Ottine Mineral Springs: The Next Big Thing in Wellness is Right Here in Central Texas
Experience mineral waters, serene landscapes and spa amenities at this historic sanctuary
About an hour from Austin, just outside of Gonzales at the edges of Palmetto State Park, something magical is happening. Ottine Mineral Springs is emerging as the latest buzzed-about Texas treasure.
With an official opening on June 1, Ottine Mineral Springs is poised to become the next big thing in sought-after wellness destinations. Though it feels like a new discovery, this hidden gem has been a place of healing since 1909 when the first spring was discovered. Known as Warm Springs, this was a historic haven in the 1930s, where children once found healing during the polio epidemic. That legacy continues today, reimagined for modern-day visitors seeking wellness and restoration. This newly revived serene 40-acre retreat has undergone a historic restoration and redevelopment featuring therapeutic mineral waters unlike any other in Texas.
During our recent visit, General Manager DeDe DeStefano shared how deeply the team is committed to preserving the spirit of Ottine as a natural sanctuary – even as they introduce new pools and thoughtful modern amenities.
“We are stewards of this land,” she says. “Stewards of the water and the people who came before us.”
Mineral-rich waters
What makes Ottine so special? It starts with the water. Drawn from a 1,554-foot-deep artesian well that taps into the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer, these alkaline, mineral-rich waters are loaded with naturally occurring elements like magnesium and sodium bicarbonate. The result? Skin so soft it feels like silk, muscles that melt into ease, and a deep, lingering sense of calm. Whether you’re soaking in one of the chilled summer pools or easing into a warm grotto, your body feels the difference.
“It’s all about our water,” DeStefano states. “Our water is unique. There are mineral springs popping up everywhere that aren’t really mineral springs. You know, they’re controlling their mineral content by adding to it. We’re not that. We have the natural source right here.”
A variety of pools + spa and dining services
During your visit, you can move from pool to pool, experiencing varying temperatures and depths that create a hydrotherapy journey. DeStefano confirmed that during the hot Texas summer, the waters will still be cool.
“We put chillers in and heaters in the pools,” DeStefano shares, “So it’s truly going to be an all seasonal experience. We have the ability to cool it in the summer, but maintain the same mineral content. So you’re still getting all those mineral benefits, but it’s going to be refreshing.”
A day pass gives you access to five pools, plus a sauna and cold plunges. But it’s not just about the soak.
Begin your visit with a yoga class under the trees or a hike along the trails. Spend the afternoon alternating between mineral pools and hammocks or lounge chairs. Book an onsite massage. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads and cold-pressed juices at their café. Sip a glass of wine or a craft cocktail as the sound of waterfalls carries you into calm.
True Texas hospitality
Proud of what the team is doing, DeStefano emphasizes their approach to true Texas hospitality. “We have implemented a hospitality program that’s unique to us. We’re going to do whatever it takes to make you happy, because in Texas, it’s about taking it easy and slowing down.”
Ottine Mineral Springs definitely invites you to relax. Book a day pass at ottine.com, and let the water transport you to tranquility.
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