Created by geothermally heated water emerging out of the Earth’s crust, hot springs are some of the most tranquil and therapeutic natural wonders that you can encounter while travelling. If you’ve spent the day switching between planes, trains and automobiles, an afternoon of soaking in one of nature’s hot tubs is the ideal way to relax and unwind. As an added bonus, the mineral-rich waters of each hot spring are said to provide a number of medicinal benefits, such as stress relief and skin detoxing. Cropping up all over the planet, from Iceland to New Mexico, here are some of the best hot springs in the world.
- The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
- Travertine Hot Springs, California
- Terme di Saturnia, Italy
- Termas Geométricas, Chile
- Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, New Mexico
- Kurokawa Onsen, Japan
- Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey
1
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Arguably one of the most famous hot springs in Iceland, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is located in a lava field near Grindavík, a 50-minute drive from the capital of Reykjavík. Supplied with water from the nearby Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant, the lagoon has an otherworldly appearance, with cloudy blue waters flowing through black lava rock. Merely soaking in the steaming water offers a spa-like experience, however there are an array of packages available to book that will elevate your experience, particularly the swim-up mud mask bar. There are also two hotels located nearby, so if you’re keen to encounter the full extent of the Blue Lagoon’s offerings, stay for a couple of days.
2
Travertine Hot Springs, California
Nestled within the Eastern Sierra Nevada, the Travertine Hot Springs are an excellent swimming destination and a good way to end a hike through the nearby mountains. Their healing powers have been touted for over 10,000 years, making them one of the oldest – and best – hot springs in the world. Blessed with expansive views from the springs and incredible sunsets, it’s worth competing with the growing tourist crowds to spend some time soaking in the scalding waters.
3
Terme di Saturnia, Italy
Located in southern Tuscany, the Cascate del Mulino waterfalls and Terme di Saturnia thermal spa are two of the region’s most popular attractions. Eminently photogenic, the cascading waters and pale turquoise pools have been bubbling out of the ground for over 3,000 years. The waterfalls flow onto travertine rocks and over the years, this constant flow of water has formed small pools in the rock. Due to the high quantities of minerals present in the springs, the water is said to have healing properties and the success of curing certain diseases has been recorded since ancient times. Stay at the luxurious on-site resort for the full wellbeing experience.
4
Termas Geométricas, Chile
Chile may be home to the driest place on the planet (the Atacama Desert), but huddled deep in the heart of the verdant Villarrica National Park, you’ll find a maze of eye-catching red walkways linking 17 hot spring pools and an array of thundering waterfalls. The site was designed by Chilean architect Germán del Sol and is inspired by the architecture of Japanese spas. Spend time soaking in the 42°C waters, before heading to the hot springs’ restaurant to indulge in equally warming chicken fajitas.
5
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, New Mexico
As the only sulphur-free hot springs in the world, the historic Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs are a special natural feature in more ways than one. They are deemed sacred by the Indigenous communities of northern New Mexico and also have a popular mud pool, where visitors can cover themselves in healing clay mud masks. Discovered by the Spanish in the 16th century, the waters of Ojo Caliente are now divided into a number of pools, with both communal and private options.
6
Kurokawa Onsen, Japan
While Termas Geométricas wonderfully replicates a Japanese spa design, if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, you’ll have to head for the hot springs of Japan. The country is known for its onsens (hot springs) and there are a number of them situated in different regions. Kurokawa is renowned for possessing some of the most picturesque onsens and the island of Kyushu, where the town is located, has as many as 30 to choose from. Stay in a nearby ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and take a dip in each of the 24 pools, with backdrops that vary from bamboo forests to caves to riverbanks.
7
Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey
Arguably one of the most beautiful collections of hot springs, the 17-tiered pools of Pamukkale (Turkish for ‘cotton castle’) are a worthy choice for rounding off our list of the best hot springs in the world. The milky white travertine pools tumble down the hills of Pamukkale Natural Park – a designated UNESCO World Heritage site overlooking the southwestern city of Denizli – and the vibrant turquoise waters have attracted royal visitors over the years, including Cleopatra. Hierapolis, the nearby ancient spa town, was once the site of various hydrotherapy rituals and Pamukkale’s ‘Cleopatra’ pool is said to have been gifted to the Egyptian Queen by Marc Antony.
Written by Luisa Watts
