I did the mud baths a couple of times years ago, but don't know the answer to this question (not sure I asked back then) -- is the mud you sit in the same mud that the person before you sat is or do they make it up just for you?

Same mud.

And nobody besides me thinks that's kind of gross ?

Not quite, starrs - most of the spas in
Calisotga use boiling spring water to sterilize the
bath in between clients.

Mr. R5 and I are huge fans of mud baths and the rest of the
spa experiences over there. Nothing quite like a
hot mud bath on a cold rainy day. Followed by a hot whirlpool soak.
Followed by a warm blanket wrap.
Followed by a 60 massage with a 30 minute foot reflexology.

Are you wanting to try it , sf ?

R5

As I said, I've done it a couple of times, but it's probably been 25+ years! We're looking for something different to do this weekend (now that there'll be no baseball to watch ). I guess you're saying it isn't as gross as it sounds, huh?

I certainly don't think so. It is a mixture of
of volcanic ash in the area
(from A zillion years ago when Mt, Konocti erupted)
hot springs water, peat moss and sometimes eucalyptus.
It feels like being suspended because you never
touch the floor of the bath-and probably would not
want to as it's HOT).

I know what you mean about baseball - Mr. R5 will be in a
combo of withdrawal and mourning soon.


R5

A friend and I wanted a spa day after a trip to Napa and before working our way down to SF for a business meeting. I was keen on the mud baths. She was concerned about the same question. She called ahead and didn't like the answers. We opted for another option - a mud "bath" with salts added to a soaking tub inside the spa, followed by massages, etc. I tried to find the spa and same service without success. I am pretty sure the spa is in the location now housing http://www.eurospa.com/html/calistoga-spa.asp, but they don't offer the mud "bath" we tried.

She convinced me to skip the real mud baths.
Maybe razzle can convince me to try it...but I'm not sure

starrs, I'm surprised -you seem like the
bold and daring type !
C

R5

Maybe I saw too much as a lifeguard

Razzle, are you around? Which mud bath places do you like?

sf-I'm in HI
-what are you thinking about, mud bath wise ?
What's the "atmosphere" you envision

Calistoga is originally based in another era-"taking-the waters" kind of a place spa wise, with some fabulous dining. We enjoy the authentic "of the era" places. Of course you can drop quite a few dollars on the newer spas-Solage &Calistoga Ranch and the not so new, yet still newer, Mt. View Hotel.
Golden Haven has the best (& only) couples mud bath, IMHO.
Excellent massage therapists and great pool and jacuzzis.
No marble there.
Take a look at Indian Springs-fantastic pool there.

Prowl around these and some others- let me know which one(s) feel right to you.

Back later today after snorkeling & prowling this new (we moved from Puna/Pahoa district today)area of the Big Island.

R5

Hi razzle. I looked them up yesterday, including Golden Haven (I found an earlier post of your's). That would be perfect for just my DH and I, but we're going with two other couples, and at least one of them has much higher "standards" than we do LOL! But places like Solage are a little to "chi-chi" for me. I think we'll take a nice long [and free] hike instead. We're having dinner at the new Tyler Florence place in Napa.

it's been a long time for me but i loved the way my skin felt after soaking in the mud bath.

i too was initially grossed out knowing that it is the same mud that many others have soaked in before me. but managed to get convinced by the high temps. killing all the grossness out.

golden haven seems to be the place that most people recommend.
it is def. no frills and very basic but the entire treatment with the massage afterwards was pure bliss.