Early evening was my favorite time to soak in the mineral-rich waters at the Castle Hot Springs Resort, located just over an hour north of Phoenix on a 1,100-acre property deep in the Sonoran Desert. The resort is not cheap, but the experience felt priceless! As the sun sets, wispy clouds take on a pinkish hew against a pale blue sky. And cactus wren and hooded oriole call, amid stalwart saguaro.
There are an estimated 250 commercial hot springs across the United States, says Jessica Meath, executive director of The Hot Springs Association. Many primitive thermal springs can be found deep in the wilderness — in national parts and literally in the middle of nowhere, along with hot springs in simple bathhouses and luxury resorts. At the resorts, book off-season for reduced rates. And ask ahead about other wellness offerings such as yoga, meditation and cold plunge pools.
Thermal waters have been revered for centuries for their healing properties, particularly in parts of the world where they are a more established part of daily wellness practices. In Europe, for example, geothermal waters may be prescribed by a doctor and could be covered by insurance. In Japan, soaking in onsens, or natural hot springs, is often part of the daily routine.
Health benefits
The health benefits are abundant: from boosting the immune system to reducing inflammation, detoxifying the body, calming the nervous system and increasing metabolic activity. “The pools also have anti-gravity effects, enabling people who have had car accidents or muscular issues to move in ways they haven’t been able to,” says Murrieta Hot Spring’s medical director, Dr. Marcus Coplin. He adds that the soothing waters are particularly helpful to people over age 55, because the heat and minerals help with joint pain, reduce symptoms of arthritis and aid with better sleep.
Here are some of our assorted picks. As some of the hot spring resorts can be pricey, watch for specials and reduced rates available in the off-season.
Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona
Located 54 miles outside Phoenix, Castle Springs has three man-made hot spring pools, ranging in temperature from 106 to around 85 degrees, with the temperature falling as the water descends.
Woman in the water surrounded by rock formations at Castle Hot Springs
The effect is mesmerizing: part of this is because of the sound of the flowing water as a stream from the spring cascades slowly along rocks, outside the bungalow where we are staying, and under a small walkway, ending in a pond at the base. But the best part is the effect of soaking in these pools, not just for its warmth, but for the calming properties of its minerals, which include lithium and magnesium, and the many healing benefits of what is referred to as “contrast therapy” — ducking into a cold plunge pool, in between soaking in hot water, and also taking time to relax.