Many spa resorts built on and around hot springs lay claim to superlatives when it comes to the thermal waters that are the star attraction of their properties. The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, CO, is no exception – but it has earned its bragging rights honestly, as its Mother Spring aquifer holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s deepest, measuring in at over 1002 feet deep.
Moreover, The Springs comes in first in another important category: it is home to the most hot spring pools in Colorado, with no fewer than 25 geothermal pools on the property. The sulfur-rich waters, at temperatures that vary from pool to pool, contain a total of 13 different minerals, each – and especially when combined – scientifically proven to enhance health and wellness.
Another great thing about them is they never close, meaning hotel guests can soak while watching sunrise, sunset and at all the hours in-between, day and night. After dark, you are neck-deep in warm, soothing waters under a canopy of stars, brilliantly visible in an area where there is no light pollution to mar the view or the sensation.
Relaxing Rocky Mountain elegance
All of the resort’s amenities – the soaking pools, casual restaurants, Pahgosa Spa, and fitness and yoga studio – are just steps away from your choice of 79 diverse guest units. Each category of accommodation is housed in a different building on the property: Classic Rooms in the original – and newly renovated – Spring Inn Motel; Deluxe Rooms, equipped with kitchenettes, in a pair of adjacent two-story buildings; and 29 Luxury Suites located in the main building, the Mountain Lodge.
All stays include 24-hour access to the soaking pools, as well as to the adults-only Relaxation Terrace. In addition, hotel guests get extended hours of soaking pleasure: you may start soaking even before checking in on your first day, and until 6:00 p.m. on the day you check out.
Each and every unit also come with comfortable robes and towels, which guests are encouraged to wear whenever and wherever they roam and sit around the property – even at the handsome bar in the elegant main lobby. Complimentary Wi-Fi also reaches the rooms and public areas.
There are a number of units that are ADA accessible, and even some that are pet-friendly. But one perk common to all units, without exception, is a truly special extra that sets this resort apart from all the others: The Springs’ proprietary Deep Sleep Tray.
The resort’s curated Sleep Ritual Tray gives you all the essentials for good night’s sleep, including a soothing herbal Sleep Stick that helps send you off on a restorative deep sleep experience. The kit also contains instructions for a nighttime circuit of soaking that induces sleep – your introduction to one of several “Journeys” developed by The Springs’ medical director to maximize the health benefits of your stay.
The resort’s own Dr. Marcus Coplin has authored four science-based soaking Journeys designed to help guests achieve wellness aspirations: The Soaking Guide, The Restoration Guide, The Deep Sleep Guide, and The Detox Guide. These join a host of other fascinating water-based wellness activities – such as Aqua Sound Bathing, Contrast Bathing Therapy and Forest Bathing – offered to guests completely free of charge.
A comprehensive slate of complimentary wellness activities
These are all in addition to a wide range of activities and classes held both in the resort’s well-equipped studio and in the bosom of nature, taking advantage of the verdant and majestic surroundings of the incomparable Rocky Mountains. Once again, these are all tailored exclusively for hotel guests only.
Naturally, there is an onsite spa offering a multitude of pampering treatments and massages, many incorporating the chemicals found in the hot springs in order to impart their health and beauty properties. The Pahgosa Spa has a couples suite as well, for an intimate massage à deux.
Moreover, The Springs has put together a number of enticing Packages – seven, no less – which deliver savings on a life-changing stay at the resort. These packages comprise adventures both on and off the property’s premises, some of which have been formulated to inspire and rekindle romance.
Given the intense focus on health and wellness, dining is not a high priority. There is no restaurant or dining room with waiter service, as might be expected from a luxury hotel. Rather, there are two self-service casual eateries: The Cafe for breakfast, and the Barefoot Grill for lunch and dinner, both with limited but adequate — and tasty — food menus.
Where welcome personal service does exist, on the other hand, is from Canteen “walkers,” who can be seen bearing refreshing drinks to guests soaking in the pools. Just flag one down and enjoy your cool beverage without even getting out of the water.
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Another great place to enjoy a drink is at the Phoenix Bar & Great Room Lounge, in the aforementioned lobby atrium at the foot of the grand staircase. Sip one of the bar’s creative specialty cocktails while relaxing comfortably on a plush couch or easy chair.
Finally, full service restaurants may be found in the quaint town of Pagosa Springs, a short and pleasant stroll across a pedestrian bridge that spans the San Juan River running just under the resort’s soaking pools. The river itself is a major attraction, offering a variety of recreational water sports, such as tubing, rafting, kayaking and canoeing.
Rates at The Springs start at $299 per night and top out at $799 for the best suite. Prices vary by the season; October and November offer the best savings. One may also sign up at the website to be notified of deals and special offers. You can also check rates on a booking site like Hotels.com or Expedia.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of The Springs for purposes of review. As always, the views expressed are his own. (See also his recent review on these pages of another worthwhile hot springs resort – on the other side of the world, in Greece.)
