Best Wine Country Spas

Spas in Napa and Sonoma have two special angles. First, there are the local mud baths and mineral-water sources, concentrated particularly around Calistoga. Admittedly, no one loves dipping into a thick, muddy paste. But once you've had a few minutes to get used to the intense heat and peaty smell, you may never want to leave. Second, there are all those grapes: their seeds, skins, and vines are credited with all sorts of antioxidant and other healthful properties by those who use them in scrubs, lotions, and other spa products.

Below are some of the best spas of the bunch.

Dr. Wilkinson's. The oldest spa in Calistoga. Although it's the least chic of the bunch, it's still well loved for its reasonable prices and its friendly, unpretentious vibe. Their mud baths are a mix of volcanic ash and peat moss. 1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, CA, 94515. 707/942-4102. www.drwilkinson.com.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The largest spa of its type in the Wine Country. The vast complex covers every amenity you could want in a spa, including several pools and Jacuzzis fed by local thermal mineral springs. 100 Boyes Blvd., /Rte. 12, Boyes Hot Springs, CA, 95476. 707/938-9000. www.fairmont.com/sonoma.

Kenwood Inn & Spa. The prettiest spa setting in the Wine Country, thanks to the vineyards across the road and the Mediterranean style of the inn. The "wine wrap" body treatment is finished off with a slathering of lotion made from various grape-seed oils and red-wine extract. 10400 Sonoma Hwy., /Rte. 12, Kenwood, CA, 95452. 707/833-1293. www.kenwoodinn.com.

Spa at Villagio. This 13,000-square-foot spa with fieldstone walls and a Mediterranean theme has all the latest gadgets, including men's and women's outdoor hot tubs and showers with an extravagant number of showerheads. Huge spa suites—complete with flat-panel TV screens and wet bars—are perfect for couples and groups. 6481 Washington St., Yountville, CA, 94599. 707/948-5050.