Harbin Hot Springs

There are places on this earth that greet people with open arms and Harbin Hot Springs was such a place. The peace and quiet found at Harbin allowed one to attain clarity of mind, grounding of spirit and healing of our bodies.
The recent Valley Fire has destroyed this beloved and magical place. My heart is heavy with sorrow and I can only hope that like the phoenix, Harbin will rise again

Remembering the peace and beauty in Harbin. If Harbin needs help to rebuild, I recommend to set up a photos book, which combines with photo collections from the past, and raise money by selling the book.

I was at Harbin in mid-​August — and it was great to be able to relax, soak and enjoy the summer with a friend. I saw many of the same feline friends — including Mystery and Arjuna — and had a wonderful 3 days.
Sadly — Harbin has burned to the ground in a fire that started two days ago and is only 5% contained (61K acres burned) at the time I am writing this. Harbin will be closed for the forseeable future — I hope it rises like a Phoenix from the ashes — and a rainy El Nino winter could help a lot. I look forward to the next incarnation of Harbin Springs and hope that all the sweet feline & canine residents of Harbin were rescued in the evacuation.

Where else could this kind of mix of people be in one spot at the same time. I like to come here regularly.
Do the warm, hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold, warm pool routine
Harbin is a beautiful place but not for culture snobs. The water is great with no chemicals. only natural water from the earth.

For newcomers, make sure you read up on the vibe and what to expect.
The review: Overall: great experience. Was looking to stay only 1 night, and called the morning before arriving to successfully secure a private room with bath (~$ 200). Advanced reservations can be made but typically you need to reserve 2 nights at a time for a weekend visit. For 1 night’s stay you need to call the morning before arrival and try your luck. The room was clean, comfortable, and had a charming personality.
The facilities were relatively crowded, which makes sense for a holiday weekend. Over the course of the 2 days we tried all the pools except the cold plunge.
Used the communal kitchen and dining area. We brought groceries for our dinner and breakfast and left them in the communal fridge, which worked well. Again, serviceable cooking area but full of guests and very busy.
Ended our stay with a little walking meditation on the path off the driveway. Making plans to return again soon.

I have been going to Harbin now for 8 years. I wish I had bought lifetime membership. I would have paid it off my now! I love going to Harbin. i find it clean and well cared for by the staff. I find the staff friendly and helpful.
I am older woman and can be a bit fussy. And I am almost never disappointed when I come here. It is truly relaxing, it is magical, it is open mindedness and it allows you to breathe deeply and remove all clutter from your brain. The waters nourish the soul and you leave wanting to come back again. Thanks Harbin for giving such good experiences to your loyal members.

I had the chance to experience first hand Harbin Hot Springs. I am glad I can provide a thoughtful review which can hopefully be helpful, as I know there are a lot of differing reviews. My husband and I spent two nights in the Jasmine cottage, over the weekend. Overall, our experience was very positive, relaxing, inspiring, unique and fun. To start, if you are considering a visit to Harbin, you probably should go, as this might mean you are open-​minded and possibly looking for not only a peaceful setting, but a mental retreat.
The first thing to accept is that the property is «clothing optional’ with the exception of restaurants, yoga, etc. I mostly only experienced the 95% no clothing at the pools. If it’s not something you’ve ever experienced, like me, at first it is awkward. It is so out of the norm and you might be self-​conscious. There are all kinds of people, but truly down to the bare skin, not a lot of differences. I didn’t feel like there was much interaction with people in the pool area and this to me, was helpful as it allowed you to just to be present. I didn’t feel anything weird or uncomfortable. You are not there to to look, be judged or judge so it’s a bit freeing, although still not 100% comfortable per se.
The guest accommodations were very nice. The cottages are wonderful with wood floors, high ceilings, views. The bed comfortable, quality linens and exceptional towels. Having stayed in many fine resorts, the bedding/​linens are important and this was exceeded with the quality, down pillows, etc.
The grounds are amazingly peaceful and inspirational. There are lots of areas next to a bubbling stream where you can sit quietly. Beautiful views everywhere and a definitely peaceful vibe. I noticed the quiet-​ness at night and in the public areas. I attributed this to the no-​alchohol policy as this was very quiet, even on a Fri/​Sat evening in July.
If you do go, I would advise going with an intention to relax, renew and possibly find inspiration. Experience everything you can. I found a beautiful heart shaped amethyst hand made by the artist who shared his stories about his jewelry making. When you go to the market, say hello and try the amazing hummus. One of the highlights of our visit was meeting with Carol. She is/​does Tarot cards. Going in with zero expectation and loads of doubt, I came away wondering how the cards were so right?! Believe me, I am not into anything new age, but it was very inspiring.
The food is very good, mostly vegetarian with some fish/​chicken. The quality and taste excellent but expensive and the dining room is self-​service. They also have a kitchen where you can store your own food and cook if you like. We stored some cold items and I went up and saw some amazing vegetarian dishes being cooked by guests. You have access to a complete kitchen.
A lot of people have commented on the «types» of people here… I found a huge variety. I happen to notice where I was parked, three BMW’s, an Audi, Lexis, Prius and a VW hippo van. All kinds of people too. Suburbanites, professionals, educators, lawyers… were there; and of course people that had amazing dreadlocks. The far majority was just nice, pleasant, quiet people who came for a retreat.
The pool area is not luxurious, but the pools are very soothing. If you go, bring your own towel and a chaise or other chair possibly as these are limited, as are shade umbrellas. The views of the valley area beautiful. If you wouldn’t go in a hotel pool or spa, or are a germa-​phobe, this might not be right for you. It’s seems clean and fine but it is still a shared hot pool.
My overall recommendation is that you visit Harbin with an open mind and be prepared for what might be unexpected. Keep expectations in check that this is a retreat — a place to quietly contemplate and enjoy nature. The property felt safe, secure, very comfortable and the overall experience is very renewing.

