Mobil Travel Guide: Calistoga Ranch Calistoga CA

•Lakefront, open-air Bathhouse Spa revives and rejuvenates with a series of innovative treatments

Amenities: Calistoga Ranch

• 46 rooms. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. Fitness room, spa.

General Impressions: Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch is a wonderful world unto itself. Tucked away on 157 acres in California’s majestic Napa Valley, this wine country retreat practically defines relaxation and rejuvenation. One step inside this one-of-a-kind getaway and the cares of the outside world will rapidly vanish. There are just 46 guest lodges at this property, where guests can be as active or as social as they choose. The liberal use of cedar, copper, and natural stone make the exteriors and interiors of the individual lodges blend perfectly with the park-like surroundings.

While guests feel a million miles away from the rest of the world, Calistoga Ranch is actually just a short ride from the center of charming and historic Calistoga and the many award-winning wineries of Napa Valley. Wine aficionados will discover the ranch’s own vineyard, private label wine, cave, classes, and seminars, and the staff is well-versed in the area vineyards’ tours and tastings.

Of course, Calistoga Ranch isn’t just for wine lovers. This relaxing resort boasts a swimming pool and a lovely lakefront open-air spa, known as the Bathhouse. The wine country is synonymous with fine dining, but guests need not leave the ranch to discover expertly prepared yet deliciously simple wine country cuisine. The Lakehouse restaurant is a perfect setting for a special occasion, while in-lodge dining is particularly charming and romantic.

Calistoga Ranch is the kind of place where travelers come to escape the worries of the business world, and while it would be a good choice for a smaller corporate retreat, it is not particularly well-suited for individual business travelers. The focus at this resort is on relaxation, and its location in the heart of the renowned wine country makes it an unlikely pick for business travelers.

Calistoga Ranch’s serenity is perhaps most popular with couples who come here for its quiet pace and relaxed sophistication. It is perfect for celebrating a special occasion, anniversary, or birthday, and all adults seeking solace without forsaking modern luxuries will feel right at home. Since the amenities are adult-focused and it is a spot known for its seclusion and gentle charms, Calistoga Ranch is not a suitable choice for families traveling with young children.

(+) Wonderfully relaxing and intimate wine country retreat with tucked-away ambience yet convenient location
(-) Not well suited for business travelers or travelers with children

Guest Services: Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch enjoys a relaxed serenity in the heart of California’s wine country, and as such, it delivers professional, courteous service with a casual sophistication. The staff is well trained and courteous, but this is not a silver tray and white glove establishment. Instead, you’ll be quickly charmed by the smiling, helpful staff that takes great pride in sharing this unique getaway with you.

The service was seamless right from the beginning of my stay. After arriving, I was promptly greeted and escorted to the check-in desk, where I was welcomed by the warm desk clerk. The process was efficient, and while she engaged me in some kind small talk, it never felt excessive. I was transferred to my private lodge by golf cart, and throughout my stay I was asked if I needed shuttle service to or from the main buildings.

The concierge was especially attentive and enthusiastic. She was proactive in offering suggestions for area itineraries, and instead of providing me with predictable destinations, she inquired about my preferences and incorporated them into the suggestions. She not only offered good advice, but she delivered excellent service, and I felt well taken care of in her hands.

I was impressed that the same standards of service were seen throughout the hotel. Housekeeping did an excellent job of servicing my room, and while an item of clothing did go missing through the laundry service, it was handled so smoothly by the manager that I never felt frustrated or disappointed.

(+) Guests will feel cosseted under the watchful eye of a well-trained staff

Guest Rooms: Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga Ranch’s guest accommodations are among the best reason to stay at this property. Tucked amidst towering pines and featuring mountain or forest views, the 46 freestanding guest lodges are an excellent blend of indoor/outdoor living. The mood is decidedly serene, with large windows focusing attention on the lush natural setting. The use of cedar and natural stone in the interiors really brings the outdoors inside. Luxurious amenities, such as large fireplaces and oversized bathtubs, set a soothing tone, while Italian cotton sheets, custom bath amenities, and entertainment centers with TV, DVD, and CD players prove that travelers need not leave creature comforts behind.

