With a long history that includes high-profile clientele, Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona, continues to draw visitors for its healing waters, farm-fresh cuisine and varied offerings. Carole Jacobs, Real Food Traveler’s Health, Fitness and Spa Editor provides a guide to what awaits at Castle Hot Springs.

Save this spa spotlight to Pinterest to help plan a visit to Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona. Photos courtesy of Castle Hot Springs. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Spa Spotlight: Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona

Hot springs were the world’s first spas. The naturally warm, mineral-rich water flowing from the ground soothed aches and pains for millennia.

And while taking the waters has been a cultural norm for centuries in Europe and Scandinavia, the trend more recently spread to the U.S. Today, getting into hot water for health, wellness, and relaxation has never been hotter among Americans.

At the perfect intersection of water and wellness is Castle Hot Springs, an historic all-inclusive luxury resort founded in 1896 as Arizona’s first hot springs and wellness resort and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Set in the wildly beautiful Bradshaw Mountains an hour north of Phoenix, the charming 31-room resort is located at the end of a bumpy dirt road in the peaceful blink-or-you’ll-miss-it desert burb of Morristown, Arizona, population 194.

Castle Hot Springs takes full advantage of its steamy wonders: The waters cascade into three hot springs pools of varying temperatures; heat the main resort pool; are piped to cottages to fill private stone soak tubs; are utilized in countless ways at the resort’s three-acre organic farm, greenhouses, and flower gardens;  and are even used to brew the resort’s house lager.

An example of one of the hot springs available to guests at Castle Hot Springs. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

A brief history of Castle Hot Springs

Before the healing springs were commercialized, indigenous people journeyed here for medicinal purposes. The arrival of the railroad in 1895 southeast of Wickenburg soon brought a new interest in the springs. Arizona railroading entrepreneur Frank M. Murphy purchased the property to capitalize on the restoring benefits of the healing waters and the desert’s clean, dry environment.

The first guests to the resort had to endure a difficult five-hour stagecoach ride to reach the springs. The journey was made easier in 1898 when the first train depot was built nearby, followed by the first bus service ten years later.

At the turn of the 20th century, throngs of people continued moving west, many for their health. These intrepid travelers sought the rejuvenating springs. Among them was American master artist, Maxfield Parrish, who stayed at the resort in the winter of 1901-1902. The Arizona terrain is said to have influenced his iconic skies.

The healing waters have also lured many celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world, including magnates of industry like the Rockefeller and Pew families plus the Vanderbilts and Astors. President Theodore Roosevelt stayed at the resort during the dedication of the Roosevelt Dam.

In the 1940s, the resort was used as a military rehabilitation center to treat veterans wounded during World War II. One famous serviceman who rested at Castle Hot Springs was future president John F. Kennedy. Western author Zane Grey, actors Clark Gable and Carol Lombard, and composer George Gershwin also visited the resort.

In 1976, a destructive fire closed the resort, and it stayed vacant until its reopening in 2019. Since then, the adults-only all-inclusive resort has received countless accolades and was named one of the best all-inclusive hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure.

Hungry for more? Read Carole’s article about Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona and Jerome.

A castle in the rocks with luxury historic digs

While the hot springs are center stage at Castle Hot Springs, the resort’s breathtaking setting on 1,100 acres, historic buildings, open-air spa, health and wellness treatments, outdoor fitness and adventure options, and fresh farm-to-table cuisine sourced from its on-site organic farm, are other big draws.

Built in the late 19th century, the canary-yellow Main Lodge carries with it all the character of the inn’s storied past, including its own “ghostly” whispers, like creaking wood and other mysterious echoes of history. The lodge houses the resort’s bar and restaurant, and is flanked by a spring-fed pool, a meadow with a greenhouse and string lights, and a beautiful herb garden.

An aerial view of Castle Hot Springs including its colorful lodge. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

Lodging includes a collection of charming, historic cottages, many with covered patios, double-sided fireplace, spacious bathrooms, spring-fed stone hot tubs, and balconies with telescopes for night viewing. For families and larger groups, the resort also has two multi-bedroom lodging ops: The Historic Cottage sets on a hillside and has a living room, wet bar, and stone fireplace (the Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts all stayed here) and The Top of the Lodge, located on the top floor of the Main Lodge, has a wraparound porch overlooking expansive views of the resort grounds and Sonoran Desert.

