Glide into the Silky Mineral Pools at The Sunburst in CalistogaWith the Napa Valley so close to home, we can easily make a day trip out of wine tasting and exploring in Calistoga. Honestly though, I jump at the chance to make a romantic weekend out of any trip no matter how close. On a recent getaway to Calistoga we stayed just a short walking distance to downtown at The Sunburst a freshly remodeled boutique hotel.
Though very stark white and relatively plain looking on the outside, never judge a book by it’s cover! Step into the lobby for check-in and see that the color and patterns start there. We were greeted warmly by the person at reception, with an offer of hot tea and coffee, as well as the cozy warm fire below.
All rooms are on street level and there’s plenty of parking on the property. With room keys in hand, we got back into the car to drive around the property to just outside our room door. The bright green doors give a pop of color alluded to in the lobby, we were anxious to see what was behind it.
It’s like we took a time capsule back in time, we admired our King Suite’s fun, bright, and clean retro-modern decor with both carpet and hardwood adorning the floor.
Nothing was short on comfort, the chairs, couch, and especially the bed were soft and supportive. Doubling as sleeper, the sofa could easily accommodate a few children if this wasn’t a romantic getaway.
Is it just me or does anyone think the bedside lamps mimic the Pixar logo? Maybe I watch too many kid movies! Also included in the suite was a desk/chair, flatscreen, and mini-fridge in the sitting room and a mini-bar, chair, and flatscreen in the bedroom.
The bathroom was gorgeous decked out in black and white tile.
Aside having ample room for two, the best (romantic) part was the rainfall shower head coming from the ceiling!
The room had other great little touches that I love in a hotel. If you’re a light sleeper, any possible neighbor noise (or husband snoring) is softened by a pair of earplugs in the desk drawer. Single serve coffee machines mean I can bring my favorite flavor from home if need be, an iHome alarm clock charges our iPhones, and free wi-fi is a social media addict’s best friend!
Now, one of my biggest challenges when I travel is fitting time to wind down during a press trip. My schedule is usually go-go-go and then crash in bed at the end of the day. During this trip not only did I have time to relax (a few hours even), but I was able to do it in the most soothing way! Where some hotels in wine country have mineral spring tubs, the Sunburst has mineral spring pools! One lap pool, one wading pool, and even a mineral spring jacuzzi!
Once you glide into the water it envelops you like silk and your swim is never the same. The view from the water was glorious as the evening was upon us, we had the pools to ourselves. While it was a cool February day, the 80 degree water was delightful.
The mineral spring jacuzzi is a luxurious skin treatment and massage all at once, there’s nothing like it. After a day of wine tasting, this is the way to relax!
For those who want to take a ride through Calistoga, bike rentals are available to guests for free with your stay!
After a great night’s sleep we headed downtown for breakfast at the Calistoga Roastery, the hotel offers vouchers for a continental breakfast of coffee or tea and your choice of bagel, toast, muffin, or scone. Sunday morning crowds let you know that the place is delicious.
One think I loved about Calistoga is their shuttle system. The Calistoga Shuttle is at your service when you stay at any of the city’s 43 properties, FREE! During your stay you can dine, shop, and wine taste via the shuttle and not worry about driving, getting lost, or needing a designated driver. Passes are provided in the lobbies of the hotels upon request, then you dial the number for the shuttle and they’ll take door to door within city limits.
Once you’ve experienced The Sunburst you’ll be telling everyone you know about those pools, I know I have! For more information on visiting Calistoga, finding accommodations to fit your travel style and budget and planning a trip, visit VisitCalistoga.com.
Our stay was hosted as part of our media visit, all opinions are 100% ours.
Recently becoming it’s own AVA within the Napa Valley, Calistoga is proud to be recognized for it’s unique terroir and over 30 wineries in the area. Even with some larger and well-known wineries, Calistoga prides itself on smaller, family-owned venues where you have a more personal experience and are treated like a member of the family. In a little over 24 hours you can visit 5 great wineries in Calistoga like we did and see how uniqueness and personality play into each location no matter what the size.
The grounds are a stunning sanctuary for a variety of fish and wildlife, the lake is surrounded by Chinese garden landscaping, weeping willows and native fauna. I could sit there for hours just taking in the beauty on the property. Current wine tastings are $25, their Montelena Estate Zinfandel was my ultimate favorite for it’s spiciness and berry flavors. A variety of experiences and tours are available with reservations, visit 
Travel by gondola to a self-guided tasting tour while admiring the views. 
Enjoy appetizers, explore the grape to glass process, admire art through the galleries, and of course enjoy the wine. My favorite here was the Sterling Vintner’s Collection Riesling, so fruit forward and refreshing on this gorgeous Napa Valley day. I love that they were also tasting a Rosenblum Bubbly Moscato Rose from a sister-vineyard, I fell in love with that one! 
For $29, your visit includes the aerial tram, self-guided tour of the lower portion of the winery, scenic views from our terraces, and a tasting of current release wines. 
Such a neat spot to enjoy some great one-off wines with unique labels and names. The 2011 Never Dream Alone is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Zinfandel, 100% delicious in my book! The owners also run T-Vine Cellars nearby, so check them out too! 
The winery and tasting room sits on Sundance Ranch, a world-class equestrian facility in Calistoga that houses owner Barry Waitte’s endurance race horses. I purchased their 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Deux Chevaux (two horses) because it’s not like any other Cab I’ve tasted.
Bring a picnic and pair a tasting, you may even get to talk it up with one of the gorgeous horses they’re boarding. 
Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience this winter in Napa Valley. Now through 
