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Washington Post
14-03-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Soak in these 9 hot springs destinations from the Yukon to Mexico
The freestanding hotel bath is the pinnacle of relaxation, but not for long. Inevitably, the water will turn as murky and tepid as the final swills of a stout beer. Your back will start to ache from the non-ergonomic design. Then, you will hear banging on the bathroom door. Someone needs to use the toilet. If only you had soaked in a hot spring instead. You would still be blissing out. Hot springs have been vacation destinations for ages, drawing people to their healing waters. In a study published this past fall, the Global Wellness Institute industry group estimated that 31,200 thermal/mineral springs establishments are operating in 130 countries, earning $62.7 billion in 2023. The trend shows no signs of cooling, with more than 230 projects on the horizon. In general, a hot spring is a natural-flowing water source heated deep within the earth. On its journey to the surface, the water absorbs minerals from sediment beds and rock faces. When it finally bubbles through the crust, the pressurized water is a hot broth of rejuvenating minerals. Advocates say the trifecta of water, heat and minerals can help alleviate afflictions of the body or psyche. 'The heat definitely has some pain-relieving effects, and being buoyant in water has a deeply relaxing and regulating effect on the body,' said Marcus Coplin, president of the Balneology Association of North America, an organization that promotes mineral bathing. 'The minerals have also been shown to enhance the experience.' He recommends soaking for no more than 20 minutes in water above 100 degrees, but he said people can spend twice as long in springs that are closer to average body temperature. (If you are pregnant or suffer from certain ailments, check with your physician first.) 'You're not going to overheat, and you will get more of the minerality and buoyancy effects,' said Coplin, a naturopathic doctor. 'In general, it's a very safe and relaxing practice.' Hot springs appear in every type of environment, as untouched pools in natural settings or marquee attractions at wellness resorts. Super soakers can follow the 800-mile Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop, which highlights nearly two dozen sites in eight geothermal locations, or the slightly shorter 529-mile Hot Springs Circle Route in British Columbia. If you prefer to steep in one spot, here are nine hot springs destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Warm Springs, in the appropriately named Bath County, has hosted a long line of bathers, including Indigenous people, the rheumatism-addled Thomas Jefferson and countless vacationers acting out their gentry fantasies at the Omni Homestead Resort & Spa. Guests can ease into the octagonal, six-foot-deep Gentlemen's Bathhouse or the circular, five-foot-deep Ladies' Bathhouse, both of which hark back to the 19th century and recently received a $4 million facelift. The pools reopened in 2022 with a retro look (1925, the year the homestead's forebears acquired them). The timeless waters have remained unchanged, at 98-ish degrees. In addition to the pools, which cost $30 or $35 for 50 minutes, the resort sells $90 day passes to nonguests for the adults-only Serenity Garden. Its hot-springs-fed Geothermal Octagon Pool is a becalming tonic of magnesium, potassium and calcium. Carved into the rocky high desert north of Santa Fe, Ojo Caliente is one of the country's oldest health spas, dating from 1868. Guests can soak in nine geothermal pools. Four are named for the minerals that infuse the waters, such as lithia, which boosts the mood and sharpens mental faculties, according to the resort; arsenic, which soothes achy joints and inflammation; iron, a friend of the immune system; and soda, a digestion aid and the only silent pool. There is also a mud pool, where you can baste your skin. The water temperatures are similar to an early-summer's day in the Southwest, ranging from about 80 to 105 degrees. And all of the pools are sulfur-free, so you won't reek of rotten eggs. Purchase a day pass for $45 or $65, depending on the day of the week. Private, clothing-optional bathing is also available for an additional fee. The reward for trekking hours through an Arizona landscape that resembles Planet Vulcan is a dip in geothermal hot springs. But first, about that hike. