HARBIN HOT SPRINGS, CA

[noodmood]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Although their literature invites you to enjoy ?The Harbin Experience,? it is something that we hopefully will never be subjected to again! Hopefully this information will help you avoid making the same mistake in visiting this place.

Although promoted as a clothing-optional retreat just north of Napa Valley, in California, the majority opt to wear clothes. We scheduled a visit for our 9-year anniversary (we?ve been members of AANR for the same amount of time) and were planning on staying several days and booked the works on the massages, etc.

The place is open-minded spiritually, as long as you agree with their beliefs! Apparently, if asked whether you?re a Christian, you must deny your faith in order to be accepted by the management. We even attended one of their little chanting sessions out of curiosity. We sat along the back wall with others that were obviously curious, as well. What we saw were spiritually-blinded regulars chanting & swaying senselessly to their demonic deity, while sniffing incense and eating some melon (?) ceremonially cut and offered on their alter. I guess our biggest offense was passing on their holy-melon platter when it was brought over to us.

In a casual conversation with only one other, we were accused of proselytizing! (Not even by the other person, but by a guy who apparently is involved in managing this dirty, run-down facility.) We were not - that?s not our style. As Christians, who like to have fun and also enjoy clothing-optional recreation, we just came from several days at Laguna del Sol and Wine Country. We do not push our beliefs on anyone - that doesn?t work anyway! However, if asked what we believe and why, we are prepared and will provide an answer with love and respect.

Save your time and money and don?t go to this freaky spot. We demanded a refund (and received it) and left after being there only about 6 hours. Even that was more than we could take of this place! I hope this information will help you avoid making a big mistake and wasting your time and money, while on vacation!

[noodmood]

/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Although their literature invites you to enjoy ?The Harbin Experience,? it is something that we hopefully will never be subjected to again! Hopefully this information will help you avoid making the same mistake in visiting this place.

Although promoted as a clothing-optional retreat just north of Napa Valley, in California, the majority opt to wear clothes. We scheduled a visit for our 9-year anniversary (we?ve been members of AANR for the same amount of time) and were planning on staying several days and booked the works on the massages, etc.

The place is open-minded spiritually, as long as you agree with their beliefs! Apparently, if asked whether you?re a Christian, you must deny your faith in order to be accepted by the management. We even attended one of their little chanting sessions out of curiosity. We sat along the back wall with others that were obviously curious, as well. What we saw were spiritually-blinded regulars chanting & swaying senselessly to their demonic deity, while sniffing incense and eating some melon (?) ceremonially cut and offered on their alter. I guess our biggest offense was passing on their holy-melon platter when it was brought over to us.

In a casual conversation with only one other, we were accused of proselytizing! (Not even by the other person, but by a guy who apparently is involved in managing this dirty, run-down facility.) We were not - that?s not our style. As Christians, who like to have fun and also enjoy clothing-optional recreation, we just came from several days at Laguna del Sol and Wine Country. We do not push our beliefs on anyone - that doesn?t work anyway! However, if asked what we believe and why, we are prepared and will provide an answer with love and respect.

Save your time and money and don?t go to this freaky spot. We demanded a refund (and received it) and left after being there only about 6 hours. Even that was more than we could take of this place! I hope this information will help you avoid making a big mistake and wasting your time and money, while on vacation!

[robc]

Rebuttal... Just read the 9/2002 trip report 'hit' on Harbin Hot Springs by 'noodmood' and felt it our duty to rebut this gross misrepresentation. This was obviously written by an individual who utterly demolishes the facts and the true Harbin 'experience'. We ought to know, we've been life members there for nearly two decades and have regularly visited this natural wonderland since the mid-70's.

First. This rustic and historic facility is operated by the Heart Consciousness Church - which does not and never has spiritually pressured or proselytized anyone... nor have they ever practiced anything of a 'demonic' nature. Their 'church' is and has always been incredibly accepting and tolerant of any and all religious beliefs and typically incorporate many spiritual practices... often representing those of the people in attendance at any given time. As for 'acceptance by their management', we can refute the existence of any religious litmus test. That would fly in the face of everything this organization has ever represented in its entire history. They pride themselves on acceptance of all religious followers, except those based in intolerance or cruelty to their participants or animals.

Second. While the springs and sunbathing areas have always been clothing optional, the rest of its vast grounds are often hiked either clothed or nude. We've never been admonished for being naked anywhere outside. Clothing is required in their restaurant.... and we suspect this is in regard to mandated county and/or state health and sanitation codes for public restaurants. Apparently, the author of the preceding trip report never bothered to acquaint himself with any knowledge of Harbin. As for nudity, we've rarely ever seen anyone wearing swimsuits in the springs... nearly everyone is nude there or around the two sundecks.

Third. While certainly not glitzy and modern like Laguna del Sol or Paradise Lakes, Harbin is every bit as clean as most resorts we've visited such as Lupin, the Sequoians, or the Willamettans. Their pools have state-of-the-art sanitation systems in addition to monthly draining and thorough scrubbing. We suspect that appearances must mean everything to 'noodmood' and he just can't accept the open and alternate dress code of many, if not most of the residents or clientele. Most residents and many visitors we could accurately term 'gentle vegetarian folk', not the booze-swilling crowd so common at all too many AANR parks and their 'dances'. In fact, recreational drugs and alcohol are forbidden here. Even tobacco use is limited to a small area near their parking facility... outside the entrance gate. No, Harbin isn't for everyone... but 'noodmood' certainly presents a very biased and myopic 6-hour view of this cooperatively-run retreat. It's too bad he and his wife didn't stay longer so they could speak with a modicum of expertise. If you're looking for an amusement park, Harbin is not your place. But, on the other hand, if you want to be at utter peace with yourself or loved one, this resort and its beautiful natural environment is nearly a heaven on earth. As for massages, I doubt you could find a better one anywhere. Sure, we've met a few people over the years that wouldn't return to Harbin, but the vast majority become frequent soakers...
For an accurate 'view' of Harbin Hot Springs, check out their website: www.harbin.org. (http://www.harbin.org.)

[Naked Bob 2]

I tend to agree with your view. I was only there once for a weekend visit but I enjoyed it very much and I was never pressured in any way. I did note that outside the pool and springs area most if not all people chose to dress but they were cool about me being naked the whole time. It is just a different sort of place but very peaceful.

[Newdbie]

My wife and I visited once and were turned off by the "spiritual" environment.