NEWS
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For Immediate Release
August 12, 2009
Contact: Pat Summers
Summers-McCann Public Relations
707.938.1133 ext. 106
pat@summers-mccann.com
or Robert Cherwink robert@summers-mccann.com
707.938.1133 ext. 107
Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort Receives a Facial
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Mark & Carolynne Wilkinson choosing materials during the renovation process |
Calistoga, California:
Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort had the freshest newest rooms in Calistoga in 1962 and now, according to co-owner Mark Wilkinson, the resort has the freshest, newest rooms in Calistoga in 2009.
"We have just completed renovating 12 rooms in the first phase of an overall Dr. Wilkinson's refresh," said Carolynne Wilkinson Clair, co-owner with her brother, Mark. Celebrity designer Andrew Alford helped create décor, which Carolynne considers restful, but "very groovy."
Alford designs artistic and unique interiors for luxury boutique hotels, as well as lounges, restaurants and spas. His firm's goal is to be the "couture artists of the decorating world." Projects include guestroom renovations at the Hotel George and the Topaz Hotel in Washington DC, and the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle. He redesigned the Helix Lounge in Washington DC, the public areas of the Hotel Triton and the Hotel Villa Florence in San Francisco, and Spa Equilibrium at San Francisco's Hotel Monaco.
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Enjoying the world-famous mud bath at Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort |
"Dr. Wilkinson's is a very cool mid-century building," he says. "I wanted to honor the building and bring in some archives as décor. Carolynne searched through print materials and came up with the resort's original brochure and mud bath post card, which we turned into framed artwork." As the color orange has historically been included in the hotel's marketing and signage, Alford put it to work in pillow covers, bed skirts and Andrew Morgan throws on luxurious new king sized beds covered with plush white comforters. The look is nostalgic, but hip.
"It is our goal to reach out to all age groups," Carolynne emphasizes. "Our naturally heated mineral water is wonderful for young people who may be visiting to experience their first mud bath, as well as formature guests." Renovated rooms feature tiled, "toned up" bathrooms, high thread count linens, hypoallergenic bedding, eclectic furnishings, telephones with computer data ports and private voice mail, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers, and aromatic bath amenities.
The renovated rooms are cool, even on Calistoga's hottest summer days, according to Mark. "Our new air conditioning is fast, efficient, and quiet. It was one of my personal goals to make sure that even when the sun is relentless our guests are comfortable. People come here for the mineral water and mud the year round. We want to make sure that their stay is the best it can be during every season. We also assure a good value. Even though we are refreshing the resort, it still offers an affordable as well as rejuvenating getaway."
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Dr. Wilkinson's features three thermal pools: an extra large pool with 80 degree water, refreshing on the warmest summer days; a large pool with 90 degree water, warm and welcoming in the evenings and in cooler weather; and, an indoor pool, a gigantic "hot tub" with 102 degree water, perfect for a soak or swim the year round. The resort's redo includes new classic teak and stainless patio furniture around pools and in courtyards. The new complements the original, including mosaics by Mark and Carolynne's mother, Edy, which, hang from walls and peek out of patios.
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One of Edy Wilkinson's mosaics |
As Mark and Carolynne refresh their resort, which put mud baths on the map in the 1950's, Edy's mosaics act as a reminder of Dr. Wilkinson's inherent charm.
Dr. Wilkinson's is located at 1507 Lincoln Avenue on Calistoga's colorful main street. Restaurants and shops are just steps away, and dozens of wineries are within a few minutes drive. The area abounds with events and activities the year round.
About Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort
The late Dr. John Wilkinson, affectionately known as "Doc," established Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort in 1952. A practicing chiropractor for most of his career, and proponent of alternative health care, Doc arrived in Calistoga in 1946. He became fascinated with the restorative properties of the mud made from combining the region's hot mineral water and volcanic ash. His Hot Springs Resort earned him the tile, "Mud King" and put the sleepy hamlet of Calistoga, located in northern reaches of Napa Valley, on the map.
Doc's children, Mark and Carolynne, co-owners, have been immersed in running the resort for more than 20 years. They have faithfully preserved the mud baths created and perfected by their father, protecting his "secret formula," as they continue to introduce visitors from around the world to the therapeutic experience. The mud bath formula consists of a combination of local volcanic ash, imported peat, and naturally boiling hot springs mineral water from the resort's private source. Designed for maximum heat penetration and buoyancy, the tried and true mud formula has long been recognized as Calistoga's finest.
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Entering its 58th year, Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort is a wine country landmark, one of Calistoga's oldest spas, and the only local facility that still operates under founding family ownership.
Today the Resort's original neon sign, erected in 1952, still glows outside Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort, an ongoing tribute to the "Dean of Calistoga's Spas." More than one half a century later, the "mud bath movement" has never been more popular.
To learn more about Dr. Wilkinson's visit the Resort's website at dr.wilkinson.com.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort
1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, CA 94515
707.942.4102 www.drwilkinson.com
Prepared by Summers-McCann, Inc. Public Relations
Sonoma, CA 95476 www.summers-mccann.com
Contact: Pat Summers pat@summers-mccann.com 707.938.1133 ext. 106
or Robert Cherwink robert@summers-mccann.com 707.938.1133 ext. 107
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