San Diego, Los Angeles, amongst different quintessential Orange County seashores could also be what you envision when planning a Southern California trip.
You’re not mistaken.
However, what’s misplaced within the shadows of family names lies SoCal’s personal “Napa,” teeming with grand Chateau-style wineries, beautiful nature, small-town appeal, and capped by a newly revamped resort with a captivating timeline worthy of a 3-part Netflix docu-series.
This former celeb hotspot fizzled out within the hippie period of the 60s and 70s after initially opening in 1902, solely to be taken over within the 80s by the Alive Polarity commune (ahem, a cult), adopted by Calvary Chapel Bible College, then in fact, a Covid shutdown we are able to all relate to, in the end discovering it is present newfound glory as a reimagined luxe resort after an in depth transform.
All in all, it was closed off to the general public for 30 years, solely to reopen with a bang in February 2024.
While it is enjoyable to dive into the previous, the here-and-now Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is the place it ought to have been all alongside – a tranquil hideaway roughly an hour from each LA and San Diego within the surging Riverside County city of Murrieta.
Whether you are an in a single day visitor or go for a $49 Day Pass, there is not any query this unsuspecting retreat with a serene setting of ample scorching springs for leisure is the final word vacation spot to relax, chill out, and recharge.
Warm Up, Cool Down, And Recharge
You do not want me to let you know life is stuffed with stresses, however Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is simply the place to set your telephone apart, give attention to relaxation, and let your issues again residence soften away.
Upon arriving, you are welcomed by pleasant, educated employees who genuinely appear to get pleasure from their job. That alone is refreshing, is not it?


You’re supplied with an in depth map of the expansive property grounds, however the employees does an ideal job serving to you perceive what’s open at sure hours and the very best path to take out of your room.
Plus, you are supplied with waterproof wristbands serving as the important thing to your room and gated pool space, the place you may be hanging out essentially the most throughout your keep.
There’s a 24/7 limitless towel and gown trade just by calling the entrance desk or swapping out clothes on the labeled trade station close to the “Mud Cove”, the place you may positively want a brand new towel after lathering your self in detoxifying “mud” like your auditioning for a Papua New Guinea tribe.
Every side of the resort encourages general well-being from curated Sleep Guide packets in your room, a wide range of therapeutic massage remedies and calming actions like Aqua Sound Baths (my favourite), Aqua Yoga, and the Roman Spa, a spitting picture of genuine European bathhouses; to not point out the adults-only panoramic sauna.
If you have been taking note of the newest developments in wholesome residing, chilly plunges are all the fashion proper now.


While actually not a requirement, to max out well being advantages from psychological well being to irritation illnesses, trade specialists encourage alternating between cold and hot swimming pools.
Start off by stress-free in one of many resort’s 20+ swimming pools, then change to a teeth-chattering chilly plunge, and heat up once more.
Each pool is marked by a temperature studying from that morning. My candy spot was 102 levels, however I noticed measurements as excessive as 104.
Fun Fact: The resort can accommodate upwards of 1,100 company, however occupancy is capped at 50% to make sure a relaxed environment and stop overcrowding.
Hot Tub Bloody Marys & Midnight Stargazing: Enjoy 24/7 Pool Access
The worst half about vacationing is a few fellow vacationers destroy all of the enjoyable. How usually do you guide a lodge with a pleasant pool just for it to shut proper after dinner?
That’s the case for many stays. Murrieta Hot Spring Resort is the antithesis to resort rigidity by trusting company to conduct themselves respectfully.
While ingesting is allowed within the swimming pools, I’ve gotta say this was the quietest resort I’ve ever been to, even throughout peak hours.
The shocking half about that’s this resort is very family-friendly, however there weren’t any loud, snot-nosed kiddos ruining our Zen.
Everyone appeared zoned in on all-day soaking in 100% pure geothermal waters, which explains the lots of Utah plates within the free parking zone – or maybe the previous “commune” housed right here solid as lasting spell on all of us.
Kidding, in fact. The springs have been actually rejuvenating, even soothing a lingering foot damage.
My solely conundrum was deciding between partaking in my comfy bed room’s Sleep Guide goodie bag of earplugs, protein snacks, and aromatherapy merchandise or benefiting from 24/7 pool entry as an in a single day visitor – so, I did each.
The first night time I slept like a rock, adopted by late-night stargazing the following night time, the place I had infinite decisions of empty springs to soak in whereas gazing into the night time sky.
While I did not see any alien-crafted drones, I did see 5 taking pictures stars; a very cool expertise since Murrieta is tucked away simply sufficient from mild air pollution.


Know Before You Go: Day Pass customers usually are not permitted 24/7 entry. The Spa is open every day 9am – 9pm, the place Day Pass customers have free vary of Serenity Garden swimming pools and obtain a gown, towel, and storage locker.
Explore SoCal’s “Napa” With One-Of-A-Kind Wine Cave
Don’t sleep on Murrieta; there’s so much to do for a soccer-Mom city. Albeit typically chances are you’ll cross over into Temecula, Southern California’s model of the North’s Napa Valley.
Temecula is only a stone’s throw away, boasting immaculate landscapes cruising the backroads, particularly at sundown.
For a pleasant night out, I extremely advocate trying out The Cave at Oak Mountain Winery.
Just because it sounds, you may be escorted into ‘SoCal’s solely subterranean mined wine cave‘ for curated tastings (and/or dinner).
It’s a very distinctive environment inside, however the patio steals the present with sweeping mountain views. Enjoy them greatest with a glass of velvety Syrah in hand.


There are quite a few wine excursions to guide all through the area, however a enjoyable solution to see the websites is by horseback using at Susie Q Ranch, who work in tandem with Lorimar Vineyards & Winery for post-tasting rides and in addition provide classes as younger as 5 years outdated in comparison with opponents’ age 8 requirement.
Make certain you ask for Karen; she’s an extremely insightful information whether or not you are a seasoned rider or a novice like me, who would not know the distinction between a Seabiscuit and a seahorse.
You may guide a country, transformed barn residence onsite for in a single day stays at Suzie Q’s, however you may have to contact them straight for more information.
Talia Kitchen: A Destination Unto Itself
Whether you’re a resort visitor or not, Talia Kitchen alone is value driving from wherever in SoCal for an unforgettable meal.


For perspective, I just lately traveled throughout France, wined and dined within the Algarve, splurged on Marrakesh’s most interesting tagines, however all it took was one chunk at Talia Kitchen to ship my tastebuds world wide.
Every dish was a masterclass of culinary precision, from sinful sumac-spiced fritters to pillowy scallops domestically sourced (sadly, not provided).
Equally nice was the service from rockstar waitress Isis to humorous quips from the Chef who took day trip of his busy shift to supply some off-menu delights simply because.
Talia Kitchen could also be housed at Murrieta Springs Hot Resort, however it’s a vacation spot unto itself.
Here is what I like to recommend ordering:
- Bottle of Robert Renzoni (Tempranillo wine)
- Roasted Delicate Squash (appetizer)
- Prime Back Loin Center Cut Local Swordfish (entree)
- Caramelized Honey Panna Cotta (dessert)
**Travel Off Path was a visitor of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and sights. Our opinions, suggestions, and solutions stay our personal.**
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.