Small towns and miracle springs
As winter arrives, weekends away become about finding fireplaces, cosy destinations and of course hot water springs. There are few things better than a relaxing hot water spring and the Western Cape is home to some of the best in the country.
The Western Cape boasts five hot springs for travellers to enjoy, but where are they and what do they offer? The springs are mostly located in and around small towns in the Karoo where income is traditionally derived from agriculture, not tourism, but that definitely doesn’t discount the quality of these springs.
For those in search of a winter holiday, or even property for sale the Cape’s hot water springs are mostly located within reasonable distances near the towns of Worcester, Montagu, Calitzdorp, Citrusdal and Warmwaterberg near Barrydale. The closest from Cape Town is the Caledon Spa, located in the Overberg region about 100 km along the N2, and is part of the Caledon Hotel Casino and Spa Resort. This resort features a traditional Victorian bath house with 12 metre cascading ‘Khoisan Pools’ running at an average temperature of 44 degrees.
Along Route 62 you will also find Avalon Springs in the historic town, known as the Gateway to the Karoo, Montagu – not far from Swellendam and Ashton. Just a little down the road is the Warmwaterberg Spa that sits in the mountains between Barrydale and Ladysmith and might be the best of the lot thanks to its location and surrounds. This is not to be confused with the quaint town in KwaZulu-Natal, where there is also a host of property for sale Ladysmith, but for an entirely different kind of lifestyle.
You can also find the Goudini Spa just after du Toit’s tunnel on the N1 in the gorgeous mountains around Worcester and the Theewaterskloof Dam. The last of the hotsprings are The Baths Natural Hot Water Springs Resort established as long ago as 1739, towards the Ceres Mountains in the Olifants River Valley near Citrusdal.
So whether you’re only looking for a weekend getaway during the winter, or a more permanent move closer to some hot springs, the Western Cape has you covered. The towns nearest to these springs are all quaint, unique and full of character, making that country escape very possible and achievable.
