A Reinvigoration of Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

When new ownership came to Dr. Wilkinson’s, the mission was clear: transform the resort, beloved by guests for its unique charm and innovative mud bath treatments, for modern travelers while retaining its original spirit. Such a transformation was recently achieved through SB Architects’ upgrade of and additions to the existing structures and EDG’s new interior design concept, plus the debut of the onsite restaurant House of Better, the expansion and modernization of the spa, and the development of several new outdoor areas. With all of this and more, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs was reborn. 

“Our goal is to embrace Doc’s pioneering spirit, stress-alleviating and health-balancing treatments in a completely reimagined environment. Every element of the resort experience has been designed with integrated wellness in mind,” said Maki Nakmura Bara, the hotel’s new co-proprietor with Robert Kline at The Chartres Lodging Group.

The design of Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs reflects its long-standing history as a mineral springs and mud bath destination, blending the original buildings’ mid-century modern and Victorian styles through a cohesive exterior color scheme and interior design. A focus is placed on calming neutral colors, augmented with organic materials and complemented by playful pops of color, including salmon detailing in guestrooms and turquoise awnings outside. The historical significance of Dr. Wilkinson’s is also reflected through the retention of the original neon street sign as well as Doc’s favorite car, a 1952 Buick Special, that stays parked in front of the property. The artworks on display were also a key part of the design process; pieces were meticulously curated for each area to reflect both the town and property’s past and present. For example, Edy Wilkinson’s mosaics are found throughout the hotels, a local painter created a site-specific mural in the pool area, and behind the front desk hang 52 clay disks—handmade by local artist Will Callnan as a nod to the resort’s founding in 1952—that mimic the mud used in onsite baths and treatments. 

Art also plays a central role across the 50 reinvigorated guest rooms, where headboards act as “art shelves” displaying retro maps of the area, repurposed vintage photographs of the resort’s mud baths in the 1950s, and additional custom ceramic pieces by Callnan using materials found at the original property. During the transformation of the site, a total of eight new guest rooms were added, two of which were newly built, and the other six created by repurposing existing buildings. Standouts include the Art House, which has two guest rooms with separate entrances, and the Victorian House, which has five separate family rooms with various configurations of contemporary, high-end bunkbeds and can sleep up to 15 guests. In the Spa Cottage and Bungalow House, guests can indulge in a wet room with a shower and claw-foot soaking tub, while every room comes equipped with walk-in showers surrounded by white Mincy Marble, toiletries by Mailin + Goetz, and aromatherapy amenities. There is also the Peloton King, a room outfitted with a Peloton bike and Napa Valley views. Custom mid-century-inspired furnishings adorn all rooms and playful pops of color appear in orange throws and lamp bases, bright pink apothecary shelves stocked with specialty spa products, signature Parachute blush robes, teal retro refrigerators, and Smeg kettles. 

Another integral element of Dr. Wilkinson’s transformation was the redesign of public spaces, the majority of which are outdoors. Most significantly, what used to be a central parking lot is now a grassy area with outdoor games, referred to lovingly as the “backyard.” Packed-gravel paths connect the backyard to more private seating arrangements, some around fire pits, others under oak trees. Such pathways also lead to the new onsite restaurant, House of Better, helmed by restauranteur Trevor Logan, formerly of San Francisco’s popular Green Chile Kitchen and currently the owner of Chile Pies Baking Co. in Guerneville. His menu for House of Better is nutrient-dense and packed with southwest flavor, with menu items ranging from the Kale + Maitake Omelet to Grilled Fish Tacos to a New Mexican Breakfast Burrito that all strike a balance between healthful fare and comfort food. The drinks menu complements this balance with house-infused waters, kombuchas, water kefir, and adaptogen teas designed to detox and hydrate, while house sangrias, local beers, and a curated selection of Napa Valley’s best organic wines are offered to retox. With a casual atmosphere, guests can dine in the newly constructed covered trellis area, on brightly colored folding Fermob chairs and tables in the backyard, or on picnic blankets designed especially for the hotel. Also available are Logan’s specialty pies, including his famous green chile apple pie with a cheddar crust and walnut streusel topping.

The spa, which was renovated by TLEE Spas, features a number of Dr. Wilkinson’s original elements, including four mud baths filled with local Calistoga mud infused with volcanic ash and three geothermal pools, two of which are outdoors. These timeless staples are now bolstered by nine new mineral baths and an outdoor spa garden with cabana treatment rooms and a cold plunge bucket. On offer are the newly conceived falling water treatments and the “Beer Brew” mineral bath, as well as CBD-infused products, sound therapy, and aromatherapy experiences. But it wouldn’t be Dr. Wilkinson’s without Doc and Edy’s signature mud bath treatment “The Works,” which has been a core offering since the 50s. This two-hour-long experience begins with a mineral shower followed by thermotherapy in a mud bath, hydrotherapy in a private mineral whirlpool, a cold wrap to relax the body and mind, and concludes with a soothing massage.

Beyond the resort’s grounds, Calistoga itself is a rustic yet refined town located at the northernmost tip of Napa Valley and ripe for exploration. Only steps away from Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs are numerous artisanal boutiques, art studios, wineries, hiking trails, and even the small but mighty Old Faithful Geyser of California. Local favorites include the Oat Hill Mine Trail, a weekly farmer’s market, and several outdoor tasting rooms including wineries such as Amici Vineyards, Bennett Lane, Tamber Bey, Ashes & Diamonds, Ramona, and Haus.