You’ve probably seen the photos. Stone paths, heavy greenery, and that specific type of Northern California sunlight that makes everything look like a Nancy Meyers movie. But honestly, when people talk about a "luxury spa experience" in California, they usually default to Napa or maybe Ojai. Lodi? It’s often an afterthought. That is exactly why the Wine and Roses spa feels like a bit of a secret, even though it’s been a staple for years. It’s tucked away in an area famous for Old Vine Zinfandel, but the spa itself is a whole different beast than the dusty vineyard vibe you might expect.
It’s quiet. Really quiet.
If you’re coming from the Bay Area or Sacramento, the transition is jarring in a good way. You pull off the road and suddenly you’re in this seven-acre bubble of botanical gardens. It’s not just about the massages, though those are obviously a huge draw. It’s the fact that the Spa at Wine & Roses actually tries to integrate the local environment into the treatments. They aren’t just buying generic lavender oil in bulk; they’re using ingredients that make sense for a place literally surrounded by some of the best soil in the country.
What actually happens inside the Wine and Roses spa?
Most people show up, grab a robe, and head straight for the lounge. Don’t do that. Or at least, don’t just do that. The facility is designed around a central courtyard that feels very "modern hacienda." You’ve got the steam rooms, the plunge pools, and the relaxation areas, but the real magic is in how they handle the "wet" side of the spa experience.
The menu is thick. It’s a bit overwhelming if you’re just looking for a basic rubdown. They offer everything from standard Swedish movements to more intense clinical facials using Naturopathica and Arcona products. If you’re into the science of skin, you’ll recognize those brands—they aren't fluff. They’re high-performance, plant-based lines that actually do something. A lot of high-end resorts stick to "smell good" products that don't really change your skin texture, but the Wine and Roses spa seems to lean more into the results-oriented side of things lately.
Wait. I should mention the Nest.
The "Spa Nest" is this secluded little area that’s basically a couple’s retreat dream, but it works for solo travelers too. It’s an upper-level space that feels like a treehouse. You get your own private shower and soaking tub. It’s the kind of thing you book when you’re genuinely trying to disappear for three hours.
The logistics of a day visit
You don't have to stay at the hotel to use the spa, which is a common misconception. However, if you're a day guest, you're usually looking at a "Day Use" fee if you aren't booking a major treatment. Honestly? Just book the treatment. By the time you pay for facility access, you might as well have put that money toward a deep tissue session or a seasonal body wrap.
The staff here is interesting. You’ll find therapists who have been there for over a decade. In the hospitality world, that’s rare. It means they actually like the culture there, and it shows in the service. They aren't rushing you out the door to flip the room for the next person. They give you time to wake up, drink your tea, and stare at the trees for a while.
Why Lodi makes sense for a spa weekend
Let's be real about the "Wine" part of Wine & Roses. Lodi is the Zinfandel capital of the world. There are over 100 varieties grown in this region. If you spend your morning getting a "Wine & Roses Signature Massage"—which uses a blend of essential oils designed to mimic the local flora—you’re probably going to want a glass of something afterward.
The hotel’s restaurant, Towne House, is right there. It was headed by the legendary Bradley Ogden for a long time, and that DNA of farm-to-table excellence is still very much present. You can literally walk from the spa, still smelling like eucalyptus, and sit on the patio for a lunch of local trout or a burger that has no business being that good.
It’s the lack of pretension that wins.
In some of the more famous ZIP codes to the west, you feel like you have to perform "wellness." You have to wear the right leggings and look a certain way. At the Wine and Roses spa, people are just... there. It’s a mix of wedding parties, locals who know the secret, and travelers who realized they could get a five-star experience for about 30% less than they’d pay in St. Helena.
Understanding the treatment menu
If you’re looking at the menu and getting cross-eyed, here’s the breakdown.
The body treatments are where they shine. Look for anything involving the "seasonal" scrubs. Because Lodi is an agricultural hub, the spa tries to rotate what they use based on what’s actually growing or what makes sense for the weather. In the winter, it’s heavier, warming oils. In the summer, it’s cooling, citrus-based stuff.
