Located in Southern California, just north of Temecula, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort has a storied history of being a destination for visitors seeking health cures and relaxation for centuries. Although the naturally occurring pools have been around since Indigenous people in the region discovered their healing warmth, the land that now houses the Murrieta first became a resort over a century ago. Back in 1902, a German visionary transformed it into a tourist destination, complete with mineral mud baths and a hotel. Reopened in 2024, Murrieta Hot Springs is now a 46-acre holistic retreat rooted in timeless practices, yet reimagined for the modern wellness traveler.

Healing elements

Filled with palm trees, this high-end wellness resort, boasting over 50 geothermal pools spread across lush landscaped gardens, is a slice of heaven nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego. But Murrieta Hot Springs is much more than your average sleek wellness spa. Instead, with a long menu of rejuvenating treatments, the spa is designed to lessen a guest’s anxiety, stress, and fatigue.

The spa’s menu includes an array of massages, facials, and body scrubs. It includes everything from a Remineralizing Scrub, designed to leave you with glowing skin, and a Serious Sleep Massage, where massage therapists use special Vagus Nerve oil to create a transformational experience.

Many visitors flock to the main attraction, the hot springs themselves, for a natural remedy. The pools, with temperatures ranging from steamy sanctums to ice‑shocking cold plunges, are designed to promote wellness. The pools contain naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium, making them rich in nutrients that soothe muscles and reduce inflammation. The minerals are also said to ease muscular tension, promote better circulation, joint relief, and possibly improve sleep quality.

After a long day of massages, multiple soaks, or a scrub down, there’s nothing better than a great meal. One of the resort’s dining options, Talia Kitchen, features a health-forward menu that includes California ingredients. The laid-back poolside bar, called The Tortoise Shell, offers cocktails (and herbal mocktails) so that you can unwind even more.

From sound baths to guided breathwork, yoga classes, and intuitive bodywork, the resort is designed to restore visitors on every level: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Helping to lead that charge is Dr. Marcus Coplin, the resort’s own primary care Naturopathic Medical Doctor, whose expertise bridges ancient healing philosophies with modern clinical research. Specializing in Balneotherapy and pain management, his approach ensures that every offering is intentional, grounded, and tailored to long-term wellbeing.

Booking the spa’s hotel gives you 24-hour access to the soaking tubs. Some suites are even outfitted with private plunge pools. With an array of types of rooms to choose from, booking a stay at the hotel can allow you to better unwind, where you can start and end your days with a relaxing soak.

For those who don’t want to stay the night at the resort, day passes (or even night passes) are a great way to enjoy a soak before heading back to your hotel or hitting the road. Check the events calendar to get a sense of the activities available on the day of your visit.

About the area

Although the resort can mentally transport you miles away, it’s surprisingly nestled in a residential and urban area. The town of Murrieta is just north of another popular place with visitors, Temecula. This Inland Empire city is known for its vineyards and wine festivals, as well as championship golf courses and casinos.

Wine tastings and vineyard tours are a great way to explore the area after (or during) a stay at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. The area’s Mediterranean weather makes it a great growing climate for popular wine varietals, including Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese. This wine region, much smaller in scale than California wine hot spots Sonoma or Napa, is mainly known for its family-owned and boutique wineries.

Temecula is also known for its sunrise hot air balloon rides. The proximity to nature and sweeping landscapes featuring mountain ranges and vineyard views makes it an ideal place to take a relaxing yet thrilling hot air balloon ride. If heights aren’t your thing, horseback riding or local hiking spots, including those near the Cleveland National Forest and Santa Rosa Plateau, are a great way to get to know the area.

Although Murrieta Hot Springs has all the happy trappings of a great vacation spot, this isn’t your average resort. Instead, this secluded refuge is built around the history of the natural waters and the sentiment that slowing down can do wonders for your health. The layout, complete with lush bushes, trees, and hidden pools, creates a secret garden feel to this magical place. A Californian gem nestled amongst vineyards and urban life, it’s incredible that stepping into Murrieta Hot Springs feels like stumbling upon a paradise in the middle of nowhere.