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Golden Haven Spa Hot Springs Resort
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
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- Location:
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"Before we moved to the Bay Area, my wife and I looked into taking a weekend trip to Wine Country in order to celebrate another year of…" read more »
85 reviews for Golden Haven Spa Hot Springs Resort
i had never had a mud bath in my life, but had always wanted to. i found a great deal on the internet that's only $49/person, and you get a mudbath, hot mineral jacuzzi, and blanket wrap.
getting into a tub of mud...how do i explain it. it's a feeling that you prolly haven't felt before, unless you're a pig. and you'd think you'd sink, but you don't. you float! you have to kind of dig your way in. i guess i always thought mud bath mud would be like facial mud - all smelly good and pretty. but this was mud, like the mud you'd find on a farm. it did not look like special spa mud, and smelled like farm animals. my f riend kept freaking out, because she was afraid there might be caterpillars and stuff in the mud hahahhaa. then i thought about how much other people might have sweated in there, and how they don't wash the mud. i asked the attendant, and she said the heat kills the bacteria. i'm not going to think about it too much. as i finally settled in, i started goofing around and throwing mud at my friend, and pretending i was one of the extras from michael jackson's thriller video hahahahaha. then i made giant boobs out of mud. i'm so immature, right? so what!!
after the mud bath, we washed off, and that took a while, cuz that mud just gets everywhere. i got mud in places i didn't know i had! after the shower, we got in the jacuzzi where i almost fainted from dehydration. we had been wine tasting all day, so be sure to drink lots of water! our attendant was really helpful and kept bringing me cups of cold water.
after the jacuzzi and near fainting session, we got the blanket wrap...which is exactly that. i don't know why, but for some reason it sounded a lot more fancy when i read it. but you lay down on a table thing, and they wrap you in a blanket, then leave you to take a nap for about 1/2 hour. o well. it's still a great deal, and worth experiencing at least once in your life :)
Mud Baths virgins no more. I booked a couples mud baths for our first anniversary and it was quite interesting. My bf was a bit taken back and wasn't sure if he was going to like it. The mud was pretty warm and the attendent said not to touch the bottom as it is HOT. In the mud, it's warms, you have twigs poking your bottom and little bubbles bursting at the surface. "Did you do that?" Afterwards, you shower to get mud off and out of crevices, your hair, etc. Good thing they have a detachable showerhead. After you think you've gotten it all out, you relax in a little hot tub. They encourage you to drink water to stay hydrated.
Our attendant was a friendly man and was available to answer any questions.
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I came here with a girlfriend for the mud bath only. First time ever in my life to try it.
This place looked pretty clean. With our appointment, we waited for like 20 minutes which was a bit long but I guess not too bad.
We were served by a male. At first, both of us felt really awkward. We had to be NAKED in the mud. I guess it was alright since he left the room while we were bathing and only came in occasionally to check on us. He was cool...we basically asked for a longer mud bath as we didn't want to sit in the jacuzzi.
The whole experience was pretty relaxing. The mud bath was really hot. I was sweating so much but that was a good workout. The cold room to cool down was nice with neon stars in the ceiling.
I don't know if I would do it again though...hahaha...both of us were pretty gross out by the muddy feeling.
The price was decent.. I found a special deal online for that weekend with buy one get one free. Regular price for an hour is $85 for we got $85 for two people....sweet, wasn't it?
DO NOT STAY HERE. Golden Haven's rooms are reminiscent of a well-taken-care-of Howard Johnson's someplace small off of a freeway. The rooms are dated, and although I'm sure they are clean, they seem a bit grimy. We rented a jacuzzi room for $219 a night, which got us an uncomfortable King bed, a small jacuzzi that takes 20 mins to fill, a tiny counter and sink, an old television, a small fridge, and a tiny bathroom reminiscent of my first apartment. The prices here are unacceptable for the accommodations, and I will NEVER stay here again.
The positive was the spa experience. The service was adequate, the mud was good, although extremely hot in pockets. The hot tub was good. The nicest touch was the cool lemon water. Next came a wonderful wrap in another room, with nice music and the lights turned low. This was wonderful. Last came the massage. Although I enjoyed my massage, my wife says that hers was an oily rubdown. Again, I would expect a little more from a place with such a good reputation.
My wife and I will be looking for someplace else next time we are in Calistoga.
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I love this place. As far as I know it is the only place where they let you do private room mud baths alone or with your significant other. Much nicer then the places that are co ed and that you get to see Grandma's floppy boobs while you are trying to relax. Seriously how relaxing is that??
This place gets five stars for privacy.
My boyfriend and I just stayed here, and were very pleased with everything--we had mudbaths, which were good, and our room was lovely. The room was immaculate, updated, and very, very nice. We would definitely stay here again, and would recommend it.
Got Mud? Yep, lots of Mud!!: Take one big helping of Mud, add mineral water, heat until just right, recline in the mud bath until well done, then jump into the mineral jacuzzi to get the mud off and then to a blanket wrap followed by a massage. What do you get? Serious relaxation! In fact, walking is difficult (in a good way) after a 2 hour treatment. Highly recommended for couples mud bath and massage treatments!
