AN ICON REAWAKENS: CASTLE HOT SPRINGS WELCOMES A NEW FALL/WINTER SEASON FEATURING CULINARY RETREATS, WINE AND WILD DESERT EXPERIENCES

Castle Hot Springs Deepens Its Culinary Roots With New Terroir-Driven Dining Experiences + Expands to Year-Round Operations Beginning in 2026

Tucked within the heart of The Sonoran Desert and the majestic Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s 1,100-acre, award-winning luxury oasis, proudly unveils a new slate of transformative programming for its annual Fall/Winter seasonal reopening with a renewed emphasis on exclusive culinary and wine experiences. Ranked as the Number 1 Resort in Arizona by Travel + Leisure for the fourth year since 2021 and newly recognized as one of the Top 15 Resorts in the U.S., the historic retreat continues to redefine true luxury as the art of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. 

From the debut of the resort’s new multi-day wine and culinary series, Desert Vines, to immersive Sonoran Epicurean Escape retreats and dynamic new adventure offerings, Castle Hot Springs is an adults-only luxury desert getaway where travelers are invited to savor terroir-driven flavors, enjoy heart-pumping adventures among new restorative wellness programming, and relax amidst the striking beauty of the surrounding desert landscape as we head into Arizona’s peak season. Beginning in 2026, Castle Hot Springs is excited to announce its transition to year-round operations. This evolution reflects growing guest demand and the resort’s continued commitment to providing unparalleled experiences in every season. Whether soaking in the natural hot springs under summer stars or enjoying crisp desert mornings in winter, guests will soon be able to enjoy the magic of Castle Hot Springs any time of year.

New fall/winter 2025/2026 events, retreats, and experiences at Arizona’s award-winning Castle Hot Springs include:

• A Toast to the Desert: Celebrate the debut of Desert Vines, the Resort’s new multi-day wine and culinary series featuring immersive masterclasses, intimate tastings, and elegant wine-paired dinners that spotlight rare varietals and celebrated winemakers against the stunning desert backdrop. Hosted by acclaimed Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey of Michelin-starred Frasca Hospitality Group, the inaugural weekend kicks off October 21-23, 2025.

• An Immersive Journey Into Farm-to-Table Artistry: More than just a dining experience, the Sonoran Epicurean Escape (November 30–December 4, and December 14–18, 2025) goes beyond dining with hands-on workshops that take guests from harvesting sun-ripened ingredients to crafting cocktails, culminating in elevated multi-course meals that showcase the resort’s award-winning farm-to-table program. 

• Thrills in the Desert: Unplug and embrace the spirit of “challenge travel” with dynamic new programming that blends physical exhilaration with mindful immersion, from the new Vertical Adventures rappelling program, 3D Adventure Archery, Desert Discovery Hike, and horseback riding, to awe-inspiring falconry demonstrations, guided stargazing sessions, and beyond. 

• All About Wellness: Unwind with immersive wellness experiences rooted in the healing power of water, featuring the soothing, signature Watsu Pool Treatment, the new Healing Waters Qigongpractice, and a menu of therapeutic treatments infused with mineral-rich springs and botanicals to restore balance and well-being.

“As we reopen for a new season ahead, we’re proud to showcase how Castle Hot Springs continues to evolve year-after-year while staying deeply connected to its roots,” says Kevin Maguire, General Manager at Castle Hot Springs. “Every element reflects our philosophy of terroir-driven hospitality – rooted in seasonality, crafted with intention, and inspired by the unique landscape that surrounds us. As we embrace cooler temperatures this fall, we invite guests to savor, restore, and explore in a way that only Castle Hot Springs can offer as a true resort oasis for the mind, body, and soul. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re especially excited to extend that experience year-round, welcoming guests to discover the magic of this place in every season.”

