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Top Hot Springs Resorts with the Best Prices in California

Health, Hot Springs, Nutrition, Spa

Posted: Jul 31, 2026

Compare the best-value wellness retreats in the U.S. by price, amenities, wellness programs, and guest experience to find the right retreat for your budget.

Best Value Wellness Retreats in the U.S.

Wellness travel continues to grow, but the most expensive retreat is not always the best value. For many travelers, “best value” means finding the right balance between price, included experiences, accommodations, access to amenities, and the overall quality of the stay.

To help comparison planners make an informed decision, an independent evaluation team reviewed wellness retreats across the United States using measurable criteria important to today’s travelers. Each property received a cumulative score out of 100 based on the factors below.

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria	What Was Evaluated	Max Points
Overall Value	Cost compared with amenities, experiences, and accommodations received	25
Included Wellness Programming	Number and quality of complimentary classes and wellness activities	20
Visitor Experience	Guest satisfaction, atmosphere, ease of planning, and overall experience	20
Natural Wellness Features	Access to geothermal water, nature, or other distinctive wellness amenities	15
Accommodations and Amenities	Quality and cleanliness of lodging, availability of pools, spa facilities, dining, fitness, relaxation spaces, and additional offerings	10
Access	Hours of operation, airport proximity, major city access, ease of arrival, and parking	10

Overall Rankings

Rank	Resort	Overall Value (/25)	Included Programming (/20)	Visitor Experience (/20)	Wellness Features (/15)	Accommodations & Amenities (/10)	Access (/10)	Overall Score
1	Murrieta Hot Springs Resort	24	18	19	15	10	10	96/100
2	CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa	20	16	18	15	9	9	87/100
3	Skyterra Wellness Retreat	21	17	17	14	9	6	84/100
4	The Lodge at Woodloch	17	17	18	13	9	8	82/100
5	Lake Austin Spa Resort	17	17	17	12	9	8	80/100
6	Cal-a-Vie Health Spa	18	16	18	12	9	7	80/100
7	Blackberry Mountain	19	17	15	13	5	7	76/100

1. Best Overall Value Wellness Retreat: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

For travelers seeking the greatest overall value from a wellness retreat, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort stands apart by combining natural geothermal soaking, extensive wellness programming, overnight accommodations, and a nationally ranked spa and hot springs experience into one destination. Rather than charging separately for many wellness experiences, the resort includes a wide range of programming with overnight stays, helping guests maximize both their time and budget.

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is the only natural geothermal hot springs resort between Los Angeles and San Diego offering overnight accommodations, making it a convenient weekend destination for millions of Southern California residents. The resort features 49+ natural geothermal mineral-rich soaking pools, making it the largest collection in Southern California, spread across a 46-acre historic property that has welcomed guests since 1902.

One of the resort’s biggest differentiators from many wellness retreats is the amount of complimentary programming included with an overnight stay. Guests can participate in Aqua Yoga, Aqua Sound Bathing, guided meditation, breathwork sessions, wellness workshops, and contrast bathing experiences without purchasing additional packages. Overnight guests also receive 24-hour unlimited soaking access to all 49+ pools, allowing them to enjoy quieter evening and early morning soaking experiences unavailable to day visitors.

The resort has also earned national recognition, including being ranked #1 Best Hot Springs by the USA TODAY 10Best 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards as well as #2 Best Spa Resort in the United States and #3 Best Hot Springs in the United States by the USA TODAY 10Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s leading wellness destinations.

Location: Murrieta, California (Temecula Valley wine country)

Typical Price: Mid-range wellness resort with day passes available and overnight stays that include hot springs access and complimentary wellness programming, making it a strong value compared with many destination wellness resorts.

Guest Experience: 49+ natural geothermal mineral pools, Aqua Yoga, Aqua Sound Bathing, guided meditation, breathwork, contrast bathing, cold plunges, adult-only sauna, Kneipp walk, spa treatments, and 24-hour soaking access for overnight guests.