Furnishings in the cottages and suites take their cue from the Southwest’s distinct desert landscape and include find tailored textiles, custom ironwork, rustic features, and beautiful masonry.

An example of the lodging. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

Beyond the main lodge and cottages is a 3-acre organic farm where more than 1,000 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs provide most of the produce for the resort’s aptly named Harvest restaurant.

The water is the wellness

The resort delivers a unique experience to unwind in a tranquil setting where water isn’t just an amenity; it’s the entire philosophy.

For starters, there’s world-class soaking in three hot springs pools of varying temperatures (steaming, hot, and bathtub warm) set on a hillside overlooking views of the canyons below. From the top pool at 106 degrees, water cascades into the next pool at 96 degrees. From the first two pools, the water meanders down the canyon into the deepest pool, an idyllic swimming hole surrounded by towering palms where the water hovers around 86 degrees.

The resort’s mineral springs are also integrated into a variety of spa and wellness treatments and packages—from soaking in pools to sound bathing and paddleboard yoga in the spring-fed swimming pool. Just a few treatments include:

• The Magic of Thermal Waters: Naturally rich in minerals, the hot springs help alleviate stress, soothe sore muscles, and boost circulation—an ancient remedy backed by modern science.
• Watsu Therapy in Thermal Waters: A deeply restorative water-based treatment combines Shiatsu massage and guided movement in the hot springs.
• Hot Springs Soaking Circuit: A contrast hydrotherapy experience alternates between soaking in the spring-fed hot pools (85°–106°F) to a cold pool plunge (43°–46°F).
• Zen Soaking Secrets + Water Element Trio: The resort’s signature treatment pairs mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork with therapeutic water immersion.
• Connecting with Water Tour: This guided experience focuses on the history, geology, and healing properties of the resort’s mineral-rich waters.
• Soak & Slumber Package: During this package, you can enhance your sleep with curated sleep-enhancing activities that include a Divine Slumber Session, private hike, massage credit, and sleep kit.

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The spa by the creek at Castle Hot Springs

The Spa is housed in a collection of treatment tents set along a creek that provides a tinkling soundtrack to massages, facials, and body wraps of all types. Treatments incorporate plants and herbs grown at the farm and tap into the healing qualities of the natural hot springs, which are rich in lithium, magnesium, and bicarbonates.

Just a few of the many offerings include CBD oil massages that will leave you nodding off in relaxation; Watsu massages in the dedicated hot springs pools; and Thai-inspired sports massages to soothe sore muscles after a long day of adventure.

Wellness classes run the gamut from several types of guided yoga to Tai Chi, Mindful Mindscapes, Energy Alignments, Sacred Soul Voyages, and Light of Life Series. greenhouse. Feeling lazy? Nab one of the creek-side hammocks and take an afternoon nap.

Some spa treatments are done in the treatment cabanas. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

24/7 fitness in a breathtaking natural outdoor playground

From rise and shine yoga to climbing to new heights on Arizona’s first Via Ferrata Adventure Course, Castle Hot Springs takes full advantage of its setting in a natural outdoor playground.

• Take a private or guided hike on one of the many trails around the resort, which range from easy walks to steep hikes to a 400-foot summit.
• During the Crater Canyon Exploration, you’ll hike to a remote section of the Sonoran Desert and explore a slot canyon–a long, narrow channel or drainage way with sheer rock walls that are eroded into either sandstone or other sedimentary rock.
• Take a gradual hike through the Saguaros as you make your way to the Sonoran Aerial Walkway. This 100-foot-high walkway offers sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert and canyon floor.
• Hit the rocks for the resort’s unique, adrenaline-inducing Via Ferrata climbing course. Secured by a climbing harness, you’ll edge your way up the rock face, clicking into metal rings as you follow a guide up to the 400-foot Castle Peak.
• Thrill to a controlled decent on a rappel featuring two 100-foot drops overlooking Crater Canyon.
• Take aim with modern compound and recurve bows in the resort’s canyon archery range! Your guide will coach you through the proper shooting form as you have a little friendly competition amongst friends.
• Board a horse—or an ebike, for a relaxing ride through canyons and the desert.
• Take an outdoor plein air painting class.
• Visit the organic farm to learn how the resort grows foods in the unique desert ecosystem using sustainable farming and a closed-loop system.
• Visit the new flower garden, where the resort is cultivating a variety of seasonal flowers for floral arrangements, spa products, and culinary arts.
• Board a UTB, horse or fat e-bike for a guided tour of the canyons and desert.
• Channel your inner lumberjack with axe throwing.

