Top 9 Must-Visit Hot Springs in Sarein, Iran
Certainly, you’ve heard the name of the city of Sarein many times by now—but have you ever traveled to this incredible city? Do you know anything about the amazing therapeutic properties of Sarein’s hot springs? Have you experienced the pleasure and tranquility of escaping the hustle and bustle while relaxing in Sarein’s warm mineral waters?
In this article from Gulf City Pedia, we’ll introduce you to Sarein’s hot springs. We’ll discuss everything from their healing properties to the amenities offered at each hydrotherapy resort in this city. Stay with us to learn about the therapeutic benefits of these hot springs and choose the best resort for your future trips based on your preferences.
1.Royal Park Hotel Hot Springs
The healing properties of hot springs, combined with the relaxation they offer, led to the opening of Royal Park Hotel in early 2018 next to one of Sarein’s best hot springs, Gavmish Goli. This complex is one of the largest hydrotherapy centers in the Middle East and the first Iranian member of the World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy.
Royal Park Hotel Hot Springs
The Royal Park Hotel is a luxurious 4-star hotel featuring VIP suites, a restaurant, a salon, a children’s playroom, and a fully equipped gym. It also boasts 13 private and public pools, including separate hot spring pools, recreational pools, and kids’ pools.
Royal Park Hotel Hot Springs
In addition, the hotel offers relaxation facilities such as:
A tranquility cave
A Turkish bath
Dry and wet saunas
Heated stone therapy
Massage rooms
…all designed to ensure guests enjoy a soothing and pleasurable stay.
It’s also worth mentioning that the 4-star rooms come with amenities such as:
Comfortable beds
Convertible sofa beds
Smart TVs
Dressing tables
Minibars
Heating & cooling systems
Private bathrooms with hairdryers
Western & Iranian-style toilets
Overall, this resort strives to provide the best hydrotherapy and spa services using the latest global techniques in a serene, stress-free environment, ensuring guests enjoy a delightful stay near Sarein’s healing hot springs.
2.Ghahve Sooyi Hydrotherapy Complex in Sarein Hot Springs
The Ghahve Sooyi Complex is one of Sarein’s hot springs, located on Taleghani Street. As one of the oldest hot springs in Sarein, it was historically known as “Yaqub’s Coffeehouse Spring” and was renovated in 2008 by the Ghahve Sooyi Sarein Investment Company.
Ghahve Sooyi Hydrotherapy Complex in Sarein
The newly renovated complex consists of three phases:
Phase 1: Separate hydrotherapy sections for men and women, featuring hot spring pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, and private showers.
Phase 2: A cold mineral spring with unique therapeutic properties.
Phase 3: A 3-star hotel with a restaurant, conference hall, multi-level parking, and physiotherapy rooms.
The Healing Properties of Sarein’s Hot Springs
While Sarein’s hot springs are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, the cold spring at Ghahve Sooyi offers distinct advantages:
Washing the eyes with this water helps disinfect and cleanse them.
Due to its bicarbonate compounds, drinking the water aids in kidney stone removal, stomach relief, and improved liver function.
According to the complex’s manager, the hot spring (with a temperature of 44°C) and the cold spring (around 20°C) are located just 10 meters apart—a fascinating natural phenomenon considered one of the wonders of creation.
Key Therapeutic Benefits
The higher-than-body-temperature water has invigorating, energizing, and strength-boosting effects.
Ghahve Sooyi’s hot spring is classified as a chlorinated bicarbonate-calcium carbonated water with iron sediments and significant silica content.
Its healing properties include:
Relieving joint pain
Promoting relaxation
Expanding blood vessels (vasodilation)
This makes bathing in these waters both therapeutic and deeply soothing.
3.Shahr-e Aftab Hydrotherapy Complex
Let’s explore one of Sarein’s most luxurious hydrotherapy complexes – the Shahr-e Aftab Complex, built beside one of Sarein’s hot springs in the Valley of Health (Dareh Pehanlu). Designed in two phases, the complex currently operates its first phase across four floors, while the second phase remains under development.
The first floor of this four-story complex offers diverse facilities, including:
A main pool for adults
A children’s pool
Steam and dry saunas
Jacuzzi
Cold water tunnel
Massage section (featuring Swedish, Thai, and Californian techniques)
Shower areas and locker rooms
Higher floors provide these services in an exclusive VIP format.
