 Vichy Springs
Michael Ohlsson
BayInsider contributor
An hour east of Mendocino, a spa called Vichy Springs boasts the only naturally carbonated spring water in North America. Vichy is named after the famed Vichy spring waters discovered by Julius Caesar in what is now France.
The reception desk has photos and quotes from visitors Mark Twain and several US presidents who praised the blessed waters for their healing and relaxation qualities. The water can be imbibed as well as bathed in. Many claim it cures digestive ailments.
Each visitor gets a solo tub to bathe in. Some are outdoors, some are in private rooms. There are also bathing rooms available for couples.
You pull a mineral-brown pipe out and the tub fills direct from the spring. The water is fiercely bubbly and smells like a box of matches.
After your first dip into the bath you may think something is wrong. The water is below body temperature and feels a bit chilly. Before you run back to the front desk dripping cold to complain, give it another five minutes. By then you’ll feel a tingling sensation known as heat. In fact, after 20 minutes, you may begin to feel hot enough to run for the swimming pool.
 Vichy’s naturally carbonated mineral waters excite your circulation. It’s like a mild Vic’s-vapo-rub in a bath of champagne. Dipping your face in brings a light stinging sensation, but in a feels-good way. I recommend a 30 minute dip, then a massage, then another 30 minute dip. After my first time, I was ready to buy cases of Perrier water and fill my bathtub at home. Or maybe a bucket to dip my head in. I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life. I had random giggle fits for hours afterward.
If the bubbly water scares you, there’s also a traditional hot-tub and swimming pool.
Vichy has country style rooms available for reservation, but the walls are thin and the place is popular with newly-weds. Bring earplugs or stay in Ukiah, about 5 miles away.
In Ukiah, Ruen Tong serves Thai food that rivals any in The City.
But be warned, after your first dip in Vichy water, you’ll feel so relaxed you might feel embarrassed to be in public.
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