By Josemaria Moreno
There are a number of naturally occurring hot springs around San Miguel de Allende. Several have been developed into water parks and have become tourist destinations that the whole family can enjoy. They are all affordable no matter what your budget. Several are located along the highway to Dolores Hidalgo. They have warm, steamy pools of water to luxuriate in. Some are open and some are covered, and the visitor can choose according to their whim of the moment.
For centuries, hot springs have been known as places for relaxation and providing therapy for nervous conditions, respiratory, and cardiovascular problems. I will make some personal recommendations here but I encourage the reader to explore for himself and see what suits him best. First of all, I recommend that you take a taxi or Uber. This way, if you have a few drinks, you will not be driving home impaired by alcohol.
Escondido Place is the largest water park on our list today. It has several indoor and open-air swimming pools in addition to wading pools for children. There are open areas with tables and chairs for guests to relax in. Perhaps its most interesting feature is the pool covered with a dome. The warmest water is under this dome. It is hot—but not too hot. Escondido also has a hotel. It is open Monday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm.
La Gruta is similar in style to Escondido. However, the garden area has more mature vegetation, and the tables and chairs are arranged to take advantage of the beautiful plants. The whole family can claim one or two tables and sit and enjoy each other’s company while taking advantage of the bar and restaurant service. The main attraction is the cave-shaped pool that simulates a kind of grotto. The water temperature in the grotto is very warm, but comfortable. There is also a massage service at La Gruta, and I highly recommend it. It has good prices compared to other places in San Miguel. La Gruta is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 7am to 5pm.
Xote Parque Acuático is designed for family entertainment—especially for children. It has several slides that the little ones will enjoy. There are large green areas where you can rest and sunbathe. A special attraction is an area for bonfires and camping. There are also temazcal sessions. The temazcal is an enclosure that serves as a sweat lodge, and its origins date back to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica. Reservations are required. Xote is open Monday thru Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
The Mayan Baths is a little more exclusive and its prices are higher. To enter you have to choose one of their package deals that range from 2,000 to 4,000 pesos. Each package offers different options for making use of its facilities and includes a towel, bathrobe, massages, bar service, and three-course meal. The design of the pools is elegant, and some of them are illuminated with natural candlelight. The place is ideal to enjoy a romantic day as a couple. The Mayan Baths is open Monday thru Sunday from 10am to 7pm.
