Welcome to
Indian Springs Calistoga
At the north end of Napa Valley, you’ll find California’s premier historic resort and spa. Indian Springs Calistoga’s palm tree-lined drive unfolds into 17 stunning acres of rolling hills and ponds, lush olive trees and fragrant gardens, bursting with lavender and roses. Blessed with rare, sustainable natural resources, including mineral water from four thermal geysers and special mud made from pure volcanic ash, guests have long recognized the restorative powers of our abundant land.
- Resort Amenities
- On Property Activities
Our History
Indian Springs Calistoga’s history began millions of years ago with the eruption of Mt. Konocti, 20 miles away. This event deposited volcanic ash on the land and created a fissure in the earth, allowing groundwater to reach hot magma at a depth of 4,000 feet before resurfacing as thermal geysers at 230 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Wapoo Indians settled on this land 8,000 years ago and established three villages. They called it the “Oven Place” and built sweat lodges over the escaping steam and bathed in the warm mineral waters. The Spanish arrived in the 17th century and named it “Agua Caliente.”
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Sam Brannan, one of California’s earliest entrepreneurs, purchased the entire upper Napa Valley in the 1860s, with a vision of creating a world-class resort. He built the original spa, mud baths, pool and racetrack in 1861. In 1880, Leland Stanford bought the resort with the intention of locating Stanford University here. Instead, he established Stanford in Palo Alto and the spa tradition continued as Sam Brannan had envisioned. In 1905, the Pacheteau family operated the property and renamed it Pacheteau Baths. It became a popular wellness destination for generations of Bay Area families.
In 1988, Pat and John Merchant purchased the property and, out of respect for those who were here first, renamed it Indian Springs Calistoga. In 2004, the Merchants acquired the adjoining spa and hotel, known as Nance’s, and incorporated it into Indian Springs. Those 24 rooms have since been beautifully renovated and are now The Lodge.
The past continues to inspire the present. In 2014, we expanded into previously untouched areas of our 17-acre property, adding 75 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor event spaces, our first restaurant, Sam’s Social Club, and paths and gardens for more access to the environment.
Four thermal geysers produce rich mineral water and a deposit of pure volcanic ash also runs through the property. The waters supply our mineral pool and steam rooms, and combined with the ash, create the special mud for our famous mud baths.
People have long recognized the restorative powers of this land. The Wappo Indians settled here 8,000 years ago, bathing in the warm waters. The Spanish followed, naming the grounds “Agua Caliente.” Notable Californian Sam Brannan was an early promoter of the area and, in 1861, created the original spa, mud baths, and water plunge (now our Olympic-sized mineral pool).
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The Merchant Family
The Merchant Family
The Merchant Family
The Merchant Family
Where it Began
Our family first discovered Indian Springs Calistoga more than 30 years ago when we moved to the Napa Valley at the height of summer and went searching for a pool. We found not only a pool, we found a project. We fell in love with the history and character of this beautiful old resort and set out to renovate and revive her.
While parts of Indian Springs Calistoga may have needed work, there was much more we recognized should be preserved and enhanced. The natural setting of hills and flora. The history and quality of its structures. The amazing natural resources found on-site, including four thermal geysers and volcanic ash and the legacy that is California’s oldest continuously operating pool and spa facility.
It’s our belief that some things do get better with age. So in 2014, we set out to improve Indian Springs Calistoga by undertaking an expansion into previously untouched areas of our 17-acre property. We added 75 new guest rooms, indoor and outdoor event spaces, our first restaurant, Sam’s Social Club, and paths and gardens for more access to the environment.
We’ve never lost sight of what we consider Indian Springs Calistoga's core values — creativity, sense of place and love of family. They’re attributes the Merchant family holds dear and we hope our property reflects them.
Times change, but the land, water and traditions go on from generation to generation. We have 3 children, our daughter, Erin, and our son Danny are both involved in Indian Springs Calistoga's management. They each bring their special energy to projects and innovations. Erin and Tom’s four children, Fiona, Ford, Audrey, and John Ryan, enjoy all the fun that the property offers. Our son Ryan has a musical career which keeps him in Los Angeles, however he returns often..Danny and Jackie’s sons, Oliver and Theo, are big fans of the pool and visiting the chickens. We invite you to experience our family’s favorite place for yourself.
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Resort Map
While parts of Indian Springs Calistoga may have needed work, there was much more we recognized should be preserved and enhanced. The natural setting of hills and flora. The history and quality of its structures. The amazing natural resources found on-site, including four thermal geysers and volcanic ash and the legacy that is California’s oldest continuously operating pool and spa facility.
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