Set against the Bradshaw Mountains, near the border of Peoria, is Castle Hot Springs — Arizona’s first luxury resort and wellness retreat established in 1896.

As a travel industry leader since the late 19th century, Castle Hot Springs has reached yet another milestone — being awarded Best Arizona Cultural and Historic Preservation by Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism, recognizing the property’s contribution to the cultural and historic preservation of Arizona, and inspiring domestic and international visitation to the state.

Once a western hideaway and retreat of choice for America’s titans of industry such as the Vanderbilts, Wrigleys and Astors, Castle Hot Springs has hosted some of America’s most prominent families throughout the early 1900s. The destination weaves the rich and storied history throughout the resort, culminating in a tranquil desert oasis that encourages visitors to connect with their surroundings and unplug from the outside world.

Retaining the rich history was paramount during the property’s restoration to preserve the cultural integrity and historical significance of the iconic destination resort including one structure which was painstakingly reconstructed using stone from the original building. Emphasis was then made on creating interiors that had timeless appeal for the modern luxury traveler, while maintaining cohesion between the past and a uniquely modern Arizona experience. Original paintings and vintage Navajo rugs were curated over a two-year period and used throughout the property, with the remainder of the art displayed featuring old marketing pamphlets and photos dating back to early operations.

Shortly after the property’s grand re-opening in 2019, Castle Hot Springs produced a documentary that aimed to showcase and honor the property’s rich history in Arizona, titled Castle Hot Springs: Oasis of Time, by Kristin Atwell Ford, which won the 2020 Emmy Award for Best Historical Documentary.

The Emmy was awarded from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and is the most prestigious peer-juried award in television. The documentary tells the story of a landscape that inspires legends. The human history of “taking the waters” starts with the indigenous people of the land. As settlers came to the Arizona Territory, mining magnate Frank Murphy and his brother, Territorial Governor Nathan Oakes Murphy, saw the seeds of a new economy born of water, sunshine and leisure travel that would drive the region toward statehood. Their vision laid the groundwork for Arizona to play host to some of the wealthiest and most influential families of the early 20th century.

“I have always loved the history of Castle Hot Springs and the stories about the people who have experienced it. We are emerging as a legacy vacation destination for travelers that enjoy our rejuvenating hot springs,” notes Kevin Maguire, Castle Hot Springs general manager. “To be able to preserve the history and culture of Castle Hot Springs for generations to come is something we take great pride in and are honored to be recognized for our work by Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism.”

Castle Hot Springs remains committed to preserving the natural, cultural and aesthetic legacy of Arizona.

For more information on Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism visit https://azgcot.com/.