Philip Kendall, General Manager of Calistoga Ranch and Pomo
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Calistoga Ranch bridges indoor and outdoor living for a world-class level of people and their pets. Arrival is greeted with genuine hospitality by a professional and knowledgeable staff. They want you to experience the beauty of Napa Valley, indulge in the signature Auberge Resort quality and feel comfortable enough to unwind as if in the comfort of your own home. This exquisite property is
nestled on 157 wooded acres and has a beautiful private lake. 46 guest lodges, conceptually designed to avoid scarring the natural landscape create a casual sophistication which blends in with and enhances the unparalleled allure of Napa Valley.
Intrinsic to the area, dogs are welcomed at Calistoga Ranch. Upon their arrival owners are handed a Happy Tails package that includes Fido's own personal Calistoga Ranch ID tag. If your pooch decides to take a solo hike, no need to worry. Locals, resort staff and visitors will be able to distinguish him from the rest of the pack because of collared credentials. The odds of this happening aren't great due to the allure of a king-sized dog bed and the daily biscuit treatment provided by the Ranch.
WOOF Patrol: Has Calistoga Ranch always been pet-friendly?
Philip Kendall, General Manager of Calistoga Ranch: Our vision leads us to stay current with travelers and those considering private ownership opportunities. From day one, May 2004, we recognized that our guests were seeking a unique resort. Their desire for privacy and comfort includes their pet being able to join them. Calistoga Ranch offers the perfect pet-friendly environment: no elevators and lots of walking and hiking paths where dogs are able to meet other dogs. Owners are responsible at all times for their pets.
Calistoga Ranch provides sensible canine guidelines for their pet guests assuring other visitors that their sense of privacy will not be disturbed. For example policy states to "Please keep your dog on a leash at all time when you are not inside your guest lodge," adding "Even if your pet is extremely well behaved, other guests will be put at ease if your dog is on a leash."
Other issues they address:
- Clean up after your pet.
- Please let Housekeeping know when it is a good time to clean the lodge, either when you are there with your pet or, preferably, when both you and your pet are going to be away.
- Be sensitive to the enjoyment of all guests and be responsible for your pets barking.
- Pets are not allowed in food and beverage areas, the fitness center, lower pool area or spa. But bocce courts well, hmmm ...
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Philip Kendall, General Manager of Calistoga Ranch: "Twenty percent of our weekend business is pet-friendly luxury travelers." |
Lisa and Terry Hale with Suede |
Reilly with his dog-parents |
W.P.: What are the most popular breeds that visit Calistoga Ranch?
P.K.: Golden retrievers and Labradors are very popular. We’re also seeing more Labradoodles, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Danes as well as Dachshunds, Pugs and Shih Tzus. And, we have to mention our Calistoga Ranch VIP (Very Important Pet) Winston, a Bulldog that everyone loves and knows. Winston’s favorite spot is on the flagstone in the main building. Whenever he’s on the property you can expect a dog greeting that encourages you to pat him behind the ears. His ‘biscuit-would-be-welcomed’ expression is priceless.
W.P.: Do those guests without dogs make comments?
P.K.: Absolutely: “Wish we would have brought our dog!”
W.P.: And those guests truly enjoy the Pomos, Reillys and Suedes on property?
P.K.: Less than twenty percent of home owners do not have pets.
W.P.: Pomo loves it here. Perhaps we should consider private ownership.
Reilly and Pomo at a: POOCH TANGO Class
Out and About with your Pooch
Calistoga Ranch recognizes that since you traveled with your pet you probably also want to include him in your winery tours, dining and outdoor activities. Guests are provided with a list of dog friendly wineries, restaurants and trails. We tried several of them including the trails which can easily be managed not just by the big breeds but by the more compact models like the Papillon or Maltese.
When in Napa Valley, visiting wineries is a must and eating out is required. Popular spots such as French Laundry, Redd, Bouchon, Brix and Mustards Grill will delight the palette. But you can also stay back at the Ranch and enjoy a dinner at The Lakehouse or visit the panoramic setting of Auberge, their sister property for a romantic lunch. The world famous Napa Valley culinary supremacy will keep you coming back to the area on an annual basis.
Brandt Wilson, Top Dawgs - ©WOOF Patrol
Brandt Wilson, Animal Behavioral Consultant, is often called the Napa Valley Dog Whisperer.
Brandt Wilson: Set attainable goals, learn the canine language, be patient, clear, calm and consistent your dog.
Brandt's talent is available for consultations by guests of Calistoga Ranch. WOOF Patrol interviewed Wilson for our Doggy Culture section.
The Bathhouse
If you need a real break then book an appointment at The Bathhouse, a breathtaking spa on the property. It has a soaking pool, framed by nature moss laden oaks, that overlooks a creek. Choosing between an arnica muscle and joint massage and an oat and brown sugar body scrub can prove challenging. However, you can also simply seek the comfort of a plush robe, some warm tea and a comfortable chair placed in front of a toasty outdoor fireplace. For those in need of retail therapy, there's a boutique that showcases jewelry, luxury skin care products and clothing.
Calistoga Ranch also offers:
24-hour concierge services, a fitness and spa facility, bocce ball courts, twice-daily housekeeping, acres of scenic hiking trails, heated outdoor swimming pool and sundecks, a shoe shine and steam pressing and much more.
| Reservations are accepted in advance for: |
French Laundry 707.944.2380
6640 Washington Street
Yountville
www.frenchlaundry.com
 French Laundry is not to be missed.
The awards and accolades absolutely warrant the “Three Stars” by
Michelin Guide, “Five Diamond Award” from American Automobile Association (AAA), James Beard Foundation “Outstanding Restaurant Award” and others. It’s a four and half hour culinary extravaganza that perfects and masters the art of dining. Expect to be seduced by extraordinary flavors. Thomas Keller’s delicate touches assure a refined collaboration that marries texture and taste into mouth watering fantasy. The nine-course meal will leave you very satisfied and provide lasting memories. |
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| OTHER POMO APPROVED RESTAURANTS: |
Redd
6480 Washington Street
Yountville
www.reddnapavalley.com
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707.944.2222 |
Bistro Don Giovanni
4110 Howard Lane
Napa
www.bistrodongiovanni.com
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707.224.3300 |
Bouchon
6534 Washington Street
Yountville
www.frenchlaundry.com
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707.944.8037 |
| (Bouchon is known as Thomas Keller’s sexy, more causal dining experience. It’s oh-so French in its pet-friendly charm.) |
| Resort: |
Calistoga Ranch
580 Lommel Road
Calistoga
www.calistogaranch.com |
707.254.2800 |
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Photo: ©WOOF Patrol |
Photo: ©Calistoga Ranch |
Photo: ©Calistoga Ranch |
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