These cold, dark days of winter make me crave a soothing soak in a hot tub. There’s nothing like it for pure relaxation and a moment of peace at the end of a busy day–or even fighting off the common cold. After all, if you’re going to be stuck indoors, you might as well make the most of it, right?
However, those hot soaks are not just limited to the indoors. You can have a wonderful, therapeutic soak in the great outdoors, even in the middle of winter. Natural mineral hot springs abound throughout the U.S., and they are a great respite for those of us who crave the outdoors and are tired of being trapped inside due to the chilly winter weather.
Not only are hot springs soothing and relaxing, they also have many health benefits. They are thought to improve circulation and reduce stress. Springs with high sulfur content are said to help treat skin infections, and bathing repeatedly in hot springs can detoxify your system through sweating. In addition, iron content in hot springs are thought to boost your immune system.
Not only can these springs improve your health, they can also improve your mood by providing a dose of fresh air and sunshine. If you combine your soak with a resort that also offers spa services, you can feel completely pampered. Here are some places to enjoy hot springs and soothing spa treatments.
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Hot Springs Resort and Spa is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and features some unique services. The mineral-rich water here is pumped into Jacuzzi-style hot tubs that are located outdoors along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River. These tubs are drained and sanitized after each use, perfect for those who are anxious about stepping into an actual hot spring. Water temperature ranges from 100 to 104 degrees.
In addition to these relaxing soaking sessions, enjoy massages, facials and specialty treatments at the spa. Some of these treatments include hot stones, a sugar scrub, a botanical mud wrap and a European-style facial.
Springs Resort and Spa
Located in Colorado, Springs Resort and Spa takes full advantage of the Great Pagosa Hot Spring, which has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. This spring water is loaded with minerals; the largest amounts include sodium, chloride, potassium, silica and magnesium. It’s recommended that you limit soaks to 10 minutes and drink plenty of fresh water. After getting out, cover up with a towel to sweat and cool down.
The resort offers 23 different hot pools to choose from, with temperatures ranging from 83 to 114 degrees. There are family-friendly pools, an adults-only pool, waterfalls, a geothermal swimming pool and more. You may want to try them all, as they all offer their own unique experiences.
After enjoying the great outdoors, head inside for spa treatments including facials, body treatments and massages with names like the San Juan Essential and Wrath of the Rockies.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is located in New Mexico and features 11 different sulfur-free, geothermal mineral pools. They feature four different types of minerals including lithia, iron, soda and arsenic, and the temperatures range from 80 to 109 degrees. These minerals are said to offer a variety of health benefits. Lithia is believed to relieve depression and aid digestion; iron is thought to benefit blood and the immune system; soda is said to relieve digestive problems; and arsenic is believed to ease arthritis, ulcers and a variety of skin conditions. Simply pick the pool that is most likely to ease your aches and pains, and see how you feel!
You can also take a dip in the Kiva pool, which is a small, round mineral-rich pool based on a Pueblo Indian design. How about slathering up in the Mud Pool? Let the mud dry in the sun and help release toxins from your body.
Ojo Caliente also offers a full range of spa treatments, including massages; facial, foot and hand treatments; and body treatments such as the Native American Blue Corn & Prickly Pear Salt Scrub.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
Located in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort was founded in 1886 when two oil prospectors discovered the hot sulfur mineral-water springs. Today, you can relax in the mineral-springs tubs which are located outdoors along the hillside. Water temperatures range from 101 to 104 degrees.
Sulfur is the main mineral in these pools, and although it has a strong smell it has many benefits. It is needed to manufacture collagen, which helps keep skin elastic and young-looking. Sulfur is nature’s beauty mineral! The heat, buoyancy and massage provided by this hot tub hydrotherapy are not only relaxing, but also healing and restorative. Plus, you get to enjoy all the natural beauty around you.
Spa treatments here include a Wine Therapy Massage which comes with a glass of Chardonnay, a Moisture Drench Facial, a Lemon Verbena Hand Treatment and an Undaria Seaweed Scrub.
Taking the waters and reaping the benefits of these hot soaks is a great way to get through those dark days of winter, and inject a bit of sunshine into your life. I plan to escape next month from my work to a hot mineral-spring spa and make the most of the cold. It’s the perfect therapy for the winter doldrums.
Photos by Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and The Springs Resort and Spa.