SULPHUR, Okla.— An oasis of wellness and tranquility in the heart of Chickasaw Country has been refreshed.
The upgrades at Sole’renity Spa at The Artesian Hotel creates a brighter, modern space that emphasizes water elements designed to enhance the guest experience.
Sole’renity Spa co-owners Melinda Culbertson and Rhonda Pitmon were inspired by the rebuilding and reopening of several historic downtown businesses destroyed by the April 27, 2024, EF3 tornado. The tornado’s destructive path was less than a block from the iconic hotel, which sustained only minor damage and quickly reopened. But many downtown businesses were damaged or destroyed, and progress is underway as businesses rebuild and reopen, welcoming visitors back to the main commercial district.
It’s important to us that the town of Sulphur flourishes. Our hope is to serve as a cornerstone in bringing guests back to Sulphur and The Artesian following the devastating tornado of April 2024,” Culbertson said.
Living history
Named one of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2024 and the No. 1 spa in Oklahoma for the seventh year in a row, Sole’renity Spa has offered a relaxing experience since The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa opened in 2013. Owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, The Artesian Hotel is a reimagined version of the original Artesian Hotel, which was built in 1906.
The original hotel entertained guests for more than 50 years until it was destroyed by fire and replaced by The Artesian Motor Hotel. The Chickasaw Nation purchased the motor hotel in 1972, renaming it the Chickasaw Motor Inn. The purchase marked the Chickasaw Nation’s first business venture. The motor inn also served as tribal headquarters for many years. It was razed in 2006 to begin construction on the new hotel.
The modern Artesian Hotel opened in 2013 marking a new era in tourism for the area and creating a positive economic impact for the community.
Sole’renity Spa employs almost 20 therapists, estheticians and support staff.
Chickasaw citizen Camryn Corbin is one of them. Corbin, an esthetician, and the other talented staff members have helped Sole’renity Spa build a reputation as Oklahoma’s premier spa sanctuary, offering rejuvenating spa and wellness treatments that are designed to relax each guest’s mind, body and soul.
It’s in the Water
The spa owners – a mother-daughter duo – collaborated with the Chickasaw Nation to reimagine and enhance the facility.
“Together, we have implemented innovative new designs and experiences to further elevate each guest’s visit,” Culbertson said.
“Within our refresh, we were able to add elements of flowing water throughout the spa to remind each guest what the town of Sulphur was built on, its mineral springs that are believed to have healing properties.”
Since Removal to Indian Territory in the late 1830s, Chickasaws have revered the Sulphur area for the refreshing springs and natural beauty. Chickasaws and Choctaws, in order to preserve the area’s mineral springs, sold 640 acres of land to the federal government in 1902, with the understanding the U.S. government would permanently preserve and protect the property. This created the Sulphur Springs Reservation, which was expanded and renamed Platt National Park and is now known as Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
The original Artesian Hotel was built at the turn of the century to accommodate the influx of tourists, many of which were seeking the curative elements in Sulphur’s water.
The historic significance of the area’s water is reflected in the refurbished spa.
In the foyer, two new wall water features are prominently displayed on both sides of the front counter. New flooring, counters, finishes and lighting create a brighter, sleek space, which is enhanced by a backlit Sole’renity sign. The retail area in the foyer has been enclosed with frosted glass. The guest whirlpool has been renovated to create a one-of-a kind experience. The wall above the whirlpool features a cascading waterfall containing a lotus flower. The lotus flower represents resilience, growth and inspiration. The quote “Like a lotus flower, we too have the ability to rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world” inspired the renovation and is used in the spa’s logo. Underlit stairs lead you to the refurbished whirlpool, which has been retiled with an elegant pattern.
The men’s and women’s locker rooms now have new tile backsplashes, sleek glass sinks and backlit mirrors. Massive rainfall showerheads in reimagined spacious shower stalls create a complete wellness experience.
The men’s lounge area has been decorated to reflect First American influences.
A collection of arrowheads, reminiscent of the ones Culbertson’s grandfather collected along the banks of the Red River, are displayed on the wall. First American-inspired tapestries adorn the brown leather furniture.
A grand reopening event is coming soon. For more information, visit SolerenitySpa.com or call (580) 622-8128. Sole’renity Spa is located inside The Artesian Hotel, 1001 W. First St., Sulphur, Oklahoma.