Thermal circuit
The circuit is the heart of Olvenne: four mineral pools fed by the valley spring, a cedar sauna, a steam hall and a cold plunge cut into the rock. Guests move between warm and cool at their own pace, rest on the heated stone benches, and come back to the water as often as they like. There is no set route and no timer. Most people find their rhythm after the second round, when the shoulders drop and conversation fades to a murmur. A day pass gives you four unhurried hours, and retreat guests can soak from sunrise until the hall closes at night.
Warm, cool, rest, repeat
We keep the circuit simple on purpose. Start in the warmest pool for ten minutes, step into the plunge for as long as feels right, then sit and let your breath settle before the next round. Hosts walk the hall with cool water and fresh towels, and they are happy to suggest an order if you would like one. The spring water is naturally rich in minerals and has a soft, silky feel that guests notice straight away.
Morning is the quietest time to visit, when mist still sits on the upper pools and the valley is just waking. Evenings are softer and a little more social, with lanterns on the terrace and the hills turning pink behind the plunge. Whichever you choose, give yourself at least three hours so the circuit never feels like a task.
Ask about timesWhat sets the thermal circuit apart
Four spring pools
Each pool is fed straight from the spring and posted with its temperature, so you always know what you are stepping into.
The cold plunge
Cut into the valley rock beside the stone hall, it wakes the whole body up. Ten seconds is plenty the first time.
Heated benches
Warm stone loungers sit between the pools, with herbal tea, cool cucumber water and a stack of fresh towels.
Times and prices
Morning circuit
64 USDFour hours, from 7 am on weekdays
Evening circuit
72 USDFrom 6 pm, lanterns lit on the terrace
Circuit and massage
179 USDFour hours plus a 50 minute massage
Private twilight pool
180 USDA walled pool for two, 90 minutes
Illustrative prices for this demo.
Questions about the thermal circuit
Ten to fifteen minutes in the warm pools is a good start, followed by a short plunge and a rest. Listen to your body, drink water between rounds, and step out whenever you feel ready.
Any treatment of 80 minutes or more includes two hours on the circuit. Shorter treatments can add circuit time at the front desk for a reduced rate.
Yes, swimsuits are worn in every part of the circuit. If you forget yours, the front desk keeps simple suits for sale.
The garden pool has a gentle ramp and rail, and two changing rooms have step free showers. Tell us when you book and a host will meet you at the door.
The pools are fed continuously by the spring, so the water is always moving. Hosts check clarity and temperature every morning, and each pool is drained and scrubbed once a week before opening.
Groups of up to eight can reserve a morning block on weekdays. Call the front desk and we will hold robes, a table on the terrace and a quiet corner of the stone hall for you.
We cap the number of guests on the circuit at any one time, so it rarely feels crowded. If the stone hall is busier than you like, the garden pool and the upper terrace pools are usually calm, and a host can point you to the quietest corner.
Rain is one of the best times to soak. The upper pools are open to the sky, the stone hall is covered, and warm water with cool rain on your shoulders is something guests tend to remember for a long time.
You are welcome to, but there is no need. Every guest receives a robe, two towels and slippers at the front desk, and fresh towels are stacked beside each pool throughout the day.
Tea, water and fruit are always out in the rest area. The terrace kitchen serves light lunches from noon, and you can eat in your robe if you like.
we came for a day and stayed three
Warm water, cold air, and nobody in a hurry.
