Murrieta Hot Springs Resort: A Sanctuary of Southern California Wellness

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, tucked away in the undulating hills between Los Angeles and San Diego, is the kind of place that subtly beckons—its murmur carried on the stem of steam rising above a turquoise thermal pool. Both locals and visitors have been coming here for more than a century to “take the waters” in an environment that combines modern wellness with vintage charm. After undergoing a radical restoration, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort’s 46-acre sanctuary now features 50 mineral-rich hot spring pools, a large spa, carefully chosen hydrotherapy, and a variety of rituals meant to soothe the body, quiet the mind, and reenergize the soul. Let’s examine in more detail why Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is currently one of the most alluring wellness destinations in Southern California.

1. Introduction & Overview

At first glance, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort might resemble a European sanctuary—think Mediterranean villas tucked amid palms and manicured lawns. Underneath this façade, though, is a powerful wellness core: alkaline geothermal waters brimming with nine restorative minerals—Sulfate, Chloride, Boron, Calcium, Lithium, Potassium, Sodium, Silica, and Bicarbonate—renowned for detoxifying effects, anti-inflammatory action, and nervous system reset.

During its grand reopening in February 2024, the resort unveiled:

• 50 geothermal pools, ranging from 100°F to 104°F, plus cold plunges, a panoramic cedar sauna, steam, mud cove and Kneipp foot baths

• A world-class spa with mineral-enhanced scrubs, body wraps, and facials calendar-scripted to complement hydrotherapy

• Wellness programming including guided cold plunges, sauna aromatherapy ceremonies, gratitude rituals, aqua yoga, sound baths, and restorative yoga—all designed to build a holistic wellness rhythm

• 174 elegantly remodeled rooms, from mission-style accommodations to Sleep-Ritual suites optimized for deep rest after a day of immersion

• A vibrant culinary scene: an alchemy of poolside café, lounge bar, gazebo bar, and full-service farm-to-table restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is a place where you don’t just escape the rush—you unzip your intention and let the waters, the ambiance, and the curated rituals recalibrate your body and mind.

2. History of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

Murrieta Hot Springs spring-fed sanctuary has a rich and illustrious history that includes spiritual exploration, Hollywood glitz, European spa customs, indigenous wisdom, and a current resurgence of modern wellness.

Mission Era and Indigenous. The local Luiseño people called this area Cherukanukna Hakiwuna long before settler maps showed up. They valued its mud baths and thermal springs for therapeutic purposes. Later, Spanish colonists also took advantage of its healing properties.

Early Development of Resorts (1884-1960s). The Temecula Land & Water Company built a hotel and bathhouse there in 1884. Inspired by Bavarian spa customs, German immigrant Fritz Guenther bought the property in 1902 and constructed two opulent hotels, a mud-bath pavilion, and a bathhouse with mosaic tiles.During the 1920s and 1960s, Murrieta attracted visionaries and Jewish families who were frequently turned away from other resorts. It developed into a bustling hub with a 48-room California Hotel, a 63-room Stone Lodge, tennis courts, and a synagogue.

turbulent period from the 1970s to the 1990s. The property was owned by developer Irvin Kahn, a contentious diet clinic, a utopian commune, and finally Calvary Chapel, which turned it into a bible college. Public access was discontinued in 1995.

Rebirth & Revival (2022–2024). Purchased from Calvary Chapel in 2022 for $50 million by Olympus Real Estate Group—owners of other springs resorts—the property underwent an ambitious 18-month restoration funded by Dr. Marcus Coplin and wellness director Sharon Holtz. They honored its legacy while creating a modern, curated wellness experience.

3. Unique Features & Experiences

This isn’t your average soak. Murrieta is a multi-sensory wellness experience built around water, rituals, and modern comfort.

