images courtesy of Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
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A central oasis beckons
An Adults-Only Luxury Getaway at Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Originally introduced as Arizona’s first luxury resort in 1896, this award-winning adults-only getaway off the beaten track in the Sonoran Desert is pure magic. Set amidst a 1,100-acre ranch, this all-inclusive resort was meticulously restored and reopened in 2019 for travelers to enjoy an adventure meets luxury experience featuring upscale wellness classes and unique culinary delights.
The
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Who should you bring?
This one is adults only (16+) so leave the kids at home and bring anyone (your partner, friend, mother or just yourself) in need of some R&R.
What’s the food like?
This resort is a real foodie destination with a sustainable, regenerative farm program that allows the property to grow much of its produce for the restaurant and bar. Meals are complimentary and the menu is always changing and inspired by the fruits, herbs and vegetables grown on-site. One particularly memorable dinner from the property’s main restaurant, Harvest, featured a Mokum carrot and ginger bisque soup; a cacao e pepe caesar salad; white corn grits with aged cheddar; and a dulce panna cotta for dessert.
Bar 1896 offers an a la carte menu for lunch or dinner as well as poolside snacks. For breakfast you must try the winter squash waffle with cinnamon fluff and the Greek yogurt parfait with homemade granola. For lunch the winner was the margarita pizza made out of the wood fired oven.
Did you get a good night’s sleep?
Yes. While you are at Castle Hot Springs there is an overwhelming sense of being far, far away which makes it easy to slow down and give your body some rest.
What amenities are available?
whirlpools, in addition to a range of treatment options available). Gym buffs will enjoy the 24/7 fitness enter, as well as the many wellness activities on offer such as hiking along the bluff, cycling classes outside, meditation, beach yoga and more. Speaking of the beach, the Monarch Bay Beach Club is exclusively available to members and guests and has everything you need to surf the waves, paddle board, SUP and more. Or hey, if you’d just like to kick back on a beach chair with a glass of wine, then that’s cool too.
At the epicenter of the property are the magnificent geothermal hot springs which cascade into three pools. These are simple yet stunning pools that are carved from the rock and flow right back into the canyon. And the best part is that no matter the time of day, you are likely to have the pools to yourself.
Beyond soaking in the hot springs, there are a selection of activities such as yoga, vigorous hikes, UTV tours and meditation classes. One day I took a tai chi class, joined a Canyon walk, received a life changing custom massage next to a flowing creek and participated in an incredible sound bath experience. The hotel offers a diverse range of treatments from massages, facials and wraps.
How was the service?
From the moment you arrive you are greeted by the enthusiastic, attentive and knowledgeable staff-many who live on property in nearby housing since you are basically in the middle of nowhere. The wait staff knows every guest’s allergies and food preferences (no mushrooms or peppers for me, please). The instructors were experts in their fields and very receptive to questions.
What was your favorite part?
The food was, without a doubt, some of the best food I have ever had. It was fresh, innovative, delicious and the kitchen was flexible with accommodating requests.
Only registered guests are permitted to enter the property, creating a relaxing retreat that is exclusive and secluded. There is a maximum of 60 guests per night which leaves you feeling like you are the only guest around, despite knowing the resort is at full capacity.
And let’s not forget about the therapeutic soaking benefits of soaking in the waters while looking at awe inspiring views.
Know before you go:
The final 7 miles of the drive north from the Phoenix airport follows a dusty, boulder filled road. Make sure you book a high profile vehicle to get you to the property and back to the airport. And you should expect a bit of a digital detox here—there are no TVs in the room.
book it
Accommodation options:
Bungalows, cottages and cabins
Price:
Rooms start at $1,850 + tax per night
for double occupancy
Location:
Morristown, AZ
Property:
Castle Hot Springs
Basics
Details
Top-notch: The service was beyond what you’d expect from a five-star hotel. From the around-the-clock concierge that can help you book those hard-to-get reservations and private tours to 24-hour laundry/drycleaning and in-room dining, the Four Seasons is known ‘round the world for their attention to detail. Expect twice-daily housekeeping, free water in-room and nightly turndown service (complete with slippers and a mat to wipe your feet placed next to the bed).
How was the service?
Top-notch: The service was beyond what you’d expect from a five-star hotel. From the around-the-clock concierge that can help you book those hard-to-get reservations and private tours to 24-hour laundry/drycleaning and in-room dining, the Four Seasons is known ‘round the world for their attention to detail. Expect twice-daily housekeeping, free water in-room and nightly turndown service (complete with slippers and a mat to wipe your feet placed next to the bed).
What’s the food like?
An Adult-only luxury getaway at castle hot springs, Arizona
