great escapes

Communal Healing SOAK IT UP

One of the earth's greatest gifts is mineral water from its core. California’s geologically active landscape pushes mineral-laden springs to the earth’s surface, creating liquid healing in steaming pools. Immerse your body and evaporate your stress in these soak-worthy springs. You’ll emerge relaxed and rejuvenated.

VICHY SPRINGS

An hour north of Sonoma sits legendary Vichy Springs Resort, a refuge from the noise of everyday life and home to the only naturally alkaline-carbonated mineral springs in North America. Established in 1854, throughout its history the baths have attracted famous hydrotherapy believers like Mark Twain and President Teddy Roosevelt. Guests soak in deep hillside tubs filled with 98 to 105-degree waters covered in millions of tiny bubbles reminiscent of the fabled champagne waters of France. Situated on 700-acres of tranquil countryside, the resort is open for day use and overnight stays. If you spend the night, take a 30-minute hike to the waterfalls. Rooms start at $265/ night; day use runs $35 for two hours. vichysprings.info.

WILBUR HOT SPRINGS

Tucked away off a gravel mountain road north of Clear Lake lies Wilbur Hot Springs, a remote eco-rustic refuge. This is a place to slow down and escape the modern world. Over the centuries, thousands of people have experienced its healing mineral waters. Deep tubs of varying 98 to 109-degrees help to detoxify and alleviate skin diseases, asthma, neuralgia, and body pains. Cabins and hotel rooms range from $100/night for a communal bunk room to $380/night for suites with kitchenettes and outdoor decks. A clothing-optional policy attracts primarily adults. Open daily, day passes run $59/person and include access to hot springs, pool, sauna, and nature preserve, wilburhotsprings.com.

CALISTOGA SPA

A favorite family destination, Calistoga Spa, opens its arms with a relaxed vibe, affordable rates, and kitchenette-equipped rooms. Famed Calistoga mineral waters fill four geothermal pools on the property ranging in temperature from 80 to 104 degrees. A waterfall cascades into a 90-degree baby pool. Boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Rates from $245/night. Book a massage or mud bath for access to the waters. Bring a guest for an extra $25. calistogaspa.com.

CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE & SPA

There’s no shortage of stylish wine country resorts for lavish overnight stays, but if warm, mineral-rich volcanic waters are your thing, stay at a hip roadside motel like the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa. Recently renovated, the 1940s property has European style bathhouses and spring-fed geothermal pools. Dabble in the apply-your-own mud bar or destress with a deep tissue massage. Rates start at $200/night or book a spa treatment which includes access to the pools, calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com.

KABUKI SPRINGS & SPA

At this beloved Japantown bathhouse, guests revel in a communal 104-degree hot pool, invigorate in a 55- degree cold plunge, flush out toxins in a dry sauna, and purify respiratory systems in an herbal infused steam room. Chilled face cloths, flavored waters, cucumber slices, and teas enhance the detox process. Add an antioxidant matcha body wrap or luxurious Javanese Lulur ritual treatment for an over the top anti-inflammatory experience. $30 for a 3-hour communal bath; $15 with a treatment; 25-minute body wraps start at $80. Spend the night at Hotel Kabuki, kabukisprings.com.

DAVID WALLEY’S HOT SPRINGS

An hour south of Reno, David Walley’s treats guests to year-round rejuvenation in its geothermal heated pool and five natural hot springs. Surrounded by dramatic scenery of the Sierra Foothills, this rustic family-friendly mountain lodge has an onsite-restaurant, spacious condo suites equipped with full kitchens, and Nevada’s oldest watering hole, Genoa Bar & Saloon, right down the road. Pools open daily 7am to 9pm, room rates start at $135/night, davidwalleys1862.com.

ONSEN

Part Japanese-style bathhouse and part tearoom, lush plants cloak the 104-degree communal soaking pool. A sauna, steam room, and cold plunge complete the hydrotherapy treatment mix. Lounge in a plush robe with a hot cup of tea or indulge in a massage. At this urban Tenderloin retreat, seasonal Asian fare is served at the adjoining restaurant. Access to the co-ed bathhouse is $38 for one hour and 45 minutes. Book a room at one of San Francisco’s boutique hotels to truly relish this escape, onsensf.com.

SIERRA HOT SPRINGS

The mineral-rich 105-degree waters of The mineral-rich 105-degree waters of Sierra Hot Springs sits on the edge of Tahoe National Forest. This 700-acre non-profit resort is worth a visit for the sunset alone. The hot pool resides inside a large geodesic dome, complemented by two cold plunges. Outside, the large warm pool (98- 100°) and adjacent sundeck open to scenic views of the valley. Besides hot springs, the natural outpost offers lodging and camping. Day passes are $20, rooms start at $77/night, sierrahotsprings.org.