Mental well-being isn’t something most of us tend to prioritize until our bodies force us to.
For many women, stress doesn’t arrive all at once — it builds quietly. Through overworking, overstimulation, constant responsibility, and the belief that slowing down is something we’ll get to later. Over time, self-care becomes reactive instead of preventative, and rest starts to feel like something we have to earn.
That’s why where — and how — we choose to rest matters.
How I Ended Up Staying Here
I recently had the opportunity to stay at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, a geothermal wellness destination located about an hour from both Los Angeles and San Diego. I went into the stay knowing I needed a reset, but not fully realizing how much I had been operating on hustle mode.
I wasn’t burnt out in the dramatic sense. I was functioning. Working. Creating. Keeping things moving.
But I was struggling with slowing down, being present, and giving myself permission to rest without guilt — something I know many women quietly relate to.
What I’ve Been Working Through Lately
Before this stay, self-care had started to feel like another item on my to-do list. I found myself:
- Constantly “on,” even during downtime
- Struggling to fully disconnect from work
- Finding it hard to slow my thoughts, especially at night
- Treating rest as a reward instead of a necessity
I didn’t come to Murrieta Hot Springs looking to fix myself. I came looking for space — and that’s exactly what the resort offered.
The Geothermal Pools & Cold Plunges
The geothermal hot springs are the foundation of the resort. Dozens of mineral-rich pools are spread across the 46-acre property, allowing you to move intuitively between different temperatures and environments.
I spent much of my time soaking in the warm pools, which helped my body naturally relax and my mind slow down without effort. The cold plunges provided contrast — grounding, energizing, and surprisingly calming when approached intentionally.
The Guided Vitality Plunge, offered daily at 10 AM and 2 PM near the Vitality Plunge Pool, made the experience accessible and supportive rather than overwhelming.
Other Pools Included Throughout the Property
Beyond the main geothermal soaking pools and cold plunges, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort offers a variety of additional pools designed to support different states of rest and recovery.
Throughout my stay, I rotated between quieter soaking areas and more open communal pools, depending on what I needed that day. Some spaces felt better for silence and stillness, while others felt more social and open without ever feeling overwhelming.
Sauna, Bathhouse & Daily Rituals
Another highlight was the Bathhouse, where daily Sauna Aromatherapy sessions take place at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. These sessions created a noticeable sense of mental clarity, especially in the afternoons when stress tends to accumulate.
I also experienced the Geothermal Mud Experience at Mud Cove, located next to the Fitness Center. It was grounding and tactile — a reminder that healing doesn’t always have to be verbal or analytical.
Later in the day, the Gratitude Ceremony at Gratitude Point offered a quiet moment to pause and reflect without pressure.
Movement, Food & Rest
The Dynamis Fitness Center provided space for intentional movement without intensity or expectation. It felt supportive rather than performative.
Food was equally thoughtful. Dining at Talia Kitchen, Guenther’s Lounge, and Café Azuli felt nourishing without being restrictive — something that made a real difference in how I felt throughout my stay.
The rooms were quiet, calming, and designed for rest. I slept deeply — the kind of sleep that makes you realize how long it’s been since your nervous system truly shut off.
Why This Stay Supported My Mental Health
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort didn’t push transformation or promise breakthroughs. It simply created the conditions for both the mind and body to slow down safely.
For anyone struggling with burnout, chronic stress, or the inability to slow down without guilt, this is the kind of place that supports mental well-being in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
Sometimes, taking care of your mental health starts with choosing a space that makes rest possible.
