by Judy Bereza, Guest blogger

If you think that the current American version of a Spa is a relatively new concept, think again.  The “Great American Spa” was actually developed in the early 20th century around natural hot springs in, you guessed it, Hot Springs Arkansas,now the site of Hot Springs National Park.

Water flowing from springs under the ground, bubbling up to the surface at 147degrees was an attraction for humans dating back 5000 years.  The water is actually rain water that percolates down from the surface, comes into contact with the red hot core, and then bubbles up.  No sulphur smell, which explains the reason for its exploding popularity.

Around the turn of the 20th century, bathing and activities surrounding the hot springs became popular with wealthy Americans, who were prescribed hot water treatments and other therapies by their doctors for many diseases and disabilities.

However, the practice soon developed into a destination, and a row of stately buildings were built by private owners.  Even though the federal government had set the land aside to be preserved as a “reservation”, they allowed development on the land surrounding the springs.  In effect, this was the first model for the national park system.

Today, the most elaborate of the bathhouses, built in 1915, is the Visitors’ Center and also a museum, providing tourists a glimpse into the treatments that were considered state of the art in 1915.  We took that tour, and were stunned by the treatments that were considered therapeutic at that time. 

Electro massage anyone?  Electrodes were placed on the body and a current passed through them.  Not surprising these treatments were phased out after a few years.   At the same time, some treatments are still relevant today.  Hydrotherapy combined with a lift for paralyzed patients was and is an approved method of therapy.

An interesting treatment was the steam bath.  Just your head stuck out of the square metal box pictured below.  You were in it for about a half hour, or as long as you could stand it.

These bathhouses were mostly intended for wealthy clients.  They boasted many amenities, especially the men’s area.  While the women’s areas look mostly utilitarian, the men’s were sumptuous, with stained glass skylights, statuary, and uniformed attendants.  There were non segregated areas for relaxing before and after treatments, often with live music.  

Today, two of the bathhouses still offer massages and bathing in the original pools.  Another one is leased from the Park Department and operates as the only brewery located inside a national park. The treatments are a combination of a traditional massage, reasonably priced, but also a trip back in time to experience the original version of the “Great American Spa”.

Judy Bereza is a retired interior designer/kitchen expert, constant walker and “Nana” to five adorable grand children. With friends she has hiked in Wales, Cornwall, Switzerland, Smokey Mountain National Park, Ireland and California.

Occasionally she veers off the trail to explore a different kind of travel adventure that includes her husband and/or her daughter and grand daughter.