Wilbur Hot Springs Press Kit
Background Factsheet | History | Features | Biography of Dr. Richard Miller Off The Beaten Path in Northern California -- WILBUR HOT SPRINGS OFFERS A SANCTUARY Wilbur Springs , California , Winter 2005 Without a doubt, one of the highlights of a stay at Wilbur Hot Springs is the natural hot mineral water. Starting well over a century ago, Wilbur has been known for its therapeutic mineral waters that heal the body and soothe the soul both by European settlers of the 1800s and Native American inhabitants long before that. Today's guests appreciate the waters and more the resort's unique and rustic charm, the solitude and peace of the area, opportunities to reconnect with nature, and enjoyable recreational activities afforded by the 1800-acre preserve. Most guests are first attracted to Wilbur by the popular hot mineral springs. Sheltered by a Fluminarium, the water is channeled into three long Flumes with average temperatures of 100 degrees F, 105 and 108 degrees. The Fluminarium is completely private, and clothing is optional in the area for taking the natural mineral waters (although clothing is required everywhere else on the property). Open day and night to guests, the Flumes are a serene haven where courtesy and modesty prevail. According to Dr. Richard Louis Miller, Wilbur Hot Springs' owner since 1972 (and 'caretaker', he says, reflecting his commitment to Wilbur's stewardship), the clothing-optional policy in the Flumes came about naturally, so to speak. When Miller first purchased the place, it served as his home and of course, one doesn't wear clothing in one's bath. Then his cousin married a Japanese woman, skilled in Ikebana and the formal Japanese tea ceremony. She shared with Miller the age-old traditions of the Japanese Flumes, a public bathing ritual for a private, reserved culture. The group soak also reflected Miller's personal experiences at the time at places such as Esalen in Big Sur , where similar bathing practices were common. The last factor was a pragmatic one: after several soaks, one's swimsuit became caked with minerals from the water, and it was just easier to go without! As Dr. Miller says, "When we wore bathing suits in Wilbur's waters, they became crusted with the minerals that we loved to bathe in, but did not like on our suits. Furthermore, when we hung the suits in our rooms, they smelled of sulfur which was excellent for the skin, but not for the ambience of the bedroom." Thus, the 'clothing-optional' policy was born at Wilbur. This continues today and Wilbur's regular clientele are enthusiastic, vocal proponents of this policy. However, in the interest of attracting others who might enjoy the hot springs , but who are less comfortable with the clothing optional policy, Dr. Miller has begun to offer Bathing Suits-On Weekends. The hot waters in the Fluminarium are enhanced by a large, cool-water mineral pool with splendid vistas of the surrounding hills, an outdoor hot mineral sitting pool, and a dry sauna next to the Fluminarium. To further enhance one's well being, Wilbur offers complimentary yoga on weekends on the yoga deck.. Various types of yoga are featured by trained instructors and guests of all experience levels are welcome. In addition, Wilbur offers massage treatments year-round. Licensed professional therapists are trained in a variety of techniques, including Esalen, Swedish and deep tissue work. Guests enjoy other outdoor activities, as well. Hiking is very popular in the nature preserve, home to breathtaking valleys and ridges, high meadows and remnants of the century-old mining operations. In spring, wildflowers grow in profusion in the valley, internationally known for its quantity and diversity of its blooms, including orange poppies, yellow tidytips, purple lupine and owl's clover, and rare adobe lilies. Bird-watchers are rewarded year-round: recent sightings include bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, Pileated Woodpeckers, Belted Kingfishers, Goldfinches, Bluebirds, and a variety of hawks, including Red Tails, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels. Mountain biking is also a favorite pastime, and complimentary bikes are available for guests to use. For a wilder adventure, river rafting is available nearby in Cache Creek Canyon . There is also a major gambling casino within 30 minutes drive, for those who are so inclined. Indoors, Wilbur Hot Springs offers guests a selection of accommodations. Reflecting its turn-of-the-century origins, Wilbur's hotel offers private guest rooms, rustic and charming, each with its own special touches. Some rooms feature queen-sized beds, while others offer extra beds for families or small groups. There is also a spacious suite with a private bath and kitchen, and three optional adjoining bedrooms, ideal for a larger family or group of friends. For those on a more modest budget, there is a comfortable 11-bed Bunk Room. Reflecting the building's century-old beginnings, toilets are conveniently located, European-style, through the hotel. Private showers are adjacent to the Fluminarium. In season, a few campsites are available for those who love to sleep under the stars. Meals at Wilbur are unique as well. Guests bring their own groceries and prepare their own food. The professional kitchen is well equipped with dishes, cookware, utensils and spices. Refrigerator/freezer and storage space is provided for guests to keep their goods private and fresh. At mealtime, the kitchen becomes a bustling social hub as visitors prepare their meals alongside other guests in what Dr. Miller calls the ballet of the kitchen. There are several delightful areas in which to dine a small and cozy dining room, another in the Great Room, or al fresco on the veranda or under the ramada. Recognizing that not all guests prefer to do their own cooking during their Wilbur stay, Dr. Miller has begun Guest Chef Weekends, featuring well-known California chefs. For a modest fee, Wilbur guests on these special weekends have all weekend meals Friday dinner; breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday; and Sunday brunch prepared by talented chefs dedicated to intriguing menus and healthy food. Launched in late 2004, the program is proving to be a major success. In the evening, many guests take a walk under the stars or return to the Flumes for another soak. Others congregate in the Great Room to share stories of the day, play music on the hotel piano and selection of other instruments, or curl up with a good book in the Library near one of the gas fireplaces. For reservations or more information, contact Wilbur Hot Springs by telephone at 888-8WILBUR (888-894-5287) or 530-473-2306, by email at info@wilburhotsprings.com or online at http://www.wilburhotsprings.com/.
### jsmt: 1.26.05.fv Wilbur Hot Springs Press Kit A sanctuary for the self in Northern California's coastal range... For reservations call (530) 473-2306 from 10am to 8pm daily. [ top ] |