Revitalize Yourself: The Top Hot Springs Resorts in the U.S. for a Relaxing Retreat

As I began my ascent up the dirt path clad in only a swimsuit, a white robe, and rubber sandals, I felt the burdens of daily life lifting away with each step. Following a car ride from my Northern California home to the airport, a flight to Phoenix, and an hour-long journey along a rugged road, I finally reached my destination: the natural thermal pools at Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona, a genuine sanctuary surrounded by towering saguaros and palm trees in the Sonoran Desert.

Like countless other bathers around the globe, I was undertaking a significant journey in search of mineral-rich waters, a personal quest for wellness that began long before I set off in my car toward the airport.

During the past year, as I emerged from the haze of pandemic survival, I started to reconnect with my daily life and, more importantly, with my physical self. It struck me that I had come through the pandemic only to face a new challenge: the reality of aging. Middle age, with its sore joints and sagging skin, was now undeniably present.

So, I reached out to my Romanian father to inquire about something he had mentioned regarding his aunt and uncle in Romania from years ago.

“Hey, Tata,” I said during our phone call. “Didn’t Unchi Bibi and Tanti Valli visit some mineral spring resorts in Romania and rave about their healing properties?”

“Oh absolutely,” he responded. “They were like subsidized medical retreats, and it wasn’t just about the mineral springs. They would stay for two weeks or more, soaking and getting massages, claiming it felt like a rebirth afterward; their joints no longer hurt, and they felt rejuvenated.” He explained that these hot spring resorts were common across Europe but were particularly affordable for elderly individuals in Communist countries, allowing them to enjoy these benefits at minimal cost.

Fast-forward to December 2023: Drawing inspiration from my “spa heritage,” I found myself immersing in the 106-degree waters at Castle Hot Springs, rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, seeking a modern-day version of what Unchi Bibi and Tanti Valli experienced—a personal rebirth, if you will, as I navigated my post-pandemic, pre-menopausal journey.

According to Greta Rybus, who has dedicated the last few years to documenting hot springs and soaking cultures worldwide for her upcoming photojournalistic book Hot Springs (Ten Speed Press, March 2024), this quest for rejuvenation is something we all crave in the wake of the pandemic.

“There’s a certain numbness that settles in after experiencing collective trauma,” says Rybus. “People yearn to feel cared for and alive after enduring such numbness and heartbreak. Temperature is a fundamental way to reconnect with life. When you’re in a hot spring, you can sense your blood circulating, your skin flushing red. And stepping out of the bath into the cool air reinforces that instinctive feeling of being alive and present.”

As I eased into the hottest bath at Castle Hot Springs, where the soaking pools range from 86 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, the first thing that struck me was the sandy bottom. The unexpected softness and the sediment sifting between my toes created a tickling sensation. It reminded me that this was no ordinary hot tub or swimming pool. With their more natural surroundings, hot springs foster a deeper connection to nature and, in turn, to ourselves. It's not merely about a soak in warm water; it’s a full sensory journey that encourages you to disconnect from your phone, acclimate to the temperature, and truly engage with the vibrant colors and textures of your environment.

According to Marcus Coplin, a naturopathic medical doctor and medical director at The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Southern California, this unique connection is why hot springs are gaining popularity. “They offer a sense of adventure. You can’t replicate a hot spring source; reaching it requires travel. This might involve a road trip to an unfamiliar area or a hike to a secluded wilderness spot. It instills a sense of purpose.”

He continues, “Every hot spring is unique. The mineral content, the surrounding environment, and the supporting amenities vary widely from one location to another, making each visit a delightful and distinctive experience.”

Natural mineral water can be either cold or hot, the latter being heated by geothermal energy from below the earth's surface. “As water journeys through geological layers over time, it dissolves minerals before reaching the surface, emerging as springs with a chemical composition beneficial for hydration and healing,” explains the Balneology Association of North America, an organization focused on therapeutic bathing. Multiple studies and research have demonstrated that minerals typically found in natural springs—such as calcium, sulfur, sodium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, and iron—can improve health and wellness by alleviating pain, boosting oxygen levels, enhancing skin conditions, and promoting relaxation and stress relief.

The United States boasts over 250 hot springs, as noted by Hot Springs of America, which tracks the country’s natural springs. These vary from extremely rustic locations with no amenities to fully immersive resort experiences like Castle Hot Springs, which features luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, top-tier spa facilities, and various activities.

