Cozy Hot Springs Resorts That Are Perfect for a Winter Vacation

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Sun February 8, 2026

As winter drags on—when the days are short and the cold seems to seep into your bones—few things feel better than sinking into a steamy hot springs pool. Close your eyes, take a long breath and, for a moment, let the cold, the calendar and the noise of the world dissolve into steam.

Across the United States, hot springs resorts deliver this rare winter luxury. Once temperatures drop, these destinations transform into cozy sanctuaries, inviting travelers to slow down, unplug and warm themselves from the inside out. For inspiration, here are seven hot springs that are perfect for a winter escape.

Dunton Hot Springs — Dolores, Colorado

Travel deep into Colorado’s San Juan Mountains and you’ll find Dunton Hot Springs, a lovingly restored 19th-century ghost town built atop several natural geothermal springs. This intimate, luxury resort—which recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation—features 13 cabins, a saloon and other communal spaces. Visitors are invited to relax in a series of historic and open-air pools fed by mineral-rich waters that average 85 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. In between soaks, guests can also enjoy cozy nights by the fire, snowshoeing in serene forests, stargazing under inky-black skies, spa treatment, seasonally driven cuisine and more.

Dunton Hot Springs recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation.

Chena Hot Springs Resort — Fairbanks, Alaska

If your ideal vacation includes northern lights sightings, snowy scenery and cozy vibes, put Chena Hot Springs Resort at the top of your list. Located northeast of Fairbanks, the property offers one of Alaska’s most distinctive soak-and-stay experiences. Set directly atop a natural spring and surrounded by boreal forest, this geothermal hotspot invites guests to slip into mineral-rich waters beneath wide open skies—often with the aurora borealis dancing overhead. Powered largely by renewable geothermal energy, the resort seamlessly blends sustainability with Arctic adventure and relaxation, from greenhouse-to-table dining and an ice museum with an ice bar to dog mushing kennel tours, skiing and guided aurora tours.

Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a wealth of unique Alaskan experiences and is just a short drive from Fairbanks

KAH-NEE-TA Hot Springs Resort — Warm Springs, Oregon

Owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort has been welcoming visitors since 1962. The beloved, family-friendly resort closed in 2018 but recently reopened in the summer of 2024 after a multi-million-dollar renovation. This Central Oregon gem, which is located on the Warm Springs Reservation in the foothills of Mount Hood, offers soaking pools with mineral-rich, geothermal waters ranging from 92 to 104 degrees. There’s also an on-site wellness spa, several sport courts and overnight stays that include remodeled hotel rooms, camping-style teepees and and RV sites.

Kah-Nee-Ta Hot Springs Resort reopened in the summer of 2024 after a multi-million-dollar renovation

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort — Saratoga, Wyoming

Set against the backdrop of Wyoming’s Snowy and Sierra Madre mountain ranges, Saratoga Hot Springs Resort is a true winter retreat with a hearty Western spirit. The resort’s teepee-covered hot pools and 70-foot mineral spring hot springs pool offer soul-soothing warmth and panoramic mountain views. Rustic accommodations, situated on the Upper North Platte River, help you unwind after cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or simply soaking up the snowy scenery. Visit the on-site Snowy Mountain Brewery for après-soak beers or check out the Healing Waters Spa for even more relaxation.

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort offers teepee-covered hot pools and a 70-foot mineral spring hot springs pool

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa — Sonoma, California

Perched atop the historic Boyes Hot Springs geothermal field, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has drawn wellness seekers to Sonoma Valley for more than a century. Naturally heated, mineral-rich waters feed multiple geothermal pools—ranging from a gentle 85 degrees to a soothing 102 degrees—inviting year-round soaking beneath towering redwoods. Guests can move from the Roman-style bathhouse and Watsu water therapy pool to aromatherapy steam rooms and signature spa rituals, all rooted in the springs’ restorative legacy. With refined accommodations, locally inspired dining and a new all-inclusive package that simplifies indulgence, the resort offers a timeless retreat in the heart of wine country.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has drawn wellness seekers to Sonoma Valley for more than a century.

Castle Hot Springs — Arizona

For a desert-themed twist on a thermal escape, head to Castle Hot Springs. Remote and serene, this historic luxury resort channels natural mineral-rich spring waters into secluded soaking areas with temperatures ranging from 75 to 108 degrees, perfect after a crisp morning hike or yoga session among dramatic rocky hills. The star-studded Sonoran Desert sky—without quite as much of the winter chill of northern climates—makes nighttime an especially magical time to soak. With farm-to-table meals, guided adventures and all-inclusive ambiance, Castle Hot Springs makes it easy to unplug and stay truly present.

Castle Hot Springs also offers farm-to-table meals, guided adventures and other activities.

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs — Calistoga, California

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs turns a wintry escape to wine country into a wellness celebration. This iconic Napa Valley resort has been drawing relaxation seekers since 1952, with natural geothermal waters feeding three mineral pools, a wellness spa with legendary volcanic ash mud baths and a playful vibe that blends retro charm with modern spa culture. Soak under the crisp California sky, indulge in mud treatments that detoxify and exfoliate and warm up by fire pits with a glass of Napa cabernet. The spa garden and cozy bungalows round out the offerings for a rejuvenating stay.