My guest lodge was exceptionally pleasant. The style had a relaxed California elegance with beige and neutral tones, dark woods, and stone. The design, which incorporated separate buildings for the bedroom and the bathroom and an outdoor living area that divided the bedroom and indoor living room, was highly unique and aesthetically pleasing. The bedroom and bathroom were spotless, and there were no signs of any wear and tear on my lodge. The room was also soundproofed very well -- except for the occasional hum of a golf cart, I heard no unwanted noise during my stay.

(+) Spectacular accommodations with sophisticated yet comfortable ambience

Facilities & Activities: Calistoga Ranch

It’s tempting to kick back with a book while enjoying the view from the guest lodges at Calistoga Ranch, but, with a terrific spa and a world of wineries waiting just outside the door, it’s wise to resist the temptation (at least for a little while). The town of Calistoga has long been frequented by travelers who come seeking the healing waters and mud of this California town, and the ranch revives this century-old tradition at the Bathhouse Spa. The spa, with an open-air, lakefront design, is a temple of serenity and offers a comprehensive treatment menu of facials, massage therapy, and body treatments. Natural spring-fed mineral pools are located right on the property, and the spa offers a yoga deck, wet/dry treatment rooms, and a well-stocked fitness center.

Other ways to while away your afternoons here include a heated outdoor swimming pool with sun decks, bocce courts, acres of on-property hiking trails, and special vineyard events, including classes and seminars. Of course, the Napa Valley wine country offers a wealth of opportunities. Vineyard tours and tastings are the most famous way to explore this sun-dappled region, but outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities, including horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, and biking, among other pursuits. Antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries beckon those who prefer to spend their time shopping, and gourmands can design a culinary tour through the region.

(+) Calistoga Ranch has wonderful spa and relaxed setting, while Napa Valley is home to renowned vineyards and numerous recreational possibilities

Dining & Lounge: Calistoga Ranch

Fine dining is an integral part of the experience at Calistoga Ranch. California wine country is well known for its talented chefs and restaurateurs who expertly pair the area’s wines with cuisine made from fresh, organic, local produce. Combining the best of French and Italian wine country cuisine with the spirited style of California cooking, the chef at Calistoga Ranch tempts tastebuds with a dazzling array of ever-changing menus. Some past highlights include a grilled calamari salad with Nicoise olives and duck Confit with braised savoy cabbage, grapes and apples.

The Lakehouse, with its open-beamed ceiling, intimate setting, and enchanting water views, is a perfect match for the chef’s memorable dishes. Open only to hotel guests and property owners, the restaurant maintains a highly discreet atmosphere. For those guests who want the ultimate in privacy, the resort does offer in-lodge dining, and, with advance planning, it is possible to have the chef provide cooking demonstrations or classes in the private lodges. Guests leaving the property for excursions are invited to enjoy take-along picnics. Additionally, the resort’s distinctive wine cave is available for private dining/events.

I enjoyed breakfast at the Lakehouse, and it was a truly wonderful way to greet the day. The staff was gracious and helpful, and the food was as beautifully presented as it was perfectly prepared. My in-lodge dining experience was well executed. The order was taken promptly, the food arrived before I expected, and the presentation was simple yet classic. The quality of the food was excellent, and the menu offered a wide variety of choices.

(+) Talented chef, elegant cuisine, and a refined yet rustic dinning area make dining at this resort a pleasure

Business Services: Calistoga Ranch

Its location in a world-renowned vacation destination and its gentle, relaxed pace make Calistoga Ranch an unsuitable match for individual business travelers. The resort can accommodate special events and weddings, and it would be a good fit for a small corporate gathering focusing on relaxation, teambuilding, and incentives.

(+) Would work for small corporate retreats or summits
(-) Not a match for individual business travelers because of its resort ambience and setting