Definitely a unique experience. The pools were nice. My favorite were the heated pools, the heart shaped, and the silence pool. It was nice to jump in the frigid pool right after. :) There’s a main swimming pool, two decks, and a tanning area to also relax in. There’s organic food inside the market and café. If you’re not a member during peak days, can be a bit pricey for a few hours visit, but if you’re a first timer, it’s definitely worth a visit. The people are super friendly, no judgement, everyone’s all about, peace love and harmony man. ;)

WHHHHHYYYY didn’t I listen to you Erik S. My friend was visiting from out of town and I wanted to take her for a unique Northern California hot tub experience. It was unique alright. When we walked up to the pool area it felt like everyone was gawking. So we pretended like we didn’t notice, stripped down and got into the not so hot tub. When I looked at the water it was filled with mystery floaters and our skin start immediately itching. We got out with a quickness. Although we were rash free our skin itched for two hours. As a nurse, I should have known better. It was disgusting to say the least!
Then there was the Watzu «massage». Let’s just say my friend and I were floated while our naked practitioners manipulated our bodies into various positions. Although I could see how this could be relaxing I found myself cringing at that the thought of my massage therapists 70 year old package rubbing against me. Again, I was trying to be open minded but we left Harbin Hot Springs mentally traumatized.
Will I ever be going back? HELL NO!

I was going to give Harbin a 3-​star — and my justification was that I agree with most of the 5-​start ratings AND most of the 1-​star ratings. On balance, however, the accuracy of many elements of the 1-​start ratings needs to be factored in and, therefore, my 2-​rating above.
I do really love the pools and sauna here. The variety of temperatures of the water is great. I can go from freezing to scalding to warm and relaxing. I have had some of the best massages of my life here. There are some very skilled therapists. I do prefer a swedish or deep tissue massage, so I avoid the new age /​reiki /​aura-​smoothing crappy massages, so can’t comment on those.
In general, I do love clothing optional venues. This place often gives me the creeps. A lot of inappropriate touching in the warm pools; a lot of leering pervy dudes; a lot of preachy new age wierdos.
So, when I’m in the mood to ignore the wierd stuff, I would make the trip, but if I have the time or I’m not in that kind of mood, I would drive to Laguna del Sol or other — more mainstream — venue.

Pretty cool Hot Springs, I had to inspect 58 different buildings. The staff was very helpful explaining what each building was used for, the property is huge, with camping sites and little homes to rent, there are 2 hotel area, and a restaurant, the pool area has different shades of nudity.
I totally thought it was gonna be full of hippie like people, I was surprised that the people using the hot spring were young
–er from SF.
There was a cool little pool party going on, too bad I was working cuz I was asked to join in over and over.
There is not smoking or booze allowed on the grounds, but there are plenty of other things to do. ie: Yoga, cleansing, POOL PARTY, relaxing.
I think ill be going back soon