Thermal Pools & Bathhouse at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort

You can arrange your soak according to temperature in 50 geothermal pools dispersed throughout terraces bordered by palm trees and secret groves: Under the guidance of their science-based contrast-bathing technique, start in a calming pool at 100°F, raise the temperature to a sturdy 104°F, and then dive into a cold 64°F dip. Guide to Soaking steam room, a cedar sauna, and a Kneipp reflexology walk—where hot/cold stepping improves circulation and soothes the nervous system—are all features of the original bathhouse.

Mud Cove & Terra Thermal Loft

The desert-inspired Mud Cove is open midday—often clay with Mojave bentonite—to detoxify and soften skin, followed by a rinse in beachside showers. The terra-thermal mud loft sits adjacent to a rooftop cedar sauna, inviting you to breathe deeply while gazing at panoramic resort vistas.

Curated Wellness Rituals

• Guided Cold Plunges at 10 am and 2 pm (included with day passes)

• Sauna Aromatherapy at 1, 3 & 5 pm

• Clay Cove open from 11 am to 3 pm

• Gratitude Ceremony at 4 pm, where you pause, breathe, and anchor your intention

Overnight luckier guests (18+) can book Aqua Yoga (8 am), Aqua Sound Bath (9:15 am), Restful Recharge classes, Restorative Yoga, or Friday Yoga Flow, all designed to support hydrotherapy’s flow.

The Spa

Housed near the pools, The Spa adds a curated spa menu of treatments “enhanced by our geothermal waters.” Highlights include:

• Magnesium Muscle Melt Scrub

• Energizing Herbal Renewal Wrap

• Honey & Avocado Quench

• Glow to Sleep Facial, etc.

Each body ritual includes access to the Serenity Garden—an adults-only enclave of tranquil pools, cedar sauna, and steam rooms. Every spa service comes with soaking access, plus robe, towel, and locker

Accommodations & Dining

Beyond soak and ritual, the resort provides:

• 174 refreshed rooms, including Sleep-Ritual suites with Bryte-balanced beds, sound-dampening curtains, and pillow menus.

• Dining staples: a café for light fare, café-bar for bites, full-service restaurant for a farm-to-table dinner, and a gazebo lounge for nightcaps

4. Best Time to Visit

The beauty of Murrieta is its year-round appeal. But for peak bliss, choose spring and fall. SoCal’s mild climate then ensures warmth in late afternoons and cool mornings—delighted by steam rising as the air chills. Pools glow in early morning mist or late-day golden hour.

Why Spring & Fall?

• Crowd conscious: You’ll bypass summer weekend peaks.

• Maximized landscaping: Florals are at peak and palms sway gently.

• Ideal soak temperatures: Not too hot outside, not too crowded in pools.

Winter visits offer serenity and cozy pool experiences under brisk night skies (remember, pools stay open through 10 pm). In summer, midweek dips are best—warm evenings mean pools blend into one cooling oasis.

Avoid These Times

• —Summer weekends: Locals flock midday—best to schedule treatments off-peak.

• —Major holidays: Expect higher rates and fuller pools unless staying overnight.

5. Getting There & Logistics 🚗

How to Arrive in Style

• By Car: Murrieta Hot Springs sits at 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta, CA—just off I‑15 between the 215 and 15 junction. It’s approx 80 miles from L.A. (~1½–2 hours) and 65 miles north of San Diego (~1¼ hours), making it a seamless escape from urban bustleBy Air: The closest airports are Ontario (ONT) and Palm Springs (PSP). Car rentals or ride-shares are readily accessible—no shuttle service from the resort itself, so planning ahead is wise
  Parking: Complimentary on-site parking is available, accommodating both private vehicles and larger groups.

Day-Pass & Access Essentials

All access begins at 9 am and concludes at 10 pm, with pool areas cleared by approximately 9:30 pm

Pass options include:

• Day Pass: Access to geothermal pools, cold plunges, Bathhall, and wellness experiences (Mon–Th: $99; Fri–Sun: $119).

• Relaxation Terrace Pass: Adds adults-only areas (Mon–Th: $129; Fri–Sun: $159).

