Also in the top five of fad home amenities is the hot tub. While a staple item in the 70s and 80s it has now become an item that most folks think they want, and once they have one in their very own backyard, they never use it. We were just such a couple. When moving back to my hometown from the Pacific Northwest, we thought we would buy our very own backyard tub and create a little oasis in this warmer climate. But after we bought our first local home, we did not have the extra cash so we made do with date nights at Sycamore Mineral Springs. Since then we could have afforded a hot tub of our own and even have a jetted tub in our master bath, but we still love the relaxing getaway to Sycamore. It feels more like an “occasion” and we both agree we probably use Sycamore more than we would a hot tub parked just outside our bedroom door.
Sycamore Mineral Springs has been tucked in the Canyon leading to Avila Beach for decades. It now offers much more than the soaking tubs, with a wonderful Inn and Yoga Dome as well as an extensive massage menu. The restaurant is wonderful and will have to be the subject of another review.
The soaking tubs are tucked up a several-tiered outdoor staircase through the untouched Oak Forest. Lower tubs are available but we usually opt for the tubs like Oasis and Tubby at the very tippy top of the hill. Tubs are adequately private … and usually have a back-side that opens to the forest providing a beautiful view and even the occasional entertainment of a passing group of deer at sundown.
We love the fact that we can walk-in most nights … maybe wait 30 minutes in the bar and sample a signature martini drink or glass of local wine … and then retreat with our adult beverage in an appropriate container to our very own sanctuary for an hour. We emerge relaxed, rejuvenated and relieved of our stress!
I have given four stars only because we wish that Sycamore’s Management would come to the realization that they have some very loyal local regulars that would love it if the 10 pass cards could be used on the weekends … However the regular staff is always very personable, accommodating and helpful. The policy just needs to be re-designed to welcome the visitors who come throughout the year — not just in the Summer!
That said, we will continue to frequent our hot tubs away from home and enjoy the date nights they afford … with our glasses of bubbly in the bubbles!
Sycamore Mineral Springs
805-595-7302
1215 Avila Beach Drive,
San Luis Obispo, California, 93405