DAY TRIP Glen Ivy Hot Springs

The day spa at Glen Ivy Hot Springs, located at the base of the Santa Ana Mountains in Corona, is spread out over an 11- acre expanse that includes 17 pools, its signature red-clay mud bath and an underground moisturizing chamber known as “The Grotto.” Lush tropical plants, including the Strelitzia bird of paradise, Glen Ivy’s trademark, surround the main floating pool area as well as the paths leading to the treatment buildings, hot mineral pools and the saltwater spa. Use of all facilities except spa treatments and entry into the Grotto is included in the general admission price, and spa services require reservations. The spa recommends treatment appointments be made three to four weeks in advance. The call center is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HOURS

HOT SEASON (June 1 through Nov. 4)

Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

COOL SEASON (Nov 5 through May 31)

Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

ADMISSION

Monday through Thursday: $40 per person

Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays: $55 per person

Price of admission includes parking, use of all pools, sauna, steam rooms, Roman baths, red clay mud bath and Wafa, towels and lockers.

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 south to the 55 freeway north. Merge onto CA-91 going east toward Riverside. Take I-15 south to Temescal Canyon Road. Make a slight right onto Temescal Canyon Road and pass Tom’s Farms. Turn right onto Trilogy Parkway. Turn left onto Warm Springs Road. Turn right onto Glen Ivy Road and follow the signs to the end.

MINERAL SPRINGS

Glen Ivy is built around natural thermal springs, both mineral and sulfurous, and according to the spa, “the soothing mineral waters are believed to offer many healthful benefits.” Minerals in the water will tarnish silver jewelry if it is worn in the pools.

CLUB MUD

California’s only therapeutic red clay mud bath can be found at Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa. Guests are advised to wear old bathing suits when using the mud bath, as the red clay may stain some fabrics. Wet mud is applied to the skin and should be allowed to dry to achieve the full benefits of the treatment. “The fine clay exfoliates the skin, draws from the pores, absorbs impurities and helps release waste from the skin,” according to the spa. Unique to Glen Ivy is “Wafa,” a warm drying room for guests who have just soaked in the mud bath. The temperature in the room ranges from 80 to 85 degrees and helps dry the mud when weather is cool or wet.

THE GROTTO

For $25, guests (in bathing suits) will be taken by elevator down into The Grotto. After arriving in this underground enclave, a moisturizing blend of aloe and sea kelp is applied to the body by an attendant. The next step is the hydrating chamber, where “the moisturizer works its magic.” After the chamber, the masque is rinsed off, and the treatment finishes in a cool mist chamber where guests are offered a cup of Glen Ivy tea and a crisp green apple. No appointments are necessary; admission is first-come, first-served.

Café Solé

Café Solé is located next to the locker building on the ground level and offers indoor and outdoor covered seating. Menu includes fresh salads, sandwiches, grilled chicken and fish entrees and pizza. Prices range from $8 to $15.

— Sue Thoensen