Human beings have had a love affair with hot springs since ancient times. We simply adore soaking our bodies in hot, mineral-rich water — which should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever taken a relaxing bath. Ancient Romans built elaborate bath houses where soaking was a social affair. Cultures around the world have constructed similar structures, and Indigenous people from North America have considered hot springs to be sacred for thousands of years.
Even as centuries passed and modern medicine began to replace the natural remedies of the past, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs water remained a popular healing modality. Doctors would suggest that patients with lingering symptoms travel to hot springs and "take in the waters" due to its healing benefits. There were reports of miracle cures from various hot springs around the world.
Today, we still love hot springs, and all around the world you'll find incredible spas near natural hot springs that advertise the benefits of soaking in the waters. The United States might not have the same spa culture as some European nations, but we do have some fabulous natural hot springs that remain popular tourist destinations. There is plenty of evidence that soaking in hot springs has wellness benefits, and it's a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
If you've been considering planning the perfect hot springs vacation, we've rounded up a varied list of five excellent options in the United States. We researched dozens of hot spring resorts across the country, read plenty of reviews posted by real guests, and even visited some of these incredible spots ourselves. According to our research, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Chena Hot Springs Resort, Ojo Caliente, and Omni Homestead Resort are some of the best hot spring resorts you can visit.
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs originally opened in 1952. A man named Jon Wilkinson, known as Doc, studied alternative healing modalities and ancient wellness practices and decided that the geothermal springs of Calistoga, California, were ideal for creating a health spa. Calistoga is located in the northern part of Napa Valley, which is one of the best places in the United States to visit for wine tastings. An afternoon spent soaking in the warm waters could be the perfect compliment to a long weekend of visiting the vineyards.
Over the years, Dr. Wilkinson's became a haven for celebrities. People would travel from all around to experience Doc's healing remedies, including a special mud bath that he created by mixing volcanic ash with the mineral-rich spring water. Doc and his wife Edy lived on the property and Edy created beautiful mosaic art that can still be enjoyed by visitors today. Edy's art studio has been converted into private lodging for guests.
Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs underwent quite the face lift in 2020, and it's better than ever. Guests are still greeted by the original vintage neon sign, and the decor still leans into the spa's mid-century modern roots, but there are plenty of upgraded modern conveniences. A geothermal well beneath the property pumps the warm water into three mineral pools. The same water is also used in all of the spa baths. In addition to mineral soaks and mud baths, guests can enjoy other wellness treatments like massages and facials.