Birthday Vacation: The Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch

Hi friends,

Hope you are all doing well! Sorry, I’ve been absent for a few days. I’ve been dealing with some things. For now, writing and sharing with you is a nice experience for me and brings me peace, so I will continue to share. I appreciate your support and hope you like these posts – at least as much as I like sharing them with you!

I am continuing with the pending posts from my birthday celebration – here are the pictures from The Auberge Spa at Calistoga Ranch. It was quite a treat! The spa is on the property, nestled in the wooded canyon of Napa. The Spa’s website describes it as a “rejuvenating natural Napa spa sanctuary,” and it is just that, a sanctuary! The spa is unique, it is completely open and feels like you are in a tree top in the middle of the canyon. There are multiple relaxation areas, soaking pools that overlook the creek, outdoor garden showers, and an area with lounge chairs where you can enjoy some natural rays from the sun.

Before our trip, my hubby and I had booked appointments to go to the spa together, but then he found out his favorite soccer team was playing in the finals of the World Cup, so we called to change his appointment to an earlier time so he could enjoy the game (BTW, the team he was rooting for won). My hubby got a sports massage, I got a Classic Ranch Massage (swedish massage) & customized facial. The massage was quite good, they have a signature oil, among other massage oil options. There was one unique method during the massage which I had not experienced in the past – while I was laying on my back with a massage roll under my knees, the massage therapist held my legs up and rocked them from side to side, then folded them to each side for a few seconds. It was similar to a stretch done in yoga, but she was holding the weight of my legs. She said it as a good stretch for the lower back. For the facial, I lucked out with the lead esthetician – she gave me a skin analysis and a facial which included peptides and multiple natural antioxidants. She also gave me their signature sculpting facial massage, which is used in Japan, and is supposed to tone and firm the skin. This sculpting facial massage was a first for me.

The spa feels very private and because I booked my treatments for the middle of the day, I was the only one there. I had the entire spa to myself! It was very relaxing! During my facial, I asked if the spa is open to the public. I was told the spa is reserved for the exclusive use of guests staying at the resort, which explained why felt so private and quiet. It kind of makes sense since there is only one entrance to the Resort and once you check in, you are transported everywhere on golf carts.   She did tell me that previous resort and spa guests can visit the spa by calling the spa directly and mentioning they had a treatment there in the past. So, they may make the exception for previous guests.

I bought a moisturizer for my face and a peptide cream. I started using the moisturizer recently, let’s see if I notice a difference.

Here are some pics from my visit to the spa – hope you like them!

When was the last time you went to a spa, or got a massage or facial? Do you have any spa recommendations?

Hugs,

Paola

PS- I’ll share pics from our last day in Napa and our visit to the Coppola Winery in one of my next posts.

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Arriving at the spa – the signage says Bathhouse.

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The key for my locker – cute, a Calistoga Ranch wine cork is used as a key chain (the resort has its own wine).

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The women’s dressing room area, there are only fourteen lockers, it is quite a private resort.

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They have all the regular “freshen up” amenities available at a spa. I took a quick pic in the robe 🙂

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Outside of the women’s dressing room area, there is a private sitting area and two outdoor showers. The other lounge areas, outdoor showers, and soaking pools at the spa are co-ed.

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One of the sitting areas.

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The refreshment area.

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The weather was warm – I stayed refreshed with this fruit infused water.

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The main lounge “relaxation” area.

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There was also a variety of hot teas available.

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The lounge chairs overlooking the creek.

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This jacuzzi is kept hot, due to the war weather, I opted for the soaking pool (pictured below).

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I saw this beautiful dragonfly on my way to the soaking pool.

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I enjoyed some time in this soaking pool. It was nice that it was covered, so I got shade (& protection) from the sun.

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Behind those glass doors there is a sauna. The towels in the bowl are kept on ice.  I freshened up at this outdoor shower before I went in for my massage and facial.

Overall, the spa is amazing! Just like the spas we see in magazines!

Hope you liked these pics! I’ll share pics from our last day in Napa and our visit to the Coppola Winery in one of my next posts.

Birthday Vacation – Part 2: Calistoga Ranch

Hi friends,

For the second part of my birthday trip, we spent two days at Calistoga Ranch – An Auberge Resort, in Napa. It is an amazing Resort! This is where we celebrated my birthday. My hubby really outdid himself with this gift! Every detail was taken care of, it was a very nice & personalized experience!