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area ($15 per pedestrian, $25 per vehicle) describes the five-mile Arizona Hot Springs trail as 'strenuous,' with a 750-foot elevation change and some scrambling. A 20-foot waterfall and metal ladder deliver you to a trio of pools tucked inside an eight-foot-wide slot canyon. The water is not deep enough for a plunge but more of a sit and soak. At 111 to 120 degrees, it's hot enough to poach an egg. Be aware that the park closes the trail during certain months because of the broiling air temperatures. Nearly half a century before Big Bend became a national park (in 1944), a homesteader named J.O. Langford arrived in West Texas seeking treatment for a childhood bout of malaria, according to the National Park Service. He found the cure in the medicinal waters and eventually opened a facility, charging 10 cents a day for treatment. The limestone bathhouse is no longer there, but its foundation became a soaking tub of medicinal water. The cost is the $30-per-car park entry fee. Accessible via a half-mile trail, the Langford Hot Springs resembles a rustic infinity pool, with the Rio Grande at the tips of your toes. If the river overflows, the national park warns visitors that they may have to excavate mud, rocks and other debris before soaking. The Beehive State is pocked with hot pots, and one — the Utah Crater — has become a hot springs haven for water sports enthusiasts. The 65-foot-deep, 400-foot-wide geothermal hole on the grounds of the Homestead Resort welcomes paddleboarders (and yoga paddlers), snorkelers, swimmers, dock loungers and scuba divers. In case you're rusty or not certified, the site offers refresher and certification courses, as well as dive-alongs for solo adventurers. Despite the ocean activities, the crater more closely resembles a cavernous hot tub than the big blue. The attraction is encased in a 55-foot-high limestone cone, with a skylight that allows sun rays and moonbeams to stream in. Come summer or snowfall, the water temperature never dips below a tropical mid-90s. Passes start at $15 for guests age 8 and older for a 40-minute swim or soak. The WorldSprings property, a National Natural Landmark site on the banks of the Colorado River, recently added a splashy showcase of hot springs around the world, such as Fuentes Georginas in Guatemala, Iceland's Blue Lagoon and Soda Springs in New Zealand. Skip those simulacrums, at least for your first dip. For the real deal, you will want to purchase a General Access ticket ($44-$52 for three hours) and head to the Legacy Area, a collection of 16 pebble-shaped pools filled with geothermal water from the Rocky Mountain region. The pools, which are named for gems (lapis, topaz, opal, etc.), range from 98 to 108 degrees and are connected by heated walkways, so guests won't have to step around a yard sale of towels and flip-flops. The hot springs also features two cafes with poolside-ordering perks. The western North Carolina town was originally called Warm Springs, honoring the natural water feature discovered at the intersection of French Broad River and Spring Creek, according to the town's welcome center. In 1886, it upped the heat on its name when it discovered an even hotter spring measuring 100 to 104 degrees. Today, the only way to soak in the historic waters is to rent a Jacuzzi-style hot tub at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, which partially reopened last month after getting walloped by Hurricane Helene in late September. Four tubs — two signature ($100 per hour for two people before 6 p.m., plus an extra $10 for evening), two deluxe (from $60) — are available Friday through Sunday. The property said it plans to unveil eight additional units along the creek as soon as May. For guests who wish to wake and soak, deluxe cabin No. 10 and the Sandbar House come with private tubs filled with the town's namesake. The southern Yukon resort melds Scandinavian and Japanese spa traditions with a touch of the Canadian wild. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is less than a mile away, and one of the attraction's most popular activities is the frozen-hair contest, which draws hundreds of participants in the winter. The previous year's competition was postponed because of temperate weather, but this season the thermometer has dropped to minus-4 degrees, perfect salon conditions for transforming your mop into a Chihuly ice sculpture. Submissions will close in April. Year-round, the attraction offers three pools — Eclipse, Onsen, Aurora — fed by the Takhini hot springs and an array of ways to repose. You can lie down, sit on the floor, park yourself on a bench or perch on a boulder. The Nordic practice of thermotherapy involves toggling between hot and cold environments. However, if you want to skip the chill cycle, simply stay submerged in the hot springs, which average about 108 degrees, or pop into a sauna or steam room. In the summer, the resort opens its Japanese clay hot pots, a true fusion of East and West. Passes are from about $40. The adventure park in the central Mexican state of Hidalgo might seem like more of an adrenaline rush than an oasis of calm. Zip lines! Caverns! A swinging suspension bridge! But amid the hyperactivity are the becalming thermal waters. Grutas Tolantongo, which is run by the ejido system (similar to a community co-op), serves its waters several ways. Grottoes and tunnels lead to sheltered pools, including one splashed by a waterfall. A thermal river the color of blue opals has currents that can pound away the stress like a Swedish massage. Bone-white travertine pools carved into the mountainside resemble baths for very large birds or cave dwellers. The entry fee is about $11. If you don't have a car, consider booking a guided tour with transportation from Mexico City and save yourself the stress of driving about four hours each way.
