A journey into the world of American thermalism: the thermal springs of California

A journey into the world of American thermalism: the thermal springs of California

California is home to a treasure trove of hot springs that attract thousands of spa tourism enthusiasts each year due to their unique and rejuvenating experience. These enchanted places offer an ideal opportunity to break away from the daily frenzy and rediscover inner balance.

The combination of nature and the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters, contained in natural hot pools, creates an almost surreal atmosphere that envelops visitors in an unforgettable experience.

The history of hot springs in California

The thermal water of California has long been considered a valuable source of healing, relaxation and well-being. Since ancient times, Native American tribes have exploited the curative properties of hot springs, finding in them not only physical relief but also a spiritual significance.

When the first Europeans arrived in America, they were fascinated by the presence of these beneficial waters, recognizing their value and appreciating their many benefits.

Over the years, the hot springs have become one of the country's main attractions, drawing visitors from every corner of the globe in search of a rejuvenating and relaxing oasis. Immersing oneself in these hot pools is a true balm for the body and soul, a unique opportunity for balance and total well-being.

The thermal water of Californian hot pools

The thermal water of California's hot pools originates from natural springs heated by geothermal processes, endowing them with a variety of beneficial elements. Like other hot springs and pools, these waters often abound in minerals that bestow them with a range of truly special healing properties:

  • They relax muscles
  • Reduce the feeling of stress
  • Improve blood circulation and immune functions
  • Alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
  • Enhance the appearance of the skin

It's no wonder, then, that California's thermal waters are used for a wide range of treatments, including baths, hydro-massage and inhalations.

Wellness Industry: the oldest and most famous Thermal Pools

The enchanting land of California, alongside its incredible national parks and beautiful beaches, boasts many wonderful natural hot pools, nestled in wild landscapes and fed by water springing from the heart of the Earth. Indeed, they are true gems, some dating back to ancient times, attracting visitors from all over the world in search of a total relaxation and wellness experience. Each thermal pool is a natural oasis set in the beauty of California, where the thermal waters blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature, creating a magical and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Being enveloped by the warmth of the thermal pools and the breathtaking landscapes that surround them is a unique experience, capable of melting away tensions and stress.

Among the most acclaimed cities in the wellness sector is Calistoga, a town located in Napa County, renowned primarily for its geothermal spas and mineral waters, hiding some of the country's oldest spas. Here, various resorts offer access to the thermal baths as part of their services, providing visitors the opportunity to immerse in thermal pools, mud baths, saunas and specific spa treatments. Moreover, nearby are the ancient sequoias of the Petrified Forest and the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts water over twenty meters high every hour.

However, there are indeed many more spas throughout the rest of the region.

Vichy Springs Resort

In Ukiah, two hours from San Francisco, you can find this one-of-a-kind resort that offers the chance to immerse in ancient thermal waters from springs boasting nearly 165 years of history. These waters share the same carbon dioxide-rich composition as the famous waters of Vichy, France.

Among the illustrious visitors who have dipped into these springs are famous figures such as Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Jack London, each attracted by the health and relaxation benefits offered by this wonderful thermal resource.

But the wonders of Vichy Springs Resort don't stop there, because just a thirty-minute walk from the resort are the enchanting Chemisal Falls.

Wilbur Hot Springs

East of Clearlake, Wilbur Hot Springs is a nature reserve where you can witness the eruption of the geyser known as the "Fountain of Life," a magical event that recurs every 45 minutes.

This hot spring spans nearly 730 hectares and its waters, used by Native Americans for thousands of years, spring forth at a temperature of about 62°C, then are channeled into "flumariums" in the Japanese style, three artificial channels with average temperatures between 37°C and 43°C.

Travertine Hot Spring

Located in Bridgeport, just off US 395, where, immersed in thermal pools surrounded by an alkali garden, one can enjoy breathtaking views thanks to the presence of the surrounding jagged mountains.

The thermal water is nearly boiling at the point where it springs forth, but reaches more pleasant temperatures as it flows down through the various pools.

Beverly Hot Springs

Even in Los Angeles, you can find a natural mineral spring! Dating back to the distant 1920, this oasis was almost accidentally discovered by drillers in search of oil, when they stumbled upon a precious artesian spring at a temperature of 40°C. In fact, it was water enriched with sodium bicarbonate, ideal for baths and therapies.

And not only that, near Los Angeles, you can find several thermal locations such as:

  • Desert Hot Springs: nestled in the desert regions of Southern California, Desert Hot Springs is renowned for its abundance of hot springs. The hotels and resorts dotted around this area offer unique opportunities to relax and benefit from the warm, mineral-rich waters, known for their healing properties.
  • Palm Springs: a charming area in the desert of Southern California, where you can immerse yourself in refined spas often integrated with prestigious resorts and hotels, offering a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.
  • Ojai: a city located in Southern California known for its hot springs and the healing properties of its waters. In fact, here you can stay in spa facilities that offer relaxing and therapeutic treatments.
  • Glen Ivy Hot Springs: one of the largest and most popular spa destinations in Southern California thanks to the variety of thermal pools, spa services and relaxing activities the area offers.

The perfect skincare for your trip to California

If you're planning a trip to California, it's important to consider your skin's health because this region is characterized by a variety of climates, depending on the area you choose to visit. You'll find places with Mediterranean temperatures, offering hot and dry summers, while other areas have a subtropical climate with more humidity. Moreover, there are areas with a more temperate climate, both mountainous and coastal.

For this reason, the best time to visit this beautiful region would be towards the last weeks of spring or at the end of summer to avoid the high summer temperatures.

For this reason, The Temple of Health has identified a range of perfect products for your trip, made up of thermal cosmetics based on salsobromoiodic water with light textures that adapt to quite warm climates.

Facial cosmetics for your trip to California

To ensure that the climate doesn't prevent you from fully enjoying your trip to California, you can take care of your skin with our selection of facial products:

Body cosmetics for your trip to California

Not just the face, but the body too needs care and attention that you can provide with our products:

  • Cryogenesi Leg Relief Gel: Especially recommended in case of fatigue during explorations or in very hot weather, as it stimulates the restoration of circulation. It helps the body to rid itself of waste and excess fluids and, at the same time, acts on cellulite imperfections. Just one application brings back freshness and tone, for skin that is immediately more revitalized and velvety, firmer.
  • Lactea Moisturizing Thermal Milk: With a fairly light texture, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin all over the body gently, making it immediately silkier and more elastic, toned and pleasantly scented.

Nature and wellness united in California's Hot Springs

Often rich in beneficial minerals, set amidst history and nature, California's thermal waters offer therapeutic and healing properties, providing benefits for both body and mind. If you're looking for a special experience for your trip to the USA, California's hot pools are a must-visit. Each dip in these thermal waters brings us back to inner balance, rejuvenates us and prepares us to face life with renewed energy and serenity. And don't forget to bring along Il Tempio della Salute thermal cosmetics, creating the perfect skincare routine for the local climate.

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