As the nation battles the relentless coronavirus, the travel-deprived globe trotters are continuously in search of retreats that offer settings with built-in wow factors yet provide ample health and safety protection in an age of Covid-imposed social distancing. We found one such escape ground at Castle Hot Springs, a resort just north of Phoenix, Arizona. Under endless blue skies, lie the ochre and sepia-hued slopes of the Bradshaw Mountains. The closer you get to Castle Hot Springs Resort, the further behind the Covid-plagued day-to-day world feels.
The resort boasts a colorful history. The Apache Wars discouraged development of the area until the 1880s when the springs and the adjacent land were purchased by Frank Murphy for the construction of a health resort. The construction of the resort was completed in 1896 and was renamed "Castle Hot Springs." During the resort's heyday in the 1920s, it became a landmark in the Arizona desert visited by many celebrities of the day.
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert near Lake Pleasant, Castle Hot Springs has been a cornerstone of Arizona with a history of providing wellness, adventure and relaxation where guests can enjoy the mineral rich hot springs. In fact, as you arrive, you can almost hear the thermal springs bubbling up all around this unique retreat, creating the sense of a natural, luxury oasis amid the sun-soaked desert. Individual luxury accommodations and incredible culinary offerings, supported by an onsite farm, plus a wide array of activities, provide hotel guests with a unique and personalized stay.
After a fire that severely damaged the hotel, the historic property underwent extensive remodeling and expansion and reopened in February 2019, reimagined for a new era. Built on the ashes of its predecessor with 32 luxurious accommodations, including 12 new spring bungalows—with hot spring fed tubs—and 17 sky-view cabins, the resort quickly became the sought-after retreat by connoisseur travelers and received the Condé Nast “Hot List” award.
When we were asked by a client to recommend a retreat for their VIP guests—a resort that would ensure their health and safety during this pandemic—we immediately thought of Castle Hot Springs, somewhere where the high-energy participants could switch off from the always-on digital world and immerse themselves in nature. Castle Hot Springs fuses its early-20th-century glamour with a pared-back, off-grid ethos that made it the ideal contemporary hideaway for this group of senior executives. With no TVs in guest rooms and spotty WIFI and cell service, the resort is an ideal place to disconnect—for a digital detox, if you will.
Following a dusty dirt road, we arrived at the resort to find the lush and magical oasis of Castle Hot Springs. Whether some members of the group were looking to unwind from challenging past few months in the resort’s hot springs or go on an adventure in the Sonoran Desert, we were sure their experience at this gem in the desert would take them on a memorable journey; and they would be able to leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Immediately after arrival, some chose to start by sampling the thermal springs, sinking into their hot tubs, others went for a dip into the main pool, and the more adventurous ones went straight to the source at the canyon swimming holes. The cistern-fed pools are the hottest non-volcanic natural springs in the world, and the therapeutic minerals in the waters have made this a destination for generations.
After recharging and a meal fit for royalty, some went to discover the mountains on foot, others on horseback or by ATV, exploring the 210-acre property. After an already active first day, the group returned to a garden-fresh meal prepared with locally-grown ingredients. The night had fallen and the group then was treated to the ultimate all-star show: a mesmerizing night sky.
Aside from activities for every taste and liking, there was ample opportunity to just relax and unwind—especially given the resort’s unassuming and underrated flair in culinary art. Even for the picky eaters in the group, the resort's restaurant featured epicurean delights made from ingredients grown in its organic garden. Of course, those with a palate for less refined cuisine, found much to like thanks to a Western barbecue consisting of steaks, roasted chicken and cowboy chili stew. There was even a pizza oven for those who wished to relax by the pool.
The three-day program came to an end quickly and to the disappointment of everyone, we had to board the SUVs for the trek on the dusty road back to the Phoenix airport to board a private aircraft for journey home to the East Coast and the realities of a sadly-intensifying pandemic.
To plan your own group’s “digital detox retreat,” call on professionals at Global Management Services for a custom-tailored proposal.