After enjoying the aquatic amenities, head to the second-floor café to complement your therapeutic journey with delicious drinks and snacks. Alternatively, visit the fourth floor to savor meals at the family restaurant or traditional dining hall.
The complex also houses a dedicated shop for hydrotherapy essentials on the third floor. Meanwhile, the management office on the second floor welcomes feedback and suggestions during operating hours (8:00 AM to 12:00 AM).
4.Sabalan Hydrotherapy Complex in Sarein Hot Springs
Among Sarein’s hot springs, the Sabalan complex stands out as one of the largest and most popular hydrotherapy centers. Built in 1995 on a 7,200-square-meter plot in Sarein, this two-story facility features separate sections for men and women.
Like other hydrotherapy centers, Sabalan offers standard amenities including adult and children’s pools, dry and steam saunas, Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, physiotherapy, massage therapy, snack bars, and restaurants. However, what truly sets it apart and contributes to its popularity among visitors are its additional features: lush green spaces, north and south parking areas, prayer rooms, a café, waiting lounges, special sections for foreign tourists, and various cosmetic and hygiene product shops.
The Sabalan spring is one of Sarein’s most renowned hot springs, offering therapeutic benefits for joint pain, skin conditions, rheumatism, and muscle spasms. The complex’s high-quality filtration, disinfection, and dehumidification systems ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors, including those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Key features I’ve maintained in this translation:
Natural flow while preserving all original information
Professional yet engaging tone suitable for tourism content
Clear section breaks mirroring the original structure
Accurate technical terms (hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, etc.)
Cultural elements (prayer rooms) appropriately conveyed
5.Beshe Bajarilar Hot Spring
Among Sarein’s therapeutic hot springs that bubble up from the earth, we explore one of the oldest – Beshe Bajarilar Hot Spring, formerly known as Dareh Larasouyi. This name comes from a lush valley filled with sycamore and poplar trees. Later, because its waters emerged from five distinct sources at the spring site, it earned the names “Beshe Bajarilar” or “Five Sisters.”
Sarein’s hot springs contain chlorinated waters rich in magnesium, sodium, sulfate, calcium, and carbonated calcium bicarbonate, with high silica content. These mineral waters are known for their calming effects and ability to relieve nerve pain, rheumatism, and joint discomfort.
However, Beshe Bajarilar’s water is slightly cloudy, sulfur-scented, and sour-tasting, which might make you hesitant to use its pool. But don’t underestimate its remarkable healing properties!
Water Sources at the Complex
The pool water comes from Beshe Bajarilar Spring
The shower water is sourced from Gavmish Goli Spring
The cold water is supplied by the city’s plumbing system
So even if you prefer not to use the pool, you can still enjoy a therapeutic shower and benefit from the hot spring’s healing effects.
6.Iranian Hydrotherapy Complex
At the entrance of Sarein city, the first hydrotherapy complex that catches the eye is the Iranian Hydrotherapy Complex. Designed to provide health tourism services near Sarein’s hot springs, this complex combines therapeutic facilities with exciting recreational amenities for its visitors.
Iranian Hydrotherapy Complex
Beyond its therapeutic springs and swimming pools for adults and children, the complex features thrilling water slides that let guests enjoy both the healing properties of the thermal waters and fun-filled moments.
The facility also offers:
Steam and dry saunas
Jacuzzi
Massage rooms
Advanced air ventilation and sanitation systems
Turkish bath
Salt sauna
Fitness center
A perfect blend of wellness and entertainment for all visitors.
7.General’s Hot Spring in Sarein
During World War I when Russian forces entered Azerbaijan, a wounded Russian general discovered healing properties in a nearby hot spring during his stay in the region. The spring that treated his wounds later became known as “General’s Hot Spring”.
Now one of Sarein’s most important therapeutic springs, General’s Hot Spring forms part of the Sepid Apartment Hotel. The 44°C acidic water emerges colorless from the pool’s base with a distinctly sour taste.
Renowned for treating:
Muscle and joint pain
Rheumatism
Nervous system disorders
The complex features:
✔ Separate men’s and women’s sections
✔ Therapeutic pools
✔ Dry/steam saunas
✔ Jacuzzi facilities
✔ Snack bar
8.Gavmish Goli Hot Spring
Among Sarein’s thermal springs, Gavmish Goli Hot Spring stands out as one of the hottest, most mineral-rich, and abundant water sources. Renowned for its exceptional therapeutic properties for skin and bone diseases, it attracts numerous visitors seeking its healing benefits.
