CASTLE HOT SPRINGS JOINS RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX COLLECTION, ALONGSIDE NINE DISTINGUISHED GLOBAL ADDITIONS

Set within Arizona’s storied Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs brings a renewed expression of heritage-rich desert luxury to the Relais & Châteaux 2026 collection

Relais & Châteaux has officially welcomed Castle Hot Springs — a historic, adults-only luxury desert retreat in Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains — to its esteemed collection of 580 unique, independently operated hotels and restaurants worldwide, joining nine other new members announced by the association this season. Deeply dedicated to art de vivre, fine dining, and respect for cultural diversity, Castle Hot Springs remains united in sharing the Relais & Châteaux values and vision of hospitality, illustrating the Association’s extensive presence across the globe.

“Our Association is firmly committed to a sustainable path so as to contribute, through cuisine and hospitality, to building a more humane and united world, in harmony with living things,” says Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux. “It is an honor for me to welcome these nine new members to Relais & Châteaux, properties that share not only our values, but our passion for goodness and beauty.” 

“We are delighted to join the venerable Relais & Châteaux collection and to be recognized among a global community so deeply committed to exceptional hospitality and gastronomy,” adds Kevin Maguire, General Manager of Castle Hot Springs. “At Castle Hot Springs in the Arizona Sonoran Desert, we invite guests to immerse themselves in the restorative beauty of this extraordinary landscape and emerge renewed — an experience made complete through our unwavering dedication to culinary excellence and a true sense of place.”

Built at the end of the 19th century and carefully restored to honor its storied past, the sprawling 1,100-acre property was established in 1896 as Arizona’s first luxury wellness retreat and was once the wellness destination of choice for America’s titans of industry, including the Cabots, Vanderbilts, Wrigleys, Roosevelts, and Astors. The property blends heritage-rich character with refined modern comforts across 31 standalone bungalows and cabins. Accommodations feature artisanal rugs, custom bathtubs, private patios, and decks overlooking the surrounding mountains, creating a strong sense of connection to the natural environment. The therapeutic hot springs lie at the heart of the guest experience, flowing through three natural, mineral-rich pools of varying temperatures, offering restorative soaks that continue a long-standing tradition of desert wellness and rejuvenation.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Chris Knouse, Castle Hot Springs’ innovative farm-to-table culinary program offers harmony with authenticity, inspired by produce harvested on the property’s on-site farm. Guided by a “Flavor Farming” philosophy, more than 300 varieties of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and edible flowers are cultivated on the grounds, shaping an ever-evolving, multi-course tasting menu that reflects the seasons and the desert landscape. 

Beyond the table, guests are invited to discover the surrounding Sonoran Desert through a range of immersive experiences—from guided hikes and Via Ferrata climbs to mountain biking, horseback riding, yoga, regionally inspired spa rituals, and farm tours—each offering a deeper connection to the remarkable landscape that defines the Castle Hot Springs experience.

Sustainability remains integral to the property’s ethos. Recently earning Green Globe Certification, Castle Hot Springs continues to advance its commitment to regenerative agricultural practices, renewable energy initiatives, and the elimination of single-use plastics, guided by an active on-site sustainability committee dedicated to safeguarding the surrounding desert ecosystem and honoring the landscape that shapes both the guest experience and the resort’s enduring sense of place.

The striking beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, defined by the distinctive shape of its famous saguaro cacti, is inextricably linked to the American West. The region, acclaimed for its climate and stunning vistas, has long been associated with well-being and rejuvenation. Today, with verdant gardens, expansive lawns, and paths lined with towering palm trees, Castle Hot Springs remains an oasis of serenity and renewal.

Castle Hot Springs offers:

31 rooms (including 2 suites) – from $1,800 per night, all-inclusive (meals and many activities included)

Minimum-night stays apply – varies by season

Adults only, minimum age 18 years old

Harvest Restaurant, farm-to-table cuisine

Thermal experience with three hot spring pools