I Went "Hot Potting" In California For Self-Care And Honestly It Changed My Entire Perspective On Relaxation

Hi, I am Krista, and as a full-time working mom, I've always found it challenging to prioritize self-care. However, over the years, I've been trying to be better about not neglecting it. In fact, according to this national survey, 64% of Americans said that practicing self-care enhanced their self-confidence, 67% said it increased their productivity, and 71% said it had a positive effect on their overall happiness.

Not to mention self-care may also have other health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

So, let's get to how I landed on "hot potting." If you've ever heard of people soaking in natural hot springs, that is essentially what hot potting is.

For centuries, soaking in hot springs — also known as thermal springs or hot water immersion — has been enjoyed for its relaxation benefits and various health claims, such as improving vascular function. Evidence shows that Native American tribes and ancient societies like the Japanese used them for healing, purification, and community gatherings. Hot springs form when water seeps deep into the earth and rises back up, getting hotter the deeper it goes.

I was invited to experience Murrieta Hot Springs, where they offer mud bath detoxes, cold plunges, and various other wellness activities alongside their naturally occurring hot springs. I knew this was the perfect self-care opportunity because it would allow me to disconnect and focus on mindfulness, which I've been struggling with lately. I had also seen some viral TikToks of people saying it is a "must experience." Plus, Murrieta is only a two-hour drive from LA, which is where I live.

Their water claims to be alkaline, rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, silica, bicarbonate, lithium, sulfate, chloride, and boron. You can read more about their geothermal water here.

The resort offers single-day passes (starting at $89 per day), in addition to overnight stays (starting at $310 per night) on the 46-acre resort. Since I was given a comped overnight stay, I had access to their 50 geothermal pools 24/7. Hotel guests can also participate in additional wellness activities — like aqua and traditional yoga, and aqua and traditional sound baths — for free. When I first arrived, I was LOVING all of the wildlife, and the tranquil vibes. The rooms feature a Spanish-style design and mine was very clean.

Krista Torres

Some of the other amenities include a cafe, restaurant, drink bar, gym, spa with add-ons like massages and facials, chlorinated pools, hot tubs, and an adults-only area.

As you walk through the property, you will notice that the temperature and size of the tubs vary. I did some research beforehand and found that if the temperature exceeds 104 degrees, you shouldn't soak for more than 15-20 minutes.

Krista Torres

When I got my first dip, I didn't know what to expect as I've only ever been in a hot tub. The water does have a mild sulfur smell from the minerals, but the water was very clean, and I never felt like I was "dirty." I didn't experience an "I feel so much more healthy!" feeling, but I was immediately relaxed and calm in the water.

Krista Torres

One of the "hot spots" on the property are these intimate tubs shown in the photo on the right that fit one to two people. However, people would camp out in them for the whole day, which didn't allow anyone else to enjoy them. (I do think a time limit per person would be helpful.) That being said, there are enough larger tubs — like the one I am pictured in on the left — that didn't have more than three to four people in them, so it didn't feel overcrowded.

The perks of having 24/7 hot spring access — which, in my opinion, is reason enough to stay the night — meant that I could come back to enjoy the intimate tub later on when it wasn't busy.

Obviously the evening was not only less crowded, but since the weather cools down, the water feels even more relaxing. Check out this view from one of the tubs around 9 p.m.:

Another thing I was really excited about was their mud cove.

The "mud" is actually bentonite clay, which is said to be antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It has also been found to remove toxins from the body. After you apply it, you let it dry and then wash it off. I did feel like it dried out my skin, but I told myself that it was because it was removing all the toxins I had in me, lol.

Krista Torres

There are staff in the area who give you towels to rinse (unfortunately, they actually ran out when I was there, so my husband had to run back to the room to get one), but that is the extent of it. I think it might be a more unique experience if a wellness expert explained what the healing benefits were. (I don't even know if the clay is supposed to be put on your face; I just did it cause everyone else was. Luckily, I didn't have a reaction!)

I need to highlight the guided "Vitality Plunge" because I am a huge believer in cold plunges, and do them as often as I can. One new thing I enjoyed about the one at Murrieta is that they have you sit in a warmer temperature first, do the plunge for one minute, then return to another warmer tub.