Guests doing the Via Ferratta. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

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Homegrown fare from the on-site organic farm

At Castle Hot Springs, the farm dictates what’s on the menus every day, and Chef Chris Knouse gets his inspiration by taking a slow walk through the crops and greenhouses and keeping an eye peeled for full ripeness, peak color, and tasting for optimal flavor.

An aerial view of the Castle Hot Springs farm. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

“We are always a vegetarian-friendly restaurant because we have so many options available,” says Knouse. “The vegetables come first; they’re the showcase. And since we practice regenerative agriculture, we can afford to be selective. Only what is absolutely prime that day lands on plates.”

Castle Hot Springs’ breakfast and lunch a la carte buffets are bursting with fresh meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, produce, microgreen to kale salads – and don’t miss the homemade potato chips.

But the star attraction of every evening is the five-course dinner artistically presented and highlighting the best of the season. Changing nightly, it might begin with a curated selection of farm-inspired small bites followed by homemade soup, a salad of greens fresh from the fields, and a main course offering several choices, from prime beef tenderloin, fish, or duck breast to a vegetarian entrée. Dinner ends on a sweet note with a dessert created by the pastry chef and wine pairings from the resort’s Wine Spectator award-winning cellar.

Scallops and garden-picked vegetables are an example of the fresh cuisine. Photo courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.

The spirits: Even the booze at Castle Hot Springs comes from the earth. At Bar 1896, you can sample the resort’s house lager brewed with the resort’s mineral springs; savor signature cocktails and mocktails made with the farm’s flowers and herbs, and taste home-grown mezcal, made from agave grown in the garden.

The resort also offers a variety of wine tasting classes, agave spirits tasting, and a Farm to Bar Mixology class where you’ll learn how to integrate herbs and produce from the barn to create cocktails.

Evenings at Castle Hot Springs

The resort has many ways to unwind after a long day on the trail or rocks. Scattered around the grounds are several firepits where you can relax in an Adirondack chair with a drink and listen to live music. Take advantage of the resort’s velvet skies and complimentary telescopes to engage in some serious stargazing. Or hit the hot springs for an after-dinner soak that’s guaranteed to yield sweet dreams.

Special packages

Castle Hot Springs has several packages to help you unwind, relax, and rejuvenate

• Slow down and re-align with the Intentional Wellness package, a customized, individualized protocol for balance, harmony, and well-being while accessing some of the resort’s top amenities.
• The Sonoran Oasis Renewal Package rejuvenates body and soul and begins with a purifying turquoise sage clay wrap infused with lavender, rosewood, and wild sage that evokes the essence of the high desert.
• The Wellness Through Water package helps you experience the true essence of SPA –an acronym for “Salus Per Aquam,” or “wellness through water.” Learn the art of mindful soaking, in-water movements, unwind with a private Watsu treatment, and more.

A model of 21st century sustainability

Castle Hot Springs may be historic, but it’s also become a 21st century model of sustainability. The resort sources most of its produce, and to reduce single-use plastics, each guest is given a Yeti water bottle to refill as needed and take home. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also available, and the resort has a recycling and composting program.

In fact, nothing at Castle Hot Springs goes to waste. According to Chef Knouse, any produce that doesn’t meet the highest standards gets returned to the earth and is mulched, composted, or used to feed the farm chickens. Everything is done to replenish the soil, the backbone of regenerative farming. Soil teeming with organic matter is not only good for the planet but produces nutrient rich food.

To learn more about Castle Hot Springs, visit their website, here.

-By Carole Jacobs, RealFoodTraveler.com Health, Fitness and Spa Editor

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