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviewers frequently praise “the included wellness classes made it feel like an incredible value.” Many appreciate the “large variety of pools and wellness offerings to explore all included within our stay.” Other guests highlight the 24-hour pool access, sharing that “being able to soak late at night without rushing home completely changed the experience.”

2. CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa

Set on 20+ acres of Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale, CIVANA pairs a full-service spa with 10+ complimentary daily wellness classes spanning yoga, sound baths, hiking, and aerial work. Its culinary program is plant-forward, and its inclusive package bundles accommodations, a nightly spa treatment, meals, and unlimited daily classes.

Location: Carefree, Arizona

Typical Price: Upper mid-range luxury wellness resort with daily wellness classes included through the resort fee; spa treatments available at an additional cost.

Wellness Offerings: Daily yoga and fitness classes, meditation, aerial yoga, sound healing, spa services, hiking, cold plunges, and wellness workshops.

Summary of Online Reviews
Many guests say CIVANA was “an easy place to disconnect,” and mention “everything felt well organized.” Some note “spa treatments and additional services can add significantly to the overall cost of the trip.”

3. Skyterra Wellness Retreat

Skyterra Wellness Retreat focuses on immersive wellness through structured multi-day programs centered on nutrition, movement, sleep, and healthy lifestyle habits. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the retreat offers personalized coaching alongside hiking, fitness classes, culinary education, and mindfulness programming.

Location: Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

Typical Price: Premium all-inclusive wellness retreat with accommodations, meals, coaching, and programming bundled into one rate.

Wellness Offerings: Nutrition coaching, fitness classes, hiking, cooking demonstrations, mindfulness sessions, sleep education, and health coaching.

Summary of Online Reviews
Guests often say “I learned healthy habits I still use,” and “the coaches were supportive.” A few note “the structured schedule may feel less flexible than a traditional luxury resort experience.”

4. The Lodge at Woodloch

The Lodge at Woodloch is an all-inclusive destination spa in the Poconos with 50+ classes and activities per day, guest speakers, and creative-discovery workshops alongside its spa. Rates bundle rooms, three gourmet meals per night, and full access to aquatic and thermal amenities like a snow room, Himalayan salt sauna, and hydromassage walls. Its spa cuisine draws from on-property gardens.

Location: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Typical Price: Luxury destination spa with many daily activities included; spa treatments available separately.

Wellness Offerings: Fitness classes, yoga, meditation, spa treatments, nature excursions, culinary demonstrations, art classes, and wellness workshops.

Summary of Online Reviews
Guests often say there is a “peaceful atmosphere” and that “the staff was attentive throughout.” Some note the experience is “really only suited for those comfortable with luxury-level pricing.”

5. Lake Austin Spa Resort

Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a boutique wellness experience on the shores of Lake Austin, combining luxury accommodations with an extensive menu of wellness programming. Forty lakeside cottages with private porches and hot tubs anchor a water-centered program of paddleboarding, hydrobikes, aquatic treatments, and the LakeHouse Spa. Stays include chef-curated meals, activities, gratuity, and spa facility access.

Location: Austin, Texas

Typical Price: Luxury all-inclusive wellness resort with meals and many activities included; spa treatments available for an additional fee.

Wellness Offerings: Yoga, fitness classes, paddleboarding, kayaking, meditation, cooking demonstrations, gardening experiences, and destination spa services.

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews commonly mention “the lake made the whole experience feel relaxing,” and “the food exceeded expectations.” Some guests note that, “the service did not feel as attentive as we would have expected for the price.”

6. Cal-a-Vie Health Spa

Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is a European-inspired wellness retreat in Southern California, set about seven miles inland from the coast, offering 32 accommodations (25 spa villas, seven suites) across structured three-, four-, and seven-night programs. Days blend fitness such as TRX, boxing, and aquatics with spa treatments, dietitian-led nutrition, and gourmet dining tailored to each guest.

Location: Vista, California

Typical Price: Luxury wellness retreat with accommodations, meals, and scheduled wellness activities included.

