Imagine yourself surrounding by near-pristine desert wilderness, immersed to your neck in soothing hot water, the stars twinkling like diamonds thrown carelessly across a velvet sky.
This delight to the senses isn't in some ancient out-of-the-way land. And it isn't in some pricey Caribbean resort for the rich and famous. El Dorado Hot Springs is tucked humbly into the desert town of Tonopah, Arizona.
Tonopah, located 40 miles west of Phoenix on Interstate 10, was once known nationally for its soothing hot mineral waters. Earlier this century, Tonopah was home to several "health" resorts which attracted visitors from all over America. The health spas are gone, but the mineral waters remain, bubbling out of wells in the area at temperatures of up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Mixed with cooler water, this provides a perfect soaking temperature.
The mineral content of these waters is considered to be very therapeutic by some, but all can agree that the experience of soaking in these waters is, at the very least, soothing and relaxing.
El Dorado Hot Springs is a rustic retreat on nearly seven acres just south of I-10 at the Tonopah exit. Owners Camilla Van Sickle and Bill Pennington are building El Dorado over a 1,200 gallon-per-minute suterranean spring of odorless, tasteless mineral water. Van Sickle writes that El Dorado is the "home of the one hour mineral water shower with hot water that never runs out."
The mineral waters themselves are very soft on the skin and hair, and the effect has been likened to "bathing in liquid silk." There are currently two tubs at El Dorado - the main tub is a sunken stone pool enclosed in a garden setting. The second is above ground and is in a separate enclosure which includes cots and tables for massage therapy. A massage therapist is available with reservations placed 24 hours in advance. The tub is also available for private reservation for those who prefer complete solitude - an attractive feature for those who may be uncomfortable in the "clothing optional" main tub.
Visitors can come for an hour or a weekend, and camping is available on the grounds for tents or recreational vehicles. The cost to soak is $10 per day, with Frequent Soaker Discounts available. Camping is $5 per night and campfires are encouraged.
For more information on El Dorado Hot Springs, or to make reservations, contact Camilla or Bill at (602) 393-0750, email hotspring@el-dorado.com, or visit their website at
www.el-dorado.com.