The hotel is fool you. From the outside it looks like a cheep Motel 6, but, the rooms on the inside are surprisingly nice and big. Our room had a Jacuzzi tub; a real one, a deep one. All of the hot water in the motel and spa are natural mineral water and have a slight (OK, alot) sulfur smell. But, you do get used to it.
Bottom line, a great spa and a nice motel. Worth another visit.
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Never done it before so why not? Plus the coupon brang the total to around $50 a person which seemed like a decent deal. Signed up for the 1 hour Mudbath session which translated into:
MUDBATH - 15 MINUTES
- butt naked in hot ass mud but the funnest bath I ever took
- thanks for the cold towels and clay mask
- don't touch the floor or you will know what hell feels like
- slip and slide out the bath when done because you can't stand up
MINERAL WATER SHOWER - 15 MINUTES
- rinse well because you will literally have mud butt
- someone will come in to clean the bath while you are showering
- depending on if you want to have a peep show or not adjust curtain accordingly
MINERAL WATER JACUZZI - 15 MINUTES
- drinking ice cold water never felt so good
- this will be like the 5th time someone comes in to check up on you
BLANKET WRAP - 15 minutes
- zoned out to ambient new age tunes
- thought to self why are there so many people in robes outside?
- left $10 tip, got dressed, and drank more ice water
We enjoyed the offerings but not the ambience.
.
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Two weekends ago I had a mud bath and massage. Will I return? I'm not really sure yet.
Hung- a reviewer below- described it perfectly. I was irritated though, because we got started 10 minutes late, thus ripping me off of my mud time. The mud bath is the best part for me!
After the blanket wrap and getting comfy on the massage table, my massage therapist proceeded to engage me in convo and tried to debate the swine flu crap. Come on! Can't a girl relax already!?!?
Long story short I tipped the mud girl $10 and the cmt $15. Looking back I was overcome with relaxation and way too generous.
P.S. Get the 1st or 2nd appointment of the day as they DO NOT change the mud between treatments. Do they ever change the mud? I dunno but I know they run super hot water in the mud after you're finished.
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This is the second time we have visited Golden Haven. What a wonderful affordable getaway - so near to San Francisco, yet worlds away.
Disregarding the 1960's-motor-hotel facade and utilitarian ambience, this is a lovely way to escape on a weekend or a day or two of vacation time.
Each time we have been here, we have opted for the mud bath (of course) - 15 minutes of cooking submersed in stinky glop we would normally sneer to have to remove from the bottom of our shoe. - DO NOT THINK ABOUT YOUR NOSE ITCHING! Apparently it sucks all the toxins out of you through your skin. It surely does feel great, weird or not.
Out of the mud bath (with difficulty, as you have been reduced to a strand of udon), DON'T TOUCH THE FLOOR OF THE TUB WITH YOUR FEET! Now you go over to an industrial shower where the water temperature is insanely difficult to adjust, veering wildly between arctic and Hellfire. Here you attempt to remove fine particles of mud and peat moss from places where they should never, ever have been, by rights.
Now you pop on into the lobster pot - i mean, whirlpool bath - where you soak and sweat with a cold washcloth on your head while you play with the rubber duckie and drink ice cold water with lemon. This is where most of the rest of the tiny bits of mud and peat moss finally leave your various secret hiding places.
Next comes the blanket wrap, where you take your steamy, damp self to a small room and be wrapped in a cotton receiving blanket then a wool army blanket. You lie like a bit of chicken in foil, stewing in your own juices, for another 15 minutes, until the attendant comes for you. The best thing is to sleep - DO NOT THINK ABOUT YOUR NOSE ITCHING!
At last, you are taken to the massage room, if you were smart enough to book one. I recommend the one-hour massage. The half hour only does your back and leaves you begging for more. Today's one-hour massage was one of the best firm pressure massages I have ever had, and I've had quite a few. Melanie (I think) found every sore spot, and even a few I didn't know I had, and worked them all out. You can have your massage alone or with a significant other. After the full mud bath/massage treatment, I guarantee you won't feel like much more than a nap...until dinner, when you've got to check out all the neat restaurants "downtown."
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I did not book a room and stay there but I did purchase the mud bath there and it was okay. I went there after reading reviews on Yelp and had an okay experience.
You basically spend about 20 minutes in a tub of hot mud, as pictured below:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_...
From the tub of mud you spend about 5 minutes in a mineral water shower, after that you are allowed another 20 minutes or so in a mineral water jacuzzi. From the jacuzzi you spend another 20 minutes wrapped in a wool blanket in a room with soft classical music.
After all was said and done, it was a nice first experience. Not sure if I will take another mud bath again. Especially after seeing that they just water down the mud bath with boiling water instead of change the mud. I'm not sure how often they drain the tub of mud, if ever.
