We sat on the edge of the pool, flutes of sparkling wine in-hand and water tickling our feet. I was surrounded by my favorite group of gal pals as I turned 40 at the secluded, yet chic Solage. Our trip had been planned by my friends and I, and at 9:30pm, the exact moment of my birth hour, we toasted my 40 years and took a celebratory dip in the geothermal mineral pool while gazing up beyond the palm trees to a star-spangled sky. Once inside our poolside cabana and cozy in our spa robes, my friends serenaded me with the Happy Birthday song as I unwrapped my gifts.

With college graduation in my rearview mirror and a specialized full-time job ahead, my mother suggested she and I spend some quality time together on a road trip to Calistoga. We were primed to create some fun memories.

I’ll tell you the same thing that I tell my friends who visit Solage; take out the Mercedes-Benz! The complimentary, luxury ride backdropped with California’s stunning natural scenery makes you feel like you’re the star of a hollywood classic.

I always give Solbar a little credit for helping me write my best-selling book. I spent many a night sitting at the bar in Solbar working, and edited most of my book over the bar’s delicious drinks— sometimes it'd be French champagne and sometimes a glass of pinot. More often than not, however, I’d choose the drink that changed my life...