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
WHERE WELLNESS NATURALLY FLOWS: THE SPRINGS RESORT ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATIVE EXPANSION IN 2025
The Award-Winning Resort's Expansion will Double Guest Rooms, Feature a New, geothermal-inspired Spa, Elevated Wellness Experiences, a New Culinary Concept and more The Springs Resort, a renowned, award-winning geothermal wellness destination in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, is excited to announce a transformative expansion set to debut in April 2025. Home to the world's deepest geothermal spring, affectionately known as 'The Mother Spring,' The Springs Resort is deepening its commitment to Soakology: The Nature of Wellness, its signature approach to geothermal relaxation and well-being. This includes the relocation of its spa, and the doubling of terraced geothermal mineral soaking pools along the San Juan River at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The extensive renovation will also introduce 78 additional guest rooms, a new thermal spa, a Panoramic Sauna with halotherapy, new wellness amenities curated under the guidance of the resort's Vice President of Wellness Sharon Holtz and Medical Director Dr. Marcus Coplin, ND. Additionally, an innovative culinary concept called Wild Finch (opening in May), and modern, versatile event spaces for meetings and special occasions – all designed to enrich the resort experience. The highly anticipated expansion, located downriver from the original property, will continue to offer unforgettable opportunities for relaxation, renewal, and exploration, solidifying its reputation as a sanctuary for restoration. 'This is more than an expansion. It's a defining moment for hot springs wellness in the U.S.,' said Sharon Holtz, Vice President of Wellness. 'At a time when travelers are seeking deeper, more transformative well-being experiences, we are setting a new standard. With this evolution, The Springs Resort is bringing even more opportunities to immerse in Soakology—our signature approach to water-based wellness through curated activities and soaking experiences. At the core of it all is the pure, geothermal mineral water that has renewed mind, body, and spirit for centuries. We're excited to invite guests to immerse, soak, and experience this unique form of wellness for themselves.' A WELLNESS HAVEN Designed with intention, every pool in the expansion has been carefully crafted to provide a distinct wellness experience, whether through the soothing sounds of flowing water, breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains, reflexology pathways, or the therapeutic benefits of immersive contrast bathing. More than just places to soak, these pools are an extension of The Springs Resort's commitment to water-based well-being. Included in the expansion are pools and water features such as: Dedicated Wellness Activity Pool: Offering a variety of guided water-based wellness experiences designed to promote relaxation and well-being, including: Aqua Yoga: Combines the benefits of geothermal mineral water and yoga. Aqua Floating Meditation: Encourages deep relaxation and calm. Warrior Plunge: A guided contrast bathing experience featuring a rejuvenating cold plunge for invigorating energy. Aqua Sound Bathing: Utilizes sound therapy in the water to soothe the mind and body. Aqua Soak and Stretch: Eases tension and improves joint mobility. Detox Contrast Circuit: Maximizes the cumulative benefits of cold plunges. The Grotto: A secluded, tranquil geothermal pool designed for ultimate relaxation. Contrast Falls: A unique feature where hot geothermal water meets river-fed cold water, creating an approachable contrast experience. Cold Rush: A pool designed for engaging with the invigorating waters of the San Juan River. Reflexology Walk: Warm geothermal water enhances circulation and promotes full-body balance. Serene Retreats: A new adults-only area for peaceful relaxation. Family-Friendly Zone: Ensuring wellness enhancement for all ages. Along with these pool experiences, the Panoramic Sauna will be available to resort members and day guests with select access, providing a seamless complement to geothermal soaking. For guests seeking an active retreat, the expansion introduces a dedicated movement and yoga studio for guided fitness sessions, alongside outdoor activity areas designed for immersive wellness experiences. Guests can also enjoy access to nearby hiking and biking