For the price, which was about $70 per session, it was not bad. I opted out and did not get a message, which would have cost a little bit more.
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I like to stay here. It is the best value for the money. Always clean.
The spa is just meh.
Spa attendants and people in the hall need to shut the f up.
Spa sttendant needs to pay more attention! Check on people! We were roasting in the hot tub. We had no robe, no water and no where to hide. So we were just nako hanging out, when the unattendant came in 15 min. later.
The blanket wrap is a complete waste of time.
My massage therapist while having skills, had too many manners an checked in every ten minutes.:(
I lost my massage therapist half way through... he was touching me... but he WAS NOT THERE. he was not paying attention. I had to look at him to get him to pay attention!!!
WTF!!!!
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If the ambience you are looking for is one of a free hospital clinic or abandoned motel from a low budget horror film, this is the place for you! Now I am no spa snob, but this place gives me the total creeps, so much that it is just comical at this point. From the redneck, pervy-looking male staff, to the supremely outdated and dingy decor, to the stained sheets on the massage beds, to the grungy hospital gowns they give you as robes, this place is well-equipped to strike fear in the heart of any woman with even the most dysfunctional intuition.
While I can go on for hours about their tragically sub-par facilities, staff, and services, I refuse to spend any more time reliving that experience more than necessary to forewarn other people about the realities of this place.
There's a ton of other spas in the area. Pick another one. Any one.
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Yay, my first spa experience. This place was cool. We arrived on a thursday morning and supposedly our room wasnt going to be ready until 3pm, but it was ready and we were able to move our crap in. All four ladies got the girlfriend spa special. Which cost $195 per person, which includes a 30 min. mud bath, 30 min. massage, & 30 min facial. The mud bath was the most awkward spa treatment. I was laying on top of the stinky mud. The mud was really hot on the bottom. Supposedly the mud helps exfoliate and make your skin softer. I suggest going in NAKED. Because if you wear your bathing suit, you might ruin it. After laying in the mud, you shower, OMG it took us forever to get the dirt out. Make sure u check between your legs, bc the mud can get stuck in there :). After the mud bath experience, we were led into our massage. The massage was off the hook. After everything we got a face product and a tshirt. The service from the staff was good. One thing tho, i wished they had an outdoor pool instead of an indoor one.
Internet Mud & Massage package well worth it. Quite relaxing. First Mud, then shower, then hot mineral tub, then blanket wrap, then massage, then refreshed. Quite enjoyable.
If you are looking for a relaxing one day getaway, this is a great place. Get on their email list for their off-season specials, they really are great deals.
I have done the overnight stay with mud bath twice now. It is a perfect overnight plan. Do your spa service in the afternoon, enjoy the pool, have dinner 'downtown', go gambling at Twin Pines at night, then come back and goto bed.
MUD BATH:
Leticia was very patient and friendly, answering all of our questions knowledgeably. However, once our time was over, she seemed a bit rushed to get us out. The service itself is wonderfully relaxing. (If you can get over the fact that it's mud)
ROOMS:
Rooms are decent. Perfect for what it is, a place to relax and not be disturbed. If you really have a problem with the facility, you need to relax, which is why you're there right?
Like I said before, we weren't sure if we were going to have time to visit a spa on our trip. We didn't plan in advance and booked an appointment the day before we visited.
We arrived after a massage at Lincoln Avenue Spa (a must visit!) and is right down the street from this place.
This was the first time I have ever had a mud bath, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. I went with two friends and this experience is not for the modest. We were put in a room with three mud tubs, which was fine...except you are butt naked...so be sure you want to see a lot of the people you go with.
Our appointment was in the evening so most of the crowd was filtering out. After you take off your clothes and store your belongings, you head to the mud baths where you sit for ~ 20 minutes.
After the tub, then you wash off in a super powered shower of mineral water before you spend another 20 minutes or so in a mineral water jacuzzi. From the jacuzzi you spend another 20 minutes wrapped in a wool blanket in a room.
If you do this, definitely block out 2-2.5 hours on your schedule. We had dinner reservations later that night and we were pressed for time.
Our spa attendant, Teresa, was awesome. She was friendly and attentive without being intrusive.
Like others have said, this place does not give nor does it claim to be a high end spa with all the amenities. We knew that, but figured that there would at least be a place for us to get dressed and do our makeup and hair so we could go to dinner directly after. That wasn't the case. We had to get ready in our room where we had our blanket wrap.
This activity was $70 which seemed to be reasonable.
Five stars -- a little love for this quaint spa off a side road in Calistoga. Marta prepared the facilities for our couples mud bath (don't forget to print the coupon on their Web site for a discount). She was sweet, professional, and not in a rush.
You may be wondering:
Does the mud smell terrible? No. I mean, it's vaguely sulfur-y, but your nose should adjust to the sulfur smell when you walk from the parking lot to the lobby. I mean, it's COMPLETELY NATURAL for mineral spring water and the mud it passes through to smell that way.
