Back in 1896, there wasn’t much in the way of luxury in the then Arizona territory. Maybe a couple of decent hotels in the towns of Phoenix or Prescott, but otherwise, the state was still a far outpost from the rest of civilization. So when Castle Hot Springs opened, it caused quite a stir. Located just north of what is now Lake Pleasant, the state’s first luxury resort became a hot destination, thanks to its hot springs. As the name implies, Castle Hot Springs is home to a geological anomaly — clean, clear mineral water that comes out of the ground at a rate of 200,000 gallons a day and at a consistent 120 degrees. Over the years, the territorial governor called it a second home, and it became the location of the state’s first functional telephone. In the 1940s, it was converted for a time to a respite for wounded soldiers returning from World War II — including one John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who lived there for three months. But in 1976, disaster struck. Much of the property was consumed by a massive fire that couldn’t be battled because of the resort’s remote location. For the next four decades or so, it remained closed, eventually gifted to Arizona State University. Then Valley businessman Mike Watts and his wife Cindy purchased the property, with big ideas in mind. If the Wattses wanted to simply make money by opening a hotel, they could have built a Hampton Inn. This was a labor of love. “We love history and Arizona scenery,” Mike Watts said. “This special place called out for someone to restore it back to life so others could enjoy what many did over 100 years ago. We look forward to sharing it with many.” The Wattses launched an ambitious rebuild of the property with the goal of creating one of the most unique and exceptional hospitality experiences in the world. And when the property reopened in February of this year, that goal came to life. “It’s like the whole Greek mythology of the Phoenix rising from the ashes,” said Steven Sampson, director of sales & marketing for Castle Hot Springs. Sampson is as much a docent for the property as a salesperson, and with his long hair and beard looks the part of historian. He’s been there almost since the beginning of the Wattses’ ownership of the property, and has seen many forgotten treasures unearthed. Castle Hot Springs’ return to glory and luxury RISING FROM THE ASHES Tom Evans | Contributing Editor 28 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | MAY 2019 NEXT DOORS {ahead of the curve}

If the Wattses spared any expense, you wouldn’t know it. Every feature of the property is either immaculately restored (if historic) or elegantly designed (if new). The grounds are sprawling, and include a large swimming pool, acres of manicured lawn, an extensive garden and greenhouse and a stunning lodge, fully renovated with a bar and restaurant. But about the springs. As I mentioned, the water coming out of the ground is about 120 degrees year-round. It then collects in a series of pools, which get cooler as the water flows downhill — the first pool is about 105 degrees, the second in the low 90s, until finally the water is at air temperature when it reaches the vicinity of the guest rooms. The water is astonishingly clear, and has just a hint of a “heavy” taste due to the presence of a very slight (and healthy) amount of lithium. As a result, the springs have long been considered a tonic for the human body, as well as a luxury. So they’ve been incorporated into the luxurious guest experience as well. The resort boasts 12 modern “spring bungalows” with an indoor-outdoor covered deck and stone tubs that pipe in the spring water, so you can soak under the sun or stars in privacy. The rooms offer every comfort of a luxury hotel, along with the opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings. The other lodging opportunities include 17 “sky view cabins” located near a tranquil pond on the property. Each has a wooden deck equipped with a telescope — Castle Hot Springs is located in a “dark sky” area, so the transformation at night is stunning — as well as an outdoor tub pumping in spring water. What you don’t see are a lot of electronics. There’s a TV in the bar (which wasn’t on when we visited), but not in the guest rooms. Castle Hot Springs is designed to be a wellness retreat, and the programming on-site is provided accordingly. Originally, the vision was to have it be a “digital detox” (there’s no cell phone service), but Sampson said that practicality — and the need for guests to stay at least somewhat on the grid — won the day. Sampson said that if the health and wellness aspects of the property were the story in the beginning, that story is quickly shifting. The property’s resident agronomist — think of a formal degree in farming — mixologist and chef work in concert to integrate the crops grown fresh Natural hot springs welcome guests to this iconic property. Inside, the historic resort has been completely renovated, bringing old-world hospitality to this desert oasis. MAY 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 29