Our Perfect Destinations List to Relax and Rejuvenate This Year!
Looking for the ultimate gift for an anniversary, honeymoon or a birthday surprise? Why not give the promise of relaxation and renewal? A January getaway to soak away the chill– and escape to natural hot springs or wellness retreats is the perfect way to unwind after the holidays rush. These serene escapes offer a chance to start the year fresh, surrounded by stunning landscapes and peaceful vibes.
Whether it’s a gift for someone you love or a treat for yourself, these destinations combine relaxation, natural beauty, and wellness experiences.
Get ready to embrace the new year with warmth and tranquility!
1. Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Highlights: Known for its therapeutic mineral waters, Hot Springs has been a wellness destination since the 1800s. Visitors can indulge in the famous bathhouses, such as the Buckstaff Bathhouse, where traditional treatments, including hot mineral baths and massages, await.
- Wellness Retreat: The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa offers luxurious accommodations and a full-service spa that utilizes the natural hot springs in its treatments.
2. Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Highlights: Home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, Pagosa Springs boasts multiple soaking options surrounded by stunning mountain views. The Springs Resort & Spa offers numerous outdoor thermal pools with varying temperatures, all overlooking the San Juan River.
- Wellness Retreat: Consider a stay at Healing Waters Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy both soaking in the hot springs and indulging in spa treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate.
3. Calistoga, California
- Highlights: Nestled in the Napa Valley, Calistoga is famous for its natural hot springs and mud baths. Enjoy a soak at the Calistoga Hot Springs Resort, where you can also take advantage of their full-service spa for a complete wellness experience.
- Wellness Retreat: Indian Springs Resort and Spa offers a unique blend of geothermal mineral water and beautiful gardens, making it a serene spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
4. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Highlights: Glenwood Springs is home to the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort features a variety of pools and a full spa, making it a perfect destination for soaking and relaxation.
- Wellness Retreat: After enjoying the springs, unwind at the Hotel Colorado, which offers a cozy atmosphere and spa services to enhance your wellness experience.
5. Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
- Highlights: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is known for its unique mineral-rich waters and stunning desert surroundings. The resort features several outdoor soaking pools, each with different healing properties.
- Wellness Retreat: The resort offers a full range of spa services, including mud and mineral baths, massages, and yoga classes, providing a comprehensive wellness experience in a serene setting.
6. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Highlights: Steamboat Springs is famous for its natural hot springs and offers a unique winter experience with outdoor soaking amid snowy landscapes. The Old Town Hot Springs features multiple pools and waterslides, providing fun for the whole family.
- Wellness Retreat: The Steamboat Grand offers luxurious accommodations and a full-service spa, making it a perfect place to relax after a day of soaking and exploring.
7. Bainbridge, New York
- Highlights: For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, check out The Historic Smithy in Bainbridge, which features a private hot spring pool and beautiful countryside views. This charming village offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
- Wellness Retreat: Stay at The Inn at Smithy Farm, where you can enjoy local farm-to-table meals and unwind in a cozy atmosphere while soaking in the tranquility of the area.
8. Napa Valley, California
- Highlights: Napa Valley is not only known for its wine but also for its relaxing hot springs. Calistoga is a charming town within the valley that boasts multiple spas and natural mineral baths.
- Wellness Retreat: Spa Solage features geothermal soaking pools and a range of wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and spirit, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of the vineyards.
Did You Know? Some hot springs are renowned for their unique mineral compositions, which can vary from one spring to another. This means that different springs can offer different therapeutic benefits, from improving circulation to relieving muscle tension!
A Little History: The tradition of soaking in natural hot springs dates back thousands of years, with many ancient cultures recognizing the healing properties of mineral waters. From the Roman baths to the Japanese onsen, hot springs have been revered for their therapeutic effects and communal experiences.
In North America, hot springs gained popularity in the 19th century as tourists flocked to places like Hot Springs, Arkansas, for relaxation and healing. Today, these natural wonders continue to attract visitors seeking wellness and tranquility, making them beloved destinations for rejuvenation and self-care.