The resort is set back into the mountains of Napa , with only about 60 lodges on the property, giving guests privacy and tranquility. Each lodge is located on an individual lot and guests are transported throughout the Resort on golf carts.

Here are some pictures from our stay at Calistoga Ranch! If you want to celebrate a special occasion, I recommend this resort! It will be a memorable & unique experience!

Hope you like the pics!

Have you been to Napa? What was a memorable vacation you took?

Hugs,

Paola

PS – I’ll share pics from our visit to the spa in the next blog post.  

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Arriving at Calistoga Ranch.

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This is where guests are greeted upon arrival.

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The reception area.

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This was our lodge – 138 Lake. It was a little piece of heaven in wine country!

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We were greeted with a birthday surprise! Such a treat! My hubby had made the arrangements for this, ahhhh, so romantic!

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My hubby had also gotten me a spa package for the next day.

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Our room…..heaven!!!

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Each lodge comes with it’s customized IPad.

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This bathroom is gorgeous! With a bathtub in the middle, shower in the corner, and two separate vanity sections. It has windows looking toward the outdoor shower.

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Of course, the women’t vanity is the larger one….that is what our host told us as part of the tour of the lodge.

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The outdoor shower….amazing! I showered here that evening. It was nice to look up to see the stars at night!
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The walk-in closet.

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During our stay, I enjoyed a relaxing bath with these citrus salts.

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Our deck. We sat here to enjoy some Calistoga wine in the afternoon.

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The weather was in the 90s, which is quite warm for me, so I was wearing a light summer dress with sandals. I had brought another dress & heals to change into for dinner, but it was so warm and the restaurant has an outside deck, that I decided to simply add a light scarf to my outfit and remove my hat. And, I called the restaurant ahead of time to confirm casual attire was appropriate.

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Our room was turned down for the evening. Robes & slippers are always a nice touch.

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Fresh water was set by our bed for the evening.

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I was going to try to take a stroll before dinner….and this rascal surprised me! More like – startled me! He was on the deck located by the entrance of the lodge, I couldn’t leave without crossing his path. I am afraid of large squirrels because once in San Francisco a squirrel (a small one) climbed up my husband’s sweater and almost tried to get into his shirt! So, I stay cautiously away from them. This particular critter was quite big, it looked more like a big cat than a squirrel!

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It kept running on our deck and onto the tree. I took these pictures from inside the room.

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He kept me hostage for about 15 minutes!

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Then, I realized he was thirsty. By that time, we were ready to head out for dinner and my hubby went on the deck to ensure the little critter went back to the canyon side (and off our deck!), before I came out of the room.

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This is the walkway toward our lodge.

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The wine cellar.

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The restaurant. It is only available for guests staying at the Resort.

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The restaurant overlooks a lake and canyon area, these deer were just a few steps away from us.

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My hubby had the three course menu – with steak as his main entree.

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I stuck to one entree – a lamb dish. I rarely eat meat, this dish was tender and quite tasty, with mushrooms and pasta!

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My hubby had some sorbet for dessert (sorry, not pictured)….at the end of the dinner, they brought us these little lemon tart treats, so cute! Perfect for the palette!

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I went for a walk throughout the Resort in the evening. It was quiet and serene. You can definitely disconnect and relax here.

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The pool was open 24 hours and lit up for the evening (but nobody was there).

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The next day, we got an early start and enjoyed room service for breakfast. I started this new year right, with fresh fruit and rich coffee! It was a treat to have a relaxing breakfast with my hubby! The perfect way to start my birthday!

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After breakfast, I took a yoga class on the deck. I was able to stretch, relax, and reflect. A wonderful start to a relaxing day!

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This is Brooke Bunge, the yoga instructor. Her class was excellent! She taught me some relaxation and meditation techniques. I have been using them every night before I go to sleep and they help me clear my mind.

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After yoga, I changed into a summer dress and went for a walk.

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The restaurant – with the mountains in the background. This view was breath taking! I was glad I ventured over the bridge and got to see this view.

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The pool area looked even more beautiful during the day!

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Oh yes, there was a gym….an open air gym overlooking the pool. It was a little too warm for me to use the gym. There was also an enclosed section with air conditioning….in case you are wondering, because I did!

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The Resort also had bicycles guests could borrow. There are some vineyards close by making for a scenic bicycle ride.

After the walk, I headed back to our lodge to change for my appointment at the spa. I’ll write about my spa experience in my next post. It is a unique & beautiful spa….I’ve never been to a spa quite like this one, it made me feel like I was at a spa located in a tree top!