Less than an hour an a half drive from North County San Diego sits an oasis known as Glen Ivy Hot Springs. There are 19 pools including naturally thermal mineral baths, a hot and cold plunge, saline pool, floating pool, lap pool, Club Mud – where you slather on mud to make your skin look and feel awesome, saunas, steam rooms, showers, and free fitness activities. Lockers, towels, hair dryers, body wash, shampoo and conditioner are also included in the price of admission.
Glen Ivy is a co-ed establishment, but on the day I went I saw mostly women, many seeming to be there as a group celebrating a special occasion.
Here are some tips for making the most out of your trip:
- If you can, go on a weekday in the summer. Admission is $46 Monday-Thursday and $64 Fri.-Sun. and holidays. It's also less crowded on weekdays.
- Wear a swimsuit you don't mind getting mud on. The red clay can stain, but going to Club Mud is a must do! The red clay draws from the pores, absorbs impurities, and releases waste and dead skin cells while tightening and revitalizing the skin.
- Leave your jewelry at home. Some of the pools have water that will tarnish silver. My toe ring is now a darker shade of silver because I left it on.
- Bring flip flops, a hat, a sarong (if you want), sunscreen, a hairbrush for when you are done, and a refillable water bottle. Glen Ivy has plenty of cold water on hand, but instead of wasting plastic cups it is best to bring you own bottle.
- Plan on spending about $20 for lunch. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in. The food available for purchase at Glen Ivy is good, but a bit spendy. My salad was $16.
You can easily spend an entire day just hanging out around all the pools and the locker room. If you are looking for extra pampering, Glen Ivy has an extensive treatment menu.
One of the cheaper treatments you can get is $25, a full body moisturizing masque in a cave-like environment called the Grotto. This is a relaxing experience that you can enjoy with your group of friends.
