls weekend” and that’s exactly why I’ve stayed there on several occasions.

Property and Rooms
Indian Springs is a large property with lush gardens and olive trees throughout and feels like its own little oasis. I love that it’s spread across several acres (17 in fact) and feels a bit like an elevated summer camp. The rooms all have outdoor areas (balconies or patios) and consist of cottages/bungalows or guest rooms in their two story Mission-Revival style buildings. I stayed in one of their view rooms on the first floor where you are able to park your car right outside, motel-style. The beds and linens are super cozy and the rooms have a cottage chic vibe. Our patio looked on to a quaint little pond and we were able to walk from the back door to the rest of the property via paths along the gardens.

The Pools
The property has an olympic-sized geothermal pool with a vibe from another era. Again, this is a historic property and you can see that they’ve worked to maintain its original character. For guests seeking a more modern aesthetic, this isn’t it as it’s genuine to its roots. There are loungers surrounding the pool, umbrellas a a cabana with lunch or light bites and cocktails. As this pool is kid-friendly, you can expect some splashing and squealing, but they also have an adults-only pool for those seeking a more serene environment. I love that they adjust the water temps seasonally, so it’s very comfortable year round.

Dining
There is dining available in the cabana by the pool and also another area (service delivered from the window of an airstream) with the same options, but its also home to Sam’s Social Club, a go to spot in town with delicious seasonal dishes. While there are some great choices in Calistoga (I’m looking at you bolognese at Lovina), Sam’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests who prefer to mosey over without leaving the property.

Spa
The resort offers a full-service spa experience onsite with several treatment options and I had a wonderful massage! However, the treatment areas are scattered amongst the property and it isn’t the scale of a five star spa service.

I’d recommend Indian Springs to clients looking for a laid back vibe and wouldn’t send those looking for an ultra luxury resort. It definitely appeals to different groups including families or couples/friends wanting a relaxed wellness resort.

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Andrew Larder, FORA Travel Advisor