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Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa and Resort Avila Beach, Califronia

Sycamore Mineral Springs is a quick and scenic 3-1/2 hour drive from Los Angeles and 4 hours from San Francisco. The resort is nestled in an Oak Forest on a hill overlooking the Avila Valley. It is just a mile and a half from the tiny ocean side town of Avila Beach, 10 miles from San Luis Obispo and 20 miles from the luscious Central Coast Wine district.

During the late 1800s, two prospectors were searching for oil in what is now called the Avila Valley located southwest of San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California. When they drilled into the valley floor, what they found wasn't the black gold they were looking for. Hot, sulphur mineral water shot from their test well instead. The 'Oil Wells,' as the spa was first called, instantly became a popular spa resort and location for social gatherings.

Over the next century the resort changed hands and purposes many times. In the 1920s, 'The San Luis Sulphur Springs' was a favorite stop for Hollywood's elite traveling to or from the grand gatherings at Hearst Castle. 'The Springs' benefited from the Pacific Coast Railway stop located directly across the street from the hotel. Travelers enjoyed the magnificent coastal train ride from Los Angeles or San Francisco and a two night stay all for the phenomenal cost of $19.00.

The prices are still a bargain for the quality of service, luxury, and relaxation that modern travelers receive.

The spa became known as Sycamore Mineral Springs in the mid-1930s. Its emphasis changed from a resort to a therapeutic center -- complete with a staff of doctors and nurses. People traveled to the spa to take its 'curative' waters for ailments like asthma and arthritis.

In the mid 1970's, new owners rebuilt Sycamore and returned it to resort status. Today Sycamore Mineral Springs is once again a popular getaway for people living in Los Angeles or San Francisco who need a few days off and a chance to relax and let stress drift away.

Sycamore is one of our favorite stops when traveling up or down the Central Coast. It is a full service spa with massages, facials, manicures, wraps and exercise programs. It contains 27 original, but remodelled, guest rooms and 24 newly constructed two-room suites. All rooms have memorable names such as Essence or Aspire, rather than numbers. All feature a private balcony and a large, outdoor jacuzzi tub. While the original rooms are similar to motel accommodations, the suites feature a living room with fireplace, a large color TV and Victorian furnishings. The suite's bedrooms have large, lovely four poster beds with little step stools that help you climb into them. There is ample closet space, a vanity with makeup mirror, blow dryers, extra blankets and pillows and the bathrooms have huge stall showers. The suite's bedrooms open onto the balcony where the jacuzzi tub is located.

Award Winning Hot Tubs

Sycamore Mineral Springs also maintains 18 fabulously secluded redwood tubs scattered throughout their oak grove on the hillside. These tubs make for the perfect hour and a half rest stop for the weary traveller who can't take the time to stay the night. These tubs are what originally drew us to Sycamore and they remain our regular stop on our way to and from San Francisco from our home in Ventura. These tubs are winners of NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE's TOP TEN FAVORITE PLACES IN CALIFORNIA TO GET INTO HOT WATER AWARDS. Sycamore Mineral Springs shares this distinction with The Post Ranch, Ventana Resort and Esalen Institute all in Big Sur.

The hillside tubs are beautiful and VERY private. Whenever possible the location, angle and foliage have been considered to provide ample privacy for your soak. When necessary the tubs are separated from walkways or other tubs by redwood lattice and extra balcony space to insure your privacy and to protect from accidental intrusion. All tubs have redwood benches and sitting areas. Our favorite tubs are Xanadu and Shangri-la. They are located high up on the hillside on the far edge of the property. They are the most secluded of the tubs and have a view of the small canyon leading down to the Avila Valley. Be forewarned, the uphill climb gives you an excellent aerobic workout as you work your way up several long, steep staircases. Bring water, wine and a snack, or dinner if you please. The tubs are open 24 hours a day and a bargain at only $10.00 per hour, per person. They are worth every penny.

Massage Time

Sycamore Mineral Springs Spa has an exceptional staff of masseuses. After checking in at the Spa Desk - a separate location from Hotel check-in and the well-stocked gift shop (an intelligent distinction) - we were given robes and towels, sent up to the hillside tubs for a half-hour soak before our massages. The presoak is included in the price of the massage.