There’s something deeply human about soaking in warm, mineral-rich water that bubbles up straight from the earth. Whether tucked into a mountain valley or hidden in a desert basin, hot springs offer more than comfort—they offer clarity. In these places, time slows, the body exhales, and the mind finally catches up. Each of these destinations reminded me that nature always knows how to help us reset.
Best Natural Hot Springs
Bathhouse Bliss in Hot Springs, Arkansas
There was something timeless about Hot Springs, Arkansas. The bathhouses along Central Avenue stood like quiet sentinels of the past—elegant, weathered, and deeply inviting. I wandered past steaming vents and watched history roll into the present. I remember thinking, "This place doesn’t just help you unwind—it remembers how people used to slow down."
What I Loved Most: Soaking at the historic Buckstaff Bathhouse and feeling the mineral water melt away all tension. Then walking through Hot Springs National Park, where the smell of stone and steam hung gently in the air.
My highlights? A Southern breakfast at The Pancake Shop, where I had banana pancakes with pecan butter and a side of crisp bacon. It was old-school, comforting, and absolutely worth the wait.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Historic, restorative, nostalgic
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for cooler weather
- Soaking Options: Buckstaff Bathhouse (traditional) and Quapaw Baths (modern spa)
- Cost: Bathhouse treatments from ~$35 and up
- Address: Bathhouse Row – 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
River Calm in Hot Springs, North Carolina
This tiny Appalachian town felt tucked away from the world, surrounded by misty mountains and the steady hush of the French Broad River. The tubs here weren’t glamorous—but they were perfectly placed. I remember thinking, "Simplicity is sacred when nature’s doing all the work."
What I Loved Most: Soaking in a private riverside hot tub under the stars, with the sound of the river as my only soundtrack. The steam, the quiet, the darkness—it felt like a spell.
My highlights? Dinner at Iron Horse Station, where I had blackened trout with roasted vegetables and a glass of North Carolina wine. The dining room was warm and filled with laughter—it felt like coming home, even though I’d never been.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Rustic, cozy, nature-first
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; fall for foliage, winter for cozy soaks
- Soaking Options: Hot Springs Resort & Spa – private outdoor tubs by the river
- Cost: ~$50/hour per tub
- Address: 315 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC
Desert Stillness at Faywood Hot Springs
The silence out here felt heavy in the best way. Faywood Hot Springs was remote, open, and raw—just sky, earth, and water. It didn’t feel curated; it felt real. I remember thinking, "Some places don’t need polish—they just need peace."
What I Loved Most: Soaking at dusk with stars beginning to appear, the desert wind brushing against my face while the water stayed warm against my skin. No phones, no noise—just presence.
My highlights? A campfire meal under the stars. I brought my own provisions—nothing fancy—but the backdrop made it taste like something sacred. Simplicity made perfect.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Off-grid, rustic, soul-cleansing
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather
- Soaking Options: Clothing-optional and clothing-required pools; both public and private
- Cost: ~$15 day use; private pool extra
- Address: 165 Hwy 61, Faywood, NM
Luxury and Layers at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Glen Ivy felt like the spa day I always promised myself but rarely took. The palm trees swayed softly, mineral pools steamed beside manicured gardens, and everything smelled faintly of eucalyptus and sunshine. I remember thinking, "Sometimes wellness means letting yourself be cared for."
What I Loved Most: The contrast—floating in the warm sulfur pools, then slathering on red clay in the Club Mud area. Laughing with strangers as we dried like statues in the sun.
My highlights? A healthy lunch at Ivy Kitchen on-site. I had the salmon poke bowl with ginger soy dressing and iced green tea. It was light and fresh, perfect between soaks.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Upscale, tropical, rejuvenating
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or off-season for fewer crowds
- Soaking Options: Mineral pools, lap pools, Club Mud, saunas
- Cost: ~$85+ per day; treatments additional
- Address: 25000 Glen Ivy Rd, Corona, CA
Ghost Town Healing at Montezuma Hot Springs
These springs felt sacred. Just outside the old Victorian architecture of the United World College, the pools bubbled up quietly from the earth—unfussy, natural, and beautifully open to all. I remember thinking, "This is what generosity looks like in the form of water."
What I Loved Most: Choosing between multiple stone pools with different temperatures, and letting the cold mountain air meet the steam on my skin. There were no fees, no fences—just healing water and good intentions.
My highlights? A homey breakfast afterward at Charlie's Spic & Span in Las Vegas, NM. I had a breakfast burrito smothered in green chile, and the tortillas were fresh from the griddle. It hit that perfect New Mexico balance of spicy and soul-warming.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Humble, spiritual, local-loved
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for quiet time
- Soaking Options: Multiple free pools with varying heat levels
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Address: NM-65, Las Vegas, NM (near the Armand Hammer United World College campus)
River Serenity at Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Iron Mountain overlooked the Colorado River like it had all the time in the world. Set against snowy mountains and pine forests, the pools steamed gently while the river flowed endlessly by. I remember thinking, "This is what it feels like to truly arrive—no rush, no plan, just here."
What I Loved Most: Rotating between different soaking pools—each with their own temperature and view. The silence, broken only by water and birdsong, was its own kind of therapy.
My highlights? A casual bite at the on-site café. I had a grilled panini and a lavender lemonade, then lounged in an Adirondack chair with a blanket and river views. Simple, restorative, and unhurried.
Travel Tips:
- Vibe: Mountain modern, tranquil, restorative
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for snowy views; fall for golden trees
- Soaking Options: 16 geothermal pools, quiet zone areas, and family pools
- Cost: ~$36 for a 2.5-hour soak (advance reservations recommended)
- Address: 281 Centennial St, Glenwood Springs, CO
What Stays with You
I didn’t just remember the water—I remembered the feeling: quiet mornings, still evenings, and the warmth that lingered long after I’d dried off. These were places that didn’t need anything fancy to feel extraordinary. I remember thinking, "Sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from sinking in and doing nothing at all."
More to Explore