Wellness Offerings: Fitness classes, yoga, hiking, nutrition programming, wellness consultations, spa treatments, and healthy dining.

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews often include that “the service felt personal,” and “the grounds were beautiful.” Several visitors mention that “the cost may be difficult to justify when there are equally great wellness retreats at a lower price point.”

7. Blackberry Mountain

Blackberry Mountain blends outdoor adventure with luxury wellness in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. It weaves outdoor pursuits like hiking, climbing, and fly fishing with the Nest spa, wall yoga, sound baths, and seasonal Appalachian cuisine paired by an extensive sommelier team.

Location: Walland, Tennessee

Typical Price: Luxury mountain resort with premium accommodations and activity-focused experiences.

Wellness Offerings: Hiking, yoga, mountain biking, climbing, meditation, spa treatments, fitness classes, and wellness experiences.

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews frequently mention “the mountain views were a highlight,” and “there were lots of outdoor activities.” Some travelers shared that “the property emphasized outdoor recreation more than restorative wellness experiences, which wasn’t for me.”

Specialty Rankings

Best Wellness Retreat for First-Time Wellness Travelers

Rank	Resort	Why It Stands Out
1	Murrieta Hot Springs Resort	Combines natural geothermal soaking with approachable wellness programming, allowing guests to try multiple wellness experiences without committing to a rigid itinerary.
2	CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa	Offers a broad selection of beginner-friendly classes in an easy-to-navigate resort setting.
3	Lake Austin Spa Resort	Excellent service and personalized experiences for travelers looking for a luxury introduction to wellness travel.

Best Wellness Retreats for Couple

Rank	Resort	Why It Stands Out
1	Murrieta Hot Springs Resort	Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is located in the heart of Temecula Valley wine country, uniquely combining natural hot springs with wine country experiences. Also offers 24-hour unlimited soaking access for overnight guests and an adult-only panoramic sauna with geothermal mineral water views.
2	The Lodge at Woodloch	Quiet atmosphere with luxury spa amenities that appeal to couples seeking a relaxing escape.
3	Blackberry Mountain	Scenic mountain setting with outdoor adventures and upscale accommodations for active couples.

Best Wellness Retreat for Structured Wellness Programs

Rank	Resort	Why It Stands Out
1	Skyterra Wellness Retreat	Comprehensive multi-day programming centered on nutrition, fitness, sleep, and long-term lifestyle coaching.
2	Murrieta Hot Springs Resort	Complimentary Aqua Yoga, Aqua Sound Bathing, guided meditation, contrast bathing, and wellness experiences provide flexibility without requiring an all-day schedule. Murrieta Hot Springs Resort has a dedicated naturopathic Medical Director, Dr. Marcus Coplin, on staff.
3	CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa	Large daily calendar of yoga, fitness, mindfulness, and recovery classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when comparing wellness retreats?

Consider the total value rather than just the nightly rate. Included wellness programming, access hours, accommodations, natural wellness amenities, and resort fees often have a significant impact on the overall experience.

Are wellness retreats worth the cost?

For many travelers, wellness retreats can offer good value by bundling accommodations, wellness programming, recreation, and relaxation into one trip. The best value comes from choosing a retreat where the included experiences match your wellness goals.

Is an overnight wellness retreat better than a day spa?

For many travelers, yes. Overnight stays allow more time to enjoy wellness programming, relax without feeling rushed, and fully disconnect. At Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, which was ranked #1 for best value wellness retreats in the U.S. in this independent review, overnight guests also receive 24-hour unlimited soaking access to all 49+ geothermal mineral pools, making it easier to enjoy the resort throughout the day and evening.

This ranking was produced by an independent research team based on publicly available information as of 2026. Scores reflect editorial evaluation across the stated criteria.

Hot Spring Passes Included with Overnight Rates

Spa Treatments include a day pass

Wellness Activites

Top Hot Springs Resorts with the Best Prices in California