Is the mud dirty? It's mud. Higher class mud than that backyard mud you played in as a kid, for sure. Feels more like clay. Consistent in texture -- no unwelcome dirt clods or unsuspecting divots.
Is the mud really hot? At the bottom, sure, but if you can buoy yourself in the cooler, top layers of mud if you don't like to sweat out your spa treatment.
Will I catch a horrible disease from lying in mud that gets used day in and day out by other people? Have you sat on the beach for a day? Ventured into the ocean? Accidentally drank the ocean "water" when you wiped out? You'll live. Promise.
Should I get a mud bath? YES! Especially if you're with someone (i.e., your boyfriend?) who is wary of froofy spa treatments. Froofy, this place is anything but. Refreshing and novel -- yes. So set the expectations aside, and let yourself have a little fun in the mud. You'll even feel smooth as a baby's butt, if that helps.
I'm not sure what level of service/ambiance $59/person for mud bath should expect but since this is my first one.....I thought it was fun!!
First...you need to go with someone you are VERY comfortable with, you're butt naked, you're in HOT mud (which they do not empty in between clients) and you'll have to clean the left over mud from all private areas in the shower.
They provide a bag to put your clothes in and goodwill quality robes (they came in all style/sizes/prints). They did rush us out of there a little bit but overall my body felt so relaxed and smooth after the mud treatment.
I love that they have ice water everywhere because you will sweat and get real thirsty.
Will I go back?? Definitely another mud bath, will I return here?? Most likely not because there's really nothing special about this place.
Also....you can use their pool/jacuzzi for free if you buy their mud bath (if you don't stay there)
I was all poised to write a scathing review for this place after taking a shower. I had to wait 5 minutes for the water to heat up ... how dare you post "help us conserve water by reusing your towel" signs when it takes this long for me to get warm water! I was also unimpressed with the water pressure. But then I realized it's all Calistoga mineral water so I decided to cut them some slack.
The room appeared clean (aside from someone's coffee they didn't throw out) and I liked the big screen TV. We arrived 2 hours past when I thought we would (blame my Dad who insisted Jeff take shots of bad tasting Chinese rice liquor) but the management left my key taped to the door. Ahhh, to live in a small town where such things are possible. I didn't like that I had to park my car in the dark, unpaved lot in the back. I didn't like that I was woken up at 7:00 in the morning by people cleaning, renovating or what sounded like installing a new roof. I also didn't like that someone tried to come into my room in the am when I'd just gotten out of the shower - but I figure it's probably cause I never checked in the night before. I also didn't like that I couldn't connect to the internet with my laptop to send off a few things for work (but Jeff could).
Come to think of it ... there's a lot I didn't like ... though it didn't bother me as much at the time cause I was on vacation (first one I've taken this year!) and I was about to drink lots and lots of wine. I also didn't like paying $160 to spend the night in a place an hour from where I live to watch TV and take a shower in low pressure water and not even get a chance to sleep in.
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Stayed here the last time I was in Calistoga. The room was okay, kind of old but not too bad. I booked a room with Jacuzzi, which is totally worth it. Felt very relaxed in the tub watching TV. The water here stinks because its sulfur, so prepare yourself.
Had my first mud bath experience and was not too bad. The price is definitely reasonable. Would go again.
I am full of opinions. Ready?
Massage - 5 stars: Nicole gave me the best massage I have had in years and I am a total massage snob (see other reviews). She commutes from Chico and is only here on Sundays but if you happen to be blessed with being here on a Sunday ask for Nicole. She Fed me up -- for real tho.
Mud Bath - 2 stars: Totally gross. Smelled like sulfur and ass (sulfur ass?). I got in but wanted to get out immediately. My sister was laughing hysterically but I was the one laughing when I sprayed her in the ass with the shower nozzle and brown goob was coming out of her ass. Overall, I am glad I experienced it but it wasn't for me.
Rooms - 2.5 stars: Average, clean motel style room. We had a superior room so it had a nice bathroom with a full size bath and two bedrooms.
Service - 5 stars: A group of us were there for my sister's bachelorette weekend. For $209 a person we got the room, mud baths, a massage, facial a spa product, and a T-shirt. For an extra $60 the facial/massage were upgraded to an hour. My sister and I wanted to upgrade but forgot to do so. They went out of their way to accommodate us and rearrange their schedule.
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Stayed here w/ friends for a bachelorette party. The room was much better than I expected. Spacious, the beds comfortable, clean, and the bathroom well lit and nice and clean.
The suite w/ 2 nights stay also includes a mud bath spa package. That was ok. The massage did not feel like 30 minutes. The mini facial i had an allergic reaction to. The showers were a bit cramped and they wanted me to share it w/ my friend. No way. I'm not sure if i'll be back. Maybe just for the mud spa and not the rest of the items.
Mud baths.... I remember them as a kid, getting all muddy and mom flipping out, and now as an adult I'm paying for it. =) I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy a mud bath, but it was a relaxing, and come to find out, a detoxifying (so they say) experience. You sink into the hot mud and they cover your body, and put a clay mask on your face that cleanses and softens the skin.
