There are times I simply crave a long, hot, healthy soak. But "jacuzzi" just doesn't do it for me, mostly due to the chlorine factor. I crave mineral rich water straight from the earth, heated by the earth, naturally. Sometimes you have to travel quite a distance to find such a treasure, so why not stay awhile when you are there?! Here are my three favorite natural hot springs retreats...

Of my three favorite retreats, Breitenbush has the most natural setting. You are in the middle of an ancient mountain forest in Oregon, next to a singing river, with wooden cabins and a sweat lodge the only man-made structures in sight. The individual cabins, heated only by the naturally hot spring water, are warm and cozy even in the middle of winter, with snow all around.

As a guest at Breitenbush, you get to partake of three heavenly meals every day. This is some of my favorite food in the whole world: homemade, healthy, organically or sustainably grown ingredients, pure, natural, tasty and fresh. I would build a mountain of a salad at lunch and dinner with all kinds of fresh greens, seeds, fruits and vegies, and to-die-for dressings. Everthing is vegetarian, at least when I was there, but they also considerately offer "alternative" dishes for vegans. The cooks are tops with the seasonings and nothing lacks for flavor. Hungarian Mushroom Soup, Black-Eyed Peas with "Yam Hocks" and Potato Califlower Curry are just a few of the many delectable entrees - they usually have several entrees plus soup, bread, salad, dessert and a choice of delicious beverages and teas at every meal. But if you want coffee, you'll have to bring your own.

So, maybe I like the food even better than the hot springs. Next, the hot springs. You have several choices - all offering different views of nature and different degrees of privacy. Clothing is optional. If you are uncomfortable seeing others in the buff, or vice-versa, like me, don't worry. It is safe to go late at night if you have someone with you and you will probably get the spring all to yourself. If there is someone else there, it is dark enough that they can't really see you nor can you see them. Bring a flashlight. You are outdoors and there is no artificial lighting out by the springs. Just stars above and singing river below. Relax, but be sure to get out of the water before you fall asleep!

When you aren't soaking or eating, there is plenty else to do: participate in a sweat lodge ceremony, hike, get a massage, or take one of their many well-being workshops that are included with the price of your stay.

The people that work there are warm, helpful and friendly and the place seems to be very well managed. I recommended going with a friend and making your reservations in advance.

These natural hot spring baths sit right on the edge of the cliff overlooking the dramatic Big Sur coastline in California. The setting at Esalen is stunning, breathtaking, amazing. You aren't sitting in a natural pool of water in the earth like you can at Breitenbush - the spring water is pumped into man-made baths the size of large jacuzzis. You get to control the hot water, though - just turn the handle and more hot spring water pours in. As at Breitenbush, clothing is optional and my same suggestions (above) apply.

Like Breitenbush, you get three bounteous, naturally delicious group meals every day. Both vegetarian and meat dishes are served. If you get hungry or want a cup of hot tea between meals or even in the middle of the night, there is always plenty of tea to choose from and usually there are loaves of bread as well.

Included with your stay are daily movement workshops. I attended an early morning "dance worship" class before breakfast where we simply free form danced with ever increasing energy until I felt like we were going to blow the roof off the building! What a way to get energized in the morning!

Esalen places a huge emphasis on their educational/intellectual programs and workshops. You can actually receive continuing education credits for several different licenses. The workshops are usually very unique and powerful. You can check out their online catalog for an idea.

Esalen is extremely well managed. I had a problem with another guest there one night. I didn't even report it but the management found out through a third party, checked into it, and immediately and permanently removed the offending guest. They want people to be safe, respected and happy and they have zero tolerance for trouble makers.

I recommend going with a friend, making your reservations in advance, and taking advantage of their world famous massage.

Located in Carson, Washington, high above a rushing river, this is a rustic bath house style resort. Men are on one side and women on the other and there are dressing rooms and shower curtains so privacy and modesty are attainable.You get an ancient, 6 foot long claw-foot tub, privatized with a curtain, all to yourself for at least 30 minutes. You are in charge of the water; hot, sulfur-smelling mineral water on the left, ice cold tap water on the right. Adjust to your own comfort level.

For some reason, these baths are very healing. When I had an ulcer, I only found relief in these tubs. Also, when my back starts to act up, if I get to Carson soon enough, I can soak that stitch away before it lays me up. Works every time. Carson is only about an hour from where I live so I go here the most frequently of the three. Plus, it costs pennies. Less than twenty dollars for a bath and wrap. They have a special on Mondays through Thursdays where two can enjoy a bath and wrap for only $20!

After your bath, the attendant will take you to a separate room for your wrap. The healthful and relaxing effects continue as you sweat and dream, half awake, half asleep, for another 30 minutes. You can ask for a loose, medium, or tight wrap.

While the baths themselves are rustic, modern accomodations have been added. I haven't been there, but they have a golf course and a new restaurant.

You don't need to make reservations for the bath and wrap, but you should call first just to make sure they are open and/or that they are not closing early. So many times I drove there to find out they had closed early! Remember to bring a few dollars for a tip. You don't want to leave such a healthful experience feeling guilty that you couldn't tip the attendant!

Their website is www.CarsonHotSpringResort.com Here is their number: 509-427-8292.