Readers’ Choice Awards: Top 10 Best Spas for Mineral or Thermal Springs

Top 10 Best Spas for Mineral or Thermal Springs

Now that we’re all gearing up to take the Wellness Week® pledge, hydrating is definitely top of mind! There are so many ways, other than guzzling down glasses of water, to give our bodies this most-essential moisturizer and perhaps one of the most enjoyable is “taking the waters,” otherwise known as hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy has six amazing benefits! It has been known to release endorphins, reduce stress, eliminate toxins, increase blood circulation, relieve aches and pains, and reopen breathing passages. So it’s no wonder we fully condone taking the hydration pledge by taking the waters! These 10 spas were your picks for “best for mineral and thermal springs” in the 2012 SpaFinder® Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards!

Photo Courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs

Springs Eternal Spa at Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, PA

With gorgeous views of the Allegheny Mountains, Omni Bedford Springs Resort is not only one of the best locations for hydrotherapy, but is a designated National Historic Landmark: Its eight natural mineral springs have welcomed 11 U.S. presidents throughout its 200-year history, and the resort is home to one of the country’s first golf courses! Settled on 2,200 acres in Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley, the 216-room resort has stayed true to its original appeal despite a $120-million restoration and expansion, which added luxurious modern amenities. Spa guests can indulge in the Bedford Bath Ritual, a complimentary five-step, self-guided service that incorporates local herbs, minerals, and spring waters with hot-and-cool whirlpool areas, a shower, and a steam room.

Image courtesy of Omni Bedford Springs Resort

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma, CA

The ancient thermal mineral waters at Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn were used by Native Americans for hundreds of years before becoming a landmark of the Fairmont brand. The springs first gained popular attention in the 1840s when San Franciscans flocked to the bathhouse that was constructed to shelter the restorative waters. In 1927 an elegant Spanish mission-style inn was built to accommodate the large amount of visitors. Today, the spa is one of the only luxury spa resorts in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water, which flows from 1,100 feet directly beneath the inn at 135 degrees.

Image courtesy of The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort, Siena, Italy

Located amidst Italy’s picturesque Siena hills, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and streams is Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort. Built in the 17th century by the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the resort was constructed around precious hot springs, which had been used since ancient time and are now an amazing natural feature of the spa. Guests can chose from a wide range of signature and exclusive treatments designed to combine the healing properties of the thermal spa waters with manual techniques, physiotherapy, and science.

Image courtesy of Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort

Roosevelt Baths & Spa at The Gideon Putnam Resort, Saratoga Springs, NY

Set in the heart of Sarasota Springs and situated within the 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park is the Gideon Putnam Resort. Built in 1935 in a historic Georgian-Revival-style mansion, the resort popularized hydrotherapy and taking the waters—something guests to this day can do in its 19,000-square-foot Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Each of the 43-treatment rooms comes equipped with bathtubs, where guests can experience a signature mineral bath at a steamy 97° F.

Image courtesy of The Gideon Putnam Resort

Glenwood Hot Springs & Spa of the Rockies, Glenwood Springs, CO

Located on the grounds of the world’s largest hot springs pool, Glenwood Hot Springs & Spa of the Rockies offers guests a 107-room lodge and a completely restored historic sandstone bathhouse. Aptly named “the spa of the Rockies” by American aristocracy at the turn of the 19th century, these mineral-rich springs have lived up to their namesake for more than 100 years. Guests are encouraged to relax with their private thermal tub in the bathhouse and enjoy healing services, ranging from holistic massage to body and facial treatments.

Image courtesy of Glenwood Hot Springs & Spa of the Rockies

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

West Crescent, Palm Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Since 1778 visitors have been taking the waters and bathing in the white sulphur springs at The Greenbrier. Yet another National Historic Landmark spa, The Greenbrier Spa takes it a step further as the only Forbes Five Star-awarded mineral spa in the world. Guests can enjoy whirlpool baths, soak up the therapeutic sulphur waters, and select from many invigorating treatments from the spa menu.

Image courtesy of The Greenbrier

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, Ojo Caliente, NM

Indigenous Native Americans of northern New Mexico have long considered Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs to be sacred land, and guests who experience these legendary healing waters know why. The spa’s diverse menu offers treatments that vary from relaxing to restorative, and all incorporate Ojo’s private blend of wild-crafted herbs and oils. Guests who prefer to take in the waters au naturale can do so in one of the private outdoor mineral pools.

Image courtesy of Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs

Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe, NM

With a bathing experience modeled after the onsen, Ten Thousand Waves brings the experience of a Japanese hot spring resort to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Guests have access to indoor and outdoor baths, which are maintained at 104-106° F. With two private bath experiences, Ten Thousand Waves brings couples into an exotic world of their own.

Image courtesy of Ten Thousand Waves

Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Nestled away in a desert oasis, Two Bunch Palms is the perfect place for adults who want to take in the waters. The spa blends the healing properties of the mineral springs with therapeutic treatments to refresh, restore, and rejuvenate body and soul. The resort and spa is home to mineral springs that flow from Miracle Hill into its legendary grotto.

Image courtesy of Two Bunch Palms Resort & Spa

Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort, Napa Valley, CA

Nestled in the heart of Californian wine country, Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort offers spa guests complimentary use of its therapeutic hot springs. Great for overnight guests and locals alike, the spa menu features mud baths for couples, hot springs’ herbal mineral baths, massage, foot reflexology, herbal facials, and European body wraps.

Image courtesy of Calistoga Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa & Resort

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