Araxá

Araxá in the Triângulo Mineiro region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is one of South America's most scientifically significant thermal destinations, home to the Grande Hotel de Araxá, a magnificent 1940s modernist palace set in a nature reserve where the radon-rich mineral waters of the Barreiro spring have been internationally recognised for their remarkable composition, containing a naturally occurring combination of radon, lithium, sulphur, and magnesium studied extensively by balneological researchers. The spring complex includes the extraordinary Parque do Barreiro, a vast forested reserve where dozens of mineral springs emerge from the ancient Precambrian basement rocks of the Brazilian Shield, each with distinct chemical compositions explored through the spa wellness programmes practised at the grande hotel. Araxá's combination of significant mid-century architectural heritage, scientifically documented mineral waters, and a protected natural park makes it one of Brazil's most complete and historically layered spa destinations.