• Twilight Pass: Evening access from 4 pm (Mon–Th: $49; Fri–Sun: $59).

• Locals’ Discount: Up to 40–45% off for residents in defined Riverside and Temecula Valley zip codes ]

• Spa Treatments: All include Day Pass access plus robes, towels, and locker service—ideal for those who wish to lounge all day without additional fees

Packing & Prep Tips

Essentials suggested:

• Swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, light cover-up.

• Towels are provided with spa services and day passes; robes and lockers can be rented à la carte.

• Free admission if it’s your birthday—bring a valid I.D.!

6. Tailored Wellness Routines

Design your bespoke wellness flow around three central goals: Relaxation, Stress Relief & Sleep, and Detox & Circulation. Each begins with geothermal immersion and ends with tranquil closure.

A. Deep Relaxation

• Morning: Ease into the slower pace with a gentle soak in the adults-only panorama pool—think warm 100–102°F water amidst lush landscape views.

• Spa Ritual: Book the Magnesium Muscle Melt Body Scrub, followed by a Restorative Massage to melt away tension.

• Afternoon: Join the Sauna Aromatherapy (1 pm) and participate in the Gratitude Ceremony at 4 pm.

• Evening: Conclude with a star-lit soak back in a serene adults-only pool—soft breezes, pale moonlight, and mindful exhalations.

B. Stress Relief & Sleep

• Early Afternoon: Brave the 1 pm Guided Cold Plunge—a refreshing switch from thermal warmth, followed by a languid soak.

• Spa: Decompress further with the Serious Sleep Massage, perfectly timed before sunset.

• Night: Rise again for a midnight sauna or dip—wrap yourself and head to bed within their Sleep-Ritual suite.

C. Circulation & Detox

• Soak Sequence: Start hot, then cold: alternating pool temperatures infused with mineral contrast therapy.

• Clay & Plunge: Visit the Mud Cove (11 am–3 pm) for a clay mask, rinse off and cold plunge to open pores.

• Spa Wrap: Try the Energizing Herbal Wrap mid-day.

• Kneipp Walk: Finish with attentive foot therapy along the Bathhall’s reflexology path.

• Aqua Yoga: If you’re an overnight guest, add an 8 am Aqua Yoga or Aqua Sound Bath to usher circulation and mindful breath into your morning

7. Tips to Maximize the Experience

• Book Early: Spa and wellness activities, especially for overnight guests, fill up fast—schedule ahead online.

• Arrive Early: Opening at 9 am, early arrival ensures entry to the best pools and full Mud Cove access

• Local Savings: Show local ID upon purchase for up to 45% off—membership and spa discounts apply too

• Pack Smart: Bring essentials; rentals are available but can feel like missed value. Robes included with spa treatments.

• Extend Your Stay: Overnight guests enjoy 24-hour hot spring access plus exclusive wellness classes—daily rate includes room, soaking, spa access, and select activities

• Dine with Intention: Talia Kitchen’s menu blends seasonal, farm-to-table nourishment with zero-proof vitality elixirs crafted for pre- or post-therapy balance.

8. Local Recommendations

Pair your on-site renewal with a regional detour or evening indulgence to extend the calm.

Temecula Wine Country

A 15-minute drive takes you into rolling vineyards. Book a wine tasting tour, enjoy sunset views, or take a hot-air balloon ride at dawn—a graceful extension of mindfulness in motion.

Outdoor Escapes

Just west of the resort lies the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, offering bird song, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails. Pack your sneakers and restore on two feet amidst nature.

Culinary Pauses

• Old Town Temecula: Historic tasting rooms, café lane, and boutique strolls.

• Nearby Murrieta: Affordable farm-fresh fare and artisanal cafés, perfect if you’re seeking locally sourced simplicity.

Pampered Extras

• Extend relaxation at local day spas.

• Tee off at Murrieta’s Bear Creek or Temecula’s renowned golf courses.

