Castle Hot Springs
WINNER

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BEST
See Why: From the Beach to the Desert to the Alaskan Wild, These Resorts and Retreats Embody the West
Set within Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains, just 50 miles north of Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs is a historic, adults-only desert oasis redefining modern wellness through a deeply place-driven lens. Established in 1896 as Arizona’s first luxury wellness retreat, the 1,100-acre resort seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary refinement across 31 standalone bungalows and cabins. In 2026, the property enters a new chapter as a member of Relais & Châteaux, joining a global collection devoted to art de vivre, culinary excellence, and cultural preservation. At its core, mineral-rich hot springs feed three restorative pools, anchoring a holistic approach to well-being. The resort’s celebrated “Flavor Farming” program cultivates more than 300 varieties of produce on-site, shaping a hyper-seasonal culinary experience led by Executive Chef Chris Knouse. Paired with immersive desert adventures and a newly expanded wellness framework, Castle Hot Springs offers a rare balance of restoration, discovery, and elevated simplicity.
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