Great Pagosa Hot Springs
By Prudence Lay on May 1, 2013
By Prudence Lay, Feature Editor –
For centuries, visitors to the Great Pagosa Hot Springs have touted the miraculous curative powers of these waters. The first published testament to the healing benefits of the waters was written in 1890 by Dr. J. L. Weaver, U.S. Army Surgeon, following his experiences with several chronically ill soldiers brought to the spring for research study. The verbal testimonies began with Native American visitors from centuries past, and continue today, as visitors from all over the globe journey to these waters seeking healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
As you step into these mineral rich waters, the various minerals and elements in the water are absorbed through the pores in your skin. The healing process is enhanced when the pores are opened by increased water intake prior to entering the mineral pools, so be sure you drink lots of water before your visit.
It is recommended that you soak for approximately 10 minutes a session, and then cover yourself with a towel to sweat and cool. Fresh water should also be consumed periodically while in the waters. While some may recommend the drinking of the waters, extreme caution should be taken as the unsettled minerals in the water have a powerful purgative effect. This is not pleasant, especially if you are unprepared. Locals, who recommend the drink, suggest letting the water settle at least 48 hours prior to consumption and then proper decanting of the liquid must be observed!
While you are visiting, why not combine the naturally hot therapeutic mineral waters of the soaking pools with specialized body treatments, facials, hair and skin services for the ultimate in health, relaxation, and pampering in the spa/salon. The spa offers lotions and soaps made from the minerals found in the waters that you can purchase.
How nice to be able to take some of these healing benefits home with you. As you move around this beautiful resort, you will notice The Bathhouse. This building is the most identifiable on The Springs Resort property. This lovely Mediterranean- style structure marks the entrance to the soaking pools. This state-of-the-art facility features radiant heated tile flooring, automatically heated one-touch showers, swimsuit spinners (which remove 97% of the moisture from garments) electronically functioning plumbing fixtures and beautiful architectural features and sculptures throughout the facility. The Bathhouse contains everything you need to enjoy your soak in the waters, such as towel, locker and robe rentals. You will also find a lovely gift shop in the building.
The Bathhouse is the only entrance into the pools area for the general public. Hotel Guests enjoy a private entrance near the hotel which activates with their room key. All visitors are welcome to view the pools from an outside observation deck, however the best view of the pools can be found from the Hotel lobby where floor-to-ceiling windows provide a panoramic view of the Koi fish in Golden Pond, the San Juan River, and all 23 soaking pools.
Hopefully you have allowed enough time on your visit to Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa to enjoy some of the other attractions the area has to offer.
Some of the best and most popular are:
*Mesa Verde National Park (Anasazi Cliff Dwelling)
*Chaco Canyon Pueblo Indian Ruins
*Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train Ride
*1890’s Mining Town Tour
*River Rafting Tours on the San Juan River
*Hot Air Balloon Ride
The friendly and helpful staff at the resort will answer questions, help you book tours, and most of all encourage you to enjoy all this area of Colorado has to offer.
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, as well as being pampered, a visit to the Pagosa Springs Resort and Spa should be at the top of your list this summer. Your skin, your body and your mind will thank you for it.
With more than three decades of home interior design and international travel experience, Prudence Lay has developed a sharp eye for how to create inviting living environments and adventurous travel experiences. Currently Prudence and her family reside in Sisters, Oregon where she is enjoying her latest adventure as Home and Travel Feature Editor of LivingBetterat50+.
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