The Mud

When Spanish explorers first arrived in what is now Calistoga in 1823, they found the Mayacamas Mountains' local Indian tribes making use of the region's most obvious natural resource: its hot mineral springs. Now not only is Calistoga known for its mineral water, but also for its very famous hot mud baths.

Why Take a Mud Bath?
The mud is relaxing, cleansing and detoxifying. With the high amount of perspiration involved in a mud bath your system and skin are refreshed and cleansed. Sufferers of muscular aches and arthritis may find the mud bath particularly soothing.

How Clean Is the Mud?
The Mud bath is sterilized after each use. This is done by adding boiling mineral water to the mud and letting it sit for approximately 15 minutes. The water is then drained away, and the mud is ready for the next bather.

What Is Involved with the Mud Bath Treatment?
Our Mud is a mixture of white clay, peat moss and hot mineral water. Mixed in a large concrete tub, it produces a thick, hot, heavy mud. With slight variations, the traditional mud bath procedure lasts about one hour. For the first 12 minutes you are immersed and suspended in the mud. An attendant is always near by with ice cold water and washcloths soaked in eucalyptus oil.

After the mud bath comes a mineral whirlpool bath (which is emptied and sanitized after each use). This is followed by 5 minutes in a eucalyptus steam cabinet. After the steam you retire to a small private room where you are covered with light sheets for a brief nap. Following the mud bath treatment you may choose to have a massage, salt scrub, mini-facial or foot reflexology.