After spending three delightful days at Castle Hot Springs, I realized that the rejuvenation I experienced (while three days might not fully heal my joints, I felt relaxed, centered, and motivated to incorporate more wellness practices into my routine) stemmed as much from the journey as from the destination. The magic of the experience was deeply connected to the effort it took to arrive there—not just in the physical sense but within myself: acknowledging my need for and the value of pursuing a natural therapy with roots that extend back centuries. For those eager to immerse themselves in these therapeutic waters, here are the premier hot springs resorts across the United States, where you can both stay and soak.

1. Castle Hot Springs

Castle Hot Springs, located about an hour north of Phoenix in a stunningly secluded valley of the Sonoran Desert, has a legacy that dates back to the late 19th century when it was first established as a wellness retreat for travelers to experience the healing properties of its waters. After operations ceased due to fires in 1976 and 1996, the resort was revitalized and reopened in 2019 as a luxury all-inclusive destination following extensive renovations. Guests can check in and out on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and regardless of their length of stay, the nightly rate covers accommodations—ranging from modern Sky View Cabins and Spring Bungalows with outdoor soaking tubs to the historic 100-year-old Cottage that accommodates up to six guests—along with all meals, gratuities, guided hikes, activities, yoga and meditation classes, in-room snacks and beverages, and access to the thermal waters. There are three hot springs; the highest, closest to the source, reaches about 106 degrees Fahrenheit, while the next tier is at 96 degrees, and further down the canyon lies the deepest pool at 86 degrees. Additionally, the spring water fills the resort's main swimming pool. To enhance the wellness experience, guests can opt for spa treatments from a diverse menu of massages, facials, and Reiki, along with personalized energy alignment and wellness sessions including chakra tuning, breathwork, astrology readings, or explorations of elemental composition. Whether you seek an adrenaline rush through daytime activities like the on-site via ferrata course and challenging e-bike rides or prefer a serene retreat, Castle Hot Springs offers a perfect environment to disconnect and focus on your mind and body with purpose.

2. Chena Hot Springs

Situated 60 miles from central Fairbanks, these thermal springs were first discovered by gold miners in 1905. By 1911, a bathhouse and 12 small cabins had been built for visitors looking to enjoy a warm soak in waters enriched with sulfate, chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. Since then, Chena Hot Springs has evolved to feature the 40-room Moose Lodge, 32 standard Fox Rooms accommodating up to four guests, eight Bear Family Suites for up to six, alongside rustic cabins, camping, and yurt options. The facility utilizes geothermal energy for heating and electricity, as well as to maintain the year-round cold of the on-site Aurora Ice Museum. This employee-owned venue also provides massage services, an on-site restaurant, and various activities including northern lights tours, dogsledding, and horseback riding. The main attraction, however, is the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis while relaxing in the warm hot springs.

3. Dunton Hot Springs

Nestled in the mineral-rich San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, Dunton Hot Springs features a collection of 15 beautifully designed log cabins. Resort guests have access to the historic 19th-century bathhouse and natural mineral springs. Set against a picturesque alpine landscape, visitors can indulge in springs that boast high levels of iron, manganese, and calcium bicarbonate, with temperatures ranging from 85 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Guests can enjoy a soak in the bathhouse, two outdoor pools, or at the natural spring source. Those staying in the Well House cabin can also relax in their own private hot spring bath and cold plunge pool. Enhance your wellness journey with spa treatments such as neuromuscular integration for structural alignment, complimentary on-site yoga classes, or sound-bath sessions. The nightly rate includes all meals, served in the charming old saloon at the property’s heart. No matter which cabin you select, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the mountains and meadows.

4. Indian Springs

Located just under two hours north of San Francisco, Calistoga serves as an ideal getaway for wine enthusiasts seeking a bit of relaxation, thanks to the area's natural thermal baths. Indian Springs is particularly renowned for its baths, featuring four geysers that channel mineral water into both the historic Olympic-sized main pool (established in 1913) and a smaller, serene adults-only pool. The site has a rich history, with its original spa, mud baths, and pool dating back to 1861. After changing ownership multiple times, the current owners, the Merchant family, revitalized the 17-acre resort by adding 75 guest rooms and the on-site eatery, Sam’s Social Club, in 2014. Indian Springs now offers guests five accommodation options, from adult-only lodge rooms of 250 square feet to spacious houses and two-bedroom bungalows that can accommodate up to six guests. Experience a unique Calistoga tradition by indulging in a mud bath at the spa, which involves a soak in volcanic-ash-rich mud followed by a refreshing dip in mineral water.

5. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

After a 30-year closure, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is set to reopen its doors in February 2024 following an extensive renovation. Established in 1902, the property has undergone updates that honor and preserve much of its original architecture across its 46-acre expanse. Guests will be able to enjoy 50 mineral-rich alkaline geothermal pools—known for their benefits in enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and uplifting mood—along with a historic bathhouse, sauna, steam rooms, and spa facilities offering massages, facials, hydrothermal therapies, and hormone-balancing treatments. Both overnight guests and day visitors can enroll in classes such as yoga, meditation, and sound baths. The resort will feature an on-site restaurant serving contemporary California cuisine, as well as a wine bar, poolside café, coffee shop, and lounge bar. Accommodations will include 174 rooms, varying from two-story suites to double queen rooms, all equipped with ambient sound machines to foster better sleep.

6. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa Resort

Whether you're in New Mexico for skiing or to immerse yourself in Southwestern architecture, cuisine, and culture, the naturally fed spring water pools at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs and Spa Resort offer a rejuvenating escape. Set at an elevation of 6,000 feet, the geothermal waters vary from 97 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, featuring eight distinct pools. These include an iron pool, believed to boost the immune system, a mud pool for skin purification, and cliffside pools that provide stunning views. Guests can opt for a Pueblo-style suite with a private soaking tub, choose one of the Ojo cottages or homes, stay in a room at the Historic Hotel, or even in a vintage trailer. No matter where you choose to rest, you’ll have access to the pools, a spa with massage and sound-healing services, complimentary yoga sessions, and a restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine sourced from the on-site Ojo Farm. The Ojo Caliente resort has a rich history, dating back 155 years to the opening of its bathhouse.

7. The Omni Homestead Resort

The historic Omni Homestead Resort, which has hosted 23 presidents, is famous for its Warm Springs Pools—the oldest spring baths in the United States. Following a 14-month, $4.6 million restoration, the ancient bathhouses reopened in December 2022, complemented by a substantial $150 million renovation of the entire property completed last fall. The outcome is a beautifully revamped hotel featuring 483 guest rooms and a luxurious on-site spa offering a wide array of massages and facials. Guests can unwind in the adults-only Serenity Garden, where they can enjoy a geothermal pool fed by two hot springs containing magnesium, potassium, and calcium, maintained at a comfortable 96 to 97 degrees. Spanning over 2,300 acres in the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia, the property offers picturesque, tree-lined walking trails for exploration. Guests can also join a historic tour to delve into the hotel’s rich past and heritage. Located about five miles from the resort, the original Warm Springs Pools are owned by the Omni Homestead Resort and have been restored to include two structures: the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse, a stone basin constructed in 1761 and transformed into an indoor bathhouse in the mid-1820s, and the Ladies’ Bathhouse, built in the mid-1870s. Reservations are mandatory, and the facilities are available Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

8. Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort

Established in 1885 by Irish immigrant Martin Quinn, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort has navigated a rollercoaster of challenges over its 138-year history, including the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which coated the resort in ash. Today, it is thriving, offering a peaceful escape for guests. The resort features five hot springs pools with temperatures ranging from 100 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, a cold plunge pool at 55 degrees, and two salt-treated pools maintained between 90 and 100 degrees. The natural springs are rich in calcium and fluoride (beneficial for bone health), sodium (which may help lower blood pressure), and sulfate (known for detoxifying the body, aiding respiratory issues, and reducing skin inflammation). Unlike many hot springs resorts that cater primarily to couples, Quinn’s is family-friendly, offering pools for children, kids' menus, and accommodations designed for families. Guests can choose to stay in one of the two lodges or reserve one of the 25 cabins nestled along the canyon, mountain, or river. Dining options include the Harwood House Restaurant for a sit-down meal and the more casual Quinn’s Tavern. Located about an hour northwest of Missoula, Montana, along the scenic Clark Fork River, Quinn’s is a true retreat.