On June 1, Ottine Mineral Springs in Gonzales will officially re-open to the public, unveiling a massive renovation to the historic site about an hour and 15 minutes from Austin. Until recently, this 40-acre property was home to just two private mineral-fed pools, but now this sprawling land is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more.

The scale of Ottine Mineral Springs' glow-up is hard to comprehend, so CultureMap made a little day trip out to the property to experience everything it has to offer and get a tour of the new additions.

The History
The drive down to Ottine Mineral Springs is not a difficult one. Once we arrived, we were greeted by general manager DeDe DeStefano. DeStefano pointed out the historic buildings near the entrance of the oak-lined property — white and worn-looking Missionary-style buildings with red roofs. Centered among them is a massive well of water, the bottom lined with stones.

This well, discovered in 1909, is the source for Ottine Mineral Springs' many pools. Photo by David Brendan Hall

DeStefano explained that this is the original well, where all of the property's mineral springs and water comes from.

It all started in 1909 when a group was drilling for oil. At about 1,550 feet down they struck not oil, but the massive Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

"[This water] is super rich in minerals because of the layers of earth that it passes as the water comes up, and it's been coming out of the ground at 200,000 gallons a day since 1909, just on its own, no pumps or anything," says DeStefano.

In 1939 during the polio epidemic, locals made the happy discovery that the water from this well was particularly buoyant due to its levels of minerals like salt, magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate, so they opened up a physical therapy hospital onsite to help polio patients with mobility issues.

The buildings dotting the property are these original buildings from the 1930s. Many of them still stand in the original style, but most have been renovated and updated. Even with the renovations, though, the property's current owner (who purchased the land in 2017 and whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy) insists on maintaining the hospital's original purpose.

"He calls us stewards of the property, the water, and everyone who came before us," DeStefano says.

The Private Soaking Area
In 2017, two small mineral spring pools were opened in a courtyard area outside of one of the old buildings. The building itself was renovated to accommodate a spa and massage area, and today, these two small pools are surrounded by hammocks, a cold plunge, a sauna, a spa, two fire pits, places to eat and drink, showers, lockers, and more. The whole area is enclosed by a privacy fence.

This is where we spent the majority of our day, soaking in the warm pools in the morning. As the day got hotter, we chilled in the shaded hammocks and got massages from massage therapist Corey.

These two original pools will remain open for private bookings. Photo by David Brendan Hall

Now that renovations are done and a completely new public area will be revealed on June 1, this smaller, enclosed area will be available for private bookings only. The spa will remain open to the public.

The only exception to this rule will be Ottine Springs' monthly full moon events, which will take place in this area and be open to the public. These events include yoga, sound therapy, soaking in the pools, fire pits, and food and beverages.

"People love these events," says DeStefano. "We have waiting lists for these."

The New Parts
Just up a small hill from the private soaking area is the completely renovated and incredibly impressive new part of Ottine Mineral Springs. The buildings are all original from the hospital, but you really wouldn't know it by looking at them. They've been painted and remodeled, and now have a modern look to them.

All of the property's buildings are original, but renovated and remodeled. Photo by David Brendan Hall

The real stunners, though, are the five new mineral water pools, all named after native Texas trees: The Cyprus Pool, Sage, Palmetto, and two Ivy pools (a hot and cold plunge). You'll also see these trees, along with towering and ancient oaks, all over the property.

"The owner insisted everything be built around the trees," DeStefano says.

The pools themselves vary in size, features, and temperature. Some of them have waterfalls, and some have hidden grottos that you can sneak off to and sit in. All of them are chock-full of the healing mineral waters of the aquifer, and can all be adjusted in temperature.

Ottine Mineral Springs' pools can be adjusted in temperature to be enjoyed year-round. Photo by David Brendan Hall

"People think of these as warm mineral springs, and they always have been historically," says DeStefano. "But we have the ability to make these seasonal pools, so we'll be able to manipulate the temperature without doing anything to the mineral content."

Aside from these pools, the newly-opened area features a restaurant serving up delicious food options like freshly-made wood-fired pizzas, salads, bowls, charcuterie boards, and frozen, refreshing drinks.

Ottine Mineral Springs will offer poolside bites and meals like fresh wood-fired pizzas, salads, bowls, and more.Photo by David Brendan Hall

As DeStefano describes it, this is still very much a work in progress. (This is supported by the bulldozers and frenzy of construction going on around us during our visit.) The next phases of Ottine Mineral Springs' evolution will see it turn into a full-on health resort. It'll open up a hotel along with casitas and cabins nestled among the woods.

It'll also eventually offer services like hydrotherapy, saltwater floating pools, snow caves, and something called "experience showers." They'll add hike and bike trails throughout the woods, guided forest bathing, and even walk-and-talks along the trails with a therapist.

"People are dying to get away from the stress of every day life," says DeStefano. "And this place is just a way to chill and let go of some of that stress."

Ottine Mineral Springs is located at 2033 FM 1586 in Gonzales. Day passes are $65 on weekdays and $75 on weekends. The smaller, private pools can be reserved online.