- December 2 2024
Date
December 2 2024
As the days get colder and the nights get longer, it can be tempting to hide away and fall into a winter routine. Get up, go to work, come home, watch TV, go to bed early. But be careful! While cozy at first, a routine like this can quickly start to feel like a rut, especially if you and your partner aren't making time for each other.
Why not take advantage of the cozy indoor vibes to stoke the romantic fires a little? The constant parade of weekend barbecues, beach days and pool parties is winding down, and you finally have a little time to yourselves. Why not take advantage of that?
A staycation is nice, but a mini getaway to a romantic hot tub spot somewhere in the United States is the perfect way to relax and reconnect after a long, busy summer of outdoor commitments. Pack your ski gear and your swimwear and get ready to indulge in some quality time together.
Key Features to Look For in a Romantic Hot Tub Escape
The most important thing to look for in your hot tub escape spot is, duh, a hot tub! Once you've got that nailed down, though, there are some other factors that will majorly affect the quality of your experience.
Privacy
If you can afford it, spring for a room with a private tub. Outdoors, on a balcony, in the snow? Even better. Nothing beats snuggling up with your loved on in the steamy bubbles of an outdoor tub, sipping champagne in your own little winter wonderland.
Scenic Views
Speaking of outdoor tubs - a room with a view really can't be beat. There's something so luxurious about being super warm while you're sitting somewhere super cold. Snow-capped mountains, a crystal lake, or maybe tucked into the depths of a quiet forest, you won't regret choosing a spot with a killer view.
Additional Amenities
Are you interested in massage? Skiing? Fine dining? Indoor pool? Because those can all definitely be arranged!
If budget is a concern, consider this: when it comes to mini getaways like these, we recommend saving money by going for just one night and using the money you saved to splurge on something really luxurious while you're there, rather than booking multiple nights and not having cash to throw around.
Top 10 Romantic Hot Tub Escapes in the US
So where exactly are the best spots for a romantic getaway like this in the United States? Let's take a look.
Lazy Cloud Lodge, Geneva, WI
The Lazy Cloud Lodge is a teeny tiny bed and breakfast with two locations: Lake Geneva and Fontana, in Wisconsin. Every suite offers a private deck and entrance, plus an in-room tub with a view of the fireplace.
Lazy Cloud offers the luxury of a five-star ski resort in a smaller package at a lower price. The inn has three acres of gardens, and the Lake Geneva location offers activities like a sunset yacht cruise.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort, CO
Situated in the foothills of Aspen, the St. Regis Aspen Resort offers world-class accommodation, access to skiing and historic downtown Aspen, and amenities like a spa and five star dining. Every suite has a mountain view, and some have fireplaces, balconies, and private tubs.
If you can't spring for a room with a private tub or balcony, the spa offers a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, steam room, cold plunge, as well as treatments like massage, and an oxygen bar. Sure, it's not private, but it gives you an opportunity to show off your new bikini and cover-up.
Looking for somewhere to bring the family on an outdoor adventure? This is a great option for a family winter vacation.
Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, UT
The Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley has only two types of suite: Grand and Luxury. All the luxury suites come with a private deck and hot tub. Luxury suites come in a range of sizes, from one bedroom all the way up to 5! Perfect for a romantic getaway, or a fun trip to split with another family.
The surrounding mountains are a winter wonderland, and the lodge also offers a range of dining options, including their world famous Sunday Brunch.
Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA
Okay, so you won't see any snow-capped mountains along this particular stretch of the California coast, but what you will see at the Esalen Institute are spectacular views of the Big Sur coast, one of the most dramatic and breathtaking natural vistas in the world.
The Esalen Institute is more than a getaway - it's a holistic retreat offering week-long workshops in healing, massage therapy, medicinal arts, and more. If you and your partner are looking to strengthen your spiritual bond (and spend some quality time in a hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean) this is the place for you.
Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR
This list wouldn't be complete if we didn't also mention hot springs! Hot springs are like nature's hot tubs: naturally occurring warm water pools. At Breitenbush Hot Springs, you won't find private tubs, but you will find beautiful outdoor pools in meadows, surrounded by a 150-acre forest.
The resort is totally off-grid and offers no cell service or WiFi, so it's perfect for those looking to digitally detox and really reconnect. Heads up: it's clothing optional!
Mercey Hot Springs, Mercey, CA
Mercey Hot Springs is an eco-friendly resort situated on a naturally-occuring geothermal site in central California. It offers not only rustic cabins, but also airstreams, RV sites, and tent camping, so if you're operating on a budget, this is a great option.
There are no private tubs, but the geothermal pools, along with saunas, and a spa, are accessible to anyone staying at the site. They also offer bodywork, yoga, hiking, and disc golf.
Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, NY
When the name of the place is "lake placid" you know you're in for a relaxing time. The only waterfront luxury lodge on the lake, Lake Placid Lodge is rustic, charming, and serene. There are suites and cabins available, and the lakeside suites feature deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms.
You'll be treated to stunning views of the lake, plus a ton of options for activities, including an 18-hole golf course, boat tours, ice skating, and skiing.
Breckenridge Ski Resort, CO
The Breckenridge Resort in Colorado boasts almost 3000 acres of some of the world's best skiing. Annually, the area receives some of the highest snowfall in Colorado, and it provides access to 187 trails and 5 separate peaks. Those looking to combine their hot-tubbing with some outdoor adventure should look here.
Blackberry Mountain, Smoky Mountains, TN
Okay, full disclosure, Blackberry Mountain doesn't actually have hot tubs, but the scenery is so stunning in this United States national park, and the accommodation is so awesome that we had to mention it. There are treehouses! Legit freaking treehouses!
Fall is a great time to visit if you're interested in watching the leaves turn. If you or your partner are interested in wellness, there are body therapies, classes in mental and physical fitness, art classes, writing retreats, yoga and mind and body healing.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, MN
Looking to fill your day with something exciting before you head back to the hot tub for the night? How about a luxury dude ranch, where you can learn horseback riding, trout fishing, go ice skating or snowmobiling, or simply wander the network of hiking trails.
Not all cabins come with the same amenities, so check the website to find out which ones have soaking tubs (some also have saunas and even rain showers!)
Tips for Enhancing Your Hot Tub Experience
Make the most of your getaway by planning ahead. There's no denying that many of these getaways are pricey, so you want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck!
Plan for Comfort
This is a romantic getaway, all about you and your partner. So make sure comfort, time spent together, and just enjoying each other's company are the priority. If you enjoy doing activities together, great, but don't forget that the main reason you're there is to relax and pamper yourselves.
Pack comfy jammies, your favorite books, maybe a card game, and plan to do nothing more than take it easy and see where the days take you.
Create a Playlist
Nothing sets the mood better than music. Make a playlist together, or make them for each other. Are you driving to your destination? Even better! You can make one together on the way.
Summing It Up
Winter is the perfect time to rest and recharge with your loved one. Take some time for yourselves and use it as an opportunity to look back on the year you had together.