Book a wellness getaway at an Oregon resort that filters mineral waters to your room

Nestled in the small town of Ashland in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, a mere 15 miles from the California border, is Lithia Springs Resort — a prime winter wellness getaway where guests can indulge in mineral waters filtered straight to their deluxe accommodations.

Unlike a public hot springs or spa, the resort offers a private experience in the comfort of your own room. Anytime is a great time to visit this part of southern Oregon, but the winter months are especially ideal to reenergize just in time for the new year.

Set across 4 acres of tranquil gardens and fountains are 38 guest rooms that include studios, bungalows and suites. Ground-floor bungalows offer ample room for visitors looking for spacious sleeping quarters. Studios are on the smaller side, featuring one room with a two-person soaking tub in the living room, a fireplace and a flat screen TV. Suites come in different sizes and have more room for lounging and relaxing with comfortable seating areas. Patio bungalows and a family suite are pet friendly with a $25 daily fee. 

Opened with the intention of offering a retreat for travelers seeking serenity and rejuvenation, Lithia’s rooms are tastefully decorated in neutral tones with pops of turquoise and accents of buttercup yellow. The resort filters water from the thermal hot springs found deep beneath the property right into each faucet in the rooms, where guests can soak and enjoy a bit of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The resort’s Spa Director Mary Low says soaking in warm mineral water can have "many health benefits," from reducing "aches, soreness and pain" to "stress relief." 

The resort’s Waterstone Spa not only offers a full range of services onsite, from body treatments to massages and facials, but also in two other locations — one in downtown Ashland and another at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites. A popular "Romance Package" for couples includes a soothing soak and 60-minute customized massage with the use of aromatherapy to enhance relaxation.

At the resort, there is also a seasonal saline pool and hot tub for lounging, and a calming koi pond where guests can visit to reflect. A small fitness center has cardio machines and equipment for active guests.

And don't miss the whimsical Wine Garden Tasting Room, which offers sips of regional wines. Raise a glass from the likes of Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, Plaisance Ranch, Quady North Winery and Troon Vineyard, all of which the resort says work passionately on sustainable practices. 

What to do in Ashland

Since there’s no onsite restaurant at the resort, it’s a great opportunity to head out and explore Ashland. The city is known for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a nonprofit repertory theater was founded in 1935 and now offers classic and contemporary performances. 

Once named one of America’s best small towns by Fodor's Travel, Ashland has much to offer in terms of dining. Get up early and head to the Breadboard Restaurant, which is popular with locals and tourists alike. If you have time, order the delicious eggs Benedict, which should fill you up for a good while. 

For casual and healthy fare, look no further than Dobrá Tea, which serves delicious teas and light vegetarian dishes. Everything is so colorful and appealing, you’ll want to return a second time. For heartier options without breaking the bank, Blue Toba is the name of the game. Rich in spices and flavor, the Indonesian restaurant serves tender beef rendang and much more.

Diners are in for a treat at Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, located in the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Refined and elegant, executive chef Franco Console wows with dishes such as braised pork osso buco and house tagliatelle with ale-braised rabbit and wild mushrooms. Not into meat? No problem. Try the winter squash coconut curry, which is vegan and gluten-free. Finish with the chocolate torte or pumpkin cheesecake, even if you have to doggie bag it.

In the center of downtown is Lithia Park, which features 100 acres of idyllic forest and is mostly flat, perfect for a stroll after dinner.

Wineries in southern Oregon

Visitors who enjoy the wineries represented at Lithia Springs Resort’s tasting room can take the an opportunity to explore them even more on a day trip beyond Ashland.

If you're game for about an hour's long drive, head to Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, where the team works with grapes historically tied to France's Rhône River region while focusing on biodynamic farming techniques. 

Also in Jacksonville, the team at Quady North Winery produces what they describe as a "Pan-Rhonish" portfolio of wines that represent the best of southern Oregon, from Syrah to Grenache. 

An hour northwest of Ashland in Grants Pass, Troon Vineyard uses regenerative farming practices and native yeasts to produce all wines, leaving out additives so that the terroir of Applegate Valley surfaces in the final product. 

And further west, Plaisance Ranch is owned by the Ginet family, who not only make wine but also raise grass-fed beef cattle. The vintner team creates a delightful experience for both wine enthusiasts as well as novices.