We wanted to share with you an article we received called “Our Family Getaway at Rio Caliente Spa” by Deena Mersky.
Start with a visit to Mexico; add in a calm, congenial week with my three adult daughters; all set in a nurturing stay at a vintage spa in a lush and flowerful high altitude tropical setting. One of my best of all vacations was this recent triple treat at the Rio Caliente Spa, less than an hour’s easy cab ride from the Guadalajara airport.
The “Rio” at Rio Caliente is really hot; we saw the steam rising as we came to the end of the bumpy road, and passed through the colorful gate letting us know we were already there. After crossing the low bridge over that steaming water, the cab took us uphill, passing fields and cottages before arriving at the hilltop office, the heart of the establishment. Here, Igor, one of the many employees of very long duration gave us our warmly welcoming orientation.
Soon after, armed with stacks of towels and spa and meal schedules, we were dropped, with our luggage, at the cottage we had pre-selected based on its proximity to the pool area. We were delighted with the cool simplicity of our rooms, the comfort of the beds, and the charming and rustic look of the furniture and uniquely tiled baths. The three daughters had a spacious triple, and my attached single was more than adequate for one or two persons.
It took just a few moments to settle in and then it was time to trek up the small hill to the dining room for our dinner. Meals at Rio Caliente are low salt and vegetarian, served buffet style, and delicious. Lots of grains, fruits, varied fruit juices, with the higher protein foods served early in the day. The dining room is appealingly attractive and comfortable, with mostly round tables seating up to six, and a few long ones. The back part has a wall of windows allowing diners to look out into the trees where tropical birds flitter about, eating the fruits and grains provided by the kitchen workers on the large platform feeders so strategically placed.
The front part of the dining room is rustic, dominated by a huge stone fireplace, which is surrounded by shelves with books, games, videos, and Mexican folk -art. Several evenings we hung out here after the meal, playing games, doing handiwork, and drinking tea from the bottomless pot.
We spent the week happily busy with various treatments; facials, massages, steam room, swimming and water aerobics in the hot or less hot pool (there are two), yoga. There were trips to the market at Tonala, the antique and artists’ galleries at Telaquepaque and to the ancient factory where Herradura Tequila has been made for hundreds of years. In addition, there were early- and very early morning hikes with knowledgeable guides, never repeating the same route. Horses were also available, and one daughter went out into the hills, also with a guide, for two glorious rides.
We were not the only family group – there were three sisters from Chicago who’ve been coming together every October since 1985. There were more women than men, though men were there as singles as well as in couples. It would be comfortable for women or men to go as singles, and many did exactly that. The prevailing atmosphere of open friendliness made all the singles feel welcome to join others at meals, on excursions, or at poolside. On the other hand anyone preferring a solitary experience would not be pressured to give up the pleasure of her own company.
The prevailing atmosphere at Rio Caliente is informal, friendly, unpretentious, natural, healthy, professional, helpful but not intrusive, and above all, well managed and CLEAN.
Best of all, compared to all other spas, the prices are kept low, with discounts for mother/daughter specials and group reservations. As well, they offer five day, seven day and ten day packages.
The bottom line for us is that we were able to have an exceptionally good time with each other, in a refreshing, comfortable and affordable setting. So our next trip is already being planned.
