Glen Ivy Hot Springs Is Still One of Southern California's Best Day Spas: My Return a Decade Later Proves It

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a popular mineral spring wellness destination in Southern California. [Photo courtesy of Glen Ivy Hot Springs]

It had been about a decade since my last visit to Glen Ivy Hot Springs. In case you need a mini-refresher, you can read all about Glen Ivy Hot Springs here. I recently returned with high relaxation expectations, and let’s just say, the Hot Springs exceeded every single one of them.

Spa Profile: Glen Ivy Hot Springs

The iconic California day spa has evolved over the last few years. For those unfamiliar, Glen Ivy is one of California’s top outdoor wellness destinations, best known for its expansive mineral pools and the state’s only therapeutic red clay mud bath.

I originally discovered Glen Ivy through one of my closest spa-enthusiast friends, who quickly converted me into a loyal fan. We made it our annual Mother’s Day ritual: gift cards (their annual sal e gets you 15% off $100), cleared calendars, and a full day of soaking, steaming, and unwinding in the sunshine.

Back then, Glen Ivy already felt like the ultimate spa escape, but let me tell you—after my recent visit, they’ve truly outdone themselves.

Glen Ivy is home to 19 pools and mineral baths set against a lush landscape.

The property has received a multi-million dollar renovation that’s taken the experience to an entirely new level. From upgraded pool decks, bath houses, and enhanced spa treatments, it’s clear that Glen Ivy is doubling down on its commitment to luxury wellness.

When you check in, there is a cafe and Starbucks available to get your morning boost going. Their saunas are super state-of-the-art, leaning on European designs and featuring advanced under-seat heating systems and ambient lighting (no rocks and water here!)

The pools now offer reserved lounge chair seating, along with poolside cabanas, with personalized service.

Glen Ivy guests can enjoy fresh dishes at Ivy Kitchen, Starbucks at to-go items at GOCO Café, fresh juices and smoothies at The Chill Zone, and cocktails at Lounge 1860.

The Ivy Kitchen, where you’d grab a mid-day snack or lunch, has leveled up its menu and features organic, locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients.

They also have a cold plunge therapy pool and have added more quiet areas to recharge. As someone who’s always adored this place, this revamp was everything I didn’t know I needed.

Ivy Kitchen is Glen Ivy’s restaurant that serves a farm-to-table menu.

For us seasoned spa-girlies, let’s be honest—getting a treatment is the best part of a spa day, and Glen Ivy definitely delivers. Their treatment menu spans everything from body therapies and nail services to a solid lineup of facials.

But here’s what really caught my attention: Their partnership with [comfort zone], the Italian, B-Corp-certified skincare brand known for combining clean ingredients with serious results.

I first discovered [comfort zone]’s Sacred Nature line at a boutique spa in L.A. years ago and have been a fan ever since—so finding out that Glen Ivy now features their products was a huge win for me.

Glen Ivy’s spa has partnered with Italian, B-Corp-certified skincare brand [comfort zone].

I booked the Firming Facial ($175/50 min), which included the chance to experience [comfort zone]’s new Sublime Skin line—a corrective and natural filler line of products that counteract the signs of aging.

A pro-tip? Book your facial toward the end of your visit. You’ll want time to experience the mineral pools, saunas, and steam rooms beforehand without worrying about messing up your post-glow skin.

Ready for a day of relaxation and self-care in my comfy Glen Ivy robe.

After slipping into my robe (available to rent for $25 or feel free to bring your own) in Glen Ivy’s newly renovated bathhouse, I headed to the salon where I was greeted by a warm and knowledgeable team, along with an impressive wall of products featuring not just [comfort zone], but other top-tier brands like CauseMedic, Project Reef, and Glo Mineral Makeup.

My esthetician Olivia then led me to the treatment room and explained that we’d not only be doing a firming facial, but she suggested to add on a brightening boost enhancement ($30) to revive my tired-looking skin. And let’s just say I’m glad she recommended it— because the glow was real.

I experienced the [comfort zone] Firming Facial, which addresses skin aging and stimulates cellular regeneration.

Olivia began my facial with a double cleanse using [comfort zone]’s Pro-Skin Barrier Cleanser, a luxurious, sweet almond-scented balm that melts into the skin like butter. It glided on effortlessly, prepping my face for the treatment ahead.

After rinsing, she massaged my face, neck, and shoulders with Renight Oil, which has quickly become a personal favorite. This oil supports the skin’s barrier, deeply hydrates, and even helps repair sun damage. FYI, I found out sun damage can even exist at the hairline, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen there.

Next came the Bright Peel enhancement—a lactic and mandelic acid blend infused with Achillea Millefolium (also found in the Barrier Cleanser), known for its natural anti-aging and healing properties. It gave my skin that immediate dewy look without any irritation.

My facial included a Firming Mask that was thick, cooling, and ultra-hydrating.

After a gentle rinse, Olivia applied [comfort zone]’s best-selling Intensive Serum. This powerhouse formula features a cocktail of peptides and acetyl hexapeptides that stimulate collagen production and even help soften facial muscle contractions. (This serum is also great to help prolong Botox results. No wonder I fell in love with it!)

And then came the best part: the Firming Mask. Thick, cooling, and ultra-hydrating, it hugged my skin while tightening my pores. We let it sit for five blissful minutes to make sure it delivered that instant refresh.

To finish, Olivia applied the final touch—[comfort zone]’s Precious Glow Drops . Lightweight yet incredibly nourishing, they left my skin luminous, smooth, and perfectly prepped for the day ahead. If you ask me, they’re the ultimate finisher to any facial.

My post-facial results: glowing skin that was instantly smoother and firmer.

This is a facial I would absolutely recommend to anyone. My skin felt incredible—instantly smoother, firmer, and glowing. Afterwards, I spent the rest of the day soaking in the oasis that is Glen Ivy.

I napped, read, journaled, ate well, and made sure to take full advantage of the mineral pools, saunas, and jacuzzis. It was the best kind of reset (especially on a Tuesday!)

After my treatment, I made sure to enjoy Glen Ivy’s various amenities including Club Mud.

Glen Ivy also offers various activities and workshops on select days, in case you want some creativity to flow. One of the newer offerings is the Sublime Skin workshop. I was able to partake in this class that was led by a [comfort zone] skincare expert.

We dove into the history of the brand, explored their latest product innovations, and got hands-on experience with proper application techniques of their cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. Honestly, it felt like I got a second facial.

These workshops are such a fun, interactive addition to the Glen Ivy experience—I definitely don’t remember them being offered the last time I visited. If you can plan your spa day around one (especially with a friend or two), do it. It’s the perfect mix of self-care and skincare education—and yes, your glow will thank you.

I also participated in Glen Ivy’s Sublime Skin workshop led by a [comfort zone] skincare expert.

For more information about Glen Ivy Hot Springs and to book a treatment, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @glenivy_spa

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is located at 25000 Glen Ivy Road, Temescal Valley CA 92883.

[Photos by Patty Serrato]

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Patty Castellon is a two-time Emmy award winning producer who has worked in the entertainment industry for 16 years. After many years of tracking lifestyle trends by some of the most prominent celebrities in the world, she has developed a true passion to connect audiences with the latest news in beauty, fashion, and wellness. Patty is LA based, living with her husband Cesar and their three children. Follow her on Instagram: @pattylynnpix