Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

The spa has hillside private hot tubs, though the spa rooms are small and the massages are decent. We had hot tub soaks, massages, a comfy bed, and clean rooms during a lovely little getaway. Check-in took a while, but the staff were nice. The Avila Garden Restaurant has gone downhill over the past few visits. They don’t use the main dining room and instead serve in a bar area with a dark, outdated Courtyard by Marr. feel. The bartender does know how to make a martini and an old-fashioned. Food is pricey, but portions are large.

We’re locals and hadn’t been to Sycamore in years, so celebrating both our birthdays there was a great idea. We started with a soak and some catching up, then were given robes and towels and taken to our massage therapists. Martha was a five-star experience. She said people call her a neck guru, and after a fabulous massage my sore neck felt so much better. At 1:30 we went to the restaurant, even though the kitchen closes at 2. Nobody rushed us. We each had a delicious cocktail, shared a lovely salad, and enjoyed our meals. Kayla was a wonderful waitress and brought us a birthday dessert on the house. We offered to pay quickly so we’d feel comfortable lingering, and we did. We definitely won’t wait years to return to this lovely local staycation spot. I can’t comment on the rooms since we only came for a ladies’ spa day.

I’ve tried almost every hillside hot tub at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa by now, and each one has its own special feel. It’s peaceful and beautiful, one of my favorite ways to unwind. Book an hour with a partner, a friend, or on your own. You can pick up wine or champagne at check-in, then spend a while soaking in the quiet and nature. Such a lovely little experience.

We finally tried the Rendezvous tub after driving past the place a million times, and we’re glad we did. Our son and daughter-in-law gave us the hot tub experience for Christmas. We didn’t stay at the hotel this time, though we’ve enjoyed it before. The woman at the desk was friendly and accommodating, and we were given chocolate truffles and sparking wine. We relaxed in the tub for about an hour. Getting up the stairs was quite a climb, but worth the effort. The grounds are clean and beautiful.