Krista Torres

According to the wellness instructor, the hot soak loosens up your muscles, and the plunge boosts circulation and energy. I truly felt so energized afterward. It really did make me feel great. You also get a beaded bracelet for completing it!

Krista Torres

In another area of the resort, you will find the "Bath Hall" where you can engage in more hot and cold water therapy and enjoy traditional hot tubs. You can also experience a Kneipp Walk there.

Krista Torres

The Kneipp Walk is a hydrotherapy treatment where you walk barefoot on a textured path, alternating hot and cold water to boost circulation. I didn't notice an immediate difference like I did with the cold plunge but I have Raynaud's so I hope it really did boost circulation to my feet.

Krista Torres

I wanted to seize the opportunity to do as many wellness activities as I could. I attended a weighted blanket sound bath session and the underwater sound bath where you can feel the vibrations of the sounds when the bowls are put underwater. While both experiences were unique and relaxing, I wish they were longer. They only lasted about 15 minutes max, and I think a full 30 minutes would allow guests to reach a deeper state of tranquility.

Krista Torres

A sound bath, if you aren't familiar with it, is a meditative experience where sounds are made in bowls, and the sound waves are supposed to help balance your energy. Hotel guests can also do aqua yoga and a couple of other yoga classes, but I wasn't able to make it to those.

Two wellness activities are free for any day-pass guest as well. Aromatherapy with essential oils and a "Gratitude Ceremony." The aromatherapy occurs in the large indoor sauna with a 360 rooftop view of the property. During the "Gratitude Ceremony," you go to the top of a hill, write a blessing on rice paper, and pour water from the hot springs into a little keepsake jar. Again, these experiences were really enjoyable, but again, I wish they lasted a bit longer.

Krista Torres

It was somewhat confusing to locate where some of the wellness events took place. The staff was consistently friendly and ready to assist when I needed directions, but no signs or announcements indicated when events were taking place. So, you have to check the daily schedule in advance and give yourself enough time to reach the correct location.

I feel like I have to touch on what types of food and beverages they offer, as it is part of the experience. There is a cafe on site, and the food was actually very fresh and very good — you can expect to pay $14-$16 for a lunch entree — but what really blew my mind was their restaurant...

Krista Torres

It is called Talia Kitchen, and it is part of the resort. The presentation and flavor of everything was truly phenomenal.

Krista Torres

Pictured above is Ronnie's Focaccia & Whipped Fresh Ricotta ($17), which has honey, roasted figs, citrus confit, and spicy radish — it was spectacular.

Being able to indulge in fresh, good food after pampering myself the whole day really gave me a deep level of appreciation for life in general. That being said, since this is an upscale restaurant, I do want to be transparent with pricing. The average price of an entree is in the mid $30 to $40 range.

Krista Torres

Oddly enough, one of the biggest things that shocked me from this experience was the dinner because I rarely treat myself to them. My family lives in the valley, so when we go out to eat, it is usually something cheap and quick — and there are a lot of chains in my area. Taking the time to slow down and enjoy locally sourced ingredients made me realize how much I need to start exploring other unique restaurants in LA, because the city has so much to offer!

I feel incredibly blessed to live so close to an area that offers a completely different vibe than LA. There were moments when I started to feel guilty for not taking my son (because I know he would love it*); but it was good for me to reconnect with myself to feel rested and restored so I can be more present for him when I am home. This was the most in-depth self-care experience I've ever had, and I would love to incorporate going one to two times a year.

Krista Torres

*Since kids are welcome, I do want to mention that there weren't a lot of kids there when I went, which I think helped make the experience more relaxing. My son is 16, though, and loves a good hot tub so I do plan on bringing him at some point in time.

In conclusion, I think visiting Murrieta Hot Springs is definitely worth it. I suggest getting there early to experience the full day if you plan to visit and opt for the day pass. However, if you can make a night (or longer stay!) of it, that is definitely the way to go — and you can keep your wristbands the day of checkout to enjoy the hot springs a bit longer.

Have you ever been to a hot springs? What was your experience like if so? Let us know in the comments!