I like Golden Haven because couples can experience the spa package together, in the same room, unlike Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga where they usher the girls to one side of the building and the boys to the other... at Golden Haven you start with a mud bath, then a rinse off of course, use of the hot mineral jacuzzi, a relaxing blanket wrap with soothing soft music playing, and top it all off with a delightful hour massage. I always print a coupon from their internet specials. You come out feeling renewed and re-energized. Worth the ~ $150 + tip / per person.
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Not having experienced a mud bath before, I'd' say for the sake of spontaneity, it completed its task. Having just decided [as in the day of] wanting to have a mini getaway weekend, the bf scoured for online deals and hoped for the best.
Just like the some of the other reviews, I'd have to agree for 1] the room being motel-esque and 2] the spa being "ok." When I say "ok," I'm really saying with last minute planning and being accommodated as late as we were, we truly got what we paid for. The cashier had the old school "cha ching" sounds going on less than a few feet away from the spa area's waiting room and were not exactly setting off the ambience for a few hours of relaxation. The cashier rushed us and we set off to our room. It was kind of cool having a jacuzzi in the middle of our room, but not cool to being waken up to a next room neighbor's blaring TV at the crack of dawn. The damn thing was on ALL NIGHT.
I won't bore you with all the details of why this place isn't stellar. I'll simply say, if you want to relax in luxurious style, invest a bit more money and go elsewhere.
Conveniently located near Napa, it is easy to ease ones soul in this atmosphere, mixing wine tasting, relaxation and pampering. I have only stayed at their hotel once as part of their Girlfriend's package, the rooms are quite spacious but the patterns were a blast from the past. I enjoyed the mud bath, wrap and massages as well, but depending on the masseuse the pressure used can vary. I'm a huge fan of deep tissue!! Their facials are the best and depending on the length of time you chose, you receive an additional mini massage with the facial. The complimentary pool and spa were enjoyable as well.
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Classic Motel with an OK spa service.
Went there for the mud bath. It felt RUSHED. I'm here to relax, am I not?
The bathrobe smells. The only thing I enjoyed was the cool down, which is long enough that you finally begin to relax, but it's over.
Wouldn't recommend it.
Nice spa experience. Friendly staff. Seemed very busy. They have for sure improved the facility since the last time I was there. Wife and I had the couple special with a Jacuzzi room. The room was "roomy" and clean but did show poor design. The bathroom, toilet was so close to the door even small people like my wife and I had to contort to get past and close the door. Refrigerator in room did not work. The Massage was nice but not anything to rave about. What makes this place special is the couples accommodations. Still a nice reasonably prices spa experience.
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*As featured on MTV's Rob & Big show!*
For a little relaxation away from the chaos of our daily lives, my Yelper companion and I headed up to the serenity of beautiful Calistoga. A few days prior, I had called the nice folks over at Golden Haven Hot Springs to set up an appointment for a mud bath and massage, both sessions lasting an hour each.
After a morning brunch at Cockadoodle in Old Oakland, we were on our way! The trek up north took about a good hour and a half, and before long, we were getting a bit antsy after seeing nothing but trees and vineyards for the better part of the latter half. Don't let the maps fool you. Although they appear to be neighbors, once you get to Napa, it's still another 30 minutes before you reach the Calistoga city limits.
When we finally found the place, we really couldn't hide our looks of disappointment, as the downtrodden motel-esque "resort" looked nothing like what was advertised, at least not the exterior anyways. But hey, we drove all this way, might as well give it a chance. After meeting up with the kind staff at the front desk, and having a closer look at the clean interior, we rested assured knowing that this was going to be one pleasurable experience.
After a short wait, our turn was up. First call of order... mudbath. Wow, this was one of the most unique experiences I've ever had, and I must say, it is pretty darn cool! The mud is sweltering hot, but damn... does it feel great on your skin. You basically hop into this oversized bathtub filled with mud. However, it is so thick, you literally have to shimmy yourself down, and it seems like you are floating! You have the option of going in with a swimsuit, but what's the fun in that?! Just rip it all off, and enjoy the sensation of hot, oozing mud all over your nether regions!
After about 15 minutes of this, you will be ready to hop right out. The next step is to take a shower, rinsing off all the excess gunk, and jump right into the mineral water jacuzzi. Oh.... yes...! The mudbath is said to help loosen up your skin, and get rid of toxins stored inside. To test if this notion is actually true or not, I started touching various parts of my body (no, not that kind of touching), and by golly, it did feel smoother and softer! This stuff works!
After the hot tub, the hostess brings you to a private "zen" room to cool down. Basically, you just sleep on a bed with a warm blanket, but it sure does feel soothing. You will wish you could just lay there for hours. I don't know if it was just for us, but I thought it was kind of funny that they were piping soft Chinese flute music on the speaker.