trails, providing an adventurous connection to Pagosa Springs' stunning natural landscape, including local attractions like the San Juan River Walk, Treasure Falls, and Chimney Rock National Monument. TRANSFORMING SPA EXPERIENCES & SIGNATURE TREATMENTS The expanded Springs Resort will unveil a stunning two-level, geothermal-inspired spa, where natural elements and expert therapeutic techniques come together to create an unparalleled wellness experience. Thoughtfully designed with hand-crafted stonework that reflects the region's rugged beauty, the spa offers breathtaking mountain views throughout, immersing guests in nature's restorative power. With twice as many treatment rooms—now 12 in total—along with a dedicated couples' suite featuring its own private geothermal pool, the new spa invites guests to indulge in deeply personalized healing modalities rooted in local traditions, ensuring every experience is both meaningful and benefit-driven. The Social Wellness level features a Panoramic Sauna with halotherapy (salt therapy) to promote respiratory health. The salt-infused microclimate helps ease respiratory conditions, sinus issues, and allergies, while the negative ions create an 'ionic air bath' that promotes relaxation, reduces emotional tension, and fosters a deep sense of grounded calm. Guests can also enjoy guided Aromatherapy Sauna experiences, each designed to evoke a distinct sensation. Invigorating scents awaken the senses, grounding aromas promote deep relaxation, and soothing blends invite a meditative state, transforming each session into a journey of renewal. The sauna serves as the perfect complement to afternoon explorations in Pagosa, offering a restorative pause before continuing the wellness journey. Also included is the Thermal Studio, offering a guided Mother's Mud experience. Transition down to the meditative Spa Treatment level, where pre-treatment soaking pools prepare the body and mind. Guests can choose from outdoor geothermal pools or indoor treatment pools featuring waterfall spouts and relaxing jets—each designed to enhance the benefits of spa treatments. Under the guidance of Dr. Marcus Coplin, ND, the resort's Medical Director, the resort and spa integrates evidence-based wellness practices, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy and mineral water bathing. Dr. Coplin's expertise in integrative medicine ensures that each treatment is carefully tailored to promote long-term health and vitality. Signature treatments at The Springs Resort include: Aqua Massage: Experience a deeply relaxing massage like no other. Stress and tension melt away while floating effortlessly, supported by head and leg floats. Guided through soothing mineral waters by specially trained massage therapists, this treatment combines the healing power of water with rejuvenating massage techniques for ultimate relaxation. Gua Sha Contouring Facial: Revitalize the skin with the ancient art of Gua Sha. This deeply relaxing facial incorporates purifying products and expert techniques to enhance circulation, sculpt facial contours, and promote lymphatic drainage. The result is firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin with a natural glow. Aqua Resonance Reset: Drift into deep relaxation as the vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowls resonate through warm, mineral-rich water. This immersive experience soothes the body and mind, releasing muscle tension while fostering a profound sense of peace and well-being. Therabody Rapid-Recovery Treatment: Hands-free, full-body experience designed for relaxation and muscle recovery with an anti-gravity sonic lounger, compression boots and smart goggles. Magnesium Muscle Melt: This treatment uses magnesium, a vital mineral found in our geothermal waters, to ease muscle tension and support energy generation. A magnesium forest blend scrub melts away stress, uplifts the spirit, and aids recovery. The treatment finishes with nourishing bliss butter to hydrate and soothe the skin. Pagosa Stone Massage: Smoothed by the waters of the San Juan River, river stones are heated and applied to pressure points and utilized by therapists to work through muscle tension. Additional offerings include personalized pre- and post-soak rituals, dry brushing and skin conditioning, body wraps, facials, and deeply rejuvenating hydrotherapy. A range of wellness services like aromatherapy, reflexology, and scalp treatments are also available for guests to further promote relaxation and well-being. A DESTINATION FOR TRANSFORMATION 'With the addition of our immersive guest accommodations, expanded geothermal soaking pools, enhanced spa and dedicated wellness spaces, The Springs Resort is evolving into a comprehensive wellness retreat,' said Dr. Marcus Coplin, ND, The Spring Resort's Medical Director. 