Calistoga Ranch is a quiet and intimate luxury retreat, tucked away in the heart of California's Napa Valley. It's a place to escape urban bustle; set on the shore of its very own lake and surrounded by West Coast forests, it is one of the best destination spas to be found that side of the Pond.

The facilities

People flock here primarily for the sumptuous spa treatments on offer at The Bathhouse. There's a definite focus of 'getting back to nature' (hard to avoid really - it's right on the doorstep) and of course in the healing properties of native plants and herbs. Outdoor soaking pools overlook moss-covered oak trees, there's a range of mud and salt 'cures' and massages with essential oils, as well as reflexology treatments.

The restaurant serves up the sort of hearty, wholesome fare that you'd expect in a place like this. It's not in the heart of California's wine country for nothing of course, and this luxury lodge prides itself on its well-stocked cellar (a custom-designed 'Wine Cave'). For romantic evening in, entertaining friends or even for a cookery lesson, the ranch can arrange for a chef to come directly to the lodge.

The rooms

The 46 lodges are free-standing for ultimate privacy. Relaxed and peaceful, they are an outdoor/indoor living experience, with log fireplaces, flatscreen televisions and DVD players and high-speed internet access.