I’m not a big fan of nudity when it comes to public settings. And that’s why I was a little anxious about what to expect during my traditional bath treatment at Buckstaff Bathhouse in Hot Springs Arkansas.
Buckstaff Bathhouse has been in continuous operation since 1912. They’re the only bathhouse that offers spa patrons the unique adventure of trying the full traditional bathing experience today.
I’m sharing more about what to expect so you can both appreciate and feel prepared for your hot springs bath experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse before you go.
Eight bathhouses were originally built over natural hot springs in the 1900s. Only Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bath & Spa remain open today on Bathhouse Row.
Buckstaff Bathhouse is the only traditional thermal water bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park.
I visited the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, Hungary after my river cruise on the Danube River. I was curious to see how this bath experience would differ.
Take the Self- Self-guided Tour of Fordyce Bathhouse Before Your Buckstaff Bath Treatment
369 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
I can’t emphasize this enough!
Fordyce Bathhouse functions as the Visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and takes you into various rooms of a former bathhouse that dates back to the 1900s’ during a self-guided tour.
It was helpful for me to see the different types of equipment used back then.
I also appreciated learning more about the traditional bathing process before my bath treatments at Buckstaff Bathhouse.
Why Were the Hot Springs Baths So Popular?
Hot Springs is famous for thermal mineral water was believed to be healing for muscular issues and diseases. There is no sulfur in the water which makes it odorless and tasteless.
In the beginning, bathhouses were considered medical facilities and someone would only go to one if something was wrong vs. preventative healthcare.
Even though the water in the Hot Springs baths had no healing qualities, it did have health benefits.
Toward the beginning of bathhouses, you needed a prescription and over time the Hot Springs baths later transitioned to a spa experience.
Hot Springs became a popular vacation destination because of the thermal water and was known as the “birthplace of Major League Baseball” spring training.
Is there an Admission Fee for Hot Springs National Park?
Hot Springs National Park doesn’t have an admission fee and you don’t need a reservation.
Hot Springs became a National Park on March 4, 1921, encompassing 5,550 acres with 47 hot springs.
History of The Fordyce Bathhouse
The building opened in 1915 and is the largest bathhouse on Bathhouse Row at approximately 28,000 square feet.
I found it fascinating… but not shocking that the men’s section of the separate bathing areas was WAY larger and more beautiful than the women’s private bathing section.
On the third floor, you can view the oldest gymnasium in Arkansas.
What Does the Traditional Bath Experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse Include?
The Thermal Mineral Bath includes all OR any of the following services:
- Mineral water whirlpool tub
- Hot packs
- Steam cabinet
- Sitz bath
- Cooling rinse off needle shower (*Buckstaff Bathhouse is currently not doing needle showers or loofa mitts at this time)
All of Buckstaff Bathhouse’s hydrotherapy treatments are additive and chemical-free.
The traditional hydro therapy program at the bath was developed by local physicians. It helps with the relaxation and relief of arthritic-type conditions and stress.
*Check with your physician before visiting if you have active heart conditions, high blood pressure, open sores, or a recent surgery (within 6 weeks).
How Long Does the Traditional Bath Experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse Typically Take?
The traditional bath and massage package at Buckstaff Bathhouse takes about 1.5 hours on average but can take much longer during peak periods.
What Do You Wear at Buckstaff Bunkhouse During Your Treatments?
Swimsuits are optional and not required during your treatments. I recommend bringing flip-flops to wear as you are transported to different stations for your services.
I was glad I had the full experience which was WAY out of my comfort zone.
During my visit, all of the guests that I saw between my treatments but one was wearing just their “birthday suit” with a sheet wrapped around them.
Can You Skip Bath Treatment Services?
The Thermal Mineral Bath includes all or any portion of the following services.
You need to advise your bath attendant of the portions of the bath that you wish to take or skip. There are NO Refunds for skipping parts of the bath treatment experience.
Be Open to the Full Bath Experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse
I say this as someone who doesn’t like to undress for doctor appointments.
The idea of a stranger seeing me naked was definitely a bit intimidating at first.
The attendants have literally seen it ALL. ALL shapes and sizes of guests, EVERY single day for YEARS.
But…I also don’t want strangers to see me naked and I don’t like to see strangers naked…
I’m actually a little scarred from images burned in my brain of the old ladies in my gym locker room who had zero modesty when I had to go back to my locker.
Thankfully the only person who saw me naked during my bath experience was my attendant…And thankfully, I didn’t see any other people naked during the experience either.
The other guests also had a sheet covering them when I saw them transitioning to their other treatments.
It’s also important to note that the bath areas are separate for men and women and bath attendants are male for the men and female for the women.
*You’ll be instructed to keep your phone in your locker. The images taken were in my private changing stall when no one else was in the changing area.
The Historic Thermal Mineral Bath Process
The traditional bath experience starts by signing in at the front desk.
You are given tickets based on your services and women are transported to the second floor by an elevator attendant.
I’ll be sharing my perspective in the women’s bath area and I’m assuming that it’s pretty similar for the guys in their private bathing area as well.
Next, you will be shown a private changing stall with a locker where you’ll undress and place your belongings including your phone, in the locker.
The locker has a key that you can wear around your neck.
When you’re ready the attendant will have you stand with your back to the curtain and she will wrap you in a sheet, toga-style.
I waited in the sitting area of the locker room until my name was called.
Guests are guided through a traditional bathing experience, that mimics what you would have received in the 1900s.
My attendant shared each step along the way with a calmness and tone that helped me feel more at ease and relaxed in the process while being cared for.
Relax in the Whirlpool Mineral Bath Tub
Buckstaff Bathhouse still uses all of the original bathtubs and equipment which makes this historic adventure even more immersive…literally.
