Hotel Snapshot
Pulling up to the palm tree-lined Castle Hot Springs feels like encountering a mirage in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. This historic hotel is a 31-room oasis that first opened in 1896, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains and thousands of towering Saguaros. As a member of the always impressive Relais & Châteaux collection, Castle Hot Springs delivers unparalleled service from check-in to check-out, and the all-inclusive structure allows you to partake in an array of activities, meals, and experiences without ever having to sign a single check—it's the definition of desert indulgence.
Though you can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, I recommend flying JSX to the Scottsdale Airport if you’re coming from L.A. Either way, you’ll need to rent a car and make an hour-ish drive to the property (unless you’re looking to splurge on the scenic helicopter transfer that the hotel offers). While Castle Hot Springs has traditionally closed from July to August, the resort is choosing to remain open during the summer season of 2026, making it more accessible than ever.
Design & Character
As you walk around the 1,200-acre ranch, prepare to be in constant awe of the extraordinary colors and landscaping. From the brightest bougainvillea blooms that I’ve ever seen to massive agaves showcasing earthy shades of sagey blue, every corner is covered in the most lush foliage that feels completely foreign to the surrounding desert scenery. The signature springs that the resort is known for run right through the property and into a fish-filled pond near the lower cabins and main lawn.
The main Lodge, which houses the restaurant Harvest, Bar 1896, and the activities desk, stands out against its bright green surroundings thanks to its fresh butter yellow paint job (which is perfectly aligned with Hotel Above Par’s signature color, I might add). It’s obvious that Castle Hot Springs is committed to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds this remote resort, and rather than being built around nature, it feels like part of it.
The Rooms
There are a few different accommodation styles at Castle Hot Springs, but with only 31 rooms across the entire property, a sense of intimacy and exclusivity is guaranteed no matter where you stay. The Skyview Cabins are a collection of standalone cottages located toward the lower half of the grounds. Each cabin features a spacious deck where you can watch the sunset, along with a private outdoor tub for soaking under the stars.
If you’re looking for more space and enjoy falling asleep to the sound of flowing water, opt for one of the Spring Bungalows. The outdoor patios boast stone fireplaces and plush daybeds, allowing you to get cozy while listening to the babbling spring that runs right next to your bungalow. Those traveling with a larger group should consider the private Historic Cottage or the three-bedroom Top of the Lodge suite. Across all room options, expect modern comfort with rustic undertones and a hint of Southwestern flair.
The Food & Drink
All-inclusive dining programs are far too often hit or miss, but at Castle Hot Springs, the food is one of the biggest highlights. Each meal took me by complete surprise, from the quality of fish and meat to the fresh produce gathered from the property’s spring-fed garden. Considering how isolated the hotel is, it would be easy for the team to cut corners and not put much effort in the culinary operation, as guests are forced to dine on-site regardless. Thankfully, that isn’t the case whatsoever.
The signature restaurant Harvest is located on the lower level, featuring an open-air dining room along with a handful of outdoor tables on the slim patio. Breakfast features light fare along with heartier favorites, but a few can’t-miss dishes include the Wagyu steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and smoked salmon with fluffy naan. Lunch can be enjoyed at your leisure after a morning of hiking and soaking in the springs, and though you should definitely fuel up on the beef bulgogi tacos and fresh tuna poke bowl with forbidden rice, save plenty of room for dinner.
Every evening, the team at Harvest hosts a five-course tasting menu that changes nightly. You never know what to expect, but each dish is consistently elegant and masterful. One night, we were treated to an allium bisque, and it was hands down one of the best soups I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. After the soup course, you’re presented with some sort of salad, followed by a small, chef-curated bite from the garden. You have the option of four different entrées, and even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, you’ll be blown away by the desserts. The optional $175 wine tasting is guided by an expert sommelier, but you can also order à la carte for a more relaxed experience. You can also head upstairs to Bar 1896 for a cocktail on the terrace, which overlooks the pool and surrounding mountains.
The Amenities
During your stay, wellness classes ranging from yoga and meditation to sound baths and water Qigong are included, allowing you to build your own ideal itinerary with the perfect amount of leisure. Spa treatments and Watsu come at an extra charge, but the therapists at Castle Hot Springs are some of the best, so I highly recommend splurging (especially on the Watsu, I’ve haven't felt such an intense state of relief or relaxation since being in the womb). There are several hiking trails you can explore during guided hikes in the morning or on your own throughout the day, but of course, the main draw to this one-of-a-kind hotel is the hot springs.
Located toward the back of the property, accessing these springs requires a short (albeit uphill) walk, but you can always ask for a ride via golf cart. The first spring is the coolest in temperature and the deepest. It’s open for swimming and lounging, but this is also where they host paddleboard yoga and Watsu treatments, so be mindful of your surroundings and the schedule. Just a bit further up are the two main and hottest springs. The first one tends to hover around 90 degrees, but the smallest one, which backs up to a stone wall that’s been water-stained with vibrant shades of orange, teal, and green, is around 105 degrees (since they are natural springs, the temperature can fluctuate). Benefits range from muscle relaxation to improved circulation, as the pools are naturally rich with magnesium, lithium, calcium, and bicarbonates. Though the springs also contain sulfur, the pungent odor is neutralized by sodium, so no need to brace for an unpleasant aroma. Prefer a more standard dip? Castle Hot Springs has a chilly yet scenic swimming pool just across from Harvest by the main Lodge.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
There’s not a whole lot around the resort, but that’s perfectly fine, because everything you could possibly need for a weekend of wellness is on-site. If you really want to get out and about, consider taking a drive over to Lake Pleasant.
Fast Facts
Location: Carefree, Arizona
Rating: 5-Star
Room Count: 31 Rooms
Pricing: Rates start around $1,700 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The healing hot springs, premium wellness treatments, vibrant landscaping, and excellent dining program.
Dining: Harvest, Bar 1896.
Amenities: WiFi, complimentary wellness classes, all-inclusive dining, 10 miles of hiking trails, pickleball courts, games, hot springs, swimming pool, spa treatments.
Nearby Attractions: Lake Pleasant (that’s pretty much it, the resort is very remote and you’ll find plenty of ways to entertain yourself on-property).
Airport: Scottsdale Airport (when flying JSX), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Carefree, Arizona, United States
