Just a two-hour drive from Tucson, Arizona, was a spa facility with the philosophical name, Essence of Tranquility. It was an unusual spot, full of handcrafted touches. Quiet campground The campground, which draws thermal water, had such an unassuming appearance that you might accidentally pass by it. Rates are $15 per person for up to one hour and $35 for up to three hours (as of this writing). Pulling the bell string attached to the wall, the owner appeared. And before that, I was greeted by a cute guard dog. The first thing I saw on the grounds was a communal outdoor pool where clothing was required. The water temp was the warmest of all the pools, around 99 degrees F. The water quality was excellent, with a sufficient amount of water input. Although the water was clear and colorless, it had a salty taste in the mouth, and I found that it warmed the body well. There were a total of five private baths, and the water temp was a moderate 102-106 degrees F. They were all indoor pool in simple huts, but I was able to freely come and go during my stay, which was set at one hour, to find the space of my choice. The rooms were diverse, ranging from Asian-inspired to beach resort-inspired. This was an indoor pool that seems to have been modeled after an ancient Roman bathhouse. The three walls were covered with fabric reminiscent of Roman baths, perhaps to make the room feel larger. Soaking in the ...
