Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Retro-chic mid-century wellness resort with a social, playful atmosphere. Think backyard BBQ energy crossed with genuine therapeutic spa seriousness. It's not a hushed, white-robe-only kind of place.
Book weekday stays (Sun–Thu) to access all three mineral pools and take advantage of recurring 20% weekday discounts
Why It Matters
One of the few places in the world still doing authentic volcanic ash mud baths using a proprietary blend perfected by founder Jon 'the Doc' Wilkinson in 1952. The Balneology Association of North America (BANA) has verified the healing properties of the mineral water. Won the 2025 Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Award for Accommodation (Napa Valley), and named USA Today 10Best Wine Country Hotel.
Dr. Wilkinson's has been running mud baths and mineral soaks at this spot since 1952, making it Calistoga's original wellness resort. The property taps its own underground geothermal well to feed three mineral pools and fill every spa bath, so the water here is legitimately the real thing. Fifty renovated rooms and a handful of cottages lean hard into mid-century modern — brick walls, warm woods, pops of salmon and turquoise — without being cheesy about it. A replica of the Doc's 1952 Buick parked at the entrance sets the tone immediately.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Bungalow House
A secluded one-bedroom bungalow located near the backyard. Features a wet bathing area with walk-in shower, natural wood furniture, calming color palette, and a stocked Apothecary Medicine cabinet. Good for guests who want extra privacy from the main resort building.
KingDeluxe Courtyard King
Courtyard-facing king room with mid-century style, natural wood furniture, and a walk-in shower. Quiet patio view and a sitting area. Each room includes a Google Nest Hub concierge system, 50" 4K Samsung TV, Smeg kettle, essential oil diffuser, Malin & Goetz bath products, and a stocked Apothecary Medicine cabinet with scrubs, tinctures, and adaptogen products.
King · 27 sqmDeluxe King
Mid-century styled king room with natural wood furniture, walk-in shower, and pops of color. Full room amenities including Google Nest Hub, 50" 4K TV, Smeg kettle, essential oil diffuser, and Apothecary Medicine cabinet.
King · 27 sqmDeluxe Two Queens
Two-queen room with mid-century style, natural wood furniture, calming neutral tones with pops of color, and a walk-in shower. Full standard room amenities.
Two Queens · 27 sqmEdy's Art Cottage
A standalone cottage with more space and a view. Private front porch with rocking chairs, separate living room area with two televisions, and a king bed. Good for couples who want privacy and a slower morning with coffee on the porch.
KingFamily Room Two Twin Bunks
Part of the fully restored Victorian House. Sleeps four guests in four individual twin beds. Good option for families or friend groups who want separate sleeping spaces.
Four Twin BedsKing / Twin Bunk
Part of the fully restored Victorian House. One king bed with a twin bunk on top, sleeping up to three guests. Good for a small family or two adults plus a child.
King + Twin BunkPatio King
King room with a private front patio featuring outdoor seating and modern planters — a nod to 1960s outdoor living. Walk-in shower and full room amenities. Good for guests who want their own outdoor space without committing to a cottage.
KingPool View King
King room with direct views of the outdoor mineral pools and deck. Has a breakfast nook and working desk — the room where you'll wake up and immediately want to get in the water. Walk-in shower, full amenities.
KingSpa Cottages
The most spa-forward room option. In addition to a king bed and mid-century furnishings, you get a private vintage-inspired clawfoot bathtub for in-room soaking. Malin & Goetz bath products. Walk-in shower. The combination of clawfoot tub and direct spa access makes this the obvious pick for spa-focused guests.
KingTwo Queens
Ideal for up to four guests. Two queen beds, mid-century style, natural wood furniture, calming color palette, and a walk-in shower. Standard room amenities throughout.
Two QueensVictorian House
A freestanding Victorian home built in 1924, fully reimagined and available for large groups. Sleeps up to 15: one family room with three twin-over-queen stacked beds (sleeps nine), a second family room with four twins (sleeps four), and a private porch with Napa Valley views. Features original mosaics and one-of-a-kind murals. Reserve via phone.
MultipleThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The resort provides complimentary bikes for guests. The Napa Valley Vine Trail is nearby — guests regularly ride through vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
The Spa Garden adjacent to the indoor mineral pool features outdoor couches, hanging egg chairs, and a fire pit. Open to hotel guests. The main outdoor courtyard also has a fire pit area.
Cornhole and other outdoor lawn games set up in the backyard. Tree swings and hammocks are also available throughout the property.
Cushioned daybeds and private cabanas available by the outdoor pools.
Three pools fed by the resort's own underground geothermal well, each at a different temperature: The Spring (75°F / 24°C), The Warm Spring (85°F / 29°C), and The Hot Spring (104°F / 40°C, adults-only Zen Zone). No chemicals used for water treatment. One pool is indoors, two are outdoor. Hotel guests access all three as part of their stay.
Non-guests can purchase day passes through ResortPass to access all three mineral pools, the Spa Garden, House of Better restaurant, outdoor games, and the fire pit. Upgrades to include spa treatments available. Weekday pool-only passes: $50 (access to all three pools). Weekend passes: $30 (spa mineral pool only).
On-site wellness workshops and programming. Topics vary — check the resort's Happenings calendar for current schedule.
Indoor and outdoor meeting and event space available for groups. Contact sales@drwilkinson.com for catering and event inquiries.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Indoor and outdoor meeting and event space for groups.
High-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas. Marriott Bonvoy members get complimentary in-room internet when booking direct.
Free parking available on property for hotel guests.
Both Tesla and standard EV chargers available on-site. Subject to availability.
Dogs welcome, up to 2 per room (some sources note up to 3). Non-refundable pet fee of $50 per stay. Service animals exempt.
One indoor pool and two outdoor pools fed directly by the resort's underground geothermal well. Hotel guests access all three pools complimentarily.
Outdoor shower available near the pool area.
Complimentary bikes available for guests to explore Calistoga, vineyards, and the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
Daily housekeeping service for all guest rooms.
Spa shop with curated natural, nourishing skincare remedies, organic and cruelty-free products, and eco-friendly wellness offerings.
Dr. Wilkinson's Spa & Baths (drwspa.com) with mud baths, mineral baths, massages, facials, HydraFacials, body treatments, yoga, and contrast therapy. Spa phone: (707) 942-6258.
Water refill stations throughout the resort. PATHWATER reusable bottle provided in each room.
Keyless digital access to all guest rooms.
BUILD YOUR DR. WILKINSON'S BACKYARD RESORT & MINERAL SPRINGS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning