With this cold and snowy weather, I bet you could use a hot, soothing spa right now! You deserve a spare time to look after yourself. It turns out after the holidays is the best possible time to visit a hot spring, for their curative powers or because you need a relaxation time your bathtub can’t provide. If you are looking for a healthy getaway that will get you pumped for the rest of the year, you are in luck. Here are 5 of the most stunning hot springs in the world.
1. Pamukkale – Turkey
We love Turkey, and we love the Pamukkale hot springs even more. We mention them in this post about unreal natural wonders. The Cotton Castle is a popular destination in southwestern Turkey.
Pamukkale is a wellness attraction for its healing hot springs but also a UNESCO world Heritage site. No doubt, its pure-white terraces are a something you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
2. Yunessun Spa Resort – Hakone, Japan
Who says wellness and geothermal waters, means spa, right? Well if you want a spa resort that is out of this world, you have to visit Hakone right now. The Yunessun hot springs are the ultimate offbeat spa resort.
In fact, this is more of a themed park then anything. Each bath has its own theme, from Ancient Rome baths to giant green tea or cups. To be honest, there is a hot springs here with whatever your favorite drink is. Wait, before you say anything, yes! They even have a wine and coffee baths that you can sip while dipping in it. If you think that is insane, just check out the other weirdest tourist attractions.
3. Terme di Saturnia – Italy
It is hard do list the world’s best hot springs without swinging by Italy. The therms are just a few miles away from the town of Saturnia in Tuscany. According to legends, the formation of the geothermal was caused by the thunderbolts of Jupiter himself. That could explain the natural beauty of the therms with its waterfalls and baths. The town is now known for its luxury spa resort although this little geothermal heaven is still free of access.
4. Blue Lagoon – Iceland
If you are a Star Wars fan, you have all the reasons to visit Iceland for its many filming locations. If not, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa should be your motivation. It is definitely one of the most popular destination in the country.
The Blue Lagoon is just 20 miles away from the capital city of Reykjavik. Unlike the natural hot springs in the list, this one is man-made. The water is nonetheless mineral-rich and heated by the underground lava flow. The Blue Lagoon is a warm welcome to the Nordic cold for both medicinal and recreational users.
Banff Upper Hot Springs – Canada
Not only are the Canadian Rockies spectacular, they also home these curative hot springs. Banff Upper is 100 degrees of mineral-rich spring waters flowing from Sulphur Mountain. The whole Banff area is rich of natural hot spring baths, all offering stunning views onto the surrounding mountains. Unlike the other baths mentioned in these posts, you will want to visit Banff Upper during the Spring when the snow starts to melt. Trek all day and come here to recuperate the best way possible. Enjoy!
Here are five hot springs that should keep you warm during even the coldest winter. For something closer to home, be sure to check the best Southwestern hot springs in the US. What is your favorite hot springs in the world that you’d want to see listed here? Add them in the comment box. Happy New Year.