Glen Ivy Hot Springs has been a “day spa” since it was officially incorporated in 1977, but a fascinating history and mineral-rich hot springs in use commercially since 1860 (and centuries before that by indigenous California tribes) add to the mystique. So do a restorative pool circuit (saline, hot and cold plunge), lounge pools, a top-notch spa treatment menu, and food venues with surprisingly creative meals and snacks. In its latest incarnation, it has everything one would want in a spa retreat … except for overnight rooms.

Although visitors to Los Angeles or San Diego may have to rent a car to get there or convince a local friend to drive them, they will not be disappointed. Glen Ivy’s treatment areas, food venues and indoor spaces now bear a cohesive Mediterranean architectural aesthetic. Newer and older swimming and relaxation pools, framed by lush and revitalized landscaping, radiate luxury. However, travelers who enjoy mixing with local fans will appreciate Glen Ivy continues to attract a diverse all-ages fan base stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego, and everywhere in between.

The day resort’s extreme makeover was brilliantly executed by Bangkok-based GOCO Hospitality, which took over as parent company a few years back. As it manages an international roster of spas and retreats stretching from its home country to UAE, Bali, Greece and Waldorf Astoria Maldives, it should be no surprise it has made Glen Ivy relevant anew to a younger generation of wellness enthusiasts, even with the famous Club Mud, California’s only therapeutic red clay mineral bath, offering a literal down-to- earth experience. The main restaurant, rebranded as Ivy Kitchen, features a modern, globally inspired take on spa cuisine. However, it’s important to note Glen Ivy’s older amenities, including the Roman Bath and the Grotto, are still popular with regulars.

© Elyse Glickman

The spa service menu, meanwhile, is nicely updated with such treatments as the Natural Glow Solution Facial. The 50-minute treatment is described as a “bioregenerative organic facial designed to regenerate the skin, making it more resilient to climate and environmental changes that also nourishes, reoxygenates and protects the skin … as well as prolong youth.” Even if you take some of this with grain of salt, the way the facial is executed by Glen Ivy’s thoughtful practitioners is absolute bliss, along with the creative use of aromatics and added arm and neck massages. The placement of hot stones beneath the lower back is the cherry on top of this sensory delight.

In addition to colorful resort wear and swimwear, Glen Ivy’s retail includes the new Cosmos certified organic Sacred Nature line by Italian company Comfort Zone, along with a variety of other top spa skincare brands and on-trend jewelry from Laguna Beach, California-based Gorjana.

The Glen Ivy Hot Springs

25000 Glen Ivy Road
Corona, CA 92883
tel 888 453 6489