Hot Springs, North Carolina: The Perfect Travel Destination to Relax

Are you looking for the perfect weekend get-away? Well, look no further than Hot Springs, North Carolina. Located close to the Tennessee border on the banks of the French Broad River, Hot Springs is the perfect place for romance or adventure.

Hot Springs resort and spa is a peaceful retreat created for relaxing. Tension will melt as you soak in a tub of hot spring water with an average temperature of 102 degrees and filled with natural minerals including sulfate of magnesia, iron, potassium, and lime to restore and rejuvenate your body while the quiet sounds of nature erase stresses from your mind. Hourly rates do apply. Daytime rates range from $12 to $40. After 6P.M. the rates increase to between $30 to $50 depending upon the number of people in each tub. Special discounts may be available for large groups. Parties larger than 15 should make reservations to better able accommodations.

After your relaxing soak, treat yourself to a massage or body treatment. Swedish, Hot Stone, and Deep Tissue Massages are offered at a cost of $40 to $100. Also available are the full body "Salt Glow" and the "Feet Treat," which are exfoliating treatments that use Dead Sea Salts and essential oils. The "Feet Treat" includes a foot soak in the hot spring water. Enjoy a head and neck massage during a Herbal Body or Botanical Mud wrap. The wrap treatments and Salt Glow include a mineral water rinse. Prices are subject to change so be sure to inquire about the most current rates prior to services or when making reservations.

Be sure to bring your bathing suit, towel, robe and slip-on shoes. Changing rooms are provided but lockers are not so do not bring valuables or jewelry. Pets are prohibited and the parking lot is not pet-friendly, so please leave them at home for their comfort and safety. You may, however, bring clean, plastic jugs to take some mineral water home to enjoy. Remember, if you suffer from certain health conditions or you are pregnant, consult your doctor before entering any hot spring or spa. Hot Springs Resort and Spa attempts to accommodate those with special needs, just be sure to inform them when you make reservations so they can serve you better.

Although walk-ins are welcome it is recommended that you make reservations, especially during the peak season of May to October. Plan to arrive twenty minutes before your appointment time to change and check-in. Reservations made with a Visa or Master Card have a 24 hour cancellation period and will not be charged if you cancel more than 24 hours prior to your appointment. To make a reservation for the baths or spa call: (828)-622-7676.

Hot Springs other main attraction will appeal to your more adventurous side. French Broad Rafting Expeditions is owned by Michael and Mitch Hampton, who guarantee an experienced guide in each raft. Rafting trips run from Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend. The minimum age for rafters on calm water trips is four years old. Calm water trips are four miles long over class I-II rapids and take between two and three hours to complete. You also get your choice of a guided or unguided raft for calm water trips. Check-in for calm water trips is at the Hot Springs outpost location.

For a nine mile (class I-IV rapids) or a five mile (class I-III rapids) whitewater trip you will have to meet at the Marshall, North Carolina outpost, just a short drive from Hot Springs. Minimum age for both trips is eight years old. The nine mile trip includes lunch and takes five to six hours. The five mile trip includes a snack and averages two to three hours.

A 50% deposit is required to confirm reservations. Deposits are refundable if cancellations are made with over 48 hours notice. A 10% discount is given to groups of ten or more and special private trips can be set up for groups of twenty-five or more. If you reschedule less than 48 hours in advance, a $50 rescheduling fee will apply. To ensure your safety, French Broad Rafting Expeditions will cancel or adapt trips due to certain conditions, but most trips will run rain or shine. Shoes are mandatory and there will be no exceptions to the minimum age rules. If you come to check-in intoxicated you will not be allowed to raft, nor will you receive a refund. All rafting trips leave on time so don't be late or you may need to reschedule and standard fees will apply. The reservation line is open 24 hours a day and the number is (800)-570-RAFT. For more information you can view their website at www.frenchbroadrafting.com.

If your in need of lodging during your stay in Hot Springs, don't worry. With the required reservation you have plenty of options. They have riverside RV and camping spots, furnished cabins that sleep four, and a family sized four bedroom cabin. Some cabins have running water. To reserve a campsite or cabin call (828)-622-7267. If you prefer a less rustic atmosphere to dream, the resort also offers plush suites that include heart-shaped, jetted tubs filled with hot mineral spring water. To reserve a suite call (828)-622-7698.

Hot Springs is the perfect place to play and relax. After a long day of rafting you can be pampered in the spa making it a perfect location for couples. For more information you can view the website at www.nchotsprings.com.

Hot Springs is located about 30 miles North West of Asheville, North Carolina or a short drive from Newport, Tennessee on highway 25/70.