Jack Affleck
If your travel bucket list is gathering dust, there's now a way to circle the globe without ever stepping onto a plane.
Tucked away in The Colony, WorldSprings offers a curious blend of wellness retreat and cultural sampler — a place where one soak might transport you to Iceland's Blue Lagoon and the next to Mexico's Grutas Tolantongo. It's part spa, part playground –and a surprisingly convincing substitute for a passport stamp.
With more than 40 mineral springs and brisk cold plunges set at a bracing 55°F, the grounds feel like a choose-your-own-adventure for the body. Each pool is modeled after a famous geothermal region and tailored to mimic its mineral composition. Magnesium-rich waters recall Asia, while a hypersaline float channels the Dead Sea.
The property is divided into four regions — South Pacific, European, Asiatic and Americas — and even the youngest travelers get their own slice of the map: families can settle into the South Pacific area, complete with a freshwater Globe Pool, saunas and shaded cabanas. The design strikes a rare balance, keeping things serene for adults while still giving kids a chance to splash and explore.
Beyond the Pools
Of course, the water is only part of the story. A wander around the property reveals fire pit lounges, birch-lined saunas, outdoor showers and rows of deck chairs where locals sprawl with novels or simply let the sun do its work. The atmosphere is casual, almost resort-like, but without the sense of hurry you sometimes find on actual vacations. Here, the day stretches out in long, easy rhythms — dip, dry off, sip, repeat.
Spa services round out the experience for those looking to linger longer. Guests can book facials or massages, or try recovery-minded add-ons like compression boots and LED light therapy. The options are thoughtful without feeling over the top — the kind of indulgences you wouldn't necessarily plan an entire trip around but are delighted to have at your fingertips.
And then there's the food. The Springs Café and Bar keeps the energy light with fresh, seasonal menus that work just as well for a quick bite as for a leisurely patio lunch. Poolside drink service is available too, and it's hard not to feel a little transported when your cocktail or mocktail arrives just as the sun breaks through the clouds.
Perhaps the most intriguing element is The Mineral Method, a guided circuit that strings together hot and cold pools, saunas and rest periods into a kind of wellness itinerary. Each routine is designed with a goal in mind — stress relief, athletic recovery, detoxification — but in practice, it feels less like a checklist and more like permission to slow down. Think of it as a wellness trail you follow at your own pace, with the water doing most of the work.
Know Before You Go
Admission comes in two forms: a three-hour soak or a full-day pass. Both include access to all mineral pools, cold plunges, saunas, lounge chairs and hydration stations. Towels are provided, while robes can be rented or purchased for extra comfort. Swimwear is required, and flip-flops or water shoes make it easy to move from one region to another. On weekends and holidays, advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
For those who want to level up, private cabanas are available for rent and come with shade, lounge seating and priority drink service. Families often use them as a home base, while couples treat them as a quiet retreat within the larger experience.
In the end, WorldSprings isn't just a collection of pools but an invitation to slip into another rhythm. One moment you're floating weightless in "Jordan," the next you're warming in a Finnish sauna, and suddenly the edges of North Texas blur into something much bigger.