Sustainable farm to table food has been a feature on restaurant menus for years, but what about using farm-fresh ingredients at the spa?
Spas in Northern California's most gorgeous settings are incorporating local, seasonal ingredients into their lotions and potions for massages, facials, and more. The fresher the product, the more nutrient dense—plus, being slathered down with lavender that grows just outside, gives you a unique connection to the land around you.
For some serious R&R with the best natural and hyper-local ingredients, book a treatment at one of these luxurious spas from Carmel Valley to Napa Valley.
The Four Seasons in Calistoga (Courtesy of Four Seasons)
Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Napa Valley
Calistoga has a long history as a spa destination thanks to its hot springs and mineral-rich soil thick with volcanic ash. Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Napa Valley creates a true haven of tranquility and relaxation with local, natural ingredients. Favorites include the botanical facial, which uses the power of oxygenating plants to boost collagen and leave you feeling refreshed. After your appointment, become one with the spa gardens where Native American steam decks and a sunken whirlpool with vineyards views promise to deepen the tranquil vibes. // 400 Silverado Trail North (Calistoga), https://www.fourseasons.com/napavalley/
Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch is literally the bee's knees thanks to the property's 7,000-plus lavender plants that provide food for the 250,000 buzzing pollinators that live in the resort's own apiary. Spa-goers can enjoy the fruits of their labor with Bee Beautiful Body Therapy, which includes an exfoliating facial polish made from the hive's royal jelly and a cocoon wrap after a rubdown with honey and calendula ($354). If lavender is more your thing, head for the Lavender Fields Hot Oil Hair and Scalp Massage and relax your mind with a nourishing lavender hair mask and massage ($114). // 1 Old Ranch Road (Carmel), carmelvalleyranch.com
All visitors to Calistoga must try the signature mud bath just once—we like it best at Indian Springs.(Courtesy of visitnapavalley.com)
Indian Springs
Devotees of the Calistoga mud bath are always eager to be caked with warm volcanic ash at Indian Springs. Touted for its detoxifying powers, the mud remains in its pure natural state, infused with local hand-sifted volcanic ash and mineral water sourced straight from the property's springs. The mud bath is a must-try experience either on its own or before a spa massage. Also look for CBD-infused treatments including an invigorating coffee and salt scrub. // 1712 Lincoln Ave. (Calistoga), indianspringscalistoga.com
Carneros Resort and Spa
Lavender, rosemary, and citrus perfume the sprawling grounds of this beloved Napa stay before making their way into custom oils at the spa, which overlooks the infinity pool and surrounding vineyards. The deep tissue massage soothes tired muscles with ginger, rosemary, and turmeric balm, while expectant mothers can enjoy some prenatal TLC with mandarin, lavender, and rose oil. // 4048 Sonoma Highway (Napa), carnerosresort.com
The Spa at MacArthur Place infuses its springtime spa treatments with lavender sourced from neighboring Matanzas Creek Winery.(Courtesy of MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa)
The Spa at MacArthur Place Hotel
Just a few blocks from Sonoma's historic town plaza sits a timeless Victorian house. Once was home to a wealthy local family, it is today the MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, a 64-room boutique stay set among peaceful flowering gardens. The spa partners with nearby Matanzas Creek Winery, known for its delightful terraced lavender gardens, to offer the ultimate in relaxation during lavender season. Book the Sanctuary of Flowers ritual ($380) or try a Slow Farm Beauty Facial Session ($185). // 29 E. MacArthur St. (Sonoma), macarthurplace.com
Post Ranch Inn
Popular among couples seeking rest and romance (especially for destination weddings and honeymoons), this Big Sur retreat is famous for its drop-dead stunning coastal locale surrounded by forest and gardens. Sign up for the Big Sur Herbal Spirit Journey ($355 for one person, $395 for two people) that combines guided meditation and an energy-balancing sound bath with with healing herbal remedies made from herbs and flowers hand-harvested from the inn's gardens. // 47900 CA-1 (Big Sur), postranchinn.com
Farmhouse Inn blends local honey as well as the farm's own produce and fresh cut grass into relaxing spa treatments.(Courtesy of Farmhouse Inn)
Farmhouse Inn
This family-owned boutique hotel, tucked into the woodlands of the Russian River Valley, is nothing if not personal. Seasonal spa treatments highlight truly farm-fresh ingredients: fresh herbs and citrus find their way into the Herbal Bath ($180), while the Lavender Soothing Facial ($360-$444) uses local CBD and essential oils, and is finished up with a cup of homegrown lavender tea. Complete your wellness journey with a forest bathing session ($210-$348) with a certified nature therapy guide or a sound bath meditation ($210-$348). // 7871 River Rd. (Forestville), farmhouseinn.com
