Stories

The Ultimate Arizona Road Trip: Desert, Red Rocks, Route 66 and Castle Hot Springs

An Arizona road trip is one of the best ways to experience the state's dramatic variety, from the Sonoran Desert and red rock canyons to pine-covered mountains, capped by a stay at Castle Hot Springs.

An All-Inclusive Resort Near Phoenix, Arizona

Best Unique Getaways in Arizona: Private Bungalows in the Sonoran Desert

Activities & Adventures

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.

Top Water Activities to Cool Off in the Arizona Heat

Whether you choose paddleboard yoga, therapeutic wellness treatments, or hot spring pools, choose from the best water activities in Arizona at our resort oasis.

Awaken Your Spirit of Adventure in Arizona

The variety of activities offered is one of the things that makes Castle Hot Springs stand out. Another is the people who lead those adventures.

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.

The Mindfulness of Archery Lessons

More than a hobby or competitive sport, archery is a practice that builds patience, improves concentration, and teaches calmness under pressure.

Reaching New Heights on the Via Ferrata at Castle Hot Springs

Via ferratas have long been popular in Europe however, the first via ferrata is the one at Castle Hot Springs in Arizona overlooking the Sonoran Desert.

The Scenic Courts of Castle Hot Springs

If you're a pickleball enthusiast, you might think you’ve seen it all—but Castle Hot Springs, just outside of Phoenix, promises an experience that takes this popular sport to new heights.

Beyond the Soak: An Oasis of Adventure at Castle Hot Springs

Unplug and connect with nature at Castle Hot Springs where Arizona Adventure awaits. Castle Hot Springs evokes must-do experiences. The seasonal calendar lists more than 20 different daily adventures and Arizona activities designed for all fitness levels, with top-notch equipment included.

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.

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.

Stargazing in Arizona: A Night to Remember in the Sonoran Desert

Discover stargazing in Arizona at Castle Hot Springs, where dark canyon skies, clear desert air, and minimal light pollution create an unforgettable night-sky experience beneath the Milky Way.

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.

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.

Guided Hikes

When it comes to the best places to hike in Arizona, the Grand Canyon and the Sonoran Desert are the best. Castle Hot Springs is the place to be taken on the best-guided hikes through the Sonoran Desert.

Top Water Activities to Cool Off in the Arizona Heat

Whether you choose paddleboard yoga, therapeutic wellness treatments, or hot spring pools, choose from the best water activities in Arizona at our resort oasis.

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.

The Scenic Courts of Castle Hot Springs

If you're a pickleball enthusiast, you might think you’ve seen it all—but Castle Hot Springs, just outside of Phoenix, promises an experience that takes this popular sport to new heights.

Culinary

One-of-a-Kind Culinary Experiences You Can’t Miss

Take a masterclass in wine, savor wine-paired dinners with top winemakers, and dive deeper into the art of farm-to-table dining. Learn about gourmand experiences offered at Castle Hot Springs.

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

Farm-to-Table Dining

With curated daily menus based on the fresh vegetables and produce grown right on the Farm, the restaurants at Castle Hot Springs prioritizes farm-to-table dining for all kinds of palettes, offering seasonal cuisine that nourishes the body and mind.

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.

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.

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.

Summer’s Best Cocktail from Bar 1896 is Long, Cold and Light

When temperatures rise, there’s always a cool spot inside at Bar 1896 at Castle Hot Springs. Take a seat across from the fragrant bouquets of herbs picked from the on-site culinary garden and watch the cocktail mentors work their magic to create the best summer cocktail. The team of mixologists at Bar 1896 has mastered the art of the cocktail.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Recipes from the Kitchen: Summer Edition

With so much seasonal bounty on hand, the chefs at Castle Hot Springs create an array of enticing dishes at both Harvest and Bar 1896. Of course, during these warm languid days, the emphasis is on recipes that are light and refreshing. Even if you aren’t able to visit the resort this summer, you can enjoy a classic cold soup at home with our Cucumber Gazpacho recipe.

Culinary

Basil Harvesting 101

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 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.

Recipes from the Kitchen: Summer Edition

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.

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.

Wellness

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.”

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.

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.