Unlike solo travel, adventuring with friends fosters an environment that increases social wellness by creating shared moments and a feeling of solidarity. With social wellness linked to better physical health, increased life expectancy, and improved mental well-being and 30% of travelers seeking out geological phenomena like hot springs in 2025, there’s never been a better time to prioritize in-person connections in an off-the-grid getaway while embracing the latest trends in a prime setting for building relationships and viewing natural events. Enter Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s premier luxury and wellness destination — the resort makes this easy as it just debuted its largest accommodation to date: Top of the Lodge, a spacious three-bedroom suite designed for friends traveling together, adult girlfriend getaways, or couples seeking to reconnect, rejuvenate, and make memories within an award-winning desert retreat.
Located just 50 miles north of Phoenix and nestled against the Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs’ new suite transforms a typical trip into an epic saga of memory-making and natural discovery, leaving guests with stories to cherish for years to come. Positioned above Bar 1896 and the acclaimed on-site restaurant Harvest, the Top of the Lodge suite places guests steps away from the resort’s vibrant social scene. Featuring three spacious bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, a split king bed option for friends, sweeping property views, and easy access to all the resort has to offer, Top of the Lodge provides the perfect gathering space for relaxation, connection-building and nature immersion.
What sets Castle Hot Springs apart? This historic desert oasis offers an unparalleled resort escape with a unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and restorative wellness offerings, allowing guests to enjoy a ‘digital detox’ philosophy, the therapeutic power of the world-renowned hot springs, aligning with trends for 2025 that emphasize unique natural experiences and connection, as well as immersive experiences, all geared to promoting total well-being and building a deeper connection to nature, such as scenic outdoor plein-air painting classes, majestic hikes overlooking splendid vistas, educational farm tours, and signature spa treatments.
New & Notable Programming and Highlights of Castle Hot Springs:
- New: Top of the Lodge: A spacious new 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom suite designed for group getaways, offering sweeping views and a wraparound deck just steps from Castle Hot Springs’ vibrant dining and social scene; perfect for friends and girlfriend getaways, this suite blends comfort with the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
- Connecting With Water Tour: With an expert guide, explore the resort’s natural wonders and discover the rich history, geology, and therapeutic benefits of the waters.
- Wellness Through Water Retreat: Discover the essence of true wellness with mineral-rich waters, a mindful Zen Soaking Secrets session, and a private 60-minute Watsu treatment.
- Capture The Beauty Of Arizona: Join a scenic guided hike to an outdoor plein-air painting class inspired by 20th-century painter Maxfield Parrish and create your own desert masterpiece.
- Farm-To-Bar Mixology With A Twist: Experience an expanded Farm-to-Bar curriculum, crafting innovative cocktails with fresh, farm-grown ingredients in the new Molecular Mixology experience.
- Table Thai Yoga Therapy: Experience deep relaxation and improved flexibility with this ancient Thai practice, combining rhythmic acupressure, gentle rocking, and deep stretching to restore your body’s natural energy flow.
- Agave Spirits From Plant To Glass: Explore the world of tequila and mezcal from harvest to distillation with the new Agave Spirit Tasting, and immerse yourself in the nuances of these iconic spirits while sampling rare varieties exclusive to the resort.
- Hot Springs Soaking: All guests are encouraged to soak in the ancient natural hot springs that are filled with rich minerals known to remedy anxious minds and soothe aches and pains, whilst also improving mobility and boosting skin health (1 in 10 hot springs in the U.S. with Lithium!). Those looking for an extra layer of water relaxation are invited to participate in seasonal Paddleboard Yoga, or book a Watsu Water Therapy, where a spa therapist your therapist will gently move you through a rhythmic dance with the water, offering decreased muscle tension, increased flexibility, pain relief, improved circulation and enhanced well-being.
- Crater Canyon Exploration: Hike to a private slot canyon in a remote section of the Sonoran Desertled by an expert outdoorsman who will share information on the surrounding ecosystem along the way, such as Saguaro Cacti and desert wildflowers.
- Arizona’s First Ever Via Ferrata Cable Course: This heart-pumping experience includes access to some of the most impressive views across the expansive property, offered via the property’s Aerial Walkway, connecting two peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains and taking guests to new heights (literally) — more than 200 feet above the canyon floor below.
- Signature Spa Treatments & Intentional Wellness Activities: Inspired by the land and natural soothing hot springs, enjoy tailored massages, water therapies, and full-body treatments focused on Joy, Serenity, and Renewal, complimented by intentional wellness activities like custom yoga, guided meditations, energy alignments, sound baths, and chakra tune-ups for a holistic rejuvenation experience.
- A New Culinary Evolution / The True Definition of Farm-to-Fork: Led by the Resort’s Executive Chef, Chris Knouse, at Harvest restaurant as he delivers a true farm-to-table experience with hyper-seasonal, nutrient-dense dishes. Sourcing 100% of the produce from the on-site farm, Chef Knouse ensures sustainability and flavor are at the heart of the ever-evolving menu.
Media
Skylar Terrana
Senior account executive
MODERN CURRENCY PR
Los Angeles, CA