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Hot springs of Costa Rica, Israel, Japan and Italy inspire 10-acre wellness haven in Atlanta

10 Jan 2023 Treasured hot springs destinations from around the globe are serving as the inspiration for an ambitious new hot springs venue and spa project in Georgia, US.

Debuting in Q3 of 2023, Passport Springs & Spa is being designed to transport guests to exotic hot springs locations including Costa Rica, Italy, Israel and Japan.

The 10-acre Forsyth County venue will be divided into four pavilions inspired by each of the above locations. Each mini oasis will replicate the architecture, landscaping, sights, sounds and cuisines of its corresponding international destination, as well as its artisanal mix of mineral hot springs.

Passport Springs is promised to become the largest spa in North America, with more than 40,000sq ft of interior space and approximately 150,000 sq ft of outdoor space.

Leading the development is Jacob Bloch, the CEO of Passport Experiences, who has previous experience working with hot springs and recreational real estate ventures.

“Metro Atlanta is the perfect location for Passport Springs due to its vibrant culture and position as an international hub,” he said.

“There’s nothing like it anywhere in the world, and we look forward to providing a worldly experience for our guests.

“Whether they’re soaking in a pool with friends or making new ones, immersing themselves within our unparalleled spa amenities, or dining at our rooftop restaurant, guests will have breathtaking reasons to come back for more.”

Bloch appointed architecture studios AKA Studio and Voelker Gray Design (VGD) to help realise the project.

VGD is serving as the project’s lead architect and designer and is a full-service architecture, planning and design firm specialising in hospitality, spas and medical office design. The firm was also responsible for creating Glen Ivy Hot Springs in California, Cabo Azul Resort in Cabo and Cancun Resort in Las Vegas.

The pavilions and their offerings
Passport Spring’s four pavilions will be linked by a centralised and glass-enclosed ocean pool, complemented by over 25 thermal mineral pools.

In the Costa Rica pavilion, visitors will find waterfalls and rapids within a tropical jungle, inspired by the Arenal Hot Springs.

In contrast, the Italy pavilion will feature an outdoor courtyard and colonnade with reflexology pools and a striking Pantheon dome that encloses a Roman hot spring bathing experience.

Meanwhile, the Dead Sea pool in the Israel pavilion is claimed to be on track to become the largest flotation pool in the world, surrounded by authentic mud pools, Western Wall stone and Bedouin casbahs.

As guests walk into the Japan pavilion, they’ll be greeted by giant origami sculptures, moon gates and dragon fountains in a lantern-lit space inspired by Japanese onsens.

“Across the globe, hot springs resorts are sought-after destinations for socialising, wellness and escaping the routine,” added Bloch.

He explained that the venue will serve as a buzzy social retreat both during the day and at night.

Guests will also be able to journey through the Grotto – a subterranean cave network featuring steamrooms and snow, salt and sauna experiences.

Traditional spa treatment services will also be offered in 17 spa rooms or two premium treatment rooms. In addition, themed private cabanas and VIP villas will be available to rent within each pavilion.

Dining options will include The Passport Café and Bistro as well as a menu of international cocktails and hors d’oeuvre offerings served within each pavilion.

Situated adjacent to the Collection in South Forsyth, Passport Springs has been built to be easily accessible to the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta metropolitan area.