28 MAY 2026 S even miles of winding dirt through the Bradshaw Mountains… it’s bumpy, quiet, and just remote enough to make you wonder what could possibly be waiting at the end. As we drove in with our Arizona Highways Television crew, cameras packed and dust trailing behind us, the anticipation built with every turn. At one point, we slowed to a stop because of the wild burros crossing casually in front of us, as if they owned the place. And then, just like that, the desert changed. The dry, rugged landscape gave way to something entirely unexpected, a lush, palm-lined sanctuary tucked into the mountains. After the long approach, Castle Hot Springs doesn’t just appear, it reveals itself. Being there, you immediately understand why people have been making this journey for more than a century. Originally established in 1896, long before Arizona became a state, Castle Hot Springs has always been a place people came to reset. Today, after an extensive restoration by owner Mike Watts, the 1,100-acre property feels preserved and reimagined, grounded in history but designed for a modern kind of escape. “The biggest inspiration was bringing it back to life and sharing it with other people,” he said. As I spent the day on property, what stood out most wasn’t just the beauty, it was the intention behind every detail. I walked through the resort’s on-site farm, where much of the food served to guests is grown just steps away from the kitchen. One of the team members handed me a tomato straight off the vine. It sounds simple, but tasting it right there, surrounded by the garden it came from, made the entire experience feel grounded in a way that’s hard to replicate. That connection carries through to the dining experience itself. Sitting down for lunch, everything felt curated yet completely unpretentious, with fresh ingredients, clean flavors, and a sense that what you’re eating is directly tied to the land around you. It’s not just farm-to-table as a concept, it’s something you actually see, walk through, and taste. At the heart of it all are the hot springs themselves. Producing over 200,000 gallons of mineral-rich water daily for more than 11,000 years, they quite literally shape the entire experience. There’s no harsh sulfur smell, just warm, clear water flowing down from the hillside into a series of pools. Walking through the resort’s history room reminded me that this secluded oasis once attracted some of the most prominent families in America: The Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, even President Theodore Roosevelt. Back then, getting here meant a train ride followed by hours in a stagecoach. Standing there now, after our comparatively easy drive, it’s hard not to imagine what that journey must have felt like. The history here isn’t only glamorous. During World War II, the property became a rehabilitation center for injured soldiers. One of them was a young John F. Kennedy, who stayed and wrote letters that are still on- site today. Today, that legacy continues in a different way. Castle Hot Springs blends wellness, food, and outdoor adventure into a fully immersive experience. Guests can hike desert trails, try Via Ferrata climbing, or soak in the springs and take in the quiet. One of the most intentional choices? There are no televisions in the rooms. It’s a small detail, but being there, it makes sense. The goal isn’t distraction, it’s presence. For more than 125 years, that feeling of being present may still be the reason people come… not to mention, it’s just off an Arizona highway. Hidden in the Bradshaws: The magic of Castle Hot Springs Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE, THE GOOSSEN FAMILY CONGRATULATIONS BROPHY CLASS OF 2026!

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