5 Places for Wellness Travel in the US

Before the building and introduction of modern spa and wellness facilities, natural baths and hot springs were the place the Native Americans went to for healing powers of the mineral waters.

Historical records show that wellness travel was already in place thousands of years ago when Indians in the US and Canada regions traveled to major hot springs for purification, healing, sacred gatherings and to recuperate from battle. Hot Springs were considered sacred places where the “Great Spirit” lived.

Two early Spanish explorers, Ponce de Leon and Hernando DeSoto were looking for the “Fountain of Youth” when they arrived in America according to John W. Lund in his article Historical Impacts of Geothermal Resources on the People of North America. Read more here.

Wellness travel in the US is one of the fastest growing travel segments in the last decade. Here are Travelmath’s 5 places for wellness travel in the US where we will bring you to five hot springs in five different states.

One: Oja Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa New Mexico
Located in Oja Caliente, two hours four minutes drive from Albuqueque NM; this resort is the oldest natural health resort in the US. Oja Caliente is two Spanish words, directly translated as “warm eye.” The Spanish explorers named it in the late 1700s.

The first bathhouse was built in 1868 and three original buildings were restored and listed as National Registry of Historic Places. Besides mineral pools, steam, sauna and mud area, Oja Caliente offers spa and massage packages, accommodation, dining options and wellness activities.

Information: Oja Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa

Two: Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis Wyoming
You won’t find a massage therapist or spa service in Hot Springs State Park unless you check in to a nearby hotel. There is no fee for using the Bath House. Thermopolis, Hot Springs State Park is located four hours 40 minutes drive from Jackson Hole. The nearest airport is Worland Municipal Airport in Worland WY, 34 miles from Thermopolis.

Thermopolis Hot Springs was built around the world’s largest single mineral hot spring. There are two swimming plunges and a State Bath House. While swimming and relaxing, you may see a herd of buffalo roaming in the red hills behind the Hot Springs.

Information: Thermopolis Hot Springs State Park

Three: Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat in Hot Springs Montana
Montana Official Tourism Board listed more than two dozens hot springs resorts in the state. Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat will give you great value for your money. Located 422 miles from Billings MT, Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat offers budget accommodation, close to all the public hot springs and is available year round.

Unplug and unwind away from it all to the little town of Hot Springs in Montana. Hot Springs is about 393 miles from Yellowstone National Park and 131 miles from Glacier National Park.

For an active and wellness tour, combine a hike on one of the trails at Glacier’s National Park with Hot Springs in Montana. Glacier National Park is famous for its pristine forests, alpine meadows, mountains and lakes. Historical chalets and lodges are available in the park.

Information: Alameda’s Hot Springs Retreat.

Four: The Medbery Inn and Day Spa in Ballston Spa New York
Ballston Spa is a 35 minute drive from Albany New York. The Spa facility provides natural spring water in private tub rooms with soothing aromas, soft music and candlelight for total relaxation.

Most people believe that natural carbonated mineral water is therapeutic and may help increase blood circulation, relax the muscles and nerve centers and revitalize the senses.

Information: Medbery Inn and Day Spa

Five: Dunton Hot Springs, Dunton Colorado
A seven hour 12 minute drive from Denver CO, Dunton is a tiny town deep in San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies. It is a place to get away from it all especially great for digital detox however Wi-Fi is available.

According to Dunton Hot Springs, guests can enjoy the hot springs in six places –

1.   Inside the restored 19th century Bathhouse
2.   Under the starts at the source
3.   In the pool outside the Bathhouse
4.   In the pool behind the Dunton Store cabin
5.   Inside Well House cabin
6.   Out on the river (Christoph’s spring)

The water temperature ranges from 85 degrees to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides the hot springs, Dunton Hot Springs provides spa treatments, yoga and pilates for those who are looking for a holistic and therapeutic relaxation and healing.

Information: Dunton Hot Springs

Have you done any wellness travel recently? Let us know where you went.