The most incredible hot springs in the world

Stunning natural hot springs

KrisWiktor/Shutterstock

For centuries, people have flocked to bubbling hot springs in the belief that the mineral-rich waters, fresh from the depths of the earth, will cure their ills. From mountaintop baths, to cascading aquamarine ponds and boiling, burnt orange pools, we bring you the most spectacular hot springs on the planet.

Travertine Hot Springs, California, USA

KrisWiktor/Shutterstock

These shallow thermal pools offer incredible sunsets views over California’s Eastern Sierra. Lined with silky soft, mineral-rich clay, the piping hot water from the source if cooled to a glorious 39°C as it flows over the rocks to form these pools. You’ll find Travertine Hot Springs a five-minute drive from Bridgeport and, be warned, clothing is optional.

Spencer Hot Springs, Nevada, USA

TravelNevada

This remote, rustic geothermal hot spot in Nevada offers incredible views. You’ll find a cluster of bathing areas, with most of the baths made from cattle troughs – the metal keeps the spring waters at a deliciously warm 54°C, year-round. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the local herd of wild burros as you soak up the expansive vistas. Spencer hot springs is 12 miles east of Austin, on Highway 50. Turn south on SR 376 and after a third of a mile, take a left onto a dirt road.

Széchenyi Spa, Budapest, Hungary

AliciaGMonedero/Shutterstock

Thermal spas are part of every day life in Budapest, and a must-do on any visitor’s bucket list. At any time of year you can easily while away an afternoon in the 21 pools at Széchenyi Spa, which has waters ranging from a toasty 40°C to a more bracing 18°C, as well as saunas and massage. For a more hedonistic vibe, head to one of their night parties – or sparties, as they’re known.

Glenwood Hot Springs, Colorado, USA

AndriyBlokhin/Shutterstock

Fancy a thermal-themed road trip? You can explore 19 of Colorado’s hot springs (there are over 30) from the Historic Hot Springs loop, a 720-mile route taking in some of the best in the state. Make sure you visit Glenwood Hot Springs, which is one of the world’s largest mineral baths and open year-round. The gigantic main pool contains a staggering one million gallons of water (at 32°C), whilst the warmer therapy pool is 100 feet long.

Soufrière, St Lucia

Solarisys/Shutterstock

Dubbed the world’s only drive through volcano, Soufrière in St Lucia offers the chance to take a bath in thick, oozing, mineral-rich mud. Once you’ve wallowed, wash it off with a cleansing dip in the thermal spring waters. Be prepared for the sulphurous smell! To get the best of the Caribbean weather, visit between December and April.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland

NejaHrovat/Shutterstock

Granted, the Blue Lagoon gets crowded, but the sight of the milky blue waters set amidst the black volcanic landscape is still striking. Technically not entirely natural – the pool was the accidental result of drilling by the next-door geothermal power plant – you can wallow in the 37-40°C waters, have a massage, plaster on a free, silica-rich facemask, or sweat it out in a steam room and sauna. To minimise queuing, buy a ticket that includes your towel and robe in advance and get there early.

Lussier Hot Springs, British Columbia, Canada

ChaseClausen/Shutterstock

Tucked away in the wilderness of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, you’ll find three stunning natural pools, surrounded by boulders. Dip into the toasty 44°C waters and clear your head, whilst you look out over the Lussier river and forested valleys. To access the hot springs, you need to take a short walk from the Whiteswan Forestry Road, to the Lussier River. Keep watch for golden eagles, kingfishers, deer and of course bears. Visit in summer, when the roads are clear of snow.

Beppu, Japan

SeanPavone/Shutterstock

Dubbed Japan’s hot spring capital, Beppu is trumped only by Yellowstone Park when it comes to sheer volume of thermal waters. The city is home to some 2,500 onsen (public natural baths), and experiences range from relaxing hot water pools, to steam baths and mud pools. You can even take a sand bath, where your body is buried under hot, black, volcanic sand. Travellers can also visit (but not swim at) The Hells, seven hot springs that range from a boiling turquoise pool to a steaming, blood-orange pond. Visit May-October.

Huanglong, Sichuan, China

Jiraphoto/Shutterstock

In China’s Huanglong Valley, hot spring water cascades down a series of intensely aquamarine terraced pools, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Formed from calcium carbonate, the ponds and lakes stretch for over two miles through the valley, which is home to giant pandas and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. You can't bathe here, but you'll see why Huanglong is known as 'Fairyland on Earth'. Visit in October to see it at its most beautiful.

