Castle Hot Springs claims the title of Arizona's first wellness resort. The original hotel opened in 1896, drawing turn-of-the-century Phoenicians (and later Eastern visitors) to the Sonoran Desert for the curative reputation of the springs. The resort hosted Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy among other notable guests during its peak years, and remained a fixture of Arizona winter society through the early twentieth century.
A devastating fire in 1976 closed the property. The site sat dormant for 42 years, with the original hotel buildings damaged beyond repair. In 2014 the current ownership began an extensive restoration; the resort reopened in February 2019 with the historic structures preserved and 29 new cabins and bungalows added to expand the lodging footprint.
The pool inventory reflects both natural geology and modern resort programming. The main mineral pool is fed by the same hot springs source that has flowed since long before 1896. Three cascading spring pools climb the hillside above it at staggered temperatures. The 12 Spring Bungalows each have a private spring-fed hot tub inside, and the 17 Sky View Cabins each have an outdoor clawfoot tub on their deck, often used at night for stargazing thanks to the dark skies of the surrounding desert.
Castle Hot Springs operates as a true all-inclusive: the nightly rate covers lodging, hot springs access (24/7 for guests), three meals daily at Harvest Restaurant, daily activities, tips, and gratuities. Alcohol is billed separately, as are spa services and adventure excursions (the resort runs guided hikes, e-bikes, archery, farm tours, and via ferrata climbing). The resort is seasonal; expect closures or reduced operations during the hottest Arizona summer months.