CONS:
Women be careful just in general but please read on —
Someone/​some people parked about 30 yards from our dome tent with their headlights shining straight into our tent in the middle of the night!!! This wasn’t an area where there’d by any need for that. My girlfriend and I were freaked out and after turning our light on and after 30 min they left. We told the guy at the front desk the next morn and he was clearly stoned. He just acted surprised we were freaked out. Wow.
Very crowded — and not like «oh it’s crowded at the Safeway today», crowded like «that guy’s penis might caress my backside.
Absolute sausage fest. As a queer woman I can’t handle it. Especially since many were borderline leering at me and my girlfriend. Also we got preached at/​chastised by a guy who thought he’d tell a couple of women how they had to enjoy the hot springs. That was in a «silent» pool.
Nasty nasty hair globs and mysterious floaters in the small pools.
Ego based spirituality abounds. We just wanted to relax in peace, not be preached at, subjected to make outs (yep happened during the day), hippie children touching and splashing us in the small pools (there was a giant regular pool much more suited for children), and overhear multiple loud LOOK AT ME i KNOW NEW AGEY TERMS conversations and EVERYTHING IS LOVE conversations.
PROS:
The dome tent was cool (minus the serial killer/​rapey vibe). And the grounds probably were peaceful to explore in temperatures under 97 degrees.

I have been to Harbin a handful of times and always enjoyed the time to relax. One thing that always kept me from giving a rave review was the cleanliness of the pools, especially the warm meditation pool. There was always too many floating skin in the water to fully be at ease. However, this past weekend was amazing! All the pools were super clean. The water was free from floaties and very clear.
So huge kudos to the Harbin staff. You all have done a wonderful job cleaning up the pools. Don’t think your hard work went unnoticed.
Aside from that, everything else was fantastic as usual. The food from the restaurant was delicious and prompt even with long lines. The grounds were well kept. The garden was a joy to meander through while soaking up the sun.

One of the best Hotspring Places I’ve ever been to!!!
Always a favorite! Great food — yep ORGANIC Food!
Great Vibe
Great reasonable accommodations!!!
AND
Wonderful Hot Springs!!!
Great all year round!
Clothing Optional!

This place is very beautiful and tranquil. I got a little scared based off the reviews but had a much better time than expected. My friends and I camped on a platform near a creek which was super magical. I will say there were some moments that were more hippy than my comfort zone, but for a short visit you can embrace those things. The hot springs are very relaxing. Going from a super cold pool to a warm pool gives you this whole body tingle sensation that can’t be beat. It’s a little dirty, most everyone is naked and there are some couples who get somewhat physical but it’s a super relaxing experience if you can get past that.

Great massage and location! Too crowded though-​I bumped butt cheeks with one too many people moving in and out of the pools. Also, I wish there was at least one area with a women’s only pool. It’s hard to relax with old dudes burning holes in your tits with their eyeballs. I’m voting for a women’s area.
Never been to a place with co-​ed dressing rooms. It seemed unnecessary.
Other oddness… goggle guy, why do you need goggles? We see you, and we hate you.

I am a big fan of the Harbin Hot Springs! It’s all beautiful and serene and everything. Six pools of varying temperature and lots of other stuff… I could itemize the non-​pool stuff, but that’s already well documented.
I’d bump this place up to a perfect five plus stars except for one thing: There’s a strict silence policy in three of the six pools. Now, I approve of Harbin’s policy of no sex stuff, yelling or swearing in the pools. However, I find the absolute silence rule to be restrictive and unnecessary. I like to be able to have a respectful, whispered conversation in the pools should I desire it, and I don’t think that this is in any way disrespectful. Absolute silence encourages a «shush nazi» culture that is antithetical to acceptance and true relaxation.
Might Harbin consider having different rules for the pools at different times? How about silence in the mornings and the evenings, with quiet, respectful conversations allowed during daytime hours? I find the absolute silence deal to be more stressful than the lightening of the rigidity… my companion and I got shushed by at least two different people when I asked him (in a whisper) if he was ready to leave the tub. Dude.
Harbin, dooooo itttttt… :)

Unhygienic pools, sanctimonious staff, overpriced everything and conversations and wacky hippies that have to be encountered to be believed – but all in a lovely setting!
Thank god my partner and I booked one of the Grove Cottages. After one visit to the pool area, I was glad to have my own private space to retreat to and read in as that was all I wanted from the rest of my time there once I’d encountered the pools. There was no comfortably warm pool. Two are tepid, one is crazy hot (110−115F), there are two cold plunges and one out of place-​feeling lap pool. The only common denominator between them is that the water is so dirty and full of skin and pubes that the pool floors/​walls are slimy and you can practically chew the sludge that’s left over.
The food was admittedly very tasty, but dinner for 2 always exceeded $ 40 for home cooked food and the stuff in the store was fine for the very very basics but not a great store to supply yourself with groceries with which to cook a proper meal.
I also expected the new age crowd and the nudity which I can always just roll my eyes at (vaguely pan-​Native American chanting and opening your hearts to Mother Goddess in the sauna anyone?), but in the context of the holier-​than-​thou staff and the disgusting water in the pools it was just annoying.
In summation, unless you are the bleeding heartiest of hippies (with the degree from UC Berkeley and matching salary) you’d have to try pretty hard to find a more mediocre hot springs experience.
Neither myself nor the newly acquired rash on my foot will be back.

