CITY OF GONZALES
Spring into relaxation at the Ottine Mineral Springs just down the road in Gonzales. The historic mineral springs are nestled right next to Palmetto State Park, so your next weekend getaway is calling. Once a hidden gem, the 40 acre site has transformed after months of renovations, revitalizing the space into a wellness resort with several new spring fed pools and unlimited areas to lounge, relax and soak your worries away. The facilities now offer a restaurant with wood fired pizzas and fresh salads that pair well with a world class massage. Day passes are now open to the public with availability everyday except Monday.
The Ottine Mineral Springs has a rich history in healing, dating back to 1909 when the artesian spring was discovered, flowing up from the Carrizo- Wilcox aquifer. In the 1930s, the well was utilized by the Gonzales Warm Springs Foundation to help treat children with polio. At the time, it was the only desegregated place for polio care in the country, accepting all patients no matter their race, religion or financial status. After the success of the polio vaccine in the 1950s, Warm Springs altered its mission to care for patients of all ages. The new renovations kept preservation in mind, maintaining many of the original structures and blending them with modern elements to ensure the legacy of the renowned healing waters endures.
A history of healing has led to Ottine Mineral Springs, whose mission is to offer natural healing, wellness and relaxation to the public. There’s magic in the waters, and the magic is the minerals found naturally in the aquifer. The water springs up at a pH of 8.37 and is rich in bicarbonate, which is nature’s baking soda. This creates a balanced effect in the water, with each pool leaving your skin feeling silky smooth. The water is soft and part of a rare class of alkaline waters. The properties found at Ottine have been compared to the world class waters found in Karlovy Vary, a famous spa town in the Czech Republic. The mineral waters at Ottine are rich in bicarbonate, magnesium, sulfate, sodium, chloride, carbonate, boron, calcium, potassium and trace minerals. Numerous scientific studies have found these mineral rich waters offer key health benefits. The water soothes and cleanses the skin, helping treat conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis all while improving hydration and skin elasticity. There are a variety of pools offered at varying temperatures, and a dip in the warmer waters helps relax muscles, reduce joint pain and ease stiffness, helping treat conditions such as arthritis or muscle soreness. Improved circulation is a big plus when soaking in mineral rich water, it stimulates blood flow and lowers blood pressure, helping to reduce swelling and speed up recovery from injuries. Calcium and magnesium can help improve bone density and promote joint flexibility. The waters aren’t just healing for the body but for the brain as well. Soaking helps reduce stress, anxiety and tension. The tranquil environment of the springs was designed to encourage relaxation, mindfulness and emotional rejuvenation.
There are five new pools for guests to explore as well as contrast therapy pools, which allow guests to hop between cold and warm waters to stimulate the body and brain. When out of the water, guests can lounge next to the pools or swing in hammocks. The designers were intentional with layout and atmosphere, bringing in native plants to adorn the facility. One can nourish from within at the on-site restaurant, which offers fresh food as well as a selection of juices, coffee, wine, beer and cocktails.
“We are excited to offer our guests the opportunity to spend the day soaking in the historic mineral waters with all their benefits, have a massage, enjoy a wood-fired pizza or fresh salad, relax in a hammock and just generally get away from stress,” said DeDe DeStefano, Ottine Mineral Springs general manager. “Ottine is an incredibly peaceful retreat because of our tranquil, natural surroundings. Fostering wellness experiences, preserving the sanctity of our therapeutic waters and offering Texas hospitality are at the forefront of our mission, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a refreshing experience for all who visit.”
One can visit their website at ottine.com to book a day pass and explore their other wellness offerings such as massages, yoga, sound baths, forest bathing and guided meditation.
Above, Daily Record Photo by Rebekah Porter. Below, photo courtesy of Ottine Mineral Springs
