RITUAL REVIVAL
As modern life demands more and more of our energy and attention, unplugging has become the ultimate luxury. Nearly every day, we are presented with a new way to do more, faster…to be more productive and more efficient. When it’s time to slow down, sometimes the smart move is to look back. We’re looking way back—hundreds of years, in fact—to ancient wellness practices designed to realign our mind, body and spirit.
What Exactly is Ancient Wellness?
Ancient wellness refers to centuries-old healing traditions, like mineral bathing (more on that later), herbal remedies, and soulful practices like smudging and sound baths. It's all about aligning yourself with natural elements and intuitive care. Steeped in intentionality, these methods often lead to a feeling of grounding and peace.
Imagine unwinding with a soak in waters that have drawn folks for generations, immersing yourself in an unmatched natural sensory experience. Even recent crazes like contrast therapies that combine sauna with cold plunge or cryotherapy, have roots in ancient wellness. They’ve just been dressed up in “2.0” iterations for the modern world.
Texas Roots
We know Texas is a state of innovators and creators, so it should come as no surprise that our ancient wellness roots run deep. Prior to the 1800s, Indigenous tribes like the Tonkawa and Comanche were experts in holistic medicine, harnessing the power of natural mineral springs and herbs for healing. Later, settlers from Germany, Czechia and Mexico brought their own folk remedies.
RETURN TO
MINERAL WELLS
In the early 1900s, Mineral Wells made a name for itself as a spa town known for its “Crazy Water.” Its natural springs were said to have magical healing properties, and it didn’t take long for hotels, inns and bathhouses to start popping up to house visitors in search of a little magic of their own. At its peak, Mineral Wells was home to more than one hundred mineral springs and opulent destinations like the Crazy Water Hotel and The Baker Hotel, attracting celebrities and “regular folks” alike.
Today, the city is experiencing a renaissance as Texans and non-Texans are embracing holistic practices and we are collectively more focused on health and wellness. Thanks to the resurgence, The Baker Hotel is undergoing an extensive restoration and is set to reopen in 2028. The spa at The Crazy Water Hotel is also getting a facelift, reopening soon and offering traditional treatments infused with natural ingredients plus infrared saunas and of course, mineral soaks.
EXPERIENCE
ANCIENT WELLNESS
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Relax in 46 outdoor mineral-rich soaking pools inspired by natural springs found across the globe, plus cold plunge pools and Finnish saunas, complete with a spa and restaurant.
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A wellness membership club that offers mindful experiences like Full Moon Rituals, Solstice Celebrations, and wellness retreats.
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Ottine captures the waters of native artesian thermal springs, and offers a full spa as well as healthy eats.
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Experience a sanctuary offering chakra showers, sage ceremonies, private yoga, meditation, and sound baths.
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A bungalow studio setting specializing in therapeutic sound bath experiences for various occasions.