However, before we knew it... knock knock! Time for the massage! The massages are also carried out in intimate, private rooms, with just the perfect amount of space and ventilation to prevent claustrophobia. Our masseuses were two very polite, middle aged, spiritual looking ladies (aka hippies) who were receptive to our needs. Since I'm a massage rookie, I have no idea what the difference between a good and bad massage is, but all I know is that this one felt simply magical. It was as if all those years of wear and tear on my body from playing sports and working out instantly disappeared. Although it lasted a full hour, the time seemed to just breeze on by, and I couldn't help but want more and more! Oh well, there is always next time.
Individually, the mudbath will run you a cool $75, and $78 for the massage. However, most people typically go for the package deal, offered at a much better rate. Make sure to check the website for internet specials, as well as the "couples" discounts. In addition to these services, Golden Haven also provides facials and European body wraps. The latter is said to help shed a minimum of 6 inches off your waistline by tightening and toning your skin. I am a bit skeptical on this though, especially for the relatively high price tag of $179 per session.
In closing, despite the basic exterior, Golden Haven is a great place to spend an afternoon (or evening, since they open until 11 pm) in Calistoga. It's certainly not the most exquisite spa in town, but for those not really caring about all the bells and whistles, it should be more than adequate. Golden Haven has more of a local, down home character to it, and is truly a place for those just looking to relax, as opposed to being pampered. The welcoming and competent staff is guaranteed to take good care of you, and make your visit the most pleasurable as possible.
There is no wonder why out of all the spas in Calistoga, the producers of Rob & Big chose Golden Haven Hot Springs. At least now I can say that I've patronized a resort featured on national TV.
P.S. I'm not a huge fan of Rob & Big, and just switch it on once in awhile when flipping through channels. I just happened to stumble upon this particular episode one night, and was absolutely shocked to see Golden Haven featured less than a week AFTER my visit!
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SO MUCH OIL!
Been here twice with my fiance and have to say the last time was just OK.
Waited 25 minutes over our appointment time. Finace was then pissed off and you know what happens after that.
The massage was more of a RUB with lots and lots of oil. The lady must of used the whole bottle of oil. Felt like I was going to be deep fried.
Had the mudd bath the first time I went and it was different and fun until I thought about "what do they do with the old mudd when your done"
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My hubby and I use to come here for a short weekend getaways. We always did the couples package. I liked how they put the cold clay mask on you while you are in the mud bath. It felt really nice. I have to agree with one of the reviewers that we were a bit rushed, but it was understandable because they had to prep the room for the next patrons. Overall it was always a pleasant experience. Just don't expect this place to be some kind of European spa.
I'll have to check the website to see if there are any specials going on so I can plan my next visit there.
This place was a train wreck from beginning to end. The hubby and I found a coupon for a discount on the couples mud bath in the local mag, so we called and scheduled for the following morning. Everything about the place is fairly ghetto. Yes, you pay less and as always, get what you pay for.
The mud bath experience was a trip, probably the best part of the couple of hours we spent there. You're suspended in what feels like warm oatmeal for about 10-15 minutes for the first part of the treatment. It was fairly warm (bordering on hot) but once you sink in and get settled, it's pretty fun. Unfortunately the place has zero sound proofing and we just sat there listening to the chicks in the next room cackling over whatever they were cackling over... not exactly a zen experience.
Next you shower off while the attendant is right outside the curtain hosing the mud bath area down - kinda creepy but it didn't really bother us. Our guy talked really fast each time he instructed us and it was a little hard to hear what it was we were supposed to do next. At any rate, after showering off you step into the (private) hot mineral springs jacuzzi bath for another 10 min or so. We lasted maybe 5 and then toweled off and threw the robes back on for the next part.
Next, you step into another room similar to a massage room where you get all wrapped up in warm blankets with an icy towel on your forehead. We cracked up over what benefit this step really had and decided it was best labeled "filler'. We were in this supposed calming, cocoon environment to finish the mud bath treatment and all we could hear was the employees right outside the door yammering on about whatever. Highly distracting and annoying to say the least.
It only got worse from there. We'd tacked on a couple of hour long massages. At this stage they walk you, in your flimsy robe and flip flops, through the damn lobby with all of the people waiting there (fully dressed of course) to head out the front door and upstairs to the massage rooms. This was nothing but tacky... the people stare at you as you walk by and it's just completely low class. How about a back staircase people? Embarrassing.
We get upstairs to our massages which starts off well enough. Never done a couples massage before and it was nice to be lying there side by side getting worked on. However, I noticed something amiss when my massage therapist had me flipped over long before the hubby... next thing I know she's patting my feet and thanking me... and hubby's therapist looks nowhere near done. My gal slips out of the room while I just lie there waiting for his massage to finish.
Finally the lady who did mine knocks, opens the door and gestures at hubby's therapist to wrap it up already! It was beyond strange. He quickly finishes and leaves and the two of us jump up, check the clock and see the massage went no longer than 30 minutes. We're in there whispering about what a mess the whole experience is when the two of them knock and come in and very embarrassed, explain the office had screwed up the whole appointment - one knew it to be an hour long while the other thought it was supposed to be 30 minutes. They almost looked like they wanted us to get back on the tables so they could finish. At that point it wasn't going to happen so we just thanked them, told them it was fine and we'd just get dressed and be done with the place.