• Attend festivals: nearby calendar events include balloon fiestas, bluegrass gatherings, and wine festivals

9. Your 48-Hour Murrieta Hot Springs Itinerary: Ritual Meets Rhythm

Whether you’re seeking a deep detox, a restorative couples’ weekend, or a solo spiritual recharge, this sample itinerary blends signature features and wellness goals for a seamless experience.

Day 1: Arrival, Grounding & Letting Go

12:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In

• Park under swaying palms and breathe in the dry desert air—your reset begins here. Check in, drop your bags, and change into wellness mode.

1:00 PM – First Soak: The Panorama Pools

• Head to the adults-only terrace pools for your first geothermal immersion. Start with a warm 100°F pool, then ease into a 104°F corner pool lined with tile and flanked by citrus trees.

2:00 PM – Cold Plunge Ritual (Guided)

• Join the scheduled guided cold plunge—short, shocking, and utterly invigorating. Expect to emerge lighter, brighter, and more present.

3:00 PM – Spa Appointment: The Magnesium Muscle Melt Scrub

• A vigorous exfoliation followed by hydrating oils, perfect for releasing jetlag and lingering stress. Includes access to the private spa garden pools and cedar sauna.

5:00 PM – Gratitude Ceremony

• A 10-minute pause by the fountains—inhale deeply, set an intention, and let go of what no longer serves you.

6:00 PM – Dinner at Talia Kitchen

• Enjoy garden-to-table California cuisine with vibrant seasonal produce and zero-proof elixirs. Try the turmeric-roasted cauliflower or salmon with citrus glaze.

8:00 PM – Night Soak Under the Stars

• Pools remain open until 10 PM. The steam curls up into the night sky as you float weightlessly in silence. Sleep will come easily.

Day 2: Deepening Into Flow

7:45 AM – Aqua Yoga in Thermal Pool

• Greet the morning sun with a gentle, guided class in waist-deep geothermal waters. Stretch, sway, and realign.

9:00 AM – Breakfast & Journaling in the Café Garden

• A healthy spread of fruit, overnight oats, and matcha lattes. Sit outside, journal, and let yesterday’s insights settle in.

10:00 AM – Terra Thermal Mud Cove

• Apply the volcanic clay, bask in the sun, then rinse in a nearby plunge. Your skin will glow, and your mind will quiet.

11:30 AM – Restorative Massage or Glow-to-Sleep Facial

• Choose your treatment path: muscular release or dermal restoration. Either one pairs beautifully with afternoon lounging.

1:00 PM – Nap or Lounging by Serenity Garden

• Drift in a hammock. Read. Do nothing.

3:00 PM – Kneipp Walk & Cold Plunge (Optional)

• If you’re up for more circulation support, revisit the hot/cold sequence via the reflexology walk and a brief plunge.

4:00 PM – Light Fare + Sparkling Botanicals

• Grab a hummus board or grilled flatbread from the gazebo lounge and sip a house-made rosemary-cucumber tonic.

5:30 PM – Final Pool Circuit

• Return to your favorite pools: adults-only, rooftop-view, or tucked-away thermal sanctuaries. Anchor in gratitude for what you’ve given your body.

7:00 PM – Check Out (or Stay One More Night)

• You’ll want to return—most do. But for now, you’ll drive home less burdened, with your nervous system humming in harmony.

✨ Final Reflections

Murrieta Hot Springs isn’t just a historic resort—it’s a modern pilgrimage for those seeking elemental wellness. The minerals work subtly but powerfully. The design respects both the land’s native spirit and its glamorous European past. And the programming is sophisticated without ever feeling rigid.

For locals, this is your new monthly reset. For travelers, it’s a destination worthy of the journey. Either way, you’ll leave changed—physically lighter, emotionally quieter, and mentally clearer.

If your body is asking for space to restore, if your mind is craving peace, or if your soul simply wants to soak in the sun and steam: Murrieta Hot Springs is calling.

And it’s only just reopened.