Glen Ivy: The Five-Star Hidden Gem You Could Live in SoCal for Years and Never Find 🌿
You could live in Southern California your entire life and never hear about Glen Ivy - and honestly, that's part of the magic. Tucked away and criminally underrated, this adults-only hot springs resort is one of those rare places that feels five-star without ever feeling stiff. It's relaxing, but not the kind of "too zen to have fun" relaxing… you can genuinely unwind and still laugh with your people. If you're looking for a place to disconnect from the outside world for a bit(or decide to stay half-connected, more on that later), Glen Ivy deserves a permanent spot on your SoCal adventure list.
Because it's adults-only, the energy here is completely different from a typical pool day. Everyone's there to unplug, soak, float, and just be… no chaos, no crowds elbowing for pool space, just an easy, grown-up kind of fun. It's the rare place where you can fully turn off the outside world without it feeling like you have to whisper the whole time.
One of my favorite things about Glen Ivy? They don't charge you for every little extra like a lot of hot springs resorts do. Towels and lockers are included in your admission - no upcharge, no hassle. Want a fresh towel every time you get out of a pool? Go for it, as many times as you want. It's such a small thing, but it makes the whole day feel effortless instead of nickel-and-dimed.
They even have Wi-Fi on-site if, for some reason, you want to stay connected (LOL). It's honestly perfect for scrolling through social media for a few minutes while you're soaking in the hot springs or floating around the lounge pool.
The Locker Rooms Are a Whole Vibe
The changing rooms alone are worth the visit. They're spacious, spotless, and stocked with the most delightful lavender and eucalyptus body wash — the kind of scent that instantly makes you exhale.
Each locker room area even has its own mini soaking tub, so you can sneak in one last soak before you head home. Add in the constantly-cleaned showers and a nicely sized steam room right there in the locker area, and you've basically got a spa experience before you even step outside.
Once you're out and exploring, there's a pool or tub for whatever mood you're in - a hot and cold plunge area if you're feeling adventurous, or the lounge pools if all you want to do is float and do absolutely nothing. It's the kind of layout that lets everyone in your group do their own thing and still end up relaxing together.
Don't Skip the Club Mud
This might be my favorite part of the whole resort. At Club Mud, you rub red clay all over your body, then go bake it in the sun or duck into the Wafa Cave while it sets. Once it's done its thing, you rinse off in the outdoor showers and your skin has genuinely never felt softer. It's such a fun, slightly silly, totally spa-worthy experience, and the fact that it's all included in admission just adds to how luxurious the whole day feels.
The Best Money-Saving Tip
If you want the full Glen Ivy experience without spending a ton, go on a day with an evening option. Their evening sessions run from 4 - 9 p.m., which means you beat the peak SoCal heat and pay half price. It's genuinely the best of both worlds.
Evenings also come with some sweet extras: included yoga classes in their garden area, and soft live background music while you soak as the sun goes down. There are ice-cold, fruit-infused water pitchers scattered around the resort to keep you hydrated, plus a restaurant on-site if you want to stay for dinner.
Insider tip: if you grab a soda fountain drink at the restaurant, they'll let you refill it all evening. Since we don't drink anymore, this has become our go-to… it still gives you that "floating around with a drink in hand" feeling, just alcohol-free, and it makes the whole evening feel just as fun and celebratory.
