Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort and Mineral Springs, a Member of Design Hotels Press Room
Relax and Rejuvenate at The Best Hot Springs Across America
Winter is here; it's time to put on your bathing suit and head outside! Yes, we're referencing the Northern Hemisphere, and no, we haven't lost our minds. All over the world, groundwater either comes into contact with magma bubbling near the ground or travels downward through cracks in the earth and reemerges toasty warm and full of valuable, therapeutic minerals. The water is now a hot spring, a natural hot tub with temperatures that hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humans have joyfully soaked in these springs for thousands of years, reveling in their warmth and numerous therapeutic benefits. They're adored year-round, but many appreciate them most in the winter. This is because they bring back a bit of summer fun by allowing soakers to sit outside in their bathing suits and admire the snow or even the aurora borealis. We searched the country for the 10 best natural hot springs, from little pools on top of a mountain to grand resorts centered with spas and dozens of different pools. We took into account the quality of the water, the beauty of the surroundings, and traveler reviews. So, come on in — the water's perfect.
After the stark beauty of Travertine, we now swing back to the resort side of the hot springs pendulum. In the heart of the Napa Valley lies Calistoga, a charming old resort town that sits atop what scientists believe is the largest geothermal aquifer in the world. Combine the largest geothermal aquifer with one of the most prominent wine resort regions worldwide, and you will get a pretty fabulous concoction.
The many springs and geothermal geysers were first discovered around 8,000 years ago by the Wappo tribe, who called the region "the oven place." In the mid-19th century, developers began creating the first spas and resorts, drawing crowds to the hot springs, mud baths, and geyser explosions. Calistoga has become one of the premier spa destinations in the country. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs boasts four geothermal mineral pools and a cooler outdoor multi-lane lap pool overlooking the mountains.
The mid-century saw Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs offering three hot spring swimming pools and specializing in mud treatments. Indian Springs Calistoga is famous for its Mud Bath Ritual, Buddhist meditation pond, and Olympic-sized mineral pool from 1913. The handsome old Mount View Hotel & Spa in downtown Calistoga offers a mineral hot tub, heated pool, and numerous spa treatments like oxygen and mineral mud baths. Combine any of these treatments with excellent wine and a hot air balloon ride to truly feel like you're in the clouds.