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From forest bathing to biohacking, humans are constantly craving new ways to level up their health. But rather than experimenting with new TikTok trends, try leaning on Mother Nature herself at the Springs Resort. Home to the deepest geothermal spring in the world, the Pagosa Springs hotel gives guests unlimited access to the purportedly healing waters—plus tons of other wellness amenities thanks to a recent revamp.
Last month, the Springs Resort unveiled its massive expansion, which added 78 guest rooms (to the existing 79), a new thermal spa with twice as many treatment rooms as the old spa, a panoramic sauna, and 25 more hot springs pools. Guests can now take advantage of activities like aqua yoga, aqua sound bathing, guided hikes, and more—all part of the owners’ intent to reposition the resort as a wellness getaway for locals and out-of-towners alike.
We visited the Springs Resort to see which of its new amenities are worth the hype. Below, five tips to have the most serene stay at the Pagosa Springs spa.
Don’t skip the soaking guide.
There is no wrong way to soak, but there is a right way, according to Dr. Marcus Coplin, an expert in hydrothermal medicine and the Springs Resorts’ medical director. He put together a science-backed guide to soaking, which overnight guests will find inside their rooms (along with a sleep guide, also developed by Coplin) and day visitors can pick up in the bathhouse or scan a QR code to access. Inside, score tips about how long to spend in different temperatures, the medical benefits of each phase, and guidance for how to handle extreme heat and cold.
If you want a more specific soaking guide, Coplin also created routines specifically for detoxing, deep sleep, and restoration.
Catch the sunrise from a riverside pool.
We know, setting your alarm for 6 a.m. on vacation doesn’t exactly sound relaxing, but we promise it’s worth it. The Springs Resort is popular among both tourists and locals, which means the pools can be packed by midday. For solitude, rise with the sun and enjoy a serene soak before the resort opens to non-hotel guests at 9 a.m.
If you don’t want to walk too far, we recommend starting in the San Juan Chatter pool (average temp: 102 degrees) and then moving to Dawn Patrol (105 degrees) for a steamier, more secluded sesh. But if you’re willing to log a few more steps, head for the original pools. Most overnight guests stick to the wellness pools right outside the new main building and lodge, leaving the pools near the bathhouse empty most mornings. Our personal favorite: Waterfall. This is one of the few soaking spots with a natural water feature. Let the warm cascade massage your shoulders while you take in the sunrise over the San Juans.
Brave the Warrior Plunge.
There is perhaps nothing more painful than prying yourself away from the 104-degree Osprey’s Perch pool to submerge yourself in the San Juan River below (which could be as cold as 45 degrees), but your body will thank you after. Studies show that contrast bathing—alternating between hot and cold water—can increase blood flow to your muscles and reduce soreness; help you fight fatigue; and improve your mental fortitude. For optimum benefits, aim to endure the cold water for one minute.
Need a little help? Find strength in numbers during the community Warrior Plunge, which takes place every day at noon. A team member will lead everyone through a short soak in a warm pool, followed by a heart-pumping dunk in the San Juan River, which can “warm” up to 60 degrees by mid-July. “We do some education around the hot water and the benefits of minerals, talk about what’s happening physiologically in your body, and then guide you through being able to get into the cold water, being able to breathe through it, and really being able to tolerate that kind of cold stress you put on your body,” says Sharon Holtz, vice president of wellness at the resort.
Visit Nate’s Grotto after dark.
One of the most unique soaking spots in the new wellness area is Nate’s Grotto. You’ll find this naturally shaded pool inside the adults-only area, tucked away in a manmade cave with a waterfall. The water here hovers around 102 degrees, but it may feel warmer because the structure traps steam inside, like a sauna. At night, the ceiling is illuminated to look like a sky full of stars (see if you can spot the Little Dipper while you’re relaxing inside).
Venture into town for dinner.
As part of its expansion, the Springs Resort plans to debut Wild Finch, a seasonally-driven restaurant helmed by Texas chef Daya Myers-Hurt, later this month. But until then, opt for a meal in town so you can avoid the on-premises grill, which is pricey and lackluster. Instead, take a stroll across the pedestrian bridge to Main Street and head to Kip’s Grill & Cantina for strong margs and street tacos, Riff Raff Brewing Co. for a green chile ale, and Meander for an upscale dinner.