Final ick factor came with being shown to a final room - a bathroom - to shower and get dressed. No bench, hardly any room for the two of us to shower and struggle with clothes, coats, boots, etc. Hubby's sitting on the damn floor trying to put his shoes back on and all we could do was laugh at how badly the whole set up was, almost from start to finish. They ended up giving us 30% off the massages but honestly, this kind of crap is NOT worth the trouble! Spring for a classier place, I certainly will next time.
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If you've never gotten a Mud Bath, this is one place to go. Takes you back in time and away from the hussle bussle of Silicon Valley. I'm over due for a spa treatment and planning my trip.
If I had a bottle of wine for every time I was asked "are you doing the mud?" while in Calistoga, I'd be drunk for the rest of my life.
Once I responded in the affirmative, the questioner's eyes would light up and he or she would say ominiously "it's...interesting". They would then go on to say that they wouldn't do it again that but that we simply MUST do it.
When we arrived, I was really nervous. I had never had a spa treatment, other than a facial or pedicure, and was scared that someone would see me naked. I shouldn't have worried. Since my husband and I were doing the couples mud bath (the website has an online coupon for $108 for two people) we had our own private room and the attendant always left the room when we would be naked and then knocked before re-entering. I was totally comfortable.....well, as comfortable as I could be trying to clench my legs together so I didn't get mud in my nether regions. More on that later.....
We checked in, met our attendant and were shown to the mud room. The mud was not what I was expecting. Sergio showed us how bouyant it was. He said we wouldn't touch the bottom of the tub (and shouldn't cause it's hot) but that after we got into the mud carefully we would sort of float on top and that in order to sink into it we would need to wiggle ourselves down. He left us to get undressed and settled in and came back about 10 minutes later.
Getting in was hilarious and completely impossible to do gracefully. If you aren't really comfortable being naked in front of your partner I wouldn't suggest it, as you are not only naked but you must contort into some very unflattering positions to get in properly. Once in, I had a hard time sinking into the mud. I refused to wiggle my legs because everytime I did I could feel the mud oozing between my thighs. Finally I just gave in and wiggled enought to sink a bit.
Our attendant came back and put a clay mask on our faces and cold compresses on our foreheads and left us to soak for another 10 minutes. Then he came back and told us to shower off. He left the room while we got out (again difficult without giving your partner some major money shots) and showered off. He did come in the room while we were in the shower, but it was not intrusive and I'm sure he couldn't see us. Then he left and we got to soak in the mineral tub for about 10 minutes.
After that we put our robes on and followed the attendant to the blanket room where we were swaddled and left with more cold compresses to help our bodies return to normal tempurature. After about 10 minutes we were led to our final shower room. It is stocked with soap and shampoo (though I brought my own) and a hair dryer. Then we were done.
That day and the next I noticed how incredibly soft my skin was. I guess it does have some purifying effects, though I was concerned with how often the mud is changed. I figured every day. Then I met a local who told me they only change it every few years because they are running out of the volcanic ash. I said that I thought the high heat would kill any bacteria and he pointed out that "boiled sh** is still sh**."
Was it "interesting"? Hell yes. And oddly relaxing. And hilarious. Would I do it again? I'm not sure, but when you are in Calistoga, you simply MUST do it!
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My girlfriends and I decided to go Napa for a couple of days. We wanted to go wine tasting, get spa treatments, and be G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S. Unfortunately, we are broke college students... so, we opted for the "girlfriends special" (what a cheesy name!) Golden Haven offered for $209 per person, which we found online. This package offered a one night stay, a mud bath, mineral bath, blanket wrap, and a 30 minute massage and facial.
I'm not going to go through ever treatment in detail. Let's just say this place is perfect if you're on a budget. It's not the cutest place, or the fanciest, but it gets the job done. You get what you pay for. This place is definitely not for everyone. If you're expecting the finer things in life, go elsewhere. If you want to get in a tub of mud, a jacuzzi of mineral water and get a quick fix massage and a facial without the bells and whistles, then this is the place for you.
As for the hotel/motel/whatever it is, my girlfriends and I were very pleased with it. It was very clean and fresh and the beds were soft and perfect in size. The ceilings are also vaulted, which added a nice a touch. The room also included a plasma tv.
Before going here, I suggest you and your partner or friends try not to be snooty or pretentious. There's definitely not a wow factor from the outside, but once you go in your room and talk to the genuinely friendly staff, you will see it's not as bad as it looks.
Overall, I give this place 4 stars for what it is and what it doesn't try to be, a budget spa cheap hotel.
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I had a very nice birthday/girlie weekend at Golden Haven!
The room was modest--nuthin fancy but was very clean and ours included a mini fridge, coffee and wet bar sink. We had forgotten our wine opener and they gave us a souvenier one at the front desk. We had a 2 bedroom suite kinda thing and it woulda been nice if the second room had a tv too but we lived without it. There were fuzzy snuggly throw blankets that were a nice touch.