TOAST TO TERROIR WITH DESERT VINES WINE & CULINARY SERIES

Launching in October 2025, Desert Vines is the resort’s new multi-day wine and culinary series, promising an immersive experience rooted in terroir, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place, reflecting the resort’s commitment to innovation, farm-to-table excellence, and world-class hospitality. Building on the resort’s acclaimed Wine Spectator Restaurant Award-winning wine program, the series will debut with a signature weekend hosted by acclaimed Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey of Michelin-starred Frasca Hospitality Group from October 21-23, 2025. Set against the resort’s dramatic natural backdrop and working geothermal-fed farm, the series will celebrate hand-selected varietals from unique and rare to the classics with immersive masterclasses and elegant wine-paired dinners. Guests can expect a wide range of vintages, thoughtfully led tastings, and intimate sessions with some of the most dynamic winemakers and sommeliers.

AN IMMERSIVE JOURNEY INTO FARM-TO-TABLE ARTISTRY

Hosted by Castle Hot Springs’ own Executive Chef Chris Knouse, Level Two Sommelier Sarah Foote, and Agronomist Ian Beger, the recently launched Sonoran Epicurean Escape brings the resort’s award-winning culinary program to life through hands-on workshops, curated tastings, and multi-course farm feasts offering a complement to the resort’s all-inclusive offerings. From harvesting sun-ripened ingredients to perfecting a craft cocktail, this journey provides an opportunity for guests to learn from the resort’s expert chefs and agronomists and enjoy rare, elevated dining experiences designed just for this retreat. The next set dates for the bi-annual celebration take place November 30–December 4, and December 14–18, 2025, with two- and four-night dates available for an additional fee of $250 and $500 per person, respectively (excluding the Resort’s all-inclusive accommodations).

DESERT DISCOVERY: JOURNEY FROM SLOT CANYONS TO THE SONORAN SKY

Enjoy a dynamic lineup of experiences designed to reconnect guests with nature and the rhythms of the desert, inviting guests to step outside their comfort zones, blending physical challenge with cultural discovery in a way that reflects the rising trend of transformational, challenge-driven travel. During awe-inspiring falconry demonstrations with the Arizona Raptor Center, guests will witness hawks, falcons, and owls in flight while learning about the centuries-old practice of falconry (Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 1, Dec. 6). Adventure seekers explore slot canyons, ride into the remote backcountry with the new custom e-bike adventure, take on two new thrilling 100-foot rappels as a part of the resort’s new Vertical Adventures program, partake in the new Discovery Loop Hike to view indigenous pottery, ancient petroglyphics and the Wells Fargo cave,, or test their aim through the revamped 3D adventure archerysessions launching in October. Beginning this fall, horseback rides will also return, offered daily in 6-minute experiences through May. As night falls, expert astronomers will lead guided stargazing sessions offering clear views of the Milky Way, Saturn’s rings, and the Andromeda Galaxy, followed by a soak in the geothermal hot springs for a surreal celestial experience that taps into the rise of noctourism, where the stars themselves become the main attraction. (upcoming events include Sept. 6, Oct. 18, Nov. 29, Dec. 13). For those seeking mindfulness via a creative outlet, guided paint and sip classes offer the chance to unwind with a favorite beverage while creating a personal memento of the desert using sustainable Earth Pigment acrylic paint.

ENJOY TRUE WELLNESS WITH THE HEALING POWER OF WATER

Derived from the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquam—“health through water”—the very word “spa” reflects the resort’s ethos, rooted in its cascading mineral-rich springs. New this season, Healing Waters Qigong invites guests to practice gentle, meditative movement in the mineral-rich pools, combining the restorative qualities of water with an energy practice similar to yoga to recharge both body and mind. Intentional wellness classes, from Chakra Tune-Ups to Yoga Nidra and Five Spirit Animal Protection energy alignment sessions, promote balance and restoration, while offerings such as paddle board yoga, sound baths, and signature spa treatments create a serene sanctuary for rejuvenation.

For more information or to book a stay, please call (855) 375-4005 or visit castlehotsprings.com.