10 of our Favorite Hot Springs
Hot springs only get better as the temperatures drop. Here are ten of Mother Nature’s finest spots to warm up and chill out from all around the globe.
Blue Lagoon
Grindavik, Iceland
Picturesque baby blue water contrasted by jutting black rock makes the geothermal Blue Lagoon one of the most recognizable hot springs in the world. Hovering between 98-102° F, the mineral rich waters are ideal for prolonged soaking. Try a silicon mud mask and in-water massage to enhance your experience.
Best For: Layovers. Blue Lagoon is a short distance from Reykjavík airport, a common hub for international travel.
Breitenbush Hot Springs
Detroit, OR
Breitenbush is so much more than a hot springs retreat. To be clear, it has them—all with varying degrees of privacy, temperature and noise (try the silent pool first thing in the morning). But there’s also something about Breitenbush that inspires deep thought about your place in the world. Maybe it’s the combination of soaking, workshops, yoga, hiking trails, healthful vegetarian-only cuisine and guilt-free napping. We’ll let you decide for yourself.
Best For: Soaking with a side of enlightenment.
Deception Island Hot Springs
Antarctica
Experience Antarctica in a swimsuit? Deception Island Hot Springs makes it possible in a gorgeously eerie setting. Warm up in the volcanic bath surrounded by an abandoned hanger, whaling station and even a cemetery.
Best For: Warming up in the chilliest of locales.
Conundrum Hot Springs
Aspen, Colorado
Are you willing to sweat for a soak? Conundrum Hot Springs is well worth the 8.5-mile climb and hefty elevation gain of 2,200 feet. Your reward is a hiker’s dream: relaxing in one of two pools nestled amongst towering fourteeners with unobstructed treeline views. Wineskins are encouraged.
Best For: Hiker’s reward.
Pamukkale
Denizli, Turkey
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale’s turquoise mineral infused waters have enticed bathers for 1,000s of years. Pamukkale translates to Cotton Palace—the landscape is made up of petrified waterfalls, mineral forests and white calcite shelves.
Best For: Bathing history buffs—ancient Romans built a spa surrounding Pamukkale.
Hot Water Beach
Waikato, New Zealand
There are no “pools” at Hot Water Beach. You’ll have to dig your own. At low tide, hot mineral water bubbles up from exposed sand, allowing visitors to dig their own hot springs pools steps away from the Pacific Ocean.
Best For: DIYers.
Chena Hot Springs
Fairbanks, Alaska
Unwind in the healing waters of Chena Hot Springs. Thought to alleviate skin conditions such psoriasis and arthritis as well as circulatory disorders, Chena’s geothermal waters contain eight therapeutic minerals.
Best For: Healing soaks.
Beppu Hot Springs Resort
Beppu, Japan
Beppu is the Disneyworld of hot springs. There are eight hot springs resorts in the city of Beppu, all with different offerings in addition to traditional heated waters. Think: Sand, steam, and mud baths.
Best For: Buffet-style bathing.
Valley View Hot Springs
Moffat, CO
A part of Orient Land Trust, Valley View hot springs promotes a natural agenda, keeping all spaces and activities clothing optional. With six pools as well as a hot tub, pool, sauna and cooling basin, Valley View’s pools are spread out and all offer their own atmosphere. For a gorgeous view and a bit more privacy, try the ¼ mile hike to the top ponds.
Best For: Comfortable extended stays—the rates are low and cabins are available.
Le Cascate del Mulino
Saturnia, Italy
Surrounded by waterfalls and the Tuscan countryside, Le Cascate del Mulino is the definition of idyllic. Though often crowded, the springs are free to the public.
Best For: A local’s only experience.
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