Stay and be rejuvenated
Find out why Fountain of Youth Spa is a favourite among snowbirds
Hot mineral springs were discovered in 1938 by construction workers who noticed how much better they felt after soaking in the springs. Decades later they were rediscovered by RVers who came to Southern California for the warm winters. J.T. Trily and Frank Domeno—men with vision—turned this piece of desert into a spa.
The Fountain of Youth Spa, better known as FOY, is a sprawling luxury resort. People come from all over the world to enjoy the steam rooms and pools—two for swimming, three with jets and three hot spring mineral spas.
The resort fills nearly 1,000 spaces with fifth wheels, campers, motorhomes, manufactured homes or park models, and the occasional tent. Both dry camping and luxury sites are available. All the sites are terraced, and most have a view of the Salton Sea. The Chocolate Mountains in the background provide contrast; the sunsets are spectacular.
Coming back for more
During the course of our visit, we heard a familiar story; a couple had spent one or two nights here, liked it, and returned the following year for a week. This longer stay was even more enjoyable and so they decided to come back for a month. Later, they stayed for the season and now they return every year. This tale was repeated by so many people that we began to wonder if it was rehearsed. But no, it proved to be true. The other commonality is that most everyone wore the same thing—a large contented grin.
The list of activities on offer is staggering. There is something going on all the time. The hobbyist, craftsperson, sport or health seeker, socializer, entertainer or just plain layabout can each find their favourite pastime. Quilting seems to be enjoyed by many and the quilts are either donated to local hospitals, sold at the craft fair or made for personal use. Other handiwork is taught or shared by the talented residents.
Sports include water aerobics led by a 102-year-young lady named Katie. Yes folks, she is 102, and also recites poems at the Tuesday Night Talent (TNT) show. The TNT show has music, skits, dancing and other performances by residents. There is so much talent within the park that they must rotate the performers. The daredevil in you can even join an ATV club.
The layabout, however, has his work cut out for him, as most days are sunny and he must stretch out in his lawn chair, watch the world go by, sip a cool one, maybe read a little, catch a few z’s . . . you get the idea. Tough life.
A warm welcome
Another reason so many people return year after year is the family-type interaction between the guests, staff, volunteers and workampers. They watch out for one another without being intrusive. There is a singles group here, so come alone, coupled or with friends.
Other features include buildings for entertainment (both local and imported), church services, Internet, laundry, ask-a-nurse, massage therapy, bocce and tennis courts, horseshoes, shuffleboard, billiards, beauty salon, library, outdoor barbecue, hiking, dog park, art, an outdoor fruit and vegetable market twice a week, an activities director who can also set up tours to the casino, Palm Springs events and even cruises. New ideas are welcomed. Oops, I almost forgot Freddy’s Fountain. This café is small with both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is varied; we lunched on quesadillas and hamburgers. Fresh pastries and upside-down cake were also available but we resisted. Food is served quickly, it is delicious and comes with a smile.
Although parts of the spa are more than 45 years old, these sections are well maintained and have seen many upgrades. The newer sections are dazzling. The daughters of the founders (who now manage the facility), have lived up to the motto first established in 1966: “provide a clean, active and fun-filled facility.” We certainly found this to be the case.
Directions
From Los Angeles or Blythe take I 10 to Highway 86 expressway south (Brawley/El Centro.) Turn right onto Avenue 62 and left onto Highway 111 South. Drive 30 minutes. Turn left at the billboard to the resort.
From San Diego or Yuma, take Interstate 8 to El Centro and right onto 86 north to Brawley. In Brawley go north on Hwy 111, pass through Niland to the billboard, turn right, follow the road to the resort sign and turn right to the resort.
