Murrieta Hot Springs, California, Geothermal Resort Review
I first discovered the benefits of thermal springs as a young bride living in Southern Germany. My life there included visits to picturesque towns which evoked scenes right out of the “Sound of Music.” But nothing quite surpassed the rejuvenation and relaxation I felt after a dip in one of the many thermal pools that dotted the Bavarian countryside.
I had the pleasure of soaking in thermal mineral waters in Baden-Baden and Bad Tölz, as well as in many other geothermal spas throughout Europe. During my 15-year residency in Southern Germany. Whenever we took a family vacation, I insisted it had to be to a destination that offered steamy mineral waters.
Europeans in general learned decades ago about the health benefits of mineral waters, fueled by the research done in the 19th century by the Catholic priest Sebastian Kneipp. Plagued with tuberculosis at an early age, he eventually cured himself by a diet of plant-based and locally-sourced food, as well as a regiment of hot and cold-water immersions. His spirit still lives on across Europe today and his natural health products continue to be sold around the world.
The history of Murrieta Hot Springs also has German roots. In 1902, the German immigrant Fritz Guenther purchased much of the land around the hot springs with the vision of developing the property into a health spa resort, the likes of which he knew from his home in Bavaria. He achieved his goal, and in the early 20th Century the resort became a vacation and spa therapy spot for many Hollywood stars and socialites who traveled from Los Angeles to Murrieta to “take the waters.”
Southern California residents will no longer have to travel to Europe to find this “fountain of youth and health”. It is now to be experienced right here in Southern California, in the small city of Murrieta, located within easy driving distance from Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.
This opportunity to plunge into the mineral waters we both enjoyed on our travels to hot springs destinations around the world over the years, compelled us to drive the hour from our home in downtown San Diego to Murrieta Hot Springs to check out the experience. Considering our many memories of dipping in natural mineral pools around the world, we both were excited to experience everything Murrieta Hot Springs Resort had to offer after its extensive renovation.
It took us an hour or so to drive from our home in downtown San Diego to reach this health and vitality mecca via the 15 Freeway, a drive made more efficient by using the Fast Track lanes which are free to autos carrying two or more passengers. Along the way, my husband, a San Diego native, recalled how his Sicilian parents often traveled the rural back roads by car to Murrieta from their home in San Diego’s Little Italy, with him in tow, to “take the waters” for a family outing. Even today, the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort carries on the tradition of welcoming families with children to the spa experience.
Upon arrival at the resort, we enjoyed complimentary parking in the large parking lot that surrounds the property. We then made our way to accommodations at the Stone Lodge, part of our two-day sojourn to report on the transformation of this property into the first-class venue it is today.
Our hotel room was outfitted to today’s modern standards. From fast internet connection, an in-room fridge, luxurious bath, etc., guests will enjoy modern conveniences in this restored vintage hotel, and rest in a comfortable bed, complete with herbal pillow sprays to promote heavenly sleep, as an added bonus.
As we learned later, it was quite an effort to renovate all the historic buildings, as many of them were in dire need of repair, but one would never know while exploring the grounds and restored buildings today. Walking along the flower and plant-studded paths, the peaceful lagoon, and admiring the restored buildings is worth the price of entry alone, not to speak of the opportunity to soak an entire day in a wide variety of thermal pools.
Our two-day immersion into the healing waters also included quite a few interesting experiences. We enjoyed exceptional vegan cuisine (though a variety of other culinary options is available at the resort) created by Mathew Steffen, an acclaimed local chef. We were very much impressed by the vegan dishes he magically conjured up. As parents of a vegan daughter, we know it’s not easy to create such a meal, but Chef Steffen is a master of this challenging art.
Historic buildings and delicious local cuisine aside, “taking the waters” remains the highlight of a visit to Murrieta Hot Springs. Public soaking pools are positioned in all areas of the resort, and one need only to follow the map provided at check in to select a favorite pool option. There’s even a “Vitality Plunge” (aka Polar Plunge), that promises to create many health benefits for those who are willing to soak for a while in the warm water and subsequently plunge into the adjacent cold pool. As previously mentioned, this method was endorsed by Kneipp to cure many ailments.
It was also interesting to note that one of the most state-of-the-art fitness centers we’ve ever seen (and we’ve seen many on our travels around the world) is the resort’s Dynamis Fitness Center. The center is filled with accomplished staff that takes fitness to the highest level, for visitors of all ages. Overnight resort guests receive access to the center during their stay and day guests can purchase classes at a discounted rate.
The Bath Hall, one of the resort’s newest restored buildings, is a remarkable achievement. It offers a variety of hot pools under its roof, including pool lifts for the physically challenged. On the top level, a state-of-the art sauna awaits the visitor, with an amazing view out on the verdant mountains of Murrieta.
In addition to all the therapeutic hot waters and other therapies offered at this resort, for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature, this is the place. We so enjoyed our leisurely walks around the lagoon, admiring the swans as they glided by, breathing in the fresh air, disconnecting with the world, and connecting with each other.
While we may not have the opportunity to experience the Bavarian and Austrian spas again anytime soon, it is so refreshing to know that we now have this opportunity–right in our own back yard!
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