'Our dining experiences further enhance the resort's offerings, creating a holistic, rejuvenating escape that redefines what it means to connect with nature and prioritize health.' ELEVATING COMFORT From spacious King Rooms to two-bedroom Suites with full kitchens, each room offers scenic views of the pools, and are designed with comfort and sustainability in mind. Guests will enjoy luxurious bedding, and each room boasts nine-foot windows to capture sweeping views of the San Juan River and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, all rooms offer 24-hour access to the geothermal soaking pools, including access to the adult-only Relaxation Terrace, daily wellness activities, robes and towels with unlimited exchanges, and the Sleep Ritual Tray. Guests also have soaking access before check-in and up to 6:00 p.m. on the day of check-out. A NEW CULINARY DESTINATION: WILD FINCH A major highlight of the expansion is the unveiling of Wild Finch, the resort's new signature restaurant which will open in May 2025. Inspired by the vibrant American Goldfinch, the restaurant will feature a wellness-focused menu crafted with locally sourced ingredients and seasonally inspired dishes, all designed to nourish and restore. Overlooking the event lawn and The Mother Spring, Wild Finch will provide guests with an elegant yet inviting dining experience. Leading the culinary team, Executive Chef Daya Myers brings a passion for approachable cuisine, blending locally sourced ingredients with global inspiration to create dishes that reflect the natural beauty and restorative energy of Pagosa's hot springs. Under the guidance of The Springs Resort's Director of Nutrition Sarah Goudie, FDN-P, the menu strikes a balance between indulgence and wellness. Drawing from her background in restauranteering and functional nutrition, Goudie collaborates with Chef Daya to reinforce her vision by crafting dishes and libations that are both flavorful and nourishing. The menu will include dishes such as Scallop Crudo with coconut, serrano, lime and golden beet; Chicken Fried Elk with cream gravy and greens; and Tooth & Gill Risotto featuring local mushrooms. Dessert offerings like Campfire Girl, a smoked chocolate, meringue and vanilla ice cream with a potato chip crumble, provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. Guests can also enjoy house cocktails such as The Peak, a refreshing mix of Campari, Elderflower Liqueur, and Sparkling Wine; Capstone with Hendricks Gin, Grapefruit Bitters, and Thyme Syrup; and Ares, a bold blend of Montana Platino Rum, Simple Syrup, and Lime Juice. Zero-proof options include Black Swan, crafted with Blackberry Shrub, Turmeric, and Basil Simple Syrup; Sprinkles, a playful mix of Cherry Soda, Ghia Bitter Aperitif, and a Float of Heavy Cream; and Pagosa Collins, featuring Floreal, Oregano Simple, Soda, and Lemon. The expansion will also introduce 1881 Poolside Provisions, a new poolside dining experience offering a menu of shareable plates, a curated cocktail menu, and a rotating selection of beer and wine. This concept will integrate a beverage/canteen experience, providing a casual dining option for guests. For more information about The Springs Resort, please visit ABOUT THE SPRINGS Nestled in a quaint Rocky Mountain town with over 50 geothermal soaking pools, including new immersive water features, The Springs Resort is committed to geothermal wellness. More than 25 additional pools will be terraced along the riverbank, deepening the resort's dedication to year-round wellness offerings for both guests and day visitors. Besides a full-service spa, the resort also offers a Panoramic Sauna; Sound Baths; a daily Gratitude Ceremony by the Mother Spring, self-applied mud treatments at Mud Beach; a Hang Time hammock retreat in the pines and more. The resort's Medical Director and balneologist, Dr. Marcus Coplin, brings years of expertise in the therapeutic use of mineral waters. With a background in both clinical practice and natural wellness, Dr. Coplin has designed results-oriented, user-friendly Soaking Guides that target sports recovery, detoxing, sleep, and wellness. To learn more, please visit
