Magic bubbles back at Camp Hot Wells

Hot sulfur springs and the reportedly curative properties of that steamy water transformed San Antonio’s Mission District into a playground for the rich and fabulous more than a century ago with the opening of the Hot Wells resort in the 1890s. The soaking came to a stop after a series of fires left the resort in ruins, and the original well was capped in 2013.

The grandeur of the resort may be gone, but that magical water didn’t go anywhere. And now, it’s bubbled back to the surface for all to enjoy with the opening of Camp Hot Wells.

Camp Hot Wells sits in the shadow of the resort’s skeleton, which has since been stabilized and turned into the Hot Wells of Bexar County park.

Camp Hot Wells owner James Lifshutz, who’s been instrumental in preserving the Hot Wells legacy through the Hot Wells Conservancy, drilled 1,800 feet into the earth — that’s more than twice the height of the Tower of the Americas — to tap into the sulfur springs that once fed the resort’s bathhouse.

At Camp Hot Wells, guests can soak their feet in a pair of shallow pools, where the water is always a balmy 102 degrees, while sipping a cold beer. They can swing in hammocks and take in the splendor of the preserved ruins of the resort with a glass of wine in hand. And they can nibble from a light menu of nuts, olives, pickles and focaccia at one of several picnic tables on the grounds.

For a more thorough sulfur springs experience, Camp Hot Wells members (membership is currently free) can book time in one of two private bathing areas or reserve both rooms and a smartly landscaped garden for private events. One of the private bathing rooms features a pair of vintage claw-foot tubs, and a wooden Japanese-inspired hot tub sits in the other. Rates are $100 an hour for two people in the bathing rooms, and the whole space costs $300 for two hours.

Lifshutz and Camp Hot Wells creative director Justin Parr have worked several nods to the original resort into the new space. Pieces of furniture in the bathing rooms and a small bar at the walk-up counter are crafted from reclaimed timbers that once supported the resort. A water feature in the garden is assembled from stray bricks found on the grounds and tile that once graced the resort’s bathhouse.

Angela Martinez, who owns the roving outdoor movie operation Slab Cinema, serves as manager at Camp Hot Wells. She said the new business will soon host movie nights with films projected on a large outdoor screen.

Camp Hot Wells, 5423 Hot Wells Blvd., 210-212-9373, camphotwells.com, Facebook: Camp Hot Wells. Hours: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Camp Hot Wells Camp Hot Wells is located at 5423 Hot Wells Blvd., on the site of the once-famous resort. It offers drinks and light food.

Paul Stephen/Staff With two private bathing spaces, Camp Hot Wells offers the opportunity to soak in hot sulfur waters.