Kuirau Park, Rotorua, New Zealand

Adrian Hodge

This North Island city is built on an active volcano and has several hotels offering spa pools, but Kuirau Park is not to be missed. Right in the heart of the city, it has hot springs, mud pools and a bubbling crater lake. Immerse your feet in the mud baths (bathing isn’t permitted) and enjoy the atmosphere, as steam rises from the geothermal vents nearby. Rotorua is best visited from late spring until early autumn.

The Gastein Valley, Austria

www.gastein.com

From Romans to Royals, the rich, healing waters in Austria’s Gastein Valley and glorious Alpine views have been drawing visitors through the centuries. There are 18 natural springs here, with temperatures ranging from 44-47°C, and the waters are now being used to feed two stunning new swimming lakes. The smaller lake is open year-round, whilst the larger opens in summer only. You’ll find Gastein about a 90-minute drive from Salzburg.

Upper Hot Springs, Alberta, Canada

Pete Halvorsen/Visit Alberta

For après ski relaxation and spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies, Banff Upper Hot Springs is hard to beat. Visit in winter at sunset, and kick back in the 40°C pool, whilst your hair frosts over and the snow falls silently around you. The geothermal waters here were discovered in 1883 by three railway workers, who found hot water flowing from a cave on Sulphur Mountain.

Hoffell Hot Tubs, Iceland

NejaHrovat/Shutterstock

If you want to escape the hordes in Iceland, there are several remote hot springs. At Hoffell Hot Tubs (pictured), 11 miles west of Höfn, you’ll find five pools and glorious views across Vatnajökull National Park. Or, take a 20-minute mountain hike to Seljavallalaug, where you’ll find an 82-foot swimming pool at the base of a volcanic valley and filled with natural spring water from Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Volcano. Visit from May to September when the days are longer. Discover more of Iceland without the crowds here.

Puritama, Chile

GonzaloSanchez/Shutterstock

From healing mineral waters to dramatic geysers, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a hot spot for geothermal activity. At Puritama, you’ll find eight crystalline pools, set within a startling green oasis. Connected by a series of wooden walkways, the pools were believed by the Incas to have the ability to cure rheumatism and arthritis.

Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand

HennerDamke/Shutterstock

You can't bathe here, but a walk through this volcanic wonderland takes in vast craters and dazzlingly colourful hot pools, ranging from vivid yellow to startling turquoise. Highlights include Champagne Pool (pictured), with its emerald-green centre and burnt orange edges, and Lady Knox Geyser, which jets scalding water up to 65 feet into the air every morning. You’ll find Wai-O-Tapu 20 minutes south of Rotorua.

El Tatio, Chile

TaesikPark/Shutterstock

At El Tatio, on Chile’s Altiplano, powerful shots of steam jet out from geyser blowholes (for obvious reasons, no bathing allowed). Get there at sunrise for a spellbinding sight of the geysers and silhouetted mountain peaks. You can reach both Puritama and El Tatio from San Pedro, in northern Chile, which is just under two hours from the airport in Calama. Real World Holidays offers tailor made tours of Chile, including trips to El Tatio and Puritama. You can visit the Altiplano year-round.

Tabacón Hot Springs, Arenal, Costa Rica

MichaelZysman/Shutterstock

The warm, mineral-rich waters generated by Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano draw thousands of tourists to the surrounding area each year. At Tabacón Hot Springs, you’ll find over 20 pools, creeks and tumbling thermal waterfalls, all within verdant rainforest. There’s a luxury hotel on-site, but day passes are also available.

Conundrum Hot Springs, Colorado, USA

KrisWiktor/Shutterstock

It's an eight-mile hike to Conundrum Hot Springs, but the stunning mountain meadows and aspen forests make the hard work worthwhile. The reward? You’ll get to lower yourself into a deliciously warm thermal pool and rest, whilst you soak up breathtaking views. You can camp nearby, but the use of bear canisters is enforced. Find the Conundrum Creek Trailhead off Castle Creek Road, south of Aspen. Go between spring and mid autumn, when the snow has melted.

Bitter Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

KarelStipek/Shutterstock

These free, spring-fed thermal pools in Elsey National Park are fringed with tropical woodlands and cabbage palms. Bring a swimming noodle and let the gentle current float you around the crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for flying foxes, wild pigs and even the odd turtle. Camp or rent a cabin at Bitter Springs Cabins, which is open all year and a short walk from the springs.