Then there’s the hydrotherapy. They have these outdoor soaking tubs that are screened off for privacy but still let you feel the breeze. There is something fundamentally different about soaking in hot water while looking at actual rose bushes versus being in a tiled room with a humming fan. It hits different.
Beyond the massage table
A lot of people miss the retail boutique because they’re in a post-massage fog. Don’t skip it. They carry a lot of small-batch stuff you can’t easily find on Amazon.
Is it perfect? No. On Saturdays, the place can get busy because Wine & Roses is a massive wedding destination. If you’re looking for total, pin-drop silence, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday. During the week, you practically own the place. You can monopolize the steam room and nobody will complain.
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Also, the parking. It’s free. Simple. You just drive in. No $50 valet fee that leaves a sour taste in your mouth before you even get your robe on.
A quick note on the fitness side
They do have a fitness center and they offer yoga occasionally. If you're the type who needs to sweat before you relax, the gym is decent. It’s not a Mega-Gym, but it has what you need. But let's be honest, you're here for the steam and the serenity.
The gardens themselves are a "treatment" in a way. You should spend at least twenty minutes just walking the grounds. There are these massive, ancient trees and hidden benches. It’s a very "unplugged" environment. They encourage you to leave the phone in your locker, and for once, people actually seem to listen.
The actual cost of relaxation
Let’s talk numbers. You’re looking at anywhere from $160 to $250 for most core treatments. It’s an investment. But when you factor in the access to the pools, the steam rooms, and the lounge areas, it’s a full-day event. You aren't just paying for 50 minutes of muscle work; you're paying for a six-hour escape from your email.
Compared to the $400+ prices you see at some of the "name brand" resorts closer to the coast, the Wine and Roses spa offers a value proposition that’s hard to beat. You’re getting the same level of aesthetic beauty and therapist expertise without the "tourist tax."
Making the most of your visit
If you're going to do it, do it right. Here is the move:
First, book your appointment for early afternoon, around 1:00 PM. This gives you the morning to wander around Lodi or grab a coffee at a local spot like Poppies and Potz. Arrive at the spa at least an hour early. Use the steam room first—it opens up your pores and relaxes your muscles so the therapist can actually get deep into the knots without you tensing up.
After your treatment, don't rush to get dressed. Hang out in the relaxation room. Drink the infused water. Read a physical magazine. Remember those?
Then, head over to the Towne House lounge for a flight of local wines. It completes the cycle. You’ve treated your body from the outside in, now you’re doing the opposite.
Final thoughts on the Lodi vibe
The Wine and Roses spa isn't trying to be a ultra-minimalist, white-walled medical clinic. It’s warm. It’s woody. It feels like it belongs in the valley. It’s a place that understands luxury doesn't have to be cold or intimidating. It just has to be consistent.
Whether you’re a serious spa-goer or just someone who desperately needs a nap in a place that doesn't smell like laundry and chaos, this spot hits the mark. It’s one of those rare places that actually lives up to the brochure, mostly because it doesn't try too hard. It just lets the environment do the heavy lifting.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the mid-week specials: The spa often has lower rates or "add-on" bonuses if you book Monday through Thursday. It’s worth a quick phone call to ask what’s running.
- Book the "Spa Nest" in advance: These private suites are the first things to sell out, especially on weekends. If you want that extra level of privacy, you need to call at least 3-4 weeks out.
- Hydrate before you arrive: This sounds basic, but the combination of Lodi heat (it gets hot in the valley) and a deep tissue massage can leave you feeling wrecked if you aren't drinking water.
- Plan your post-spa meal: Towne House is popular. If you plan on eating there after your treatment, make a reservation at the same time you book your spa service.
- Explore the "Lodi Wine Trail": If you have time, visit Mettler Family Vineyards or Michael David Winery after your session. They are both close by and represent the "classic" Lodi wine style perfectly.