“Toddy for the Body”

Take Time for Yourself at Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa

Joyful Journey is remotely located at the northern gateway of the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. 

Native Americans claim these pools are “Where Healing Waters Flow” or as I call this delicious experience, “Toddy for the body”

There are three pools to choose from in temperatures ranging from 100, 110 and 108 degrees with magnificent views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. 

Many Amenities Available for Your Soaking Pleasure

Massages and other body treatments are offered in the spa.  Each treatment room has their own view of the mountains as well. There are two treatment rooms at the east end of the lodging and two more in the main building. They aren’t anything fancy, but they are clean and well lit. 

The motel treatment rooms have their own bathrooms, while the main building rooms do not. 

However, the bathroom is just across the hall with plenty of lockers and changing space. 

The bathroom is actually larger than the lounge area and this might be a drawback because it is so close to the front desk. Semi comfortable chairs are provided while you wait, however, this isn’t exactly conducive to curling up with a book after you’ve soaked or massage. 

Lots of massage and soaking amenities

Located near the front desk are shelves with bottled water, snacks and an assortment of organic creams, lotions, soy candles, and essentials oils for sale from San Luis Valley locals. 

Further down the hall is a sauna, and then you are out in the hot springs pool area.  And I was ready for that refreshingly warm water! 

Upon check-in, bottled water, a towel and robe  were ready for me as I walked out into the crisp December morning. I choose the hottest rub first, sinking slowly down into the warm water felt divine and peaceful. 

Thirty minutes later, the front desk walks out and says to me, “It’s magic time.” 

Magic Time

My massage therapist escorted me to a room at the end of the motel.  I chose a hot stone massage which is known for penetrating tense muscles that tight or stiff.

The warmed basalt stones were placed on the center of my back to maximize the therapeutic benefit and aid in the extra relaxation I so needed. Stones used are typically river rocks or other very smooth-surfaced stones. The high iron content in basalt helps the stones retain heat during a massage.

Eighty minutes later, anxiousness evaporated, muscles relaxed and I am ready for a nap. I saunter back  toward the hot springs pools for another hour. Ahhh, the pause that refreshes. 

 Available Lodging

Tower pool- 2nd hottest

If you decide to stay the night, there are 12 motel rooms, 6 yurts, 3 teepees, RV hookups, camping sites as well as a labyrinth for your meditation pleasure. They serve two meals daily, complimentary to all overnight guests. Breakfast is available from 7am-10am. In the evening, dinner is served from 5:30-8pm. 

If you come for the day, be prepared to bring your own food. I did bring a snack, but it wasn’t enough and that was the only reason I decided to leave.  I was hungry!

The owner, Elaine Bloumenhein’s motto is “Come for a relaxing healing time and you will feel better than when you came in” and that is exactly how I felt!

Directions: 

Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa is 32 miles south of Salida and 50 miles north of Alamosa on scenic highway 17, which runs parallel to the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

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