Did you know that the hot springs that we know of today were created by violent volcanic activity up to 45 million years ago? It’s amazing to think of places that were once a thundering eruption of the earth are now quiet parks and peaceful resorts.
Some of the most famous hot springs spas and resorts can be found in countries like Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Chile, or Japan. But the United States has its own great hot spring resorts – here are 5 of the best spa town destinations in America.
(Be sure to contact our travel concierge for help in booking a full spa vacation.)
Hot Springs, Arkansas
One of the first times I smelled the rich, sulfuric scent of a hot springs bath was in Hot Springs, Arkansas – I was a very young boy at the time, but I remember the smell – and the taste! – vividly. It’s a fitting memory, as Hot Springs is one of America’s oldest and most historic spa towns – the Hot Springs National Park is the oldest federal reserve.
The highlight of historic Hot Springs is Bathhouse Row, a street of breautifully resorted 1800s bathhouses. These are no longer open but you must tour them for the sense of nostalgia, along with the Fordyce Bathhouse, which is beautiful. The only operating historic bathhouse is the Buckstaff, but you’ll also enjoy the more modern amenities of the Quapaw and the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa.
Spare some time for a walk/hike in the national park as well. It’s very refreshing and relaxing.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Truth or Consequences was, like the Arkansas spa town, named “Hot Springs,” but the name was changed in the 50s during a radio quiz show contest.
Truth or Consequences built its firth bath in the late 1800s, and grew to have nearly 40 hot spring spas. Those have dwindled in number in the recent century, but certainly not in quality. Watersports on the Elephant Butte Reservoir and Caballo Lake are also popular. The most historic spa would be the Sierra Grande Lodge, though don’t miss out on the private mineral bath jacuzzis at the Charles Motel & Bath House. Artesian Bath House, Riverbend Hot Springs, and Blackstone Hot Springs are all also fantastic.
You might hear more about Truth and Consequences in the future, as Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America, which hopes to offer space travel at a more affordable price, is based here.
Saratoga Springs, New York
One of upstate New York’s many spots of relaxation, Saratoga Springs was founded because of the springs here. At one point it was home to the Grand Union Hotel, the largest hotel in the world at the time.
Today you can still enjoy Saratoga Spa State Park, called the “Public’s Resort” and was a spa destination for the wealthy pioneers of the 19th century, although the park was founded in the 14th century. There are also the Roosevelt Mineral Baths, or for another alternative, water sports over on Saratoga Lake.
A stroll along Broadway in Saratoga is also a must, with its many unique boutiques and craft shops.
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Officially named “Bath,” the town of Berkeley Springs is in West Virginia, just across from Maryland.
You’ll definitely feel like you’re in the original town of Bath, England once you visit Berkeley Springs State Park - there are historic bathhouses, private swimming areas, free minteral water fountains, as well as the Berkely Castle (closed to the public) and many other historic buildings.
Apart from the state park, there are many popular spas in the area, including The Five Senses Spa and the Bath House.
Don’t miss the many art galleries in town – Berkeley Springs has been named one of the ‘100 best art towns in America,’ and you’ll note the artsy vibe when you visit.
Desert Hot Springs, California
Tucked away in southern California, Desert Hot Springs (DHS) has become a popular spot in the last couple of decades, both as a place to live and as a place to relax and soak. It’s funny – I found an old advertisement from the 50s for DHS that promoted it as a “getaway destination for urban escapees” – not much has changed since then, I guess.
Many of the older boutique spa hotels and resorts in DHS have been remodeled, to great praise – the Two Bunch Palms Resort (pictured above) has been a film set and is a massive, scenere destination in itself; the El Morocco Inn, the Living Waters Spa, and the Sagewater Spa have all received many awards and accolades.
While you’re here, don’t miss a roadtrip out to nearby Joshua Tree National Park – great for the scenery.
And don’t forget, our travel concierge can help you put together the perfect spa vacation package.
What’s your favorite spa town?
Photo Credit Flickr CC: Ken Lund, Pirate Alice, dougtone, Alex Barth, madartist
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