Take a rejuvenating dip in Castle Hot Springs’ eponymous geothermal waters. The healing nature of the resort’s warm natural springs is said to be so profound that the area was transformed into the first wellness retreat in Arizona. As a result, no stay at Castle Hot Springs is complete without a reinvigorating soak in its spring-fed pools. Taking the waters—which are rich in magnesium, lithium, bicarbonates, and other minerals—is not only thought to lift the mood and calm the mind but also unwind aching muscles and joints. A trio of hot spring pools, with temperatures ranging from 106°F to 86°F, complemented by a cold plunge pool allows guests to renew their bodies and minds and emerge revitalized. To take the experience deeper, guests can take advantage of Watsu therapy, a form of aquatic bodywork that sees the participant enjoy a soothing shiatsu massage while floating in a hot spring. This allows the therapist to stretch the body further, as the water takes pressure off the spine and creates space around the spine.

Deepen the renewal of the body, mind, and spirit by partaking in the resort’s other wellness activities. Yoga classes serve as a moving meditation, harnessing stretches and breathwork to tone and relax. Sound baths use the healing vibrations of singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks, and gongs, as well as the vast amount of water in the human body, to immerse guests in restorative frequencies for a full-body listening experience. Alternatively, daily mindfulness activities are also offered for those who prefer to unwind by getting hands-on and in tune with the present moment, allowing participants to focus their minds to create take-home keepsakes like succulent arrangements or body scrubs.

Gain an appreciation for Castle Hot Springs’ fascinating past and the work that goes into keeping the resort beautiful during a guided tour of the grounds. The 45-minute history tour explores the places that made the Edenlike retreat into the destination resort it is today. In contrast, the hourlong landscape tour traverses such topics as how the grounds were constructed, plant identification and selection, and maintenance through watering systems and other engineering. Then, later in the day, history-minded guests can slow things down with a complimentary glass of wine and a showing of the Emmy-winning documentary Castle Hot Springs: Oasis of Time, which traces the history of the resort and the surrounding area.

Be immersed in the rugged beauty of the Bradshaw Mountains while digging into Castle Hot Springs' history with an invigorating desert hike. Sprawling to 1,100 acres in size, the resort offers no shortage of outdoor adventures, from leisurely jaunts through the wilderness to challenging canyoneering excursions. Although Castle Hot Springs' several hiking trails are well-marked and can be explored alone, guided hikes give welcome insight into the area's flora, fauna, and fascinating past. And, best of all, these daily outings are included in every resort stay. Clocking in at two-and-a-half miles in length and climbing 850 feet in elevation in just over a mile, the Salvation Peak Trail route is as challenging as it is rewarding. The summit is marked with a U.S. flag that was first erected by servicemen in World War II during the resort's stint as a recreational center for the United States Armed Services. Rumor has it that a future U.S. president, John F. Kennedy, may have even been part of that trek to the top, as he was convalescing at the resort at the time following the destruction of his PT boat in the South Pacific. Another Castle Hot Springs landmark that should not be missed is Wells Fargo Cave. Once a primitive hiding spot for stagecoach robberies during the Wild West, this secluded safe deposit box can be explored solo via the Yavapai Trail or, for an additional cost, by embarking on the guided Crater Canyon Exploration.