One Last Weekend Before Goodbye: Soaking, Singing, and Stargazing

It was the weekend before I left for four months of solo travel across Asia and Africa—a journey I had planned long before Arturo and I started dating. We both knew time apart was inevitable, but we wanted to carve out a final weekend to be fully present together. Just us, no distractions. No airports. No Zoom calls—just the calm of hot springs La Azufrosa San Joaquín.

The plan? Hot springs, music, stargazing, and good food.

Friday night kicked off with a burst of nostalgia: a Jesse & Joy concert in Monterrey. The Grammy-winning sibling duo are bilingual Mexican-American artists known for their heartfelt lyrics that bridge the worlds of Latin pop, folk, and soft rock. I’ve been listening to them since I first started learning Spanish over 20 years ago. Hearing them live was a full-circle moment.

Road Tripping to La Azufrosa: Budget Hot Springs Bliss

On Saturday morning, we packed up the car and set off from Monterrey for La Azufrosa, a few hours’ drive into the Coahuila desert. Arturo had never been to the more famous Termas de San Joaquín, and while we looked into staying there, the hotel rates were steep. I remembered La Azufrosa—a simpler, more affordable alternative fed by the same geothermal source—and booked us a night there instead.

We loaded a cooler with groceries and carne asada supplies, knowing La Azufrosa is pretty remote. You won’t find restaurants or convenience stores nearby, but that’s part of the charm.

By afternoon, we arrived at the property: a rustic hotel surrounded by desert silence and framed by wide open skies. The hot springs here are tucked inside stone buildings with open skylights, allowing in soft natural light. The water is warm, slightly sulfuric, and deeply relaxing—ideal for easing tension and letting the desert quiet your thoughts.

That evening, after the day visitors left, only overnight guests remained. We soaked under the stars in the near silence, talking with another couple in their 60s who shared stories of their own adventures. Then we fired up the grill, made carne asada, and curled up under thick blankets in our room—the desert chill setting in.

From La Azufrosa to San Joaquín: A Double Hot Springs Day

Sunday morning started slow and serene: another dip in the springs before they filled up with day-trippers, a simple breakfast, and good conversation. We checked out late morning and made our way to Termas de San Joaquín, just 15–20 minutes away.

Even if you don’t splurge on a room, you can pay for a day pass to enjoy the beautifully designed indoor pools—arched ceilings, warm thermal waters, and quieter corners for those looking to truly unwind. We spent a few hours there talking, relaxing, and letting time blur, trying not to think about the goodbye ahead.

A Sweet Ending (with Boba)

Driving back to Monterrey felt bittersweet. We wrapped up our weekend with two of my favorite comfort foods: Chinese takeout and boba tea. Simple, sweet, and grounding.

It wasn’t a flashy weekend, but it was exactly what we needed—a pause button before everything changed.

Travel Tips: Visiting La Azufrosa and Termas de San Joaquín

How to Get There:

• From Monterrey, it’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to La Azufrosa, depending on traffic. Termas de San Joaquín is located nearby in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila.
  
• Public transportation is not a practical option—you’ll need a car to reach either location.
  

Lodging:

• La Azufrosa offers budget-friendly rooms, rustic but comfortable, and includes access to hot springs after hours.
  
• San Joaquín is more upscale, but expensive—consider getting a day pass instead if you’re on a budget.
  

What to Bring:

• Your own food and drinks. Bring a cooler, grilling supplies, and breakfast items—there are no nearby restaurants.
  
• Towels, swimsuits, and shower items.
  
• Warm clothes for the evening—it gets cold in the desert at night.
  

Why Go:

• Affordable access to natural hot springs.
  
• Gorgeous night skies with minimal light pollution.
  
• A great couple’s or solo getaway from Monterrey.
  

More to Explore

If you’re planning your own romantic escape or road trip from Monterrey, check out:

• What to Pack for a Desert Hot Springs Weekend
  
• Music for Spanish Learners: Jesse & Joy’s Top 5 Songs
  

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Read my previous blog: “Mysticism, Sandboarding, and Desert Stars: My Trip to Mexico’s Enigmatic Zona del Silencio”, and don’t miss my other adventures in Mexico.