Castle Hot Springs opened in 1896 as Arizona's first wellness resort, on 1,100 acres where natural springs rise at 180,000 gallons a day. Theodore Roosevelt stayed in 1911, and in 1943 and 1944, when it was a military rehabilitation centre, it sheltered John F. Kennedy for three months after PT-109. A fire closed it in 1976; it reopened in February 2019, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, marks its 130th year in 2026 and joined Relais & Châteaux this year. Food is where it shines now. The three-acre farm and its greenhouses, run by farm director Ian Beger, grow more than 300 kinds of vegetables, fruit, herbs and edible flowers, watered with the mineral-rich spring water. Each night executive chef Chris Knouse writes a five-course tasting menu at Harvest from whatever is ripest, and the wine list, run by Sarah Foote, has won a Wine Spectator award every year from 2023 to 2026. At Bar 1896, cocktails are built on the farm's herbs, fruit and salts. Every meal is included, and alcohol is extra. It is for adults only, with a minimum stay of two or three nights.
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), 42 Miles / 68 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 31 bungalows, cabins and suites
- Taken whole
- Full property buyout, 31 guest rooms
Insider tip The guided farm tour is included; take it before dinner to see where the evening's menu starts.
Why I choose it A historic hot-springs resort with a farm of 300 varieties feeding a nightly tasting menu, all meals included.