Melt away the stress of life and chase away the chill of the cold wet weather by sinking into a heated pool or hot spring. The Western Cape is blessed with several natural hot springs and pools and we’ve rounded up a few worth a dip.
Many hotels and spas allow day visitors to make use of their pools, but not all; call ahead to find out whether you can visit for a couple of hours, or whether you should turn your visit into an overnight stay.
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Here are our top choices for heated pools and hot springs:
ATKV Goudini Spa
ATKV Goudini Spa is situated in the heart of the Boland mountains, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town along the N1. The spa offers a range of self-catering holiday accommodations, entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as an array of activities in their natural hot pools, hot supertube, tennis and volleyball court, games room and picturesque nature walks.
The spa houses a licensed restaurant, convenience store and beauty clinic, as well as a laundry, ATM and a Halaal-certified fast food restaurant.
The hot water at ATKV Goudini Spa was discovered in 1719 where it was bubbling out of Mother Earth. Yet, after the 1969 earthquake, the source of the water dried up and several boreholes with depths up to 100 metres were drilled to provide the resort with water. The rock formations beneath the earth consist of sandstone.
With a natural temperature of 52 degrees centigrade, the natural hot mineral water is not heated artificially and reaches the swimming pool at a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade. All the water that is used at the resort is natural, hot mineral water. The water which bubbles from the source is chemically the purest and most natural.
Details:
- Location: Wyzersdrift Road, Rawsonville, 6845
- Contact: 023 349 8100
- Website: goudinispa.co.za
Calitzdorp Spa
The Calitzdorp Hot Springs is a popular destination for families and groups who need time to break away from the fast-paced city life. The resort boasts multiple bird and wildlife-watching opportunities, and its extramural facilities include tennis, mountain biking, running and walking trails.
The rejuvenating natural spring waters can reach temperatures of up to 50 degrees and include minerals such as iron and manganese. Many speak of the relief the healing waters offer them, with many saying it reduced symptoms relating to sprains, high blood pressure, bruises and rheumatic pain.
Relax in their Roman bath where the water temperature is always around 30 degrees, or in the warm outdoor pool. The outdoor warm mineral pool is emptied and cleaned weekly on Wednesdays for hygienic purposes, thus limited swimming facilities are available on Wednesdays. The indoor Roman bath will be available while the outdoor pool is in inaccessible. For hygienic purposes, the indoor pool is also cleaned on a regular basis during which time there is limited access for approximately two to three hours.
Details:
- Location: DR1688 Road, Calitzdorp, 6660
- Contact: 044 213 3371
- Website: calitzdorpspa.co.za
Montagu Springs Resort
Long known for its hot springs and more recently for eco, wellness and adventure sports, Montagu lies just two hours away from Cape Town and can be found at the heart of the famous Route 62. This paradise offers numerous family activities such as swimming, games and sports facilities and hiking and the nearby town of Montagu also has plenty of attractions. Clean, comfortable and fully equipped chalets – each sleeping up to four adults – are available with prices to suit every budget. And because each unit has its own braai, Montagu Springs epitomises an outdoor lifestyle.
Enjoy a choice of swimming pools for true relaxation and fun. Montagu Springs offers an award-winning heated swimming pool, as well as a heated pool just for the kids. There are also three cool swimming pools, so you can be sure to find the perfect place to cool down on a hot Klein-Karoo day.
Details:
- Location: Uitvlugt St, Bergsig, Montagu, 6720
- Contact: 023 614 1050
- Website: montagusprings.co.za
The Baths Natural Hot Springs
The Baths is a hot spring resort nestled on a citrus farm near Citrusdal, Western Cape. There are both cold and hot pools, with the waters reaching 43 degrees at the source. Other features include mountain rock pools, spa baths, a tennis court, a trampoline, a pool table and kiddies’ playground.
The MacGregor’s Restaurant affords visitors to The Baths a welcome break from self-catering. The elegant building is beautifully designed with an airy interior and natural elements of stone and wood were used throughout. There is also a shop available that sells all the basics for self-catering. Accommodation is available in chalets, flats and caravan and camping sites.
The spring at The Baths is an artesian well. Water that gathers in the Koue Bokkeveld Mountains sinks down through the sandstone until it reaches a depth where the surrounding earth is extremely hot. Pressure builds up, forcing the water under the Olifants River and up the other side, where it emerges in the Kloof at 43 degrees Celsius.
The main eye with several other eyes delivers 105 000 litres of water per hour. The main eye is now encased in a spring vault. The water is crystal clear and good to drink.
Details:
- Location: The Baths Farm, The Baths Road, 7340
- Contact: 022 921 8032 or 022 921 8026/7
- Website: thebaths.co.za
The Caledon Hotel & Spa
Take in the beautiful Overberg views while visiting The Caledon Hotel & Spa. This perfect countryside retreat offers famous thermal pools and spas, adaptable event spaces, a variety of dining venues, welcoming accommodation and casino entertainment.
With a history dating back more than a hundred years, the famous naturally heated pools make the spa truly special. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the Victorian Bathhouse and warm pools, and maybe even indulge in a health and beauty treatment.
From the 12-metre cascading Khoi San Pools with their natural 44 degrees of warmth, to the refreshing cool of the frigidarium and the lap pool, and from the historic Victorian Bathhouse to the gym and relaxation areas, the Caledon Spa offers a truly unique wellness experience.
Hungry guests can tuck into a selection of Italian-style favourites at the Da Vinci Restaurant or delicious a la carte dining at the Black Sheep Diner and Blue Crane Restaurants.
Details:
- Location: 1 Nerina St, Caledon, 7230
- Contact: 028 214 5100
- Website: southernsun.com/the-caledon-hotel-and-spa
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Picture: The Baths, Citrusdal / Facebook
