By: Roger Naylor
At first it may seem odd. When looking for water, the last place you expect to find it is hidden away deep in the desert. But then, nothing about Castle Hot Springs has ever been typical.
All that makes this award-winning resort such a memorable destination begins with one simple, yet slightly miraculous fact: Water flows here in the desert. And this is not just any water, this is naturally heated water rich with minerals, pure, and crystal clear. This is the very definition of an oasis.
Of course, this special water is also the foundation of the world-renowned wellness program that draws so many visitors to the resort. Guests have the opportunity to rediscover the grace and power of this life force we so often take for granted. Come to Castle Hot Springs to explore the surprising possibilities of water activities in Arizona.
Paddleboard yoga is one of the most popular activities available at the resort. The hour-long instructor-led class is offered March through October.
“Paddleboard yoga is a type of yoga that is practiced on a stand-up paddleboard in our lower hot springs pool,” says Tasha Frost, Activities and Adventures Assistant Manager. “This class is as relaxing and meditative as it is fun. Our boards are anchored in the shade of beautiful desert fan palm trees. As you close your eyes and start to focus on your breath, the sounds of running water, birds, and wind through the trees will take you to a state of tranquility.”
Doing yoga on a paddleboard isn’t complex but does present its own challenges and rewards. Being fully present on a yoga mat can be hard over time. Distractions have a way of wafting in. The extra attention required to maintain balance on a wobbly paddleboard encourages mindful awareness. This is a chance to reinvigorate your yoga practice. Participants also engage different muscles for paddleboard yoga poses and the transition between poses.
“Many of our classes include a combination of strengthening and restorative yoga poses, such as child’s pose, downward dog, warrior poses, bridge pose, and more,” says Frost. “Practicing on a floating board on water requires greater balance, core strength, and focus.”
While guests participating in paddleboard yoga certainly may end up in the water—that’s part of the fun—it is not the purpose of the workout. For those looking for a more immersive experience, there’s the year-round movement class, Healing Waters Qigong. This is a newer addition to the roster of activities offered by the resort, held in the Watsu Pool, near the lower spring.
“Healing Waters Qigong combines gentle movements, focused intentions, and breathing techniques to recharge and balance the body’s energy or Qi. Qi is sometimes spelled chi,” explains Frost. “Qigong is gentle and low impact, making it great for guests of all ages and abilities. And practicing in the water reduces strain on the muscles and joints, great for improving mobility with less risk of injury.”
Castle Hot Springs also offers a simple yet intriguing Connecting with Water Tour. This guided walk helps explain some of the mysteries of why the relentless spring gushes forth from the earth right here. Learn about the geology of the landscape that makes it possible, as well as the mineral content and therapeutic benefits of the water itself. Naturally, the tour ends with a soak in the pools of soothing water wrapped in colorful cliffs. After all, explanations are interesting but a languid soak in pure desert water is heavenly.
The resort exists because the springs exist. The comfort, the luxury, the beautiful setting, the fresh ingredients grown on the property for the restaurant, it all stems from this unique natural feature. The mineral hot springs are the heart and soul of this corner of Sonoran Desert. And of course, the hot springs are always open, exclusively to guests of the resort.
It is that same water flowing down the slope from the hot springs that fills the resort’s main pool. Just another way to stay connected to the special mineral-rich water. The temperature-controlled pool at Castle Hot Springs has a deep end for diving and features food and beverage service. The pool has also served as a centerpiece attraction for such notable figures as the Astors, the Vanderbilts, the Wrigleys, and even John Fitzgerald Kennedy. You’re swimming with history here. Heat and water, desert and quiet—it all makes for a mesmerizing combination.
“The warmth of the hot springs water promotes muscle relaxation and vasodilation, improving circulation and blood flow,” says Frost. “The hot springs contain a multi-vitamin of beneficial minerals. Many of which are transdermal, meaning they can be absorbed through the skin. The minerals have benefits for our skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, muscles, respiratory health, mental health, and more.”
Plan a trip to Castle Hot Springs soon to take advantage of the available water activities in Arizona. It is only in the desert that we discover what a precious gift water truly can be.