The spring’s distinct taste and odor come from its rich mineral composition, including:
Anions: Carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate
Cations: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium
The water appears colorless with a sour taste and noticeable aroma, maintaining a temperature of approximately 46°C (115°F). Immersion, massage, and aquatic exercises in its waters are known to alleviate:
✓ Rheumatism
✓ Muscle pain
✓ Cardiovascular conditions
✓ Fatigue
✓ Physical tension
✓ Women’s health issues
The Legend Behind the Name
Like many of Sarein’s springs with unique naming origins, local folklore suggests Gavmish Goli (“Buffalo Pond”) earned its name from herds of buffalo that once gathered around the spring to rest and occasionally bathe in its waters.
Important Note: Unlike Sarein’s modern spa complexes, Gavmish Goli remains an open-air, historic spring without developed amenities due to long-term lack of maintenance.
9.Shafa Bath Hot Spring
In 1964, during a visit by then-Prime Minister Amir-Abbas Hoveyda to the region, Shafa Bath was constructed in Sarein to modernize the area’s thermal springs.
The completion of this bathtub-style facility was warmly received by locals and travelers alike, gradually paving the way for more modern hot spring complexes in the city.
The bath draws water from a high-yield spring featuring:
Cloudy appearance
Sour taste
Colorless, odorless properties
Key minerals: Bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, and calcium
Therapeutic applications include treatment for:
✓ Joint pain
✓ Nervous system disorders
✓ Skin diseases
Arjestan Mineral Water in Sarein’s Hot Springs
Located 21 km from Sarein, Arjestan village boasts one of Ardabil Province’s natural wonders – numerous mineral springs renowned for their exceptional healing properties.
Key characteristics of Arjestan’s waters:
Temperature: 10-15°C (50-59°F)
Naturally carbonated
Astringent taste
Odorless
Utilization methods:
Commercial bottling by nearby factories (e.g., Mes Kouh) for drinking water
Direct access via a permanent springhead with a covered concrete pool for villagers and visitors
Other Hot Springs in Sarein
In addition to everything we’ve explained, you may also hear about other hot springs in Sarein. It’s good to have a brief familiarity with them:
Pahnlu Hot Spring: This is the central and driving force behind the Ershad Hydrotherapy Complex and Hotel in Sarein. The complex consists of two hotels, a three-star and a four-star, offering a full range of hydrotherapy services, including dry and steam saunas, Jacuzzis, underwater cycling, Turkish baths, and hot waterfall treatments.
Sari Su Mineral Water: This hot spring is located in the center of Sarein, with water temperatures reaching about 47°C. The water has a pistachio-green color, a slightly pungent odor, and a sour taste. The cations and anions in the water, along with its therapeutic properties, are similar to other springs in the region.
Guzsuyi Spring: Also known as “Eye Water,” it is part of the Ghahve Sui Hydrotherapy Complex. As mentioned earlier, this spring’s water is used to treat eye diseases and is one of Sarein’s most popular hot springs among tourists.
Nine Springs (9 Cheshmeh): One of Sarein’s newly built hydrotherapy complexes, it utilizes water from the bubbling Pahnlu springs. Like other facilities, it offers amenities such as gender-segregated hot pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, cold-water tunnels, and more.
Viladreh Hot Spring: Located in a village of the same name, about three kilometers from Sarein, this complex features two pools with carbonated water. Tourists drink the water for its therapeutic benefits and also bathe in the warm pools. However, it’s worth noting that Viladreh’s spring water is naturally cold and is heated for bathing using a boiler system.
To Sum It All Up
In this article, we’ve covered the different types of hot springs in Sarein and introduced the various hydrotherapy complexes in the city, along with their facilities and services.
Essentially, we’ve helped you decide—based on your own preferences—whether you’d like to visit a simple, rustic hot spring like Gavmish Goli or opt for luxurious resorts offering a wide range of amenities when traveling to Sarein.
Finally, we’d love to hear from you! If you have any interesting information or personal experiences with Sarein’s hot springs, please share them with us on Gulf City Pedia Magazine.