I have a picture of one from the bathtub exhibits at Fordyce Bathhouse to use as a visual reference.
My bath attendant walked me into the curtained entrance of a private stall with a bathtub. I removed the sheet and stepped on the small stool into the tub with just a key around my neck.
I did have to laugh at myself at the reality of my situation.
About 10 minutes into my bath I noticed the nail on the wall where I could have left my key…by then it was too late and I wasn’t getting out before I was supposed to. I wanted to step into the bathtub as quickly as possible.
Inside the bathtub a motor to help create a whirlpool-type experience. There was a towel for the back of my head but I wasn’t fully submerged in the tub. The water had a maximum temperature of 102 degrees.
I could see the wall clock from within my stall. I tried to relax and make myself not look at it too often.
I wavered between trying to truly relax and be present “in the moment”… and not start laughing at myself at the reality of this adventure that was WAY out of my comfort zone.
My attendant checked in on me and offered me a small cup of mineral water while I was in the bath for about 20 minutes.
She wrapped me back up in the toga sheet while my back was facing her and had me pull the drain stopper before the next treatment.
You’ll be comforted to know that the bathtubs and all the fixtures are scrubbed and disinfected after each use and then refilled with fresh water.
Next, she had me sit on a long table and gave me a small cup of mineral ice water.
My bath attendant had multiple guests she was assisting at the same time and moved each of us singularly through the process in stages within a few minutes of each other.
After a few minutes, she placed warm towels in different places on the table. (Once again I’m using a picture from an exhibit at Fordyce Bathhouse to help as a visual.)
After lying down on my back she put a cushion under my knees and added a warm sheet. I felt WARM with the towels but thankfully she also added a cold towel around my face.
Breathe in the Vapors in Steam Cabinet
After that, it was time for the steam cabinet while still wrapped in the toga sheet.
(*The picture above is an obvious photoshop with my head coming out of the steam cabinet exhibit at Fordyce Bathhouse NOT Buckstaff Bathhouse. I just wanted you to have some type of visual to help picture a similar experience.)
This crazy contraption is a metal box with doors where you sit on a bench and only your head is sticking out of the box while steam flows. Thankfully the metal wasn’t hot to touch.
I was instructed to “just breathe in and out the steam vapors” as I sat inside the “box.” The breathing technique went “out the window” when my mind went to the reality that I was sitting in a metal box.
The 3-4 minutes seemed to take FOREVER while I tried to adjust my mind and body in the seated position within the box.
The experience reminded me that I need to get better at breathing and meditating.
Time to Sit in the Sitz Bath
Next, was the sitz bath while still wearing the white sheet. The experience was basically like sitting inside a warm bath for your feet.
*The picture above is NOT at Buckstaff Bathhouse but again I wanted to help you get some sort of visual reference.
At first, the water felt uncomfortably warm, but I toughed it out and kept it at that temperature… which didn’t seem as bad with a little more time.
I could have asked for it to have been adjusted at any time, I just chose not to.
Transition for My 20-Minute Massage
After the sitz bath, my attendant took me to a room where I dried off and received a new sheet to wear. She also handed me a small envelope with her name for gratuities later.
I obviously didn’t have anywhere to keep money to give her at that moment so I was grateful to be able to take care of her at the front desk afterwards.
She made an unknown, out-of-my-comfort-zone experience WAY more comfortable for me.
You Can Add Swedish Massage To Your Bath Package
I was also getting a massage that day so I was directed to a room with chairs, lounge tables, and cold water to wait until the massage therapist was ready.
My massage therapist gave me the option to use the restroom before my massage and then took me back to the private room. The full-body open hand 20-minute Swedish massage felt great, especially after all the bath treatments.
There wasn’t a hole in the table for my face so it was a bit of a challenge to find the right angle for my head while laying on my stomach.
After the massage, I was directed back to the changing room where I snapped a quick picture in my toga sheet while in my private stall.
Would I Recommend the Traditional Bath at Buckstaff Bathhouse?
Yes, the traditional bath at Buckstaff Bathhouse is truly an unforgettable experience. I recommend checking it out at least once…even if you choose to wear a swimsuit.
Note that this isn’t a spa experience. It’s WAY more primitive which is what makes it so unique!
Where is Buckstaff Bathhouse Located?
Buckstaff Bathhouse is located on Bathhouse Row at 509 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR.
Do You Need to Make a Reservation for a Traditional Bath Experience at Buckstaff Bathhouse?
You don’t need a reservation for Buckstaff Bathhouse. Their baths and massages are walk-ins only.
*You do need an appointment for the manicures and facials.
When is the Best Time to Go to Buckstaff Bathhouse?
Midweeks are slower than the weekend. Saturdays are the busiest day.
If you don’t want to wait long, arrive around 8 AM for a morning session. For an afternoon bath, get there at 12:30 for the 1 PM time slot.
They stop accepting walk-ins at 2:45 so you have enough time to be in the bath by 3.
Is There An Age Requirement at Buckstaff Bathhouse?
Baths and massages are for ages 10 and up.
A parent/guardian must be present for guests under 10 for a facial or manicure.
If you want to continue your Hot Springs adventure Quapaw Baths is only a few doors down from Buckstaff Bathhouse.
What’s the Difference Between the Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths and Spa?
- Buckstaff Bathhouse is a traditional bathing experience.
- Quapaw Baths and Spa has 4 public coed thermal pools and guests must wear swimsuits. Private baths for singles or couples are also available.
Both thermal bathhouses are unique experiences to try during your visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Thanks again to Visit Hot Springs for hosting my visit.
I wrote it because I was searching online the night before my bath treatment because I wanted to know what to expect. I’m so glad that it was helpful to you. It really is a unique experience.
This was so helpful as I couldn’t find any detailed info on the process and the privacy or lack there or.