I’m a sucker for hot springs and over the years, I’ve soaked in a number of these soothing havens, particularly in the Southwest. This region is the ideal spot for restorative dips, from riverside locales to mountain pools, and boasts such destinations as Truth or Consequence, Ojo Caliente and Jemez Springs, in New Mexico, and Pagosa Hot Springs in Colorado.
Recently, I checked out another of these hot spots in Colorado – Durango Hot Springs Resort + Spa. Formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs, the place underwent a total renovation and fully reopened in August 2021. New owners Dan Carter, his son Kurt Carter and Bryan Yearout did a major rehaul, putting in new pools, remodeling the spa and adding an upscale day club with numerous amenities and concierge level service; the latter which will be ready for use soon. The resort part of the property is still a few years away but will include a new hotel and glamping facilities.
The property is set on 65 acres, surrounded by mountains in the scenic Animas Valley, just eight miles north of downtown Durango. It’s comprised of over forty unique thermal mineral water features, including sixteen natural mineral hot springs soaking pools (twelve of which are located in the adults only section and four in the family area), private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, cold plunge pools, a reflexology walking path and a rain tower. Additionally, there’s a resort-style swimming pool, concession area, men’s and women’s bath/shower dressing rooms and a full-service day spa, offering a variety of treatments to enhance wellbeing.
Durango Hot Springs’ water is one hundred percent pure natural geothermal mineral water. The property claims to have some of the best natural mineral water in the world. They state that they are building better water, or what they call, “Magic Water,” based on mineral counts and unique technologies. The water is geothermally heated and brought to the surface via five wells, with temps ranging from 106 degrees up to 127 degrees in the summer and 112 degrees and over 127 degrees in the winter. Each pool has its own water source with a specific temp, which circulates out every two hours to maintain cleanliness.
The water has a blend of 34 minerals and each has its own individual health benefits. The property uses state-of-the-art technology to bind the minerals to the water molecule, increasing absorption and the clarity of the water. It also has the distinction of being the only hots springs in the world to utilize the unique AquaGen system. This system infuses the pools with tiny oxygen bubbles, which serve to enhance the healing properties of the water. Oxygen is known to rebuild and repair cells in the body.Some of the hot springs I have soaked in have a strong rotten eggs odor due to the sulphur content. At Durango Hot Springs, I didn’t smell anything. That’s because there are only low or trace levels of the mineral.
I took great pleasure in going from one pool to another to experience the different temps. It made me feel like Goldilocks! I discovered that 103 degrees was ideal. The pools are terraced, which allows for great views of the mountains in the backdrop. They are also nicely landscaped, with natural privacy curtains.
Additionally, I appreciated the separation between the adults and family areas. Kids can behave like kids without having to adapt to adult standards of noise and behavior, while adults can enjoy having their own peaceful realm.After soaking, I continued to feel the glow of complete relaxation for the rest of the day. And I slept like a baby that night.
www.durangohotspringsandspa.com
Debbie Stone is an established travel writer and columnist, who crosses the globe in search of unique destinations and experiences to share with her readers and listeners. She’s an avid explorer who welcomes new opportunities to increase awareness and enthusiasm for places, culture, food, history, nature, outdoor adventure, wellness and more. Her travels have taken her to nearly 100 countries spanning all seven continents, and her stories appear in numerous print and digital publications.
