1.
FOOD AND WINE: Never do a Calistoga mud bath or any
deep heat treatment after a day of extensive wine tasting. The
reasons are obvious - heat and alcohol do not mix. Also, spa
treatments including massage are best enjoyed before that huge
meal at one of Calistoga's restaurants. A full stomach and a
full body massage often don't mix either. So save that bottle
of wine and make a latter reservation for that romantic dinner
for after your spa experience.
2. MEDICATION: If you have heart problems, have had recent surgery, are pregnant, or have either high or low blood pressure, you will not be able to take a deep heat treatment. These conditions are adversely affected or exacerbated by heat treatments. Of course, if you have any health issues you should first consult with your physician before doing deep heat treatments. When in doubt, don't. Enjoy a long massage or herbal facial treatment instead.
3. STAY OVERNIGHT: Stay overnight if possible. It defeats the purpose of relaxation if, after enjoying a three hour luxury package, you get in your car and hit the freeway and the rat race back to reality before you really have a chance to enjoy your new found inner peace. Come on, stay awhile...you deserve it! Click here for current overnight packages at Golden Haven Hot Springs.
4. ALLOW FOR TRAFFIC: If you come on the weekend, allow for travel time; what is usually less than a two hour drive from San Francisco can easily take two and a half hours on a Saturday. This is often the main complaint of those who travel to our beautiful valley. Take more time than you think you will need to get here and chances are you'll be right on time and less stressed. On a busy holiday weekend the rule of thumb is to leave with some extra time to spare. It never hurts to be early.
Calistoga is a fantastic place to eat, drink and unwind. If you have come here to relax, do just that and treat yourself to all that Calistoga has to offer. Have fun and let yourself be pampered!
Photo Credit: The pictures on this page are by Lisa Moore. www. studioponderosa.com