As a San Franciscan, weekend getaways to Napa and Sonoma County for wine tasting are practically a ritual. But lately, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has been stirring things up on the wellness scene, offering experiences that go far beyond the typical wine country escape.
Their brand new “Spa Under The Stars” program caught my eye – a luxurious private spa night that promised a whole new level of relaxation.
Thrilled to be among the first to experience it, I joined a group of local creators & journalists for the inaugural dip for a weekend unlike anything I’d ever encountered.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sonoma wine country, a place dedicated to unwinding, I found myself transported to a completely different world.
Spa Under The Stars: A Mineral Springs Oasis With A Twist
The Fairmont Sonoma boasts award-winning spa facilities, and their heated mineral water pools are legendary, for more than the water. Imagine sinking into these ancient thermal mineral spring waters feeling their restorative properties, and then being surprised by the sound of techno music playing underwater.
Add a glass of local wine in hand, the vast, starry night sky above, and the colorful pool lights setting the scene….for a moment, I swear I thought I’d stumbled into a Berlin club, not a luxurious California spa.
This unexpected sensory experience perfectly captures the essence of Fairmont Sonoma – a place where relaxation and luxury meet a touch of whimsy.
“Spa Under The Stars” is more than just a dip in a unique pool. It’s a private spa experience designed for the romantics and wellness lovers.
Ready to propose with a grand splash (literally?) or host your Bachelorette party for a special night they won’t soon forget? Spa Under The Stars is designed to help you attain that enviable Sonoma lifestyle, complete with food and beverage services during your spa time including caviar and sparking wine.
A Weekend At The Fairmont Offers A Holistic Journey of Self-Discovery
I am, perhaps, getting ahead of myself. I arrived in Sonoma Valley the day before, and was welcomed at the reception desk with a glass of wine and sunny skies,
My weekend getaway began with a rejuvenating yoga session at the Fairmont’s gym, the perfect way to unwind from the drive up and prepare my body for the weekend pampering.
This was followed by hopping into a Pure Luxury van and escaping to dinner at Viansa Winery, a familiar landmark perched high on a hill. The breathtaking views were only matched by the winery’s unique offerings – a departure from the region’s typical Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, Viansa crafts intriguing Italian varietal blends rarely found elsewhere in California wine country.
After sipping on wine and chatting about the weekend ahead, our group gathered in the winery’s intimate cave for dinner, enjoying delicious pesto pasta, fresh fish, and roasted vegetables while sharing stories and laughter.
The next morning, our wellness weekend kicked off early with a morning pilates class to improve my flexibility and core strength. These are offered regularly to hotel guests at the Movement Studio.
Unpredictable Spring weather quickly nixed our plans for outdoor activities, but I’ve had plenty of chances to explore Sonoma County before and was happy to spend more time on this beautiful property.
For those seeking even deeper relaxation, sound baths were available, using sound vibrations to promote a meditative state. And for a truly unique experience, I opted for an aura reading , a fascinating practice that aims to reveal insights about one’s energy field.
Then we all headed into the spa for treatments. I opted for a facial since I was about to head on a month long journey around Europe, first to Copenhagen for Eurovision and then to a few other countries. I wanted my skin glowing for that!
A Night of Bespoke Indulgence Under the Stars
After a day of activities designed to promote relaxation and self-discovery, the highlight of the evening awaited – the private spa experience under the stars.
Full access to the Bathhouse, the Watsu & Spa Pool (complete with its surprising underwater music!), and the heated outdoor whirlpool allowed our group to indulge in the resort’s luxurious spa facilities.
Putting on plush robes and snacking on tasty bites in the bathhouse was fun, but grabbing our plastic wine glasses and taking drinks out to the spa under the stars for a dip under the sky accompanied by good chats was a core memory.
“Spa Under The Stars” goes beyond pampering the body. The folks at Fairmont Sonoma understand the importance of nourishing the soul with delicious, healthy cuisine.
The experience includes a curated selection of local Sonoma County foods, allowing you to pair your wellness journey with the region’s culinary bounty.
A Luxurious Escape Beckons
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape with your partner, or a rejuvenating solo retreat, the “Spa Under The Stars” program at Fairmont Sonoma offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Indulge in Sonoma’s ultimate wellness retreat, a private spa night unlike any other, featuring mineral pools, rejuvenating treatments, bespoke wellness experiences, and a celebration of local flavors.
Unwind, rebalance, and rejuvenate under the Sonoma sky at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Book it today.
