Stories

Privacy to Wander: The Benefit of a Small Luxury Resort

Castle Hot Springs is a small luxury resort by design, with 31 freestanding accommodations inviting guests to disconnect with quiet moments, mineral spring soaks, and the privacy to wander.

The Historic Cottage at Castle Hot Springs: Luxury with a Legacy

An All-Inclusive Resort Near Phoenix, Arizona

Activities & Adventures

Hike and Paint

It comes as no surprise that Castle Hot Springs has introduced a new activity designed to do all those things. The resort now offers Hike and Paint. Just like it sounds, this open air painting class is an eye-opening experience. It introduces guests to the stunning landscape of the Sonoran Desert and their creative spirit within, at the same time.

Go Outside and Play

Lawn games are one of the unsung little surprises guests will discover at Castle Hot Springs, among all the other amenities offered.

Hike, Climb, Explore: Your Ultimate Arizona Canyon Tour

Whether you choose a guided Via Ferrata or Crater Canyon Exploration experience, the Arizona desert awaits with moments of hiking, climbing, scrambling, and exploring throughout the Sonoran Desert rockface.

Guided Hiking in the Sonoran Desert

Guided hikes at Castle Hot Springs reveal the wonders of hiking in the Sonoran Desert—where vast skies, rugged canyons, and towering saguaros create an unforgettable landscape filled with history, wildlife, and discovery.

A Journey on Two Wheels | Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are fat tire off-road bikes built for comfort and power making distant corners of the desert accessible to Castle Hot Springs guests.

6 Relaxing Yoga Poses to Calm Your Nerves and Soothe Your Soul

In today’s chaotic, tech-driven, work-obsessed world, we could all use a little help de-stressing from time to time. And while a healthy diet, hydration, and a good night’s sleep are all obviously important, there’s one tool that can take you from anxious to calm in mere minutes: yoga.

Falconry in Arizona: A Wild Birds-of-Prey Experience at Castle Hot Springs

Experience falconry at Castle Hot Springs as hawks, falcons, and owls soar through the Sonoran Desert, offering an intimate look at birds of prey, conservation, and the wild beauty of Arizona.

Arizona Honeymoon: A Desert Getaway Made for Two

Discover the ultimate Arizona honeymoon at Castle Hot Springs, where luxury bungalows, healing hot springs, and desert adventures create a romantic escape made for two. From starlit evenings to farm-to-table dining, every moment is designed for connection and unforgettable memories.

A Hiker’s Paradise

Enjoy desert hiking at Castle Hot Springs. Conveniently located near a network of trails, there is instant access to the wide-open country of the Sonoran Desert.

Horseback Riding Through the Sonoran Desert

“We like to give our guests an adventure to remember,” says Josh Wamboldt, wrangler, and guide. “Since we have 15 horses to choose from we can match our horses to fit each guest, to match up with their riding experience.”

Top Hiking Trails at Castle Hot Springs

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Castle Hot Springs offers guests a network of Arizona hiking trails that showcase the area's stunning natural beauty.

A World of Included Activities

Castle Hot Springs Resort in Arizona includes a host of activities during every guest’s stay. From active outdoor adventures, inspired farm and garden tours, well-being, and mindful practices to the star attraction of soaking in the natural mineral hot springs, choice is abundant in this remote desert oasis.

Activities & Adventures

The Getaway That Brings Everyone Back: Family & Friend Reunions

Reuniting with family and close friends is one of life's most meaningful connections, and at Castle Hot Springs, multi-generational travel as never been easier. Enjoy our all-inclusive resort in a serene desert setting that's designed with reconnection in mind.

Saddle Up for the Best Horseback Riding in Arizona

Explore the ruggedly beautiful landscape surrounding our resort with a guided horseback riding excursion, taking you through canyons and valleys just as early adventurers once did.

E-Bike Tours of the Sonoran Desert

Seasoned adventurers at Castle Hot Springs are opting for e-bike tours to explore all corners of the resort and the surrounding desert landscape.

Falconry in Arizona: A Wild Birds-of-Prey Experience at Castle Hot Springs

Experience falconry at Castle Hot Springs as hawks, falcons, and owls soar through the Sonoran Desert, offering an intimate look at birds of prey, conservation, and the wild beauty of Arizona.

Horseback Riding Through the Sonoran Desert

A Journey on Two Wheels | Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are fat tire off-road bikes built for comfort and power making distant corners of the desert accessible to Castle Hot Springs guests.

Culinary

Basil Harvesting 101

Head into fall with a little bit of spice! This Spiced Cashew recipe is the perfect snack while relaxing around the fire, chatting with friends or just while reading your favorite book. Follow this recipe to try it for yourself.

The Taste of Harvest: Cultivating a Chef’s Menu in the Arizona Desert

What to cook today? Chef Knouse draws inspiration for his tasting menu by taking a slow walk through the farm looking for full ripeness, peak color, and tasting for optimal flavor. The gardens and greenhouses are his pantry.

Bubbly for the Holidays

Nothing puts you into a festive spirit faster than a glass of Champagne. Sarah Foote, director of wine at Castle Hot Springs, helps us navigate through different sparkling wines and champagnes in the wine cellar.

Summer Food and Wine Pairings with Wine Director Sarah Foote

Summers call for grilling out and enjoying long, leisurely meals sipping delicious wines that are light and refreshing. We asked Sarah The Director of Wine & Service to share her top five picks for summer wine pairings, in no particular order. Let’s dive in.

