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Joyful Journey Offers Unique Experience For Guests

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Feb 7, 2009 6:20 pm US/Mountain

Joyful Journey Offers Unique Experience For Guests

Reporting
Doug Whitehead
MOFFAT, Colo. (CBS4) ― In the heart of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Joyful Journey sits like an oasis in the desert. Only in the midst of a frigid winter, it's more like a haven in the tundra.

"The hot water, the scenery, the mountains," says Lauren Jensen, a recent guest at Joyful Journey. "The owls come out and talk at night if you're lucky and did I mention the water?"

This hot springs spa is not in its first incarnation in the north end of the San Luis Valley.

"It was a nice resort here in the early 1900s," said owner Elaine Blumenhein. "And there was a railroad that stopped here. It was the town of Mineral Hot Springs."

The town dwindled, but when Blumenhein took over the hot springs in recent years, she began making it a destination once again.

"We have three outdoor pools at three different temperatures," says Blumenhein. "One is at 108. One is at 104 and the other one is body temperature."

Blumenhein has added yurts for cozy, private lodging.

"We have always had a great view of the mountains here," said Blumenhein. "People love staying here because they can see the moon and stars at night."

There is also a new conference facility used for yoga retreats, reunions and receptions.

Adjoining hotel style rooms offer another option for overnight stays.

The thermal waters heat a greenhouse on the property, making a year-round growing season possible.

"We invite the guests to come in and sit because it's such a wonderful, quiet, restorative place to be with all the plants," said Blumenhein. "So that's why we have our chairs, and sometimes they come in and eat their breakfast or just sit and meditate."

Massage therapist Joy Hughes put a traditional Australian ceremonial instrument to new use.

"I use it here for sound healing therapy," Hughes said. "The vibrations are kind of like having a massage that goes all the way through your insides."

The water, the sounds, the environment all help you turn your attention inward at Joyful Journey Hot Springs.

"I'd say laid back, soothing, mellow," Jensen says. "All of those things."

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