Page 178 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

The frosting on the cake: getting pam-
pered.
Sonoma Valley is home to several geo-
thermal hot springs with long-recognized
healing properties. Native Americans con-
sidered certain springs to be sacred; some
traveled days to immerse themselves in the
waters.
These days only two local springs are
open to the public: Morton’s Warm Springs
in Glen Ellen is a seasonal family destina-
tion with 1940s-style geothermal swimming
pools and a wading pool for kids. It’s open
late spring through summer. Reservations
are advised; day passes start at $23.
For soaks year round, go to the Fair-
mont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. It sits
atop Boyes Hot Spring. Guests can soak in
five different geothermal mineral pools
with temps ranging from about 89 to 102
degrees. Day passes start at $149.
For a massage, I headed to The Spa at
MacArthur Place – four blocks from
Sonoma Plaza, past the original (1956)
Williams Sonoma store.
MacArthur Place is a destination resort
set on a historic six-acre estate. It includes
68 rooms and suites, a farm-to-table
restaurant, cozy lounge and bar, well-
equipped fitness center and pool – plus a
full-service spa open to the public. Treat-
ments include access to an indoor lounge
and locker rooms, plus a coed outdoor re-
laxation garden with a whirlpool and steam
room.
The spa offers a wide range of treat-
ments–many using oils infused with fruits,
flowers and herbs grown on the property. I
opted for a Swedish massage and chose a
lemon-scented oil.
Rachel’s hands whisked me to nirvana.
Wellness achieved.

Sonoma Botanical Garden

178 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2025