Glen Ivy Hot Springs
glen ivy hot springs—
the ultimate la reset
By the UWM editors
Every so often, the editors of Urban Wellness Magazine trade our laptops for swimsuits — all in the name of research, of course. Recently, we spent a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, the storied mineral spa tucked against the base of the Santa Ana Mountains, about an hour southeast of Los Angeles. It’s been operating since the 1860s, but its appeal has only grown with time: natural geothermal pools, open-air mud baths, and leafy courtyards that make you forget how close you are to the urban life.
The magic of Glen Ivy is in its contrasts. You can float in 104°F mineral pools one moment, then plunge into a 60°F cold pool the next — a circulation-boosting ritual that leaves you both energized and deeply calm. The signature Club Mud is exactly what it sounds like: red-clay mineral mud you smooth over your skin before baking briefly in the sun, then rinsing off in an outdoor shower. It’s playful, earthy, and surprisingly rejuvenating.
We booked massages (highly recommended) and found the therapists genuinely exceptional — attentive without being clinical, and intuitive about pressure and rhythm. It’s easy to see why the spa draws repeat visitors year after year.
That said, Glen Ivy is no secret. Weekends can get busy, with guests staking out chairs early. If you can, go on a weekday, when the pace is slower and the pools feel almost private. Or, if you’re celebrating something special, reserve a private cabana — it’s the ultimate upgrade, complete with shade, lounge chairs, and table service that lets you enjoy the experience in near solitude.
A few practical notes from our visit: you can’t bring in outside food, drinks, or even your own water bottle, but don’t worry — the spa provides plenty of hydration stations, fluffy towels, and secure lockers for your belongings. There’s also a full-service restaurant, bar, and smoothie café on-site.
If you’re craving a full-body reset without leaving Southern California, Glen Ivy is as close as it gets to a day-long wellness retreat. It’s not just a spa day; it’s a reminder that restoration is still possible — just off the 91 freeway.
Bonus Add-On Experience
Glen Ivy is only about 20 minutes from Temecula, which makes a perfect after-spa detour or weekend pairing. Wander through Old Town Temecula, lined with rustic shops and some affordable clothing boutiques. Grab dinner at The Goat & Vine, a local favorite for wood-fired pizza and farm-fresh salads.
Stop by the Old Town Spice & Tea Merchants for locally blended seasonings and teas–we got the hatch green chili honey they use on the pizza at The Goat & Vine, as well as some exotic salts.
Then head out to one of the nearby wineries — we loved the Callaway Vineyard & Winery tour for its hilltop views and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to round out a day of total sensory reset.