A Facial at Solage

Solage Resort and Spa in Calistoga is renowned for its gracious blend of hospitality, which combines comfortable luxury with an infusion of green style design and philosophy. Arriving one June day for a treatment at Spa Solage, I was particularly struck by how skillfully the resort integrated service to families with young children, couples on romantic get-aways and business travelers. Offering a deluxe separate pool for children under 12 and a renowned restaurant and bar with outdoor seating leading out towards the “adult” pool, Solage manages to keep everyone happy at the same time.

Though intrigued by the bustling activity poolside, I had a facial appointment at “Spa Solage” and so I continued on my way towards my destination. The beautifully designed Spa Solage features geo-thermal heated mineral water pools, (one co-ed and two clothing optional male/female pool areas), wet saunas both indoor and out and a unique “mud bar” option, where you can concoct your own special recipe for a mud mix tailored just for you.

After enjoying the eucalyptus oil enhanced indoor sauna in the women’s locker room, I waited in the comfortable and relaxing outdoor seating area for my appointment.
Tomoko, my practitioner, greeted me promptly and led me to my room. I was going to be experiencing a facial with Marie Veronique products, an organic line made in Berkeley but inspired by Marie Veronique’s French heritage and background as a chemist.

Besides the wonderful aroma of the Marie Veronique products, the best thing about the facial was Tomoko’s generous application of facial massage and her gentle touch during extractions. After the usual steam and cleanse, Tomoko applied each product with a circular or patting massage that was deeply relaxing. She completed the facial by giving me a sampler of the Marie Veronique products and explaining their use. I appreciated that she didn’t try to upsell the products at the end, but instead, gave me something that I could take home and try for myself.

I completed my experience at Solage with a soak in the spa’s mineral water pool and another round of the sauna. Poolside food service is also available at the outdoor spa and I noticed several guests enjoying drinks and salads while relaxing in the sun. Service by the pool was attentive without being overbearing, which made it all the more easy to soak in the relaxation offered by the spa’s elegant but laid back ambience.