When thinking of winter getaways, one does not usually consider outdoor water activities as ideal during the cooler months. Even with our springfed San Marcos River staying at a cool 72 degrees year round, a jump in the water brings goosebumps just thinking about it. For water lovers, winter can be a dry time but Ottine Mineral Springs has changed the game with multiple warm mineral spring pools that not only satisfy the need for a splash, but heal and soothe during the stressful holiday season.
Located less than an hour from San Marcos, the newly opened wellness resort was once a hospital for children with polio in the early 1900s. The facility has been focused on healing through water for decades. The drive to Gonzales is peaceful in itself, a straight shot down Highway 80 through farmlands and small towns such as Martindale and Luling. Ottine is neighbors to Palmetto State Park making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Opening to the public this past summer, Ottine has quickly become a destination for relaxation amongst those in Central Texas. There are five spring-fed pools which offer a variety of soaking options. The Palmetto pool is a mix of 30% fresh water and 70% mineral water offering a cooler dip on warmer days. The other four pools are 100% mineral water and during a cooler day feel warm and welcoming, essentially acting as nature’s hot tub.
The Cypress pool was the star of the show for me. It’s enclosed by natural landscaping with multiple waterfalls cascading fresh mineral water. The bottom of the pool is filled with smooth rocks which aid in reflexology as one explores the water. Built-in water seating lets guests relax while sipping a cocktail or fresh pressed juice. The pro tip is to sit under one of the waterfalls and let the fresh mineral water cascade onto your hair and face. As soon as your feet enter the water you can feel the warmth and even the rich mineral content. My skin felt silky even outside of the water.
The source of Ottine’s wellness lies in the water, flowing up from an artesian spring-from the Carrizo Wilcox aquifer which has a pH of 8.37. The water comes out of the ground naturally at 106 degrees Fahrenheit making it the perfect contrast to colder weather. Minerals found in the water include bicarbonate, magnesium, sulfate, sodium, chloride, carbonate, boron, calcium, potassium and a substantial amount of trace minerals.
For those truly interested in wellness there is a cold plunge pool adjacent to a warm plunge. At 50 degrees, the cold plunge is intense yet soothing after immediately dipping into the warm plunge which stays at 104 degrees. Near the plunges is a wood sauna barrel for some extra heat.
Soaking can build up an appetite and Ottine’s cafe offers bites to fuel the relaxation experience. The spa is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sunday and the cafe offers meals for any time of day. From Salmon Lox and Avocado Toast for breakfast to hearty sandwiches and nourishing Buddha bowls for lunch and dinner, they offer a wide variety of eats for any appetite. A unique offering is there wood-fired pizzas which is an experience from oven to plate. The big wood-fired oven is on view for guest to watch their pizza cook to perfection. A robust selection of cocktails, beer and wine are offered for those looking for extra relaxation. They offer fresh pressed juices packed full of vitamins to complete the wellness experience.
In addition to soaking Ottine offers various wellness experiences such as yoga and sound baths. They offer a variety of massages from Swedish to deep tissue which all include access to a private soaking area.
Guests can access Ottine with a full day passes offering 11 hours of access to the springs. Guests can also purchase morning or evening soak passes on the weekend. Ottine is open year-round and is the newest hidden gem for a winter getaway. Visit ottinemineralsprings. com for more information and reservations.
