Going to natural hot springs is a great way to relax, get better, and feel more linked to the earth. They form when hot water from deep inside the earth comes to the surface. They are mineral-rich ponds of warm water that are great for bathing. Amazing natural things like these can be found in beautiful places like rocky mountains and quiet woods. There is peace and quiet there for both tourists and people who just want to have fun. Magnesium and silica in these hot springs can help you relax, deal with stress, and even make your skin look younger.
Each hot spring has its own special appeal because of its location and cultural importance. Because of this, they are great places for ecotourism and health tourism. People who want to relax in nature’s loving hug come to these places because they offer both fun and peace and quiet. They can be in the middle of nowhere or right next to big cities. Going to the best natural hot springs in the world is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the healing powers of mineral water with the beauty of nature that hasn’t been messed with. This guide will show you why these geothermal gems are some of the best holiday spots for relaxing.
Top Ten Natural Hot Springs You Can Bathe In
10. Banjar Hot Springs, Indonesia
Nestled in Bali’s lush northern region, Banjar Hot Springs is a tropical oasis where warm, sulfuric waters flow from intricately carved dragon spouts into tiered pools. Maintained at around 100°F (38°C), the springs are surrounded by vibrant gardens and towering palms, creating a serene setting for soaking. Locals and tourists alike flock here for the mineral-rich waters, believed to soothe skin ailments and ease muscle tension.
The site’s spiritual ambiance, tied to nearby Buddhist temples, adds a cultural layer to the experience. Visitors can enjoy a natural spa day, immersing in Bali’s tranquil beauty while embracing the therapeutic properties of these geothermal pools. Accessible yet tranquil, Banjar offers an authentic slice of Indonesia’s eco-tourism charm, perfect for those seeking relaxation amidst nature’s embrace.
9. Uunartoq, Greenland
Tucked away on an uninhabited island in southern Greenland, Uunartoq is a remote geothermal haven where warm springs bubble at around 100°F (38°C). Surrounded by drifting icebergs and rugged fjords, this secluded spot offers a surreal bathing experience, with the chance to spot whales or seals. Accessible only by boat tours, it appeals to adventurous travelers craving solitude and untouched landscapes.
The mineral-rich waters provide a soothing contrast to the chilly Arctic air, making it a bucket-list destination for nature lovers. Uunartoq’s isolation ensures a pristine environment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable eco-tourism. Soaking here under vast skies, with icy peaks in the distance, feels like a rare privilege, blending wellness with the raw beauty of Greenland’s wilderness.
8. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska, USA
Located near Fairbanks, Alaska, Chena Hot Springs is a year-round retreat where geothermal pools offer warmth amidst the state’s icy wilderness. The resort features indoor and outdoor soaking options, with waters kept at comfortable temperatures for relaxation. Renowned for its aurora borealis viewing, Chena allows visitors to bathe under shimmering Northern Lights, creating a magical experience.
The site also boasts an Aurora Ice Museum, complete with an ice bar, adding a quirky twist to the adventure. The mineral-rich waters are said to ease joint pain and promote relaxation, drawing wellness travelers to this Alaskan gem. With dog sledding and hiking nearby, Chena blends eco-tourism with adventure, making it a must-visit for those exploring Alaska’s natural wonders and seeking a cozy, therapeutic escape.
7. Kraus Hot Springs, Canada
Hidden in Canada’s Nahanni National Park Reserve, Kraus Hot Springs is a wilderness treasure reachable only by a 20-mile paddle along the Nahanni River. The sulfuric pools, nestled in a dramatic canyon, offer warm, mineral-rich waters that contrast beautifully with the cold river nearby. This remote setting, surrounded by towering cliffs and untouched forests, appeals to adventurers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
The springs’ therapeutic properties, including muscle relaxation, make them a rewarding stop for kayakers and canoeists exploring the park. Kraus Hot Springs embodies the spirit of eco-tourism, with its pristine environment demanding respect and preservation. Bathing here feels like stepping into a secret world, where the raw power of geothermal activity meets the tranquility of Canada’s wild landscapes.
6. Kerosene Creek, New Zealand
Near Rotorua, New Zealand, Kerosene Creek is a hidden gem where a naturally heated stream flows at 85°F (29°C) through a lush jungle. A small waterfall adds charm to this rustic bathing spot, where mineral-rich waters create a soothing, natural spa. Free to access, it attracts adventurers and locals who value its off-the-beaten-path vibe.
