Need a Time Out? Go to the Golden Haven Spa

Calistoga, that once sleepy little timewarped town at the north end of Napa Valley, has long been known for its hot springs and mineral baths. Californians have been going there for over a century to enjoy its curative waters. Now an important part of the valley’s winery scene, Calistoga has entered the 21st century to the extent that you’ll find excellent restaurants, shops and wine tasting opportunities along its main street, as well as the spas for which it was originally famous. But it retains its 19th century western charm, and although you won’t find any cowboys slouching along the sidewalks or horses tied up outside a saloon, you wouldn’t be all that surprised if it actually happened. The Golden Haven Spa, tucked away at one end of town, manages to combine the charm of yesterday with all the modern, you gotta-have-it-right-now spa services you can think of. Twenty-eight guest rooms are clustered under spreading shade trees, and although you can take advantage of day spa services without staying overnight, when you’ve finished your mud bath, European body wrap, massage or salt scrub treatment, you’ll be feeling so relaxed you won’t want to go anywhere except maybe out for dinner. All the rooms have been completely redecorated in the past year, and they are inviting havens for rest and lounging. Many areequipped with dry heat saunas or Jacuzzi baths; all have TV, fridges and coffee makers. A large outdoor (but covered overhead) mineral swimming pool and sun deck are additional enticements to linger and relax in this sun-drenched environment. Golden Haven Spa is perfectly suited for a weekend getaway spot. It’s just a two hours’ drive from San Francisco or Oakland airports, yet it is situated in one of the quietest parts of Napa Valley. With Golden Haven Spa as a base, you can take day trips to any of the renowned wineries in the area, hike up Mt. St. Helena in the beautiful Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, or just indulge yourself with Golden Haven’s fabulous spa services. The courteous and efficient staff will be happy to book for you on the telephone any of the many spa services available, but it’s really worthwhile going to the excellent website first to view all the special combinations of treatments that you can customize for yourself, such as the Girlfriends’ Spa Special. And Golden Haven Spa uniquely offers couple spa treatments. Usually a spa separates its guests based on gender, but here at Golden Haven men and women can take mud baths together in a private room or share other spa services together. Obviously, this makes a great honeymoon site! For more information, call (707) 942-8000 or go to www.goldenhaven.com. The spa is located at 1713 Lake Street in Calistoga.