It’s a crisp late-autumn evening in the Sonoran Desert — just an hour’s drive north of Phoenix, Arizona, but a world away from the buzz of the city. The first stars of the night are beginning to twinkle awake as the sky embarks on its slow transition from the rich oranges and purples of sunset to a vivid blend of dusk-time blues. Floating in a pool of naturally heated, mineral-rich water, you close your eyes and listen as the rustling of the palm tree fronds harmonizes with the gentle lapping of the water.
With its natural beauty and bountiful restorative opportunities, Castle Hot Springs is best experienced over several days. From hiking and paddleboard yoga, to farm tours and spa treatments, the resort’s offerings are designed to be tailored to the desires of every guest.
DAY ONE
Once you’ve settled into your luxuriously appointed room, acquaint yourself with the resort with a stroll around the lush grounds or plan on watching “Castle Hot Springs: Oasis of Time,” which airs every evening and recently won the 2020 Emmy award for Best Historical Documentary.
Afterward, join Castle Hot Springs’ team of agronomists on a tour of the resort’s three-acre organic farm. More than 150 crops are cultivated here throughout the year, and the tour includes insights into the farm’s sustainable growing practices, unique ecosystem and new flower garden, including edible varieties. Dozens of crops are nearing harvest come November, including okra, peppers, eggplant, hibiscus and citrus fruit varieties. Learn about each of them — including taste tests! — and the ways they’ll be used in menus throughout the year.
Savor the results of that day’s yield on the patio at Harvest restaurant or the expansive deck of Bar 1896, both of which feature curated menus designed using produce fresh from the farm. The same goes for Bar 1896’s custom cocktails, designed by a team of mixologists and incorporating just-harvested fruit, herbs and edible flowers.
After dinner, wind down the day with a soak in one of the three natural hot-spring pools, or in the privacy of your own tub, featuring the same mineral-rich water piped in straight from the springs.
The hot springs contain a unique mix of naturally occurring minerals, offering various wellness benefits. From potassium, believed to encourage blood flow; to iron, which increases resistance to stress; to sodium sulfate anhydrous, essential for collagen production, each mineral plays a unique role in the overall experience of the springs.
DAY TWO
Autumn is prime exploring season in the desert, with highs in the 70s and pleasant sunshine all day long. Begin the day with a guided hike on one of the trails crisscrossing Castle Hot Springs’ 1,200-acre property. See if you can spot a jackrabbit or one of the barn owls recently released by Liberty Wildlife while learning about the area’s many points-of-interest highlighted by your guide.
If something a little more adventurous appeals to you, sign up for a morning on the Via Ferrata. Translated from Italian as “Iron Way,” the course is one of only a handful in the U.S., and was designed specifically for Castle Hot Springs. With the help of ladders, steel cables and state-of-the-art equipment — as well as trained guides — you’ll ascend into the mountains at your preferred pace for an incomparable view.
Refuel with lunch at Harvest, then reward your tired muscles for the morning’s activities with a float in one of the hot springs pools you haven’t tried yet. Allow the clear desert air and soothing sounds of nature envelop you until you’re ready to emerge.
DAY THREE
Welcome your last full day at Castle Hot Springs with a gentle yoga session. Our instructors adapt each hour-long class to the preferences and abilities of their students, and all experience levels are welcome.
Centered and relaxed, treat your body and spirit to a signature spa service. Unwind with a Castle Signature Massage, release chronic muscle tension with the Deep in the Desert Bodywork service or opt for rejuvenation and detoxification with the Bradshaw Hot Stone Massage.
Continue your day of relaxation with some Vitamin D therapy at the pool. Order lunch and one of the resort’s house-made sparkling sodas while lounging, then allow the warmth of the autumn Arizona sun to lull you into an afternoon nap.
Make the most of your last night with reservations at Harvest and post-dinner cocktails at Bar 1896. For a savory autumn drink, try the Graham Daddy: a delightful mix of graham cracker bourbon, black walnut bitters, Bogart’s Bitters and maple syrup, topped with a flaming marshmallow and piece of chocolate.
Before leaving, take a moment to reflect on the last few days: the soothing water of the hot springs, the fulfilling quiet of the desert nights, the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Even after just 72 hours, it’s all a part of you now. And it will be here waiting for you, whenever you should choose to return.