Hot Sulpher Springs - A Guest Article by Madelyn Miller

Dateline: 08/12/98

Madelyn Miller returns as this week's Spa Site guest author reporting on the spa at Hot Sulfer Springs Resort in Hot Sulpher Springs, Colorado. Madelyn is a food, wine and travel writer who contributes to 12 Publications with a combined circulation of several million. She is the founder of Southwest Travelwriters Association. Fondly called "The Travel Lady," she frequently gives travel tips and advice on Fox-TV KDFW and NBC in Dallas. She is a frequent and welcomed contributor to the Spa Site. Last year, she took 30 trips to destinations such as India, Rio, Israel, Montreal, Australia and Hong Kong. Look for upcoming articles from Madelyn on Observatory in Australia and Coluum in Australia, among others.

Julie Register
Spa Guide

HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS RESORT

Soak your way to serenity

by Madelyn Miller

Native Americans believed the Colorado springs had medicinal powers. According to legend, a Ute chief, whose tribe had left him to die, appealed to his gods for power. The chief built fires below the bubbling waters, bathed and drank in them, and was healed. When he went back to his tribe, his curative powers were highly regarded. And so began centuries of soaking

Since then, people from all over the world have come to soak in the Hot Sulphur Springs.

photos courtesy of Madelyn Miller

There are now 15 baths and pools in a spectacular setting. There spartan lodgings are less than spectacular, but a good value when you consider that you get two days admittance for two (usually $10.50 a day per person) for two people. Rooms start at $80 a night. And this is not the kind of place where you are going to sit in your room, anyway.

Instead, bathe outside in either the lower family area with the cooler waters or seclude yourself in the warmer adult only areas above. The hot springs soothe the spirit, relax the body and just generally make you feel better. My favorite place was the Ute pool with a natural waterfall of warm water that works like a jet on the sore spots on your back. But I also spent a lot of time at the indoor pool in the solarium because I wanted to be careful not to get too much sun.

I did have an outdoor massage, with skillful strokes from Scott. ( I would definitely request him again) He thoughtfully brought sunscreen to use as the massage oil and rubbed it into my skin. I wish I could have sunscreen applied like that every day.

Speaking of every day, that is exactly when many of the locals enjoy the Hot Sulphur Springs. Besides the day pass, you can also get a multiple visit pass at a reduced rate.

HOW TO SOAK

It is suggested that you soak for ten minutes a session then cover yourself with a towel to sweat and cool. As you soak and relax, your skin's pores open and the elements of the water are absorbed.

It is not necessary to shower after soaking according to the resort. The elements have a positive effect on your skin and hair, and make your skin feel especially soft. But if you are planning not to shower, make sure you go with someone who has the same plans.

You are advised to drink lots of liquids after "taking the waters." Signs everywhere remind you to drink water. But I only found one functioning water fountain. You can, of course, buy bottled water at the snack bar.

When not to soak.

Long exposure may cause dizziness so you are advised to take a cold shower if you feel dizzy, faint or nauseous. Elderly and pregnant persons should use extra precaution, and it is extremely unwise to soak while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

WHAT YOU ARE SOAKING IN

Wonder what exactly is in the water that bubbles up from 35,000 feet below the surface? A few of the many minerals include:

Sulfate. This mineral forms molecular bridges to create firm proteins in hair, nails and skin. It rids the body of poisons and helps create smooth, clear skin. If you find white particles floating in the water, they are sulphur and sodium. Rub them on your skin. It helps keep your skin young.

Chloride. Balances body fluids, acids and bases.

Silica. Gives strength to bones, nerves, mucous membrane, nails and hair.

Potassium. Good for muscles, gives cells food.

Calcium. Helps build bone, activates enzymes.

Fluoride. Good for teeth and bones.

Magnesium. Makes and breaks down protein

Trace elements. Lithium, arsenic and Zinc.

HOW TO GET THERE

Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado is just 1 hour and 45 minutes northwest of Denver via I-70 to Highway 40.

It is 30 minutes west of Winter Park

Home James Shuttle is available

970-725-3306

http://www.coloradovacation.com/lodges/hotsulpr

email: hotsprings@rkymtnhi.com

SPA SPEAK

-Madelyn Miller

Reprinted with permission by Madelyn Miller,The Travel Lady
copyright 1998,
all rights reserved.

Madelyn's web site, The Travel Lady, has lots of interesting features. Some highlights are:
•Destinations - What the Travel Lady has to say about different destinations to help you plan the perfect trip. 
•Global Cuisine   Some of the Travel Lady's more food oriented excursions and reviews.
•Gourmet Goodies  You too can eat like the rich and famous.
•Special Interest  You'll go anywhere to scuba dive. Or travel around the world to taste the best chocolate (The Travel Lady really did it). Or want to play on every golf course in the world. The Travel Lady recommends places to go in your special interest area. 
•Gadgets and Gizmos Things The Travel Lady has found that make travel easier.

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