ALONG COMES MARY

Eleven acres, 19 pools and an invigorating mud treatment await you at Glen Ivy Hot Springs.  Nestled in Corona’s Temescal Valley, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is just under 40 miles from Temecula and 70 miles from Downtown LA.  I was so excited to head out to the spa, that holds such honors as 2017’s Best Luxury Mineral Spring Spa in North America from the World Luxury Spa Awards, for a first time visit.

Not quite sure where (or what) I was headed to, I arrived on a warm morning in Riverside County and was certainly ready to get start my day of rest and pampering at the day spa. From their fantastic restaurant The Ivy Kitchen, to Club Mud and my facial treatment, these are my top 5 reasons to plan your own day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Because, let’s face it: Don’t we all need a day to unplug?

Come for a Treatment, Spend the Day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Glen Ivy’s roots date back to the 1860’s. Natural occurring hot springs mineral water had people flocking to get its benefits that can include joint pain relief and promoting an overall improved well-being.  Since 1976, the spa has operated under the name Glen Ivy Hot Springs and continues to welcome guests from around the world to bask in the rejuvenating waters, theraputic pools and its day spa treatments.

Glen Ivy offers facials, massages and salon services like manicures and pedicures. There’s also a menu of treatments for men so you can make it a day everyone enjoys. To start out booking a treatment, you’re first requested to purchase admission to the spa. While some may frown upon this and just feel like they want their massage or facial, trust me: It’s well worth it to take full advantage of your day at Glen Ivy. Their “Taking the Waters” general admission offers you to enjoy the entire day to relax in the waters, Club Mud and their impressive selection of food and drinks.

Also included with Taking the Waters are the daily activities that include water and yoga classes. Taking the Waters is also available for purchase without any additional services. Perfect for a day of lounging in your choice of pools, and Club Mud, too.

Enjoy The Ivy Kitchen and Starbucks

I loved the fact that while I was getting away from it all, I wasn’t so far away that I couldn’t not enjoy my usual from Starbucks. Their GoCo Cafe proudly serves Starbucks coffees and several of their specialty espresso drinks and Frappucinos.

Over at The Ivy Kitchen, I was tickled pink to hear they can accommodate a gluten-free allergy and prepare any menu item for you. I decided on their fish tacos and was not disappointed. Their flatbreads were calling my name for next time, though.

If a libation is on your mind, enjoy a beer or glass of wine at The Ivy Kitchen, while The Lounge 1860 serves up all your favorite cocktails like margaritas and martinis. If it’s a hot day and you need a sweet treat, The Chill Zone next to the lounge has smoothies and even frozen yogurt sundaes. Do they have it all or what?

Play in the Mud at Club Mud

Club Mud sounded very peculiar to me. One of the most unique treatments at Glen Ivy (and the only red clay treatment in California), guests can immerse themselves in purifying red clay. Known as a great exfoliator, drawing impurities out of the skin, Club Mud gives you 2 options to get your mud on; a pool or showers of mineral water mixed with red clay to take a dip in.

It felt odd at first, yet also was fun to feel like a kid let loose while knowing I was helping my skin. Once you’ve gotten your fill of mud, step into their quiet room to let the clay dry. Before hitting the showers, you can lay in the sun to let it flake off a bit.

A concern of mine was getting my swim suit stained. While the spa recommends using one you’re not horribly attached to, it came off of mine. My skin felt extremely soft following Club Mud and it definitely was a highlight of my day.

Their Top-Notch Spa Treatments

I can never resist a facial. I was in desperate need of one and loved my Classic Solution I received. For the next 50 minutes, I enjoyed a combined experience of an incredible facial and some massage techniques incorporated. My esthetician, Court, explained that it’s important for the Glen Ivy staff to meet their guests needs-right down to asking me if I prefer silence during my session.  As someone who has encountered loquacious therapists, I loved that she asked this.

I was taken right on time, and appreciated Court’s insight to some concerns I’ve had in regards to my skin. While no pressure was given to purchase the Comfort Zone brand products she used for my skin types, I still plan on getting them when my current beauty stash runs low.

Get in Free on your Birthday

If you’d like to discover all Glen Ivy has to offer at just the price of your treatment, head on out on your birthday. The spa offers free admission when you book a 50 minute treatment for yourself on your special day. That’s a win-win situation and perfect time to take advantage of a pampering day.

If You Go

You can visit Glen Ivy’s website HERE to plan your visit. Their popular Twilight Hours will continue through October. Regular hours are 9am to 6pm daily. It’s not uncommon that they reach capacity so reservations are always recommended. Glen Ivy can also accommodate parties of 2 to 100 and has a “Secret Garden” and plenty of cabanas!

Each guest is given a locker and key for the day. In the ladies lounge and shower rooms you’ll find toiletries like combs, hair dryers, towels and shampoo/conditioner. I definitely recommend packing a change of clothes and any other necessities you may need for a day away. I wish I had packed my hair brush.

In regards to gratuities, Glen Ivy cleverly has small envelopes when you check in for treatments that you can tuck away your cash in and either drop it in a mailbox or give to your treatment provider. No mud will get on your cash! xo

(*Disclosure: I received a hosted visit to Glen Ivy Hot Springs on behalf of this review. All opinions are my own and I had a fabulous time.)