Stay Warm And Enjoy A Winter Retreat At 5 Of America's Best Hot Springs Resorts

Human beings have had a love affair with hot springs since ancient times. We simply adore soaking our bodies in hot, mineral-rich water — which should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever taken a relaxing bath. Ancient Romans built elaborate bath houses where soaking was a social affair. Cultures around the world have constructed similar structures, and Indigenous people from North America have considered hot springs to be sacred for thousands of years.

Even as centuries passed and modern medicine began to replace the natural remedies of the past, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs water remained a popular healing modality. Doctors would suggest that patients with lingering symptoms travel to hot springs and "take in the waters" due to its healing benefits. There were reports of miracle cures from various hot springs around the world.

Today, we still love hot springs, and all around the world you'll find incredible spas near natural hot springs that advertise the benefits of soaking in the waters. The United States might not have the same spa culture as some European nations, but we do have some fabulous natural hot springs that remain popular tourist destinations. There is plenty of evidence that soaking in hot springs has wellness benefits, and it's a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience. 

If you've been considering planning the perfect hot springs vacation, we've rounded up a varied list of five excellent options in the United States. We researched dozens of hot spring resorts across the country, read plenty of reviews posted by real guests, and even visited some of these incredible spots ourselves. According to our research, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Chena Hot Springs Resort, Ojo Caliente, and Omni Homestead Resort are some of the best hot spring resorts you can visit.

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs originally opened in 1952. A man named Jon Wilkinson, known as Doc, studied alternative healing modalities and ancient wellness practices and decided that the geothermal springs of Calistoga, California, were ideal for creating a health spa. Calistoga is located in the northern part of Napa Valley, which is one of the best places in the United States to visit for wine tastings. An afternoon spent soaking in the warm waters could be the perfect compliment to a long weekend of visiting the vineyards.

Over the years, Dr. Wilkinson's became a haven for celebrities. People would travel from all around to experience Doc's healing remedies, including a special mud bath that he created by mixing volcanic ash with the mineral-rich spring water. Doc and his wife Edy lived on the property and Edy created beautiful mosaic art that can still be enjoyed by visitors today. Edy's art studio has been converted into private lodging for guests.

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs underwent quite the face lift in 2020, and it's better than ever. Guests are still greeted by the original vintage neon sign, and the decor still leans into the spa's mid-century modern roots, but there are plenty of upgraded modern conveniences. A geothermal well beneath the property pumps the warm water into three mineral pools. The same water is also used in all of the spa baths. In addition to mineral soaks and mud baths, guests can enjoy other wellness treatments like massages and facials.

The state of Colorado is full of wonderful experiences for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and wellness lovers to enjoy. It's home to a handful of national parks — including the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park where you can see the majestic Continental Divide. Some of the most popular ski resorts in the west are also nestled in the towering peaks of Colorado's mountains. There are raging rivers, world class cities, and some seriously incredible hot springs. There are no shortage of hot springs to choose from, but if you long to soak surrounded by nature, head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

The hot springs are located just outside of Steamboat Springs — a lovely ski-town that's also ideal for a scenic summer getaway – about three hours from Denver by car. The ultra-hot water bubbles up straight from the earth and into large pools to create a natural oasis. A stream runs through the property and that pristine mountain water flows into other pools, which are combined with the hot mineral water to create different temperature areas ranging from ultra-hot soaks to cold plunges. The pools are surrounded by a multi-level cobblestone patio with lounge chairs. You can also book a massage or other wellness treatments on site.

There are a few unique accommodation options, like cabins and covered wagons, as well as several campsites. Keep in mind that they book up fast. Day-use visitors make up the majority of the clientele, but the real magic happens when you stay overnight. After sunset, the daytime visitors are required to leave and the few guests with overnight lodging have the place all to themselves. After dark, it's clothing optional and children are not permitted. There's nothing quite like gazing at the stars while you soak in the mineral-rich water.

If you're the kind of traveler who enjoys feeling completely immersed in natural beauty, you'll love Chena Hot Springs Resort. The property is located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, in a beautiful remote setting where you'll feel totally surrounded by Alaska's lovely wilderness. After a few days of hiking and exploring, resting and relaxing in the warm mineral-rich waters will feel superb. The resort has been around for over one hundred years, and remains a beloved destination for Alaskan locals and tourists.

Although some reviews mention that the resort itself is aging, Chena Hot Springs Resort made our list due to its unique location. If you're lucky, you might even be able to enjoy views of the Northern Lights as you soak. The average water temperature is around 106 degrees, so you can visit and soak year round — even when there's snow on the ground.

Guests can enjoy a variety of different on-site accommodations, including traditional hotel rooms in the Moose Lodge. Families can opt to stay in a spacious suite instead. Cabins offer a cozy and rustic experience, but they don't have bathrooms or running water. Guests who opt for a cabin stay are welcome to use the communal bathrooms. During the warmer months the property allows camping sites for tents and RVs. There are even a few yurts to rent if you prefer a camping experience but don't have your own tent. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag if you choose to stay in a yurt. There is also a restaurant, a bar, and a cafe on site.

Ojo Caliente is a historic hot springs resort located in the southwestern state of New Mexico. Its name means "hot eye" in Spanish. It's about an hour from Santa Fe, and about 45 minutes from Taos. The northwestern part of New Mexico where the spa is located is known for its rugged natural scenery, historic sites, and Indigenous culture. Ojo Caliente was officially established in the 1800s, which makes it one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the country. Indigenous people were living in the area and soaking in the hot springs hundreds of years earlier.

Today Ojo Caliente has received plenty of modern upgrades, but its overall style remains rooted in traditional Southwestern design. Some of the buildings on the property are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Spanish mission revival-style hotel that dates back to 1917. Guests can choose between simple rooms with shared bathrooms, spacious suites, adobe-style houses with multiple bedrooms for groups, and even vintage trailers. There are also campsites and RV sites available.

With an overnight stay at Ojo Caliente, guests are offered complimentary unlimited access to the heated hot spring pools and other amenities like daily yoga classes. Throughout the year there are various wellness classes and workshops. At the time of writing, a few upcoming classes included an intention setting course and a couples massage workshop. Hiking and mountain biking trails are within walking distance from the property. An onsite restaurant and wine bar called Artesian is the perfect place to grab a nourishing bite after you spend the day soaking in the pools. Menu items feature ingredients sourced from local farms, and there are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivore options available.

Natural hot springs aren't as abundant in the eastern part of the United States, but there are a few spots that are well worth visiting. The Omni Homestead Resort is the perfect destination if you like your spa experience with a side of history. The luxurious hotel is located in Hot Springs, Virginia, and it's been around since the Colonial era. There are over 400 luxurious rooms, spring-fed thermal pools, restaurants, lounges, and even a golf course.

The property was acquired via a land grant in 1764 — before America was even a country. Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy are just a few of the many presidents who have stayed at the Homestead to soak in the healing spring water over the years. The current hotel is built in the Georgian Revival style and was constructed in the early 1900s. The resort has been listed as one of the Historic Hotels of America since 1989.

The property on which the Omni Homestead Resort sits has two springs from the Allegheny Mountains that feed various naturally-heated soaking pools on site. The resort is family-friendly and there are soaking times for people traveling with kids, as well as adult-only soaks. The Serenity Garden features a spring-fed swimming pool that is open year round, and there is a two-acre water park onsite that is completely spring-fed. The historic Gentlemen's and Ladies' Bathhouses are located just a few miles away from the resort itself. They're the oldest spa structures in the country. The Omni Signature Experience allows for nearly an hour of private access. You can take in the water by lantern light while enjoying prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries.

In order to choose five of the best hot springs resorts for a winter retreat in America, we relied on information gathered from multiple "best of" articles. We also read reviews from guests who had stayed at the various properties, and pulled from personal experiences when possible. We attempted to choose a variety of properties ranging from luxurious to rustic, so that every type of traveler can find an option they'd enjoy. We also attempted to choose locations around the country, as opposed to focusing on the western United States where hot springs are most abundant. If you're looking for an affordable hot springs vacation, make sure to check out our list of the best budget-friendly hot springs resorts. If you're looking for hot springs in Europe, check out our favorite options to stay warm during your winter getaway.