Farm-to-Table Delights: Starting Your Garden

Experience the joy of farm-to-table gardening with tips for creating your own edible garden inspired by Castle Hot Springs’ vibrant, fresh produce

Seasonal Flavor

Discover the rich history of Sonoran Desert farming at Castle Hot Springs, where ancient techniques meet modern, seasonal dining for a unique culinary experience.

Creative Culinary

Discover creative culinary excellence at Harvest, where farm-to-table dining highlights the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices.

Recipes from the Kitchen: Honey Roasted Carrot Bites

Try Castle Hot Springs' Honey Roasted Carrot Bites after following our recipe. A small bite that packs big flavor, these honey-roasted carrot bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

The Bounty of the Winter Harvest

Everybody loves the Arizona desert in winter. That especially includes farmers and gardeners. While much of the country is covered with snow, crops are still being harvested all across the southern half of Arizona.

Counter Culture: The Bar 1896 Dining Experience

Dining at Bar 1896 is another experience and less formal. While table service is wonderful, the immediacy of the bar is a draw.

The Art of the Cocktail Garnish

First impressions matter, and the garnish will likely be the first thing that catches your eye — the cocktails that emerge from the mixologist team at Bar 1896 are certainly dressed to impress. Ready to try your hand at crafting an artful drink? Here are two well-garnished cocktail recipes from the Bar 1896 summer menu.

Raiding the Wine Cellar with Sommelier Sarah Foote

An oasis for oenophiles in the Arizona desert, Castle Hot Springs offers an intriguing collection of 400 wines intentionally selected to appeal to guests’ wine preferences and to enhance the New American farm-to-table menu at Harvest restaurant.

Culinary

Recipes from the Kitchen: Honey Roasted Carrot Bites

Try Castle Hot Springs' Honey Roasted Carrot Bites after following our recipe. A small bite that packs big flavor, these honey-roasted carrot bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Farm-to-Table Delights: Starting Your Garden

Experience the joy of farm-to-table gardening with tips for creating your own edible garden inspired by Castle Hot Springs’ vibrant, fresh produce

Creative Culinary

Discover creative culinary excellence at Harvest, where farm-to-table dining highlights the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices.

The Art of the Cocktail Garnish

Taste Your Way Through Reds and Whites with Our Wine Sommelier

With two levels of wine pairing dinners available, guests have a chance to sample beloved favorites or discover new worlds to savor. Whatever type of adventure you seek to uncork, Sarah Foote will be glad to guide you.

A Dessert Wine Pairing Guide: Savor the Best for Last

Dessert wine pairing has become something of a Castle Hot Springs specialty, making the end of a meal at Harvest a decadent finale.

Wellness

Top 5 Romantic Things to Do

When the middle of February rolls around, Castle Hot Springs is wrapped in desert warmth. Nestled among secluded and sun-drenched hills, this Arizona oasis feels like a fairytale setting. The resort has astonishing scenic beauty that meets world-class elegance and becomes the very definition of romantic.

Plan the Perfect Romantic Getaway in Arizona

A wish list for the ultimate romantic getaway should include luxurious accommodations, scenic beauty, and indulgent spa services, with exquisite meals and wine mixed in. Luckily, all this exists and more at Castle Hot Springs.

The Art of Soaking in Natural Hot Springs

Long before modern wellness retreats, natural hot springs served as the world’s first spas. In a secluded Arizona canyon, Castle Hot Springs' geothermal waters flow into three cascading pools at different temperatures offering resort guests a 24/7 exclusive rejuvenating experience.

The Surprise of Watsu

If you love floating in the hot springs, floating while having a Watsu massage is the next level. Always allows for time to enjoy the naturally flowing, mineral-rich hot spring pools.

The Allure of an Arizona Spa Retreat

The desert is a powerful place to heal. And our original Arizona spa retreat sets the tone for ultimate transformation and tranquility.

6 Relaxing Yoga Poses to Calm Your Nerves and Soothe Your Soul

Cool Down and Tune In: A Summer Wellness Retreat in Arizona

Mineral-rich springs, indoor summer wellness experiences, and intentional therapies help guests cool down and reconnect with themselves.

The Healing Power of a Sound Bath

A sound bath is a deeply immersive, full-body listening experience. Instead of water, you bathe in the healing vibrations of sound. The beautifully-tuned frequencies from crystal and bronze bowls, giant gongs, tiny chimes, tuning forks and other instruments gently wash over your body.

Desert Zen: Yoga, Meditation & Wellness Activities at Castle Hot Springs

Discover a new sense of well-being while partaking in the variety of wellness activities offered at Castle Hot Springs, including yoga and meditation.

The Rejuvenating Power of Quiet

Whatever prompts a stay at Castle Hot Springs; guests are all treated to an unexpected bonus while they’re here. In the desert, far from the clamor of civilization, the quiet wraps around them in a soft and soothing embrace.

An Oasis of Wellness in the Sonoran Desert

“This place is meant to be a wellness retreat,” says Robert Stackus, Castle Hot Springs’ spa director. “I love being here with the sounds of the stream, the wind and the birds. At Castle Hot Springs, we have a unique opportunity to embrace the calming effects of nature, and to help guests reconnect with themselves and their bodies.”

The Perfect Wellness Retreat

At a quantum level, our environment becomes our attitude and Castle Hot Springs provides one of the best Arizona wellness retreats.