Rising Popularity Of Hot Spring Spas Is Gaining Momentum
Wellness and adrenaline-pumping activities are now two of the most talked-about travel trends in the United States.
It’s possible that traditional spas won’t cut it for the wellness traveler after the epidemic. Hot springs spas are becoming more popular, which is great news for health-conscious travelers who want to relax while getting a bit of nature on their getaway.
Long before the pandemic, thermal and mineral spring experiences, especially those that include bathing in geothermally heated water with massage or beauty treatments, began to gain popularity as a kind of luxury travel. According to the wellness advisory group Resources for Leisure Assets, the growth in interest may be traced to tourists’ growing desire to find healing via nature. This desire has contributed to the rise in the number of people interested in ecotourism. Vicky Nash, executive director of the Hot Springs Association, the country’s first trade organization for the commercial hot-springs industry, says, “Imagine soaking in a pool at 100 degrees [Fahrenheit] next to a babbling brook surrounded by pine trees and seeing a bald eagle fly overhead.” The Hot Springs Association is the country’s first trade organization for the commercial hot-springs industry.
The attraction of hot springs extends well beyond the calming soaks and breathtaking views that are often associated with them. Over the course of more than two years, the epidemic forced innumerable debates and choices to revolve around the subject of health. It is not surprising that this issue would affect the vacation planning process in any way. According to Nash, “the number of individuals looking for natural methods to strengthen their immune systems is at an all-time high.” It is recommended that those who want to enhance their health and overall well-being take a bath in thermal mineral water.
She makes the point that the thermal spa is not a substitute for the conventional spa and adds that “hydrothermal treatments actually enhance a visit to the spa.” Among the available options are massages that make use of minerals derived from the resort’s naturally heated waters, which are believed to purify the skin and alleviate aches and pains caused by conditions such as arthritis. At getaways such as Arizona’s Castle Hot Springs in the Bradshaw Mountains, which are located an hour north of Phoenix, activities such as paddle-board yoga may be experienced above geothermally hot pools. This can be an exhilarating experience.
Kevin Maguire, the general manager of Castle Hot Springs, notes that each guest room is equipped with a private soaking tub that is connected to the thermal waters. “Nearly all of our amenities and activities are influenced by our therapeutic water,” Maguire says. “Our therapeutic water is at the heart of everything we offer here.” The property makes use of the natural resource in order to irrigate a farm that is located on the premises.
And the pools at Castle Hot Springs aren’t like any other swimming holes you’ve been to before. Temperatures in the pool range from 86 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and the facility is surrounded on all sides by mountains and desert plants. They are packed to the brim with medicinal minerals such as lithium, which is known to improve emotions and nurture tranquillity; magnesium, which is wonderful for lowering inflammation and soothing nerves; and bicarbonates, which help circulation and decrease muscular pain.
However, Arizona is only one of several locations where geothermal activity is prevalent. According to Nash, there are more than 250 commercial hot-spring facilities in the United States. The following are three additional options, all of which may be reached within four hours from a large city in the United States.
The Calistoga Spa’s Natural Hot Springs
California
It takes about two hours to drive north of San Francisco to reach the relaxing waters of the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs in California. The temperatures of the four heated outdoor pools range from a comfortable 80 degrees in the pool with lap lanes to a toasty 104 degrees in the whirlpool. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is well known for its therapeutic volcanic ash mud baths, which are only one of the many therapies that mix healing with nature that are offered at the spa.
Sunwater Spa
Location in Colorado: Manitou Springs
The water for the 10 mountain-view cedar tubs at the SunWater Spa comes from Manitou Springs’ 7 Minute Spring. The spa is located at the foot of Pikes Peak and is about 75 miles from Denver. The temperature of this water, which is high in magnesium and iron and ranges from 99 to 104, varies. Guests have the option of pre-reserving a private soaking tub or choose from a broad variety of other spa treatments, such as massages, facials, and yoga lessons.
Roosevelt Baths & Spa
New York’s Saratoga Springs is where we’ll be.
One of the most well-known hot springs resorts in New York State is also among its most historic. The Roosevelt Baths and Spa has been in operation since the 1930s. The institution is named after former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, after enjoying the soothing waters of Saratoga Springs for himself, worked to protect them for future generations. At Roosevelt Baths & Spa, which is located three hours north of New York City, visitors may participate in a range of geothermal water activities.