Hot water: Places where you get soaked

Whether it’s summer or the dead of winter, most people find the thought of a relaxing soak in a hot spring -- or just hot water, for that matter -- a happy place to go as they dream of a special getaway that will long be remembered. Fortunately, Washington state has several options to choose from.

We’ve found some great places to soak -- some of them hot springs, some with nice warm water to soothe those body aches and drift off to a place of bliss. Some of these spots have resorts built around them, while others are in the woods where many visitors cannot resist the temptation to go au naturel. Some boast amazing medicinal qualities, while others seem more to emphasize the chance to have a hot soak in a natural setting. Here are a few examples:

Soap Lake

The Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort emphasizes the natural healing power of the lake. Dating back to when this North Central Washington lake was frequented only by Native Americans, the lake has always been regarded as a sacred body of water. It was considered a natural cure for cirrhosis, arthritis and poor circulation among many other ailments.

The lake actually has some of the highest naturally occurring mineral content of any lake in the world, as well as some of the highest mineral diversity found naturally occurring in a body of water. Today visitors come for the water, all right, but also because the resort promotes a holistically healthy lifestyle.

The resort attracts many naturists, bird watchers, hikers and hunters and is easy to reach because of its central location in the state. The resort offers many different type of accommodations, in various price ranges, and has pools at the resort for your total immersion in your new healthy lifestyle.

For more information, please visit www.soaplakeresort.com or phone [phone], ext. 100.

Doe Bay Resort