Spa treatments: mud bath--loved it!! I don't get weirded out about being in the same mud as others have been and the mineral bath and blanket wrap afterwards was really nice. They made sure we had plenty of nice lemony water to drink since we were a bit dehydrated from our wine binge I mean wine tasting from the day before.
Massage was great!!! Paul was his name and he beat the shit outta me--in a good way!! I was a limp noodle!
Facial--YUK!!! OK I may be biased and a bit of a product snob since I'm an esthetician but they put some nasty oatmealy crap followed by a clay mask followed by a so called moistuizing mask that was actually prickly on my face and didn't wipe any of the layers off completely. My skin felt gross and I couldn't wait to wash that shit off! Plus the technician (not an esthetician) kept going in n out of the room and people were noisy when she opened the door and the whole experience made me very cranky!!
Over all tho--I thought it was a good bargain for the price. Clean room and nice staff. I'll just skip the facial next time.
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I am about to be laid off and one of my best friends is moving to Indiana. We needed a girls weekend on a budget. This place fit the bill. It is definitely not an upscale resort, but it is clean, comfortable, and functional.
The day we checked in was really sunny and we were excited to get there 2 hours before our treatments and lay out by the pool. To our dismay, the pool is actually covered. There is a sun deck which was nice enough, but not quite the same.
As for the treatments... I am no stranger to odd spa treatments (hello Imperial Spa) and I don't want to ding Golden Haven because I bet that as far as mud baths go these are good. Let's just say that I probably never need to soak in a tub of hot, sitcky, squishy mud again.
However, it was nice to already be relaxed for my 1/2 hour massage. The massage was great - I was amazed at the amount of work my masseuse did on my body in that amount of time. Some major long time knots got worked out. And, it was a good value.
Golden Haven is also really close to the main street in Calistoga, so we were able to walk to a nice restaurant (Jole), drink a lot, and not worry about driving.
Overall: if you need a spa weekend on a budget and don't expect the ritz, this is a great place to go.
If you want to try out the indulgences of a mud bath, but (1) do not want to spend a fortune on the treatment; and (2) are a bit shy so do not want to have a "common room" experience like some other lower-prices mud spas have, then the Golden Haven is perfect for you. Golden Haven markets heavily towards "couples" mud baths (although 'couples' could just as easily mean a pair of friends or family as it could lovers), but you can certainly go there as a single person and enjoy the privacy.
Golden Haven isn't super luxurious - the decor is more motel than hotel - but the hotel and grounds are clean and comfortable, and they do a nice job with lots of flowers to make the grounds very cheerful. The staff is friendly and nice.
You are escorted to your own private mud room, where you will disrobe and get to enjoy a mineral whirlpool. From there, it is into the mud tubs! There are two, side by side, and if you've never gone to a mud bath, the best I can describe it is that it's like stepping into a giant vat of muddy, sulfuric-smelling oatmeal. If you choose to wear underwear or a bathing suit, make sure it's something you're not worried about ruining, because mud bath - no matter what spa you go to - is tough to get out! They put a cold cloth on your forehead and come to help you drink cold liquids as you steep in the mud for about 15-20 minutes. After your mud bath, you have a shower to get ALL the mud off. Then, of course, you must enjoy a full hour massage!
If you're a guest at the hotel or even if you're just coming for a spa treatment, you can enjoy some time in their outdoor mineral spa pool.
I've tried a couple spas in the Callistoga area, but I enjoy this one the most because I like having the private rooms for the mud baths. They also usually have some excellent midweek (Mon-Thurs) package deals (room stay + treatments) available online (http://www.goldenhaven...).
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This is a reasonably priced place to stay in Calistoga. Is it luxurious? Not by any means; it is classed as a motel and they mean it. The only thing that sets it above a Super 8 is the large soaking tubs and attached spa facility. Yes, it's clean and the people are nice -- but there are no frills here. I'd give the motel 3 stars at best - I'd go back if I just wanted a cheap weekend and someplace to sleep between spa treatments.
The spa is where it's at. It's not impressive (it's a small building) but the masseurs are pretty good. I went here after an especially nasty back injury a few years back and did the herbal mineral bath (instead of a mud bath), blanket wrap and massage. This is one of the better massages I've had, and it was cheap. The spa staff was really nice and laid back - it's not your average hoity toity spa experience. I'd second some of the previous reviewers' recommendations to bring your own flip flops and robe, as they are not provided. It's also wise to check out their online coupons before booking.
This review is a bit old. Was here about a year ago for a couple mud-bath and massage. The mud bath itself was very nice...especially since you are in the same room with your significant other. Had a couples massage too but the two guys working on us were pretty creepy. They looked like they had been working 24 hours straight and needed a break....and some clean clothes. Both of them were also intent on giving very painful deep tissue massages when that was not at all what we wanted. Wont go back for the massage.
