Luxurious all-inclusive resort Castle Hot Springs in Arizona: hot springs, canyon hikes, unique spa, and magnificent desert landscapes
If you're seeking a trip dedicated to natural hot springs, canyon hikes, and perhaps experiencing the best massage of your life, then welcome to the luxurious Castle Hot Springs Resort, situated an hour outside of Phoenix, Arizona.
The history of Castle Hot Springs has been fraught with challenges. Initially, Native Americans were drawn to these healing waters. Later, travelers became interested, especially with the arrival of the railroad. Entrepreneur Frank M. Murphy from Arizona purchased the land, transforming the hot springs into a health resort.
Located in the Sonoran Desert, it serves as a verdant oasis. This is made possible by spring water flowing from the Bradshaw Mountains, nourishing the neon-green lawns, gardens, and blooming citrus trees. After passing through filters, this water is utilized for showering and drinking. Visitors can also enjoy a dip in the three-tiered pools located in the canyon above the resort.
Start your day at this oasis with a stroll along the creek shaded by tall palm trees, making your way up to the upper pools and lounge terrace to prepare your body for the unique dips. The top pool, closest to the springs, maintains an average temperature of 106°F, offering a serene spot to unwind to the soothing sound of cascading waterfalls. The second pool's temperature cools down to around 96°F, perfect for a leisurely swim. The third pool, with water averaging around 86°F, is the deepest and provides an idyllic setting for swimming amidst towering palm trees.
The hot spring pools naturally stand out as the main highlight of the Arizona resort. However, beyond that, guests have much more to discover and enjoy. The accommodations at Castle Hot Springs are truly remarkable. Privacy is increasingly becoming one of the defining features of hotels, and this Arizona hot springs resort offers guests the space and privacy they desire.
The resort offers three distinct types of accommodations inspired by the desert landscape, featuring rustic elements, beautiful stonework, intriguing woodwork, and custom textiles that reflect the resort's rich history. The Sky View Cabins are elevated and each boasts a panoramic terrace with a telescope for stargazing, an outdoor bath and shower, and a lounge area. For a dip in relaxation and tranquility, consider staying in the Spring Bungalows, which feature cozy covered terraces with furnishings and a fireplace, providing comfortable outdoor relaxation year-round. These modern freestanding lodges come with private spring water baths and patios, and in addition to an outdoor fireplace, there is an indoor fireplace. Each cabin and bungalow can accommodate up to 2 guests.
Larger groups have the option to stay in the historic house, once favored by renowned families such as the Rockefellers, Roosevelts, and Vanderbilts for their vacations. This century-old hillside cottage features a spacious covered terrace offering guests stunning views of the canyon and the Bradshaw Mountains. The accommodation includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room with a fireplace, and is ideal for family travelers or groups of friends.
Guests at Castle Hot Springs Resort in Arizona gather at the main lodge, Harvest Restaurant, for meals, which are included in the room rate. Here, they can enjoy breakfasts, lunches, and a 5-course dinner tasting menu, depending on the season, as many ingredients are sourced from the onsite farm. The resort boasts over 3 acres of farmland where experienced agronomists cultivate over 150 different crops each season, forming the foundation of their farm-to-table cuisine. Guests can even take home their favorite flavors, as recipes from the chef are provided. After dinner, guests can unwind at the 1896 Bar, which offers a fine selection of wines, refreshing beverages, and a charming patio overlooking the desert's edge.
Entertainment at Castle Hot Springs Resort extends beyond dining and hot springs. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including paddleboard yoga, farm tours, wine tasting, archery, and more. For thrill-seekers, there are adrenaline-pumping adventures such as hiking up Crater Canyon or experiencing the desert from a new perspective on the Via Ferrata tour, which involves traversing rocks and a 200-foot aerial walkway high above the canyon. Travelers seeking tranquility and a connection with nature can explore hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.
Naturally, a visit to a contemporary hot springs resort would be incomplete without indulging in spa treatments, and Castle Hot Springs in Arizona embodies this concept as a comprehensive wellness center focused on both physical and mental well-being. Derived from the Latin acronym SPA (Salus Per Aquam), meaning "health through water," the resort's wellness philosophy is centered around the healing properties of its unique water and minerals. Guests can enjoy soaking in the springs before, after, or even during their spa sessions, with each treatment designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of Castle Hot Springs' natural resources. Prior to treatments, guests can relax in the Halotherapy sauna, which combines infrared heat with dry salt inhalation. The spa menu offers a range of massages utilizing various techniques, water and energy therapies, facials, body treatments, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and other rituals aimed at rejuvenation and relaxation. The spa consistently exceeds expectations, with many guests praising its massages as the best they've ever experienced.
Journeying to Castle Hot Springs Resort is more than just a simple commute from the airport or city to a vacation spot—it's an immersive experience shaped by history and characterized by vast, diverse landscapes. The route to Castle Hot Springs spans 7 miles of dirt road, at times rough and rugged, yet adorned with breathtaking views of unique desert wildlife along the way. Travelers may encounter the charming Burro family, rumored descendants of miners' donkeys, and enjoy stunning vistas of one of Arizona's largest lakes, Lake Pleasant, about a mile down the road. While the journey to the resort may present challenges and demands physical exertion, it's important to consider the rich history behind it: in the past, travelers would undertake this arduous trek by horseback or stagecoach, enduring over 5 hours on the road to reach this extraordinary oasis for a brief respite. While modern transportation has made the journey more accessible, the rejuvenating waters of Castle Hot Springs remain a destination well worth the effort.
In favorable weather conditions, most vehicles should be able to navigate the trip, though trucks or SUVs are recommended. The resort offers shuttle services via car or helicopter, particularly during spring rains when the dirt road may become impassable. A helicopter ride can also be arranged as part of an exclusive experience, providing guests with a unique aerial perspective of the Sonoran Desert.
The Arizona hot springs resort operates on an all-inclusive basis. It covers all food and beverages (except alcohol and some specialty drinks and menu items), resort fees and tips, most entertainment and activities, swimming in the springs and some wellness treatments, and room service and amenities (from snacks and in-room beverages to valet service and an electric car charging station).