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, DO NOT GO HERE! WE GOT SOOOO SICK. I swear to you this will be one of the worst decisions you ever make! It ruined our vacation!
Long story short, we are currently still covered in the worst rashes we’ve ever had due to their DISGUSTING dirty water causing us to break out in an itchy, red rash all over our faces, bodies, COVERED. We seriously look like we have a plague on our faces.
The full story:
My girlfriend and I went here last week as part of our first ever west coast roadtrip (we’re from NY) and naively didn’t research this place well before we went. Although there are a ton of people there for some new age-​y spiritual journey, we were just in it for the hot springs, camping, and hiking the trails. While a lot of people complain about the naked people and exhibitionists here, we didn’t take offense at this fact. While our experiences with similar spas in Europe felt less sleazy (they are just more comfortable with nudity there and it’s a relaxing environment – you don’t feel like people are gawking), we just zoned everyone else out and had fun by ourselves.
That said, there were some iffy things that other reviews mentioned like guys trying to pick up my bf at the communal kitchen (I’m a girl writing this btw), eye roll provoking conversations from privileged trust fund babies about their spirituality, and people making out (possibly having sex?) in pool at night but we honest approached it as though this was an inside joke – it was just us versus these deluded cultish (they have full time spiritual residents what) compound and the deluded people who come visit.
WHERE IT GETS BAD:
Despite all this silliness we encountered, we weren’t upset until the morning. We noticed the rash the minute we woke up the next morning and immediate went to a doctor who diagnosed us with hot tub folliculitus and dermatitis which you get when you swim in an unclean hot tub (hot spring).we hadn’t swam or went in any hot tubs elsewhere on our trip. The resulting rash was DISGUSTING – covered head to toe in an unbearably itchy and ugly red rash. The worst was our faces: my nose got red swollen and I looked terrible, it’s barely gone away after days of strongest dose meds. My boyfriends earlobe a swelled up to the size of a golfball and had to be put on heavy dose steroids. This was horrible experience and ruined our vacation.

This place puts the «ah» in spa!
More of a retreat than a spa, Harbin is tonic for a weary soul. I was here in mid-​September and did not want to leave!
A few things to know before you go. It is clothing optional, but not clothing discouraged! No one will look askance at you if you prefer to cover your parts. The lodging is «rustic» but functional. My stay was mid-​week so the rates were reasonable, but I believe they creep up on the weekends. There are a variety of lodging options — geodesic domes, cabins, rooms with a partially shared bath (private toilet, shared shower), rooms with no bath, dorms and camping. I stayed in a room with a partial bath. The walls were paper thin; I got to hear a woman brought to climax both morning and night!
There are a variety of food options — the food in the main restaurant is pricey but very good. There is also a shared kitchen.
Of course, the main draw is the baths! Hot tub, REALLY hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, steam, pool, all situated on a hillside with sun and shade options. Bring a book; stay all day!
There are also miles and miles of gorgeous and pretty much deserted hiking trails. I hiked for nearly 4 hours one morning and only ran into one other person (and a few deer!).
A few caveats…
I was there during the week; I am sure the crowd is different on the weekends. Many other reviewers have complained about sexual activity in the baths; I didn’t encounter that at all, but again, it was weekday.
You will see a lot of naked bodies and I have found that there tends to be an inverse ratio between physical attractiveness and willingness to get naked. Buyer beware!
Finally, Harbin attracts many hippies and new agers — young and old. There were times when I did a mental eyeroll and /​or had to work very hard not to burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the overheard conversation. Part of the reason I didn’t partake in any group activities (like yoga, the naked dance party, etc) is that I just cannot relate to a lot of the hippie-​skippy vibe. The other part is that I am a general misanthrope who dislikes people in general, so take my observations about the clientele with a grain of salt (organic!).
That said, Harbin is heaven on earth and I can’t wait to return!