By Roger Naylor
Before even arriving at Castle Hot Springs, guests enjoy the adventure of the journey. It sets the mood because this gem is decidedly off the beaten path. Once here, they are greeted by a paradise tucked away amid the cliffs and cacti. Here, they find the lush greenery of an otherworldly oasis, wrapped in mountain peaks that rise above like castle ramparts.
A multitude of exciting activities and adventures are available, it can be hard to decide where to begin. Guests can soak in the velvety waters of the natural hot springs. They can lounge by the pool, ride horseback across open country, or hike among the towering saguaros that guard the property like stately sentinels. When hungry, they dine on sumptuous meals created with ingredients that were grown just footsteps from the kitchen. When the sun finally slips beyond the grasp of the Bradshaw Mountains and darkness falls, guests are treated to a sky glistening with stars. The heavens have never felt so close.
That was what it was like at Castle Hot Springs more than 125 years ago.
And yet, the experience sounds astonishingly familiar. There have been many dramatic chapters to the story of Arizona’s first luxury hotel, while the guest journey continues to evolve since it opened its doors in 1896.
What defines the resort is a powerful sense of place. It is a true and natural escape from the outside world, and deeply rooted in the west. Everything the resort started out as, and continues to be, are built upon the twin pillars of water and the desert. They are the heart and soul of Castle Hot Springs.
Fast Fact: In 2024, Castle Hot Springs was inducted into Historic Hotels of America. As the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the organization celebrates and recognizes the finest historic hotels, inns, and resorts across the United States.
The curative powers of the water were long known to the Indigenous people who roamed these lands. The springs were utilized by the prospectors and miners who came to the Bradshaw Mountains searching for gold and silver in the latter half of the nineteenth century. When an entrepreneur named Frank Murphy opened the property as a resort, he enjoyed almost immediate success.
Guests were eager to experience the romance of a western frontier that was quickly disappearing, while still reveling in all the comforts of civilization. The peaceful setting, idyllic climate, and rejuvenating power of the hot springs proved an irresistible draw for some of the most prominent families in America. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Pews, and Astors were frequent guests of this Arizona luxury hotel.
Away from their daily lives they could immerse themselves in Western culture. They could saddle up with genuine cowboys and ride across miles of open desert. The sunsets they witnessed blazing across the Bradshaws were masterpieces of color and light. The mineral-rich waters of the hot spring relieved aches and ailments, and every meal proved to be a feast. No wonder they returned over and over again.
Just like today. Castle Hot Springs was a welcome harbor of health and serenity then, just as it is now. Relaxation, soothing waters, good food, fresh air, exercise—the formula hasn’t changed. It just continues to improve. And as life becomes even more hectic, these special sanctuaries become increasingly important.
For guests intrigued about the storied past of the resort, be sure to visit the History Room located in the Upper Barn. This intimate setting is filled with relics and artifacts—including archaeological discoveries such as stone tools of the Indigenous people used for carving petroglyphs found across the property. There’s also kitchen appliances, cutlery and silverware, room furnishings, and landscaping equipment dating back to the early days of the resort. Walls are covered with historic photographs, timelines, and old signage.
Guests can also take a 45-minute historic tour led by knowledgeable and entertaining staff members. This walking tour traverses the property and helps put everything in perspective. Learn about the legendary Hollywood director who filmed a movie at Castle Hot Springs. Hear the story of the famous painter and the famous novelist who both found inspiration during their stays. Discover how the resort briefly became the capital of the Arizona territory.
Castle Hot Springs set the standard for comfort, luxury, and wellness at the dawn of the 20th century and continues to lead the way in the 21st century. Come for a stay, and be part of Arizona history.