Seeking a unique resort? Yearning for relaxation of the body, mind, and spirit? Sycamore Mineral Springs enchants guests with an authentic mineral springs resort experience. Situated on 100 acres of forest, verdant meadows and gently rolling hills, Sycamore Springs offers a wonderful selection of activities to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Resting, relaxing, meditating, hiking, soaking, swimming, biking, wining and dining are choices at this captivating resort. Get re-energized with the array of transformative spa services. Experience body and mind classes in the Yoga Dome. Walk the labyrinth in the Meditation Garden. With over 100 years of commitment to living well, the Sycamore Mineral Springs is a hidden treasure.

Located half-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco Sycamore Mineral Springs is just off US 101. Exiting on the Avila Beach Road, the road winds along the coastal mountains with the Resort nestled on a hillside. The enchantment of Sycamore Mineral Springs starts with an artfully prepared lunch at the award winning Gardens of Avila Restaurant. The intimate setting with the view of the garden’s century old stone patio creates a relaxing atmosphere. While I opt for the scrumptious and healthy Spinach Salad with sautéed Rock Shrimp, Richard has the Signature Black Angus Burger. Fantastic! Richard raves, “It is the best burger ever!”

A short drive up a steep winding road behind the main building we locate the Eminence Suites. Our one-bedroom spa suite, the Prominence, is a two story, spacious 1200 square foot unit. Downstairs is an open living and dining area with a full bath. The gigantic Master Bedroom, takes the entire second floor. A luxurious four-poster King Bed, a beautiful chaise lounge in the sitting area, the large dressing area with its double sinks and a walk-in closet create a stunning room. Topping it off is the large tiled shower with dual shower heads! Outside off the stairwell is a private mineral spring hot tub. Exquisite! The suite and its décor are excellent. Making good use of our short time, we unpack and plan our activities.

First we make an appointment for the well-known Mineral Springs Tub for the evening. Now to hike the Sycamore Crest Trail! Our suite is at the start of the two mile round trip trail. Taking a leisurely climb, we enjoy the scenery and the clear blue skies. The trail winds along the hillside through sections of scrub oaks with views of the green valleys. Much of the trail is an unpaved roadway with several steep sections. As the trail narrows and the woodlands give way to grasses, the summit presents breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. From this vantage point the coastal villages of Avila Bay and Port San Luis are visible. The bright sunny day is perfect for this exhilarating hike with its dramatic vista!

Next stop is the Labyrinth situated in the Meditation Garden. The labyrinth is a copy of the famous labyrinth of the Chartres Cathedral in France. Having visited the Chartres Cathedral it makes our experience even more special. Slowly walking through the labyrinth we each find our own individual reconnection to our inner self. Peaceful and serene is the setting. While in the Meditation Garden we locate the Cairn which was specially designed for Sycamore Mineral Springs. It reminds us of a beehive. From the Meditation Garden the Bob Jones Trail leads into the charming town of Avila Beach.

Situated on the central coast of California, Avila Beach is surrounded by gentle sloping hills. Recently rebuilt, all the buildings in town are new with a warm seaside charm. Offering three piers along the ocean, it is a beautiful setting for walking the beach or piers. After exploring a few shops and restaurants, we decide to make a quick trip to San Luis Obispo. A much larger town with lots of activity on this Sunday afternoon, we find a local restaurant for dinner. Gladly we return to the serenity of Sycamore Mineral Springs.

Ah! The Mineral Spring Tub awaits us! As night falls, we put on the fluffy bath robes and head to the Gift Shop, the entrance for the Mineral Springs Tub. The host selects “The Shelter” a tub for two which is up some wooden steps. The Mineral Tubs are hidden among the trees and hillside providing privacy for the bathers. It is a cool night and we welcome the warm mineral spring water of this tub. Awesome! Sitting in the tub beneath the trees on this moonlit night is relaxing, romantic and just downright fun. We stay the full 45 minutes! We love it! The time quickly passes and we return to our wonderful Prominence Suite. Sharing a bottle California wine we toast the “enchanting Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort”.
If you go:
Note: Plan to spend at least a couple of days to truly experience all the Resort has to offer including the Spa Services, Yoga Dome, and many other activities.
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
1215 Avila Beach Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
805.595.7302
www.sycamoresprings.com