The Best Hot Springs Around the World

The Blue Lagoon is among the most famous hot springs on earth and certainly one of the best things to do in Iceland. Located on the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula, this iconic attraction has harnessed the power of geothermal seawater to create an unparalleled wellness experience. 

The enormous lagoon is complemented by a subterranean spa with various spaces and treatments. To fully enjoy it, stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, where modern luxury melds with the mystical aura of this 800-year-old landscape.

Set along the renowned ‘Ring Road’ that connects many of the top destinations in Iceland, the Mývatn Nature Baths are an essential stop in the country’s northern region. This magical site is made up of several geothermal pools.

The water’s high sulphur content makes it especially soothing, and there are two steam baths that are significantly warmer than the main lagoon. After spending a few hours lounging in the healing waters, you can also explore the stunning volcanic terrain of Mývatn.

Japanese onsen are more than just hot springs; they’re an important part of local culture and a core element of some of the best ryokans in Japan. In the town of Kinosaki, you can enjoy seven different onsen that are open to the public and within walking distance of each other.

If you want to visit multiple onsen, you can either buy a day pass or stay at one of the town’s ryokans, which gives you unlimited access to all seven. Kinosaki is about two and a half hours from Kyoto by train or car, making it a fantastic overnight trip.

Tuscany usually brings to mind rolling vineyards and fields of sunflowers, but the Terme di Saturnia add ancient healing waters to the mix. The cascading terraced pools of Cascate del Mulino are the most picturesque – and they’re also free and open to the public.

To enjoy even more of the springs you can stay at the nearby Terme di Saturnia hotel. This elegant resort features an expansive spring-fed spa including thermal pools, whirlpools and areas for children.

In Turkish, the word pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ – which might seem like an unlikely name for a group of 17 thermal hot springs. But when seen from afar, the white limestone terraces and ice-blue pools do indeed resemble a castle made of cotton fluff or perhaps puffy clouds.

Located in western Turkey about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Bodrum, the Pamukkale thermal pools have been revered for their beauty and healing properties for millennia; the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built right beside them.

New Zealand’s North Island is literally bursting with geothermal heat. There are volcanic pools, geysers and mud baths, but one of our favourite spots is Kerosene Creek. Located between Rotorua and Taupō, this remote stream is a favourite among locals. 

Unlike many hot springs, Kerosene Creek remains undeveloped and completely natural. Its warm water collects in pools and flows over small waterfalls to create an entirely unique swimming experience.

You’ll find the Waikite Valley Hot Pools just south of Rotorua, only a ten-minute drive from Kerosene Creek. Here the naturally warm spring water is diverted into several different man-made pools, including small private pools that you can reserve for exclusive use. 

During your visit you can take the short walk to Te Manaroa Spring, where the water boils up through the earth’s surface before flowing downstream to the pools (and cooling off along the way).

Located about an hour and a half away from Melbourne, Peninsula Hot Springs draws inspiration from traditional Japanese onsen. This expansive spa and wellness retreat sits atop a geothermal spring that’s more than 10,000 years old.

At Peninsula Hot Springs you can relax in thermal pools with panoramic views and enjoy dozens of additional wellness experiences, from massages and facials to cold plunges and saunas.

There are at least a dozen different hot springs in and around La Fortuna, a lovely town next to Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano itself accounts for the geothermal activity that warms the waters, which you can enjoy at several spas and natural pools.

Arenal is also home to one of the most romantic hotels in Costa Rica: Nayara Springs. Each of its exquisite villas features a private plunge pool filled with water from the hot springs.

Borneo is an exceptionally biodiverse and beautiful island offering countless adventures. But when you’re ready to relax for a while, head to Poring Hot Springs. This natural spa includes indoor and outdoor baths that are popular among local families and hikers.

Poring isn’t the most luxurious or scenic spot on this list, but it does have a few added attractions: there’s a canopy walkway, a kids’ area and a conservation centre dedicated to Rafflesia (the world’s largest flower).