The creek’s earthy setting, with native bush and birdsong, offers a raw connection to New Zealand’s geothermal wonders. Soaking here is ideal for stress relief, with the warm waters gently easing tension. Kerosene Creek’s untouched beauty highlights the importance of sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to preserve its pristine state. This tranquil escape is perfect for those seeking an authentic, budget-friendly adventure in Rotorua’s vibrant geothermal region.
5. Termas Geometricas, Chile
Deep in Chile’s Villarrica Sur National Park, Termas Geometricas is a stunning complex of over 60 natural springs, with 18 stone pools reaching 113°F (45°C). Connected by vibrant red footbridges, the pools are set in a misty jungle ravine, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. The mineral-rich waters, infused with sulfur and other elements, are prized for their therapeutic benefits, including skin rejuvenation and relaxation.
Visitors can alternate between hot pools and a nearby cold river, enhancing the wellness experience. The site’s thoughtful design blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, making it a pinnacle of eco-tourism. Termas Geometricas offers a magical retreat for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility, with its steamy pools and lush backdrop providing an unforgettable escape into Chile’s geothermal heart.
4. Takaragawa Onsen, Japan
In Japan’s Gunma Prefecture, Takaragawa Onsen is a traditional hot spring retreat with four open-air baths along the Takaragawa River, heated to around 104°F (40°C). Surrounded by dense forests and snow-draped mountains, the baths offer a serene escape steeped in Japanese onsen culture. The mineral-rich waters are believed to promote relaxation and improve circulation, drawing visitors year-round for their therapeutic qualities.
Seasonal beauty, from autumn foliage to snowy vistas, adds to the allure, making each visit visually spectacular. The resort includes traditional ryokan accommodations and dining, enhancing the cultural experience. Takaragawa Onsen is ideal for those seeking a blend of wellness and tradition, offering a peaceful soak in one of Japan’s most picturesque geothermal settings, perfect for eco-tourism and spiritual rejuvenation.
3. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, New Mexico,USA
Ojo Caliente, located in northern New Mexico, is a historic mineral springs resort revered as a sacred Indigenous site by local communities. Its sulfur-free pools, ranging from 98°F to 104°F (37°C-40°C), are rich in minerals like lithium, iron, and arsenic, known for their healing properties. The Mud Pool, where visitors can apply clay masks, is a unique draw, offering skin-soothing benefits.
Set against dramatic red rock landscape, the springs provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and wellness. Ojo Caliente’s long history, dating back centuries, adds cultural significance, making it a haven for those seeking tourism. The resort’s commitment to sustainability underscores its role in eco-tourism, ensuring these natural wonders endure. This New Mexico gem is perfect for travelers craving a therapeutic, nature-infused getaway with a touch of history.
2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Turkey
Pamukkale, in Denizli Province, Turkey, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its dazzling white calcinate carbonate terraces, where thermal pools range from 95°F to 212°F (35°C). These mineral-rich waters, cascading down a hillside, have been prized for centuries for their therapeutic benefits, including cardiovascular health benefits and improved blood pressure.
Nearby, the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a historical dimension, attracting travelers interested in both nature and culture. The pools’ striking appearance, resembling frozen waterfalls, makes them a photographer’s dream and a natural wonder. Pamukkale’s therapeutic allure draws wellness tourists, while its preserved status emphasizes sustainable tourism. Visitors can bathe in designated pools, soaking in warm, healing waters while marveling at Turkey’s geothermal splendor, making it a must-visit for eco-tourism and historical exploration.
1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
On Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon reigns as a world-famous geothermal spa with striking blue waters at 98°F to 104°F (37°C-40°C). Formed from a power plant’s mineral-rich runoff, the lagoon is renowned for its silica mud masks, which rejuvenate skin, and its surreal lava field setting. Often bathed in the glow of the Northern Lights, it offers a dreamlike soaking experience. The mineral-rich waters promote relaxation and wellness, drawing global visitors to this iconic destination. With spa treatments and nearby accommodations, Blue Lagoon blends luxury with nature’s raw beauty, making it a pinnacle of eco-tourism. Its accessibility from Reykjavik ensures it’s a top stop for Iceland tourism, offering a therapeutic escape that captures the essence of geothermal wonders and wellness travel.
