Napa Valley, California Calistoga
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Mid-century mineral throwback
Mid-century mineral throwback
A 1950s California bathhouse motel reimagined around courtyard lawn games, fire pits, and natural mineral springs.
“Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, an iconic Calistoga property that dates back to 1952, recently underwent a massive overhaul…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Three geothermal mineral pools join Calistoga's original volcanic ash mud baths.
Notable
Restored mid-century motel interiors hold custom apothecary medicine cabinets and pink waffle robes.
Notable
A 1952 Calistoga institution retaining its retro neon sign and original mud formulas.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
It taps into the area’s underground hot springs to provide natural mineral pools in three different temperatures, alongside mud baths…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Lincoln Avenue's tasting rooms and local boutiques sit right outside the door, easily reached on complimentary cruiser bikes.
The rooms
Retro light-wood furnishings and apothecary cabinets outfit the motel rooms, alongside standalone cottages with vintage clawfoot tubs.
The mineral pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Three natural geothermal spring pools span indoors and out, warmed between 85 and 104 degrees.
The baths and spa
Outdoor mineral soaking tubs and volcanic ash mud baths draw on the resort's original geothermal recipes.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
House of Better
Wood-fired flatbreads, green chile stew, and herbal elixirs are served on a shaded patio beside the outdoor oven.
At the table
An indoor dining space with colorful chairs and picture windows looks straight out across the grounds.
How it began
Chiropractor John Wilkinson opened the property in 1952, creating Calistoga's original volcanic ash mud bath recipe.
Good to know
Stay here
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
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Napa Valley
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.