CalistogaH O T S P R I N G S • C O O L W I N E S • W A R M W E L C O M EDr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort Receives a FacialDr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort had the freshest newest rooms inCalistoga in 1962 and now, according to co-owner Mark Wilkinson, theresort h<strong>as</strong> the freshest, newest rooms in Calistoga in 2009.“We have just completed renovating 12 rooms in the first ph<strong>as</strong>e of anoverall Dr. Wilkinson’s refresh,” said Carolynne Wilkinson Clair, coownerwith her brother, Mark. Celebrity designer Andrew Alford helpedcreate décor, which Carolynne considers restful, but “very groovy.”Alford designs artistic and unique interiors for luxury boutiquehotels, <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> lounges, restaurants and sp<strong>as</strong>. His firm’s goal is to bethe “couture artists of the decorating world.” Projects include guestroomrenovations at the Hotel George and the Topaz Hotel in W<strong>as</strong>hington DC,and the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle. He redesigned the Helix Loungein W<strong>as</strong>hington DC, the public are<strong>as</strong> of the Hotel Triton and the HotelVilla Florence in San Francisco and Spa Equilibrium at San Francisco’sHotel Monaco.“Dr. Wilkinson’s is a very cool mid-century building,” he says. “Iwanted to honor the building and bring in some archives <strong>as</strong> décor.Carolynne searched through print materials and came up with theresort’s original brochure and mud bath post card, which we turned intoframed artwork.” As the color orange h<strong>as</strong> historically been included inthe hotel's marketing and signage, Alford put it to work in pillow covers,bed skirts and Andrew Morgan throws on luxurious new king sizedbeds covered with plush white comforters. The look is nostalgic, buthip.“It is our goal to reach out to all age groups,” Carolynne emph<strong>as</strong>izes.“Our naturally heated mineral water is wonderful for young people whomay be visiting to experience their first mud bath, <strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> formatureguests.” Renovated rooms feature tiled, “toned up” bathrooms, highthread count linens, hypoallergenic bedding, eclectic furnishings, telephoneswith computer data ports and private voice mail, irons andironing boards, hair dryers and aromatic bath amenities.The renovated rooms are cool, even on Calistoga’s hottest summerdays, according to Mark. “Our new air conditioning is f<strong>as</strong>t, efficient andquiet. It w<strong>as</strong> one of my personal goals to make sure that even when thesun is relentless our guests are comfortable. People come here for themineral water and mud the year round. We want to make sure that theirstay is the best it can be during every se<strong>as</strong>on. We also <strong>as</strong>sure a goodvalue. Even though we are refreshing the resort, it still offers an affordable<strong>as</strong> well <strong>as</strong> rejuvenating getaway.”Dr. Wilkinson’s features three thermal pools: an extra large pool with80 degree water, refreshing on the warmest summer days; a large poolwith 90 degree water, warm and welcoming in the evenings and in38cooler weather; and, an indoor pool, a gigantic “hot tub” with 102degree water, perfect for a soak or swim the year round. The resort’s redoincludes new cl<strong>as</strong>sic teak and stainless patio furniture around pools andin courtyards. The new complements the original, including mosaics byMark and Carolynne’s mother, Edy, which, hang from walls and peekout of patios.As Mark and Carolynne refresh their resort, which put mud baths onthe map in the 1950s, Edy’s mosaics act <strong>as</strong> a reminder of Dr. Wilkinson'sinherent charm.Dr. Wilkinson’s is located at 1507 Lincoln Avenue on Calistoga’scolorful main street. Restaurants and shops are just steps away, anddozens of wineries are within a few minutes drive. The area aboundswith events and activities the year round.www.<strong>Wine</strong><strong>Country</strong><strong>This</strong><strong>Week</strong>.com
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