In need of a little aquatherapy?
Head straight to the source and submerge yourself in the healing waters of a thermal or mineral spring.
Intro by Debra Bokur
Long before the first luxury spa or health resort opened its doors, humans were drawn to the healing environment of natural mineral and thermal springs, instinctively recognizing the merit of “taking the waters.” Watery beings that we are (our bodies are about 85 percent water), humans connect on a primitive and elemental level with the natural world the moment that we slip into water’s soothing, familiar warmth. Wherever you live, chances are good that you’re not too far from one of America’s many hot springs locations. Healing benefits vary depending upon the dominant minerals and other qualities found in each spring. Lithium, for instance, has a calming effect, while magnesium relieves muscle soreness. Minerals aside, the very act of soaking in thermal waters has proven medical benefits – from easing arthritis and joint pain to promoting relaxation and lowering stress levels. Barbara Close, founder and president of Naturopathica and author of Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics (Chronicle Books, 2005), explains that varying water temperatures have different beneficial effects on the body’s systems. Temperatures between 92 and 100 degrees promote relaxation and stress relief, while hot waters (from 100 to 110 degrees) encourage detoxification. Ready to get soaked? As an added incentive, many hot springs locations offer exceptional wellness experiences at affordable prices.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
(800) 643-1502, www.arlingtonhotel.com
Western Native American tribes including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Quapaw made regular visits to bathe in the hot, restorative waters found in this part of Arkansas. By 1921, Hot Springs was a popular health destination. Now protected by the National Parks system, the thermal waters derive from rainwater continuously heated far below the ground’s surface, not from volcanic sources.
History & Lore
Perched like a grand dame at the top of Bathhouse Row in the historic town of Hot Springs, the Arlington is a luxurious property with a long history of famous guests, including a host of stars and presidents. Tea dances are still held in the Crystal Ballroom, celebrating the hotel’s tradition of glamour and glitz.
Springs Style
While the Arlington itself is a beautifully appointed historic hotel, the atmosphere in the spa is decidedly no-nonsense, with a locker room feel. Locals also take advantage of the wellness component of the town, making daily visits to the street fronting the historic Bathhouse Row to fill water jugs with mineral-rich waters from public fountains that are fed by the springs. Despite its Deep South address, Hot Springs is reminiscent of a small European spa town, where healing waters are a constant and prized presence.
Spa & Soak
Don’t expect frills, candles, or mood music here. Wrapped in a non-designer sheet and accompanied by a certified bath attendant, you’ll soak in an old ceramic tub and then be led through a circuit that includes a sitz bath, a steam in an historic steaming cabinet, a wrap with hot towels, a pressurized shower – and, finally, a relaxing Swedish massage. And you’ll likely be in the company of dozens of other women in varying stages of their own bathing circuit adventure.
While You’re There
Take a tour of the other historic bathhouses, each with its own eclectic style. Plan at least a half-day to visit nearby Garvan Woodland Gardens, with its exquisite themed gardens. The Japanese Zen garden, called the Garden of the Pine Wind, is the perfect spot for a meditation or self-led yoga session.
– D.B.
Sycamore Mineral Springs
San Luis Obispo, California
(800) 234-5831, www.sycamoresprings.com
The 100 acres of forest and meadows that make up Sycamore Hot Springs are tucked peacefully between the beaches and vineyards of central California. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a short drive off Highway 101, the resort is rapidly gaining accolades for its Healing Arts Institute, which offers an extensive integrative healing and counseling program.
History & Lore
Originally called San Luis Hot Sulphur Springs, the resort has been attracting wellness seekers since the early 1900s. W.C. Fields was one of the many luminaries who visited regularly, some of whom came to partake of the mineral water cures facilitated by the staff of doctors and nurses who ran the on-site therapeutic center. Back then, two-day stays (which included a round-trip railway ticket) cost a staggering $19.
Springs Style
The scene here is decidedly low-key, unpretentious California, and you’ll find that many guests don their workout and yoga gear even when they are dining on Chef David McWilliam’s gourmet sustainable fare at the resort’s award-winning Gardens of Avila Restaurant. The spa is in a separate area from the guest rooms – and, though it’s on the small side, the high level of friendly efficiency makes up for the lack of lounge space.
Spa & Soak
While the suites come equipped with their own private outdoor hot tubs tucked into small clearings beneath the trees, you can also reserve one of the many private soaking tubs scattered across the hillside, each entirely secluded. If you’ve booked a treatment in the spa, your therapist will collect you directly from your tub. The treatment menu is extensive, but don’t miss a rejuvenating deep tissue massage with therapist Deborah Caldwell; she’ll use her specially contoured pillows to maximize the therapy and deliver an amazing healing experience.
While You’re There
Enjoy the tranquil labyrinth, take an early morning hike on the winding paths leading to spectacular ocean views, or participate in one of the many classes at the Wellness Center, which include Pilates, Tai Chi, and Chakra Restorative Yoga. Make the scenic 10-minute drive into the town of San Luis Obispo to enjoy a delicious breakfast at Apple Farm.
– D.B.
Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa
Desert Hot Springs, California
(760) 329-8791, www.twobunchpalms.com
A short drive from Palm Springs in the Southern California desert, Two Bunch Palms is a tranquil hideaway where the only distractions are likely to be the rabbits, roadrunners, and owls that live on the property. This desert oasis’s pièce de résistance are its adjoining thermal pools, which are flanked by soaring palm trees and giant tamarisks that hover like guardians over the healing waters – known for their high lithium content.
History & Lore
Although Native Americans once utilized the springs at Two Bunch Palms, they were officially “discovered” by members of the US Army Camel Corps during a geographical survey mission in 1907. The surveyors identified the location on their maps by marking it as “two bunches of palms,” and the name stuck. More than one legend involving the infamous Al Capone has been linked to the property, and Capone and his pals are credited with building the stone bungalows and structures that remain central to the property.
Springs Style
Close to a cluster of desert resort towns including Palm Springs, Two Bunch Palms has a low-key ambiance that belies the LA jetsetters lounging by the pool. Despite the hint of restrained glamour, the vibe is friendly and subdued. Guests are encouraged to stroll about in their robes, and no one frets about the on-property rules, which include keeping conversations to just above a whisper. Cell phones, music, and animated conversations are restricted to guest rooms, suites, and villas.
Spa & Soak
The thermal springs are fed by subterranean artesian aquifers that pass through fault lines. Geothermal activity far beneath Earth’s surface produces waters averaging 148 degrees as they reach the surface. The waters are then manually cooled to a more tolerable temperature before they are fed into the swimming and soaking pools, which are maintained at 98 and 104 degrees respectively. The resort also offers extensive treatments in its small spa and outdoor spa huts, including massage, energy therapies, Ayurveda, Watsu, and specialties such as the Chai Soy Mud Body Wrap with local spring clay and fragrant spices.
While You’re There
After dinner, hike up to one of the resort’s secluded meditation benches to appreciate the mountains in the horizon. Stay up late and enjoy the thermal grotto before bed. It’s accessible until 11 pm, and you’ll be able to float peacefully while observing the star-filled desert sky above. Chances are, one of the resident owls will keep you company from a nearby tree branch.
– D.B.
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