Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's central coast, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort sits on more than 100 acres of forest, meadows and hills.

Voted one of the “Top 10 Mineral Springs Destination Resorts and Spas” by Spa Magazine and Spa Finder Magazine, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort offers everything you need for a California spa vacation.

Each of the rooms at this San Luis Obispo resort include private balcony hot tubs, mini refrigerators, coffee makers, spa robes and free Internet services. Some of the suites include wood-burning fireplaces, full refrigerators and microwaves.

The resort is also home to the Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa & Wellness Center, which offers offers daily complimentary yoga, Pilates, and tai chi classes, meditation gardens and a labyrinth.

The Gardens of Avila Restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves up wine country cuisine from executive chef David McWilliam. Grab a seat in the centuries-old outdoor stone patio for a glass of wine at the Bar and Lounge (popular for happy hour), then head inside the dining room for a taste of organic and seasonal California cuisine. View Menu.

Start with the cheese plate, served with honeycomb and tart jams, then follow with the Grilled Duck Breast with Honey Glazed Confit, Asian Salad and Duck Jus. The Spicy Mustard-Glazed Cornish Game Hen, served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Whole Grain Mustard Sauce, is also excellent. Call (805) 595-7365 for reservations.

During your stay at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, you can explore the local hiking trails, or indulge in one of 19 secluded hillside mineral spring hot tubs. The Oasis, with its own waterfall and lagoon, accommodates up to 30 people.

All of the Sycamore mineral springs tubs, which range from 101-104 degrees, are available to rent by the hour. Cost is $12.50 per person Monday-Thursday, and $17.50 per person Friday-Sunday. Clothing is optional, and most tubs fit two people comfortably. You do not need to stay overnight to enjoy the hot springs. Call (805) 595-7302, ext. 375 for reservations.

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort is a short walk to Avila Beach. Other nearby attractions include Hearst Castle, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay. San Luis Obispo is located near more than 200 wineries and several golf courses.

The resort's roots date back to 1886, when two prospectors discovered hot sulphur mineral water while drilling for oil. They built a spa and mineral springs resort on the present location. During the 1930s, it became a popular Hollywood getaway for celebrities visiting nearby Hearst Castle (watch video). Staffed by doctors and nurses, the resort was known as a therapeutic center. Visitors came from all over the state to use the mineral waters, which helped "cure" their aches, pains and arthritis.

Sycamore Springs is located at 1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, California. Call (800) 234-5831 or (805) 595-7302. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.sycamoresprings.com