“Long before there were grapes and vineyards, there were spas,” said the owner of Sonoma Valley’s newest spa. “People would come here not for the wine but for the healing properties of our mineral springs. Spa culture has deep roots in the valley and I am grateful to be able to continue that legacy.”
The newest addition to what Larry Tackett terms “spa culture” is an intimate facility that offers visitors and the community a unique level of personal care. Located at the Sonoma Valley Inn Best Western at 550 Second St. West, Spa Gratitude is a quiet, calm retreat dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit.
“What sets Spa Gratitude apart is the personal attention we offer,” said Tackett. “We’re always happy to adapt or adjust our treatments to best serve the special needs or concerns of clients. It’s part of my commitment to making our customers grateful for coming to Spa Gratitude.”
Tackett first came to the Sonoma Valley two decades ago. Working with a master teacher he learned the technique of massage and the power of touch. He soon excelled at what he calls “body work.”
“It was very fulfilling to open Spa Gratitude 21 years after I first experienced the wonder of Sonoma Valley; its sense of spirit and its people. I felt there were good people here, doing good things and I am thankful, that now I too can contribute.”
For most of his adult life Tackett has been contributing to the betterment of people. As a young man he was part of the world-wide Hunger Project and participated in Hands Across America.
“Long ago I decided to commit myself to making the world better in whatever way I could.”
According to Tackett this commitment came after he returned from service in Vietnam.
“I served two tours. I was very disillusioned by the experience. I realized that positive change could never come from war or politics. Afterwards, when I returned to college, I listened to a professor argue that progress was solely the result of culture and that the individual was powerless to effect historical change. That challenged me to prove to myself that he was wrong, that each one of us has the power to make a difference. That challenge has guided me throughout my personal and professional life.”
Today, Tackett operates spas in a select number of Sonoma and Napa county hotels. He makes certain each therapist is trained in the various techniques of massage and is experienced with all aspects of body work.
“Training and experience are important, but to truly offer a spa experience that is healing, calming, and stress-relieving, you must have presence in your hands. Those are the kind of therapists I choose — the ones with the gift for touch.”
While Spa Gratitude offers a range of treatments, from deep-tissue massage to a host of revitalizing treatments, Tackett believes the fundamental benefit of a spa treatment is provided by the power of touch. “For a variety of reasons we live in a touch-starved society,” explains Tackett. “Today, people are reluctant to touch and to be touched. But biologically we need touching and stroking. When you experience a prolonged period of touching and massage by a skilled therapist it truly benefits your mental and physical health.”
Tackett plans to extend Spa Gratitude’s benefit to the community by sponsoring a series of talks by skilled teachers of therapeutic disciplines.
“We’ll be starting a master healers program where people in the profession and the general public can come and learn both ancient and newly discovered techniques and insights,” said Tackett. “That’s another thing I am grateful for. There is always something more to learn, and I hope to share that wisdom with the community.”
• Spa Gratitude is located at the Sonoma Valley Inn Best Western at 550 Second St. West. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For appointments call (707) 944-0553.
