Things Are Heating Up at America's Hot Springs

For centuries, spa-goers have sought out the27,000-square-foot spa facility features full-body
soothing and healing waters of the hot springs.capsules with the famous mineral water that
From the Romans to the Native Americans, themade this property an undisputed first-class
hot spring has long held a kind of medicinal positionresort.
in wellness living. In fact, the Native AmericansAn American classic, the Roosevelt Bathhouse in
believed their Great Spirit resided in the earth'sSaratoga Springs, New York, is located at the
core and the hot springs were a special gift fromGidion Putnum Hotel Resort & Spa, built in
their creator. The water from a hot spring is1935. Set amidst the 2,200-acre natural beauty of
known to contain high levels of mineral essentialsSaratoga Springs State Park, the treatments here
which offer certain healing properties.are comparable to those found at the great
The medical community may not have provenEuropean spas. The property's turn-of-the-century
actual medical results from the use of hot springs,charm and hot spring-inspired baths revitalize
but that hasn't stopped people from seeking outguests seeking a respite from the modern world.
their soothing waters. The spa and hotel industrySituated in remote Middleton, California, Harbin Hot
have spent millions renovating and restoring 19thSprings was the birthplace of Watsu, courtesy of
and 20th-century hot springs resorts to theirtherapist Harold Dull, who combined Zen shiatsu
original grandeur, while putting a modern spin onwith water. Simple but comfortable cottages or
the service menu.campgrounds serve as the accommodations
At the Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood,where guests find solitude following treatment
Colorado, patrons gather at the largest outdoorsessions like waterdance or cranial sacral balancing.
geothermal pool. More than three blocks long,But the real draw of the property is the warm
Glenwood Hot Springs captures the hot springs asnatural spring pools located throughout the
they bubble up at 5,760 feet. The 122-degree2,000-acre property.
waters are cooled down to a moreWith esteemed guests including Thomas
swimmer-friendly 104 degrees so guests canJefferson, the Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia,
enjoy the mineral-rich waters year round. In 2008,knows a thing or two about warm, Southern
a 17,000-square-foot facility will open offeringhospitality. The classic American spa offers
affordably priced body and skin care treatments.signature mud wraps and mineral baths. Jefferson
Nutrient-rich mud mixed with hot spring water isspent three weeks bathing in the springs three
the soup d'jour at Solage Calistoga Resort intimes a day, and today's guests can do the same
Calistoga, California. This eco-chic resort features- donned in vintage swimming wear. It is a place
geothermal treatments for couples, families andbuilt on the centuries-old tradition of "taking
friends seeking a rural setting featuring luxurywaters," but stands ready to offer guests
standards. Guests enjoy the "mud mojito" orinnovative luxury spa treatments.
"mud-tinis" and state-of-the-art "sound chairs" thatFrom world-class spa treatments to fine dining,
float guests into zero-gravity. Soaking tubs filledThe Greenbriar in White Sulphur Springs, West
with geothermal waters provide the ultimate elixirVirginia, has it all. Recently undergoing a $50 million
for spa goers.renovation, the focus of the 40,000-square-foot
When the West Baden Springs Hotel in Frenchfacility remains its natural mineral and sulphur
Lick, Indiana, opened during the Gilded Age, itswaters. Featured in two signature treatments,
gigantic dome was considered the "Eighth Wonderguests can partake of the Waterworks which
of the World." A recent renovation completed inincludes a dip in one of three mineral baths and a
2007 has brought this property to National Historicvertical body spa, or the Sulphur Soak, ideal for
Landmark status and comes complete with healththose with tired or sore muscles.
and wellness services for the serious spa goer. A