Cascate Del Mulino, Italy

InnaFelker/Shutterstock

Italians have floated in these naturally-carved pools since Roman times in the firm belief that the thermal waters have healing properties. Wallow in the 37°C waters as you gaze out over the Tuscan countryside. Best of all, entry is free. You’ll find Cascate Del Mulino just outside Saturnia.

Liard River Hot Spring, British Columbia, Canada

BrettHolmes/Shutterstock

Liard River Hot Spring, near the British Columbia-Yukon border, is Canada’s second-largest hot spring. With water temperatures reaching 52°C, locals flock here to stave off the winter chill. The warmth here has created a tropical micro climate, where 14 species of orchid bloom. Look out for moose, which feed in the warm water swamps. You’ll find the springs in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, and there’s year-round camping nearby.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA

BucchiFrancesco/Shutterstock

With its vivid blue centre, surrounded by bands of yellow, rusty orange and green, Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park looks almost otherworldly. The depths of this lake, filled with bubbling thermal waters, plunge as deep as 160 feet. The psychedelic colours are caused by bacteria in the water. You can't bathe here, but head north to Mammoth to enjoy a soak in Boiling River.

Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria, Australia

Visit Victoria

In the late 20th century, two brothers drilled a bore hole some 2,000 feet into Australia's Mornington Peninsula in a bid to access the geothermal waters deep below the surface. They succeeded, and today the waters flow through a series of tastefully built pools, including a hilltop bath with 360 degree views, a grotto pool and an indoor pool with lake views. There’s also a traditional sauna and Moroccan hammam. You’ll find Peninsula Hot Springs 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Niseko, Japan

SEASTOCK/Shutterstock

Niseko, on Hokkaido island, is as famous for its volcanic springs as it is for its pristine powder snow. After a day on the slopes, strip off and warm up in one of the many onsen. There’s a strict code of behaviour at play – tattoos are forbidden, bathers are generally expected to be naked and the majority of hot springs segregate men and women. If you want to mingle with the opposite sex, try the onsen at the Niseko Grand Hotel. For plentiful snow, visit between December and April.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

AARStudio/Shutterstock

The world’s biggest saltpan, the Salar de Uyuni is surrounded by snow-dusted volcanoes and thermal springs. Unless you’re very intrepid, the hauntingly beautiful Salar is best explored by a three or four day guided tour from the town of Uyuni. Expect to see dramatic geysers, hot springs, bubbling sulphur pools and eerie mineral lakes. Visit between March and October.

Bath, England

aroundworld/Shutterstock

The elegant Georgian city of Bath attracts millions of tourists, not least for its magnificent modern spa complex and Roman Baths. Start by exploring the thermal waters at the Thermae Bath Spa – the highlight is bubbling away in the steaming rooftop pool, with city skyline views. Next, step back 1,900 years, at the Roman Baths complex. The grand pools are remarkably preserved and still flow with hot spring water today.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

Fotos593/Shutterstock

As thermal springs go, Hot Water Beach on North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula offers a unique experience. Here, geothermal waters bubble up through the sand – buy a spade, then hollow out a spot and relax as the warming waters gurgle around you. For the best experience, visit two hours either side of high tide.

Granite Hot Springs, Wyoming, USA

MelissaMN/Shutterstock

Granite Hot Springs, near Jackson Hole, is a favourite spot for winter sport lovers to ease tired muscles. Winter access is limited to cross country skiers, snowmobiles and dog sled tours who make the journey from Jackson, but during the summer months the Granite Creek Campground and access road both open. You’ll find a hot spring bath with views over the majestic Gros Ventre Mountains, as well as a swimming pool.

Pamukkale, Turkey

Muratart/Shutterstock

These tiered pools in Turkey are filled with milky white, hot spring water and have formed from limestone deposits over millions of years. The 17 terraces are strictly for looking at, not swimming in, but you can bathe in thermal waters at Cleopatra’s pool, above. To beat the crowds, stay in nearby Pamukkale village and visit in the early morning. The best time to go is spring, when the weather is clear but not too hot.

Dallol Sulphur Springs, Ethiopia

MatejHudovernik/Shutterstock

You can't bathe in these, but Dallol Sulphur Springs in Ethopia’s Danakil Depression offers a mesmerising landscape that wouldn’t look out of place in sci-fi movie. Here, steam is spewed out from fissures in the Earth’s crust and the boiling magma below the surface heats the watery pools. The rocky salt deposits get their striking, neon colours from minerals dissolved within the waters. Visit in November or December, when the searing heat lessens. Responsible Travel offer a nine-day tour, including Dallol.