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One of my themes for this year is all about wellness and pampering. We drove two hours north of San Francisco to Ukiah, California to relax at a hot springs resort.
Vichy Springs is a beautiful hot springs resort in Northern California. The resort was established in 1854 and is both a beautiful countryside retreat and a hot springs resort.
Pools at Vichy Hot Springs Resort
Vichy has a variety of different pools including naturally carbonated mineral baths which are 90°F (32°C). There are 14 tubs available including 4 outside tubs and 10 inside tubs hidden inside little white wooden huts.
There are only 3 such carbonated hot springs resorts in the world; Vichy Springs, France & Madagascar. The “Champagne” baths have been enjoyed since the California hot springs resort opened in 1854. The water is naturally carbonated and produces millions of tiny bubbles which cover your body.
After 3-4 minutes, the water dilates your capillaries which increases circulation and produces a sense of relaxation. The baths are a form of hydrotherapy which are recognized for skin disorders such as eczema, arthritis, rheumatism and nervous conditions. 20-30 minutes in the hot springs tub is enough to relax you and reap the wellness benefits. The hot springs water works wonders for your skin and hair as it surges forth from 6 miles deep within the earth.
The resort also offers a hot pool which is heated to 104 degrees and opens until 2am each night. There are no jets to maintain the quietness & relaxation of the springs resort. We went into the “champagne” baths at night when it was quite cold outside so this hot pool was heavenly after the spring baths.
There is also a 25 meter swimming pool which is open during the summer months. As we visited in winter, we brought bath robes with us to keep warm when moving from pool to pool which was definitely needed.
Massages and facials are also offered at Vichy Hot Springs Resort and are available daily from 8am-7pm.
Accommodations at Vichy Hot Springs Resort
The accommodations at Vichy Hot Springs Resorts are very quaint and homely. There are Mountain View rooms, Creek Side rooms & one and two bedroom cottages. We stayed in a beautiful one bedroom cottage right by the hot springs.
The cottages were built in 1852 and retain their quaint feel. The cottage had a beautifully furnished bedroom with doors that opened out onto the private patio. There is outdoor dining furniture on the patio to enjoy the beautiful lush green views of the resort’s gardens.
The cottage was fully equipped with a kitchen, dining table, comfy sofa and my favorite, a blazing fireplace. The fireplace made the cottage so cozy and relaxing. All the cottages have spacious bathrooms and are filled with light.
Amenities at Vichy Hot Springs
Access to all of the Vichy Hot Springs are included in your room rate. The pools are open until 2am each night and it is so peaceful to go after dark to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Breakfast is also included in the room fee which includes a generous and delicious selection of fruit, yogurt, fresh local pastries, eggs, bagels, granola, teas, coffees, juices and more. Breakfast is served from 7am-10am daily.
There are lots of areas around the resorts for picnics. Only the cottages have kitchens, so for lunch and dinner if staying in a room, bring snacks or there are lots of restaurants around Ukiah which is a short ten minute drive away. The resort will provide you with a list of their recommendations upon check-in.
One of my favorite amenities at Vichy Hot Springs resort was the 700 acre reserve for walking and hiking. There are lots of trails to explore including a trail to Chemisal Falls which are beautiful. The path to the falls is a 40-50 minute hike which meanders side to side over the creek.
We went in winter and there had been lots of rain so the creek was quite full of water. Bring good hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting wet as in some areas you have to pass the creek nimbly jumping from stone to stone.
What started out as a walk for me turned into a Tarzan like adventure. It was worth viewing the beautiful waterfall and the trail along the way is so picturesque and heavenly. I highly recommend going exploring during the day and enjoying the pools later in the evening.
For those living nearby or if accommodation is booked up, day spa passes can be used to enjoy the historic hot springs.
How to feel like you are in a luxury hotel at home
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Overall, I had the most relaxing stay at Vichy Springs Resort. It was an incredibly relaxing way to spend the weekend.
For me, this year is going to be lots of wellness, relaxation and enjoying nature. I highly recommend exploring Vichy Hot Springs Resort as a break away to relax and become immersed in nature.
