Relaxing at the Buckstaff Bathhouse in Hot Springs, Arkansas

I have lived in Hot Springs, Arkansas for most of my life. Sometimes I hate it and would love to leave. But then I stop and think of what it has to offer and realize I’d be crazy to leave! It’s probably one of the most beautiful places in the United States and it does offer quite a bit of variety.

As a local, I don’t always go to the tourist attractions. But, I do have one place that I love to go to! The Buckstaff Bathhouse in the historic Bathhouse Row! This is where I go to enjoy the natural thermal water of Hot Springs.

This bathhouse was orginally opened in 1912 and is the only bathhouse that is in operation today. Everything has been kept as original as possible. When you step inside, you feel as if you’ve gone back in time.

They don’t take reservations, it’s first come, first serve! They treat all of their guests the same. No favortism. Sometimes you may have to wait in line for a while before they can get you in. They do their best to accomodate everyone.

Once you have paid, men are taken off to a side door to their section of the building. Women are taken up in the original elevator to the second floor. Even this part is fun because of the gated doors, old buttons and even an elevator attendant! All of this plays into the old charm of the place.

Some people might not like the fact that the sexes are seperated. I know a lot of spa’s today are co-ed. But, if this facility allowed that, a huge part of the charm would be lost. So go in and plan on relaxing around other people of your own sex. I find this to be extremely relaxing. It’s also important because you will be completely naked! Well, you can wear a bathing suit, but I find it more relaxing to be in the nude.

You will go into a small dressing room with a locker. You undress, put everything in the locker and lock it up. You then keep the key on a bracelet, much like the ones at water parks. There is an attendant that comes to your door and instructs you to put your back to the door. She then opens the door (which is actually just a curtain) and wraps you up Roman style in a white sheet. So, no, you don’t have to walk around naked!

Next, another attendant will take you to the soaking tub. This is where there is a row of old claw-footed tubs sectioned off by partition walls and curtains. Your attendant will remove the sheet from you and help you into the delightfully hot thermal waters. She then takes your louffa (which you purchase downstairs) and begins to scrub you! This may be embarrassing to some, but again, relax and enjoy it! She will only scrub your back, arms and legs. Then she will start the jets on the tub and let you soak for about 20 minutes at a constant temperature of 100 degrees.

The next step might be to wake up! I’ve dozed before during my soaks. Your attendant will come help you out of the tub. They are very deep and with my short legs, they are a bit tricky. She then wraps the sheet back around you and takes you to a Sitz bath for the next 10 minutes. These are set up like a row of cabinets; you can’t see your neighbor. You will back into this little cubby and she’ll take off the sheet. You’ll then sit and she’ll place a towel over your front. The only person who actually sees you naked is your attendant.

If you wish, you can next spend about 2-5 minutes in the Vapor Cabinet. This is just a steam cabinet. They make sure during your visit that you stay hydrated. So this entire time your attendant will also bring you cups of the natural spring water to drink. It is warm and very refreshing!

After the Vapor Cabinet, you’ll lie down on a massage table and your attendant will wrap hot packs around your joints, neck or where ever you request. She will also keep a cooler towel on your forehead so that you don’t overheat. The entire floor is very humid and hot, so you do want to be careful. The attendants are usually hot and red-faced, especially during the summer months.

Your final step in the bath process will be 2 minutes in the needle shower. This is a much cooler water, and helps to cool your body temperature down.

If you choose to, and I strongly recommend that you do, you can have a full body Swedish massage. These are wonderful! Still wrapped in your sheet, you’ll be taken to a little waiting room where you will sign in. Once it’s your turn, be ready for a lot more relaxing! The massage will last 20-30 minutes and she will use lotion that has been heated by the thermal waters. From head to toe, your body will be rejuvenated!

I always go back to the dressing room reluctantly! But, all good things must end. Once dressed, they have mirrors, chairs, tables and hair dryers so that you can look presentable to the public. Because once you’ve been through the baths and massage, you don’t exactly look your best even if you feel your best. You could even have a manicure or pedicure before you go downstairs, but the cost is a little extra.

The whole process takes an hour and a half to two hours, depending upon how busy they are. I actually wish I could stay longer, but I know others want their relaxing time, too! Of course, the busy world awaits. It’s soon back to the old routine. But at least I had a little bit of that “me” time!

There are also great restaurants downtown for you to visit after your spa treatment. The historic part of Hot Springs has a lot of art galleries and unique shops.

You could even tour the Fordyce Bathhouse. This has been recently renovated, but kept true to the time period. It is open as a museum only. This way, you really get to see what it was like almost 100 years ago. Some of the exercise equipment is quite funny!

If you are planning on visiting Hot Springs, make sure you plan on a visit to our historical Buckstaff Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. You can find more information online at www.Buckstaffbaths.com.