The world offers very few secret spots where one can escape from it all and embrace the joy of wellness in life. We found a very special one: Sycamore Springs Mineral Resort. Here one can claim a wellness that starts from within and leads to a better you. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is an exciting alternative to traditional spa-resort experiences with a uniquely profound and peaceful environment to encourage an enhanced sense of well-being, healthy living, and centered inner-self.

Located in San Luis Obispo, this recently renovated sanctuary provides a variety of rejuvenating amenities and services that allow you to leave stresses and distractions behind while opening the mind and body to pure engagement with a total healing atmosphere. The entire resort is inspired by the on-site therapeutic mineral spring waters. These waters provide an authentic mineral spring experience with the power to transform your body and awaken your soul.
The heart and soul of the resort has to be this water experience, water that nurtures skin, body, heart, and soul. The naturally heated mineral spring water at Sycamore is sourced from over 100 acres of natural, underground resources. When you slip into one of the private hot tubs or the remarkable Waterfall Lagoon, you immediately feel the water’s soothing features.

To start, the grounds were immaculate kept. Our beautiful tranquil room was in meticulously clean shape and had white plantation shutters, a fierplace and a four poster comfy bed. A very good start. The jewel-like Art Nouveau lamps were Tiffany-inspired. The view was of hillsides and an emerald nature preserve. Like all accommodations here, our room had its own private hot tub into which the nurturing waters flowed. Mercifully, hot tub usage is not allowed during the resort’s quiet hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The resort’s award-winning spa has been voted a top global destination mineral spring resort by Spa and Spa Finder magazines. Spa treatments are original and designed to enliven your senses while providing the ultimate healing benefits sourced from nature. We tried a massage, facial and pear sugar scrub and pronounce them among the finest we’ve had.

When we weren’t lounging in our hot tub we were dining in style at the highly acclaimed, Gardens of Avila Restaurant, widely known for its seasonal and spontaneous garden cuisine. There is indoor and outdoor dining to complement menus that feature local seafood, high quality meats and produce harvested in from the resort’s one-acre organic Chef’s Garden as well as local farmers markets. Chef William Ouderkirk knows what he is doing and has a true talent for fish and meat dishes that are simple and refined, bursting with flavors. His grilled lemon pepper salmon is to die for. And his way with a grilled pork chop paired with grilled squash and chimichurri is a triumph. We said no to the desserts but with regret as the apple and blackberry crumble was speaking seriously to us.
We liked the informality of the lounge a lot where a cozy natural stone fireplace, handcrafted mahogany bar, and outdoor terrace patio provide the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy exceptional appetizers, casual dining, unique cocktails, and a wine list that highlights some of the finest vintages from local, world-class wine country. Here, order some tacos and chill out.

The staff at Sycamore Springs is young and friendly and willing to do anything to please, a rare and welcome attitude. This is a fantastic little find, fun, comfortable and pet friendly. Family friendly, too. Best of all, Sycamore Springs is surprisingly affordable: rooms start at $148, suites can soar much higher. We like the historic Adventure Building full of charming character. Guests rave about newly-renovated one bedroom-spa suites with private balcony, hot tub and fireplace. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, a Boutique Hotel Collection Property, 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, (800) 234-5831, visit http://www.sycamoresprings.com.