Vichy Springs

Been Here?

“Pull Out the Stops and Fill Your Tub with the Bubbly”

The Vichy Springs Resort’s 19th century guest book reads a bit like a roster of American politicians and bards: Teddy Roosevelt, Ulysses Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Mark Twain, Jack London, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It must have been something in the bubbles. No doubt they liked the “champagne” aspect, and certainly they relied on the minerals and energy to restore tired mind and body. Or perhaps it was the French flair of the association with the reputed Vichy hot springs in the center of France. In operation since 1854, the Vichy Springs Resort is California’s oldest operating hot springs resort, located east of Mendocino in Ukiah, two hours north of San Francisco on Highway 101.

Today, the resort is classified as a California Historical Landmark. In terms of health and happiness, Vichy Springs has it all. The only natural warm, carbonated mineral baths in North America, the waters reputedly soothe burns and cuts, and, most impressively, impart an immediate cure for poison oak. The magical waters are known to alleviate ulcers, arthritis, rheumatism, and circulatory ailments, and for those who are weary in mind and body, they afford the ultimate in relaxation. One soaker described it as “a mild Vicks Vapor Rub in a bath of champagne.” The water is amazingly clean and lightly sparkling; you can drink it directly from the source, like a natural Alka Seltzer.

Vichy Springs offers guests an amalgam of rooms and cottages, plus one suite. Dating back to 1854, two of the cottages and the suite are the oldest standing structures in Mendocino County. The 10 bathing tubs built in 1860 are close by. The tubs are all equipped with a mineral-browned pipe; when you pull it out, bubbly water gushes directly from spring to tub, bringing with it a distinct odor reminiscent of a box of matches. Nature lovers will certainly choose an outdoor tub with the five-million year old travertine/onyx grotto as a backdrop, whereas those looking for seclusion can bubble away in private rooms.

As you ease into the 90-degree champagne bath, your first sensation might be chills, but within five minutes you feel the tingling sensation of heat, and after half an hour, you’re ready for a dive in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. There is also a hot soaking pool for those addicted to warmth. To culminate a day of sheer relaxation, spa treatments and massages abound: Swedish massage, stone massage, and herbal facials, complemented by reflexology and yoga.

Vichy Springs is set in 700 acres of forest interspersed with manicured meadows and streams that bid you to partake of their beauty. In spring, the whole comes to brilliant life with wild flowers. Nature walking, hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking opportunities abound. A thirty minute walk through the forest takes you to the Chemisal water falls.

Once you’re rested up and ready for action, there’s plenty going on in the vicinity. You can hardly miss the giant redwoods, which give even the weariest traveler a sense of timelessness. With wineries, golf, museums, water skiing, sailing and fishing at Lake Mendocino, the Russian River, and the Skunk Train, you’re bound to strike a match.

Find out more at their website:
VichySprings.com
2605 Vichy Springs Road, Ukiah, CA
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