Quick FactsOverview
Essence of Tranquility, Arizona is a rustic, privately owned artesian hot spring resort located about 5 miles south of Safford in southeastern Arizona, offering six geothermal soaking tubs fed by a natural mineral spring. Five of the tubs are private rooms where guests may soak clothing-optional when the door is closed, while one open-air communal tub requires swimwear. Tent camping, casita cabins, and a shared lodge room are available on the grounds, making it a rare site where overnight stays and day soaking can be arranged at the same location.
About Essence of Tranquility
The property has operated as a hot springs facility since 1993, previously known as Lebanon Baths. The setting is low-key and informal, with hand-built structures, eclectic tub room decor, and a small ornamental pond on the grounds. In the United States, artesian mineral springs like these are sometimes called soaking pools or mineral spring retreats, and this facility fits that description without luxury amenities. Bodywork services available by appointment include massage, reflexology, ear coning, and essential oil therapy. No alcohol, glass containers, or smoking are permitted. Towels and water are provided. Shared bathrooms, showers, and a communal kitchen are available to overnight guests. Pets are welcome in designated areas on leash.
Location & Access
Essence of Tranquility is reached by driving south from Safford on US-191 for approximately 4.8 miles, turning right onto W Lebanon Road for half a mile, then left onto S Lebanon Loop Road, where the property sits about 0.6 miles on the right. For those seeking hot springs near Safford, the drive from the center of town takes under fifteen minutes. The roads are paved to the turnoff and no high-clearance vehicle is required.
Getting to Essence of Tranquility
From Tucson, the drive is approximately two hours east on I-10, exiting near Willcox at Exit 352 and following US-191 north. From Phoenix, the drive is roughly three hours via US-60 through Globe and then south. No public transit serves the site. Parking is available on the property. The address is 6074 S Lebanon Loop Rd, Safford, AZ 85546, and the phone number is (928) 428-9312. Reservations for lodging and bodywork must be made in advance by phone or email. Day-use soaking is generally available during posted hours without advance booking, though calling ahead is recommended as hours vary by season.
The property sits at around 2,900 feet elevation in open desert farmland. The surrounding Gila Valley landscape includes irrigated agricultural fields and distant mountain ranges. Roper Lake State Park, where additional camping and recreation are available, is approximately five minutes away by car.
Suitability & Accessibility
Essence of Tranquility suits adults and teenagers over 12 who are comfortable with a casual, low-formality environment, as the property is rustic by design and does not match the amenities of a standard spa. Children must be older than 12 to use the soaking tubs, making the facility unsuitable for visits with young children. For those seeking hot springs in Arizona with clothing-optional soaking in genuinely private rooms, this facility occupies a clear niche, as most comparable options in the state are either public pools with swimwear requirements or undeveloped wild springs with no privacy.
Who Will Enjoy Essence of Tranquility
Couples and solo travelers who value privacy tend to find the format well suited to their preferences. Each private tub room has a locking door, themed decor, and individual temperature. The communal outdoor tub requires swimwear and suits visitors who prefer open-air soaking. The grounds have mature trees, a small decorative pond, and shared outdoor areas for time between soaks. Overnight accommodation includes individual casita cabins with air conditioning and basic appliances, bunk-bed lodge rooms, and tent camping. No room type has a private bathroom, and all guests use communal bathroom and shower facilities.
People with mobility limitations should be aware that the grounds are partly unpaved and tub rooms require stepping over a low edge to enter. No wheelchair access to the tubs or grounds is documented. Dogs are welcome in some cabins and at campsites when leashed, but are not permitted in the communal kitchen or indoor common area.
Safety & Etiquette
Essence of Tranquility is generally safe to visit, though the hottest tub reaches approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit and extended soaking at that temperature can cause overheating. No attendant is present in private tub rooms during a soak, so guests must monitor their own comfort. Anyone who feels dizzy, lightheaded, or overheated should exit the tub and allow their body temperature to drop before returning.
Safety and Etiquette at Essence of Tranquility
Staying well hydrated before and during a soak is especially important in summer when the ambient air temperature in southeastern Arizona can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The combination of hot water immersion and high outdoor heat increases the risk of heat exhaustion. Visits during cooler months or at cooler times of day such as early morning or evening are more comfortable for extended stays. The property operates year-round, though it draws fewer guests during the hottest months of summer.
No alcohol, glass containers, drugs, or smoking are permitted anywhere on the property. These rules are posted and enforced. Clothing-optional soaking in private rooms applies only when the door is closed. Swimwear is required in the communal area and during movement between buildings. Guests in private rooms should be considerate of noise. Tub access hours for day visitors differ from the schedule available to overnight guests, and the property posts its hours on its website and by phone. Confirming current hours before arrival is advisable, particularly on Sundays and Mondays when the facility may have limited availability or be closed to day visitors.
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