The Best Hot Springs

The Planet’s Best Hot Springs

Soak away your aches and pains, relieve the day's stresses and relax in the comfort of a soothing natural hot spring.

The water issued from a hot spring is heated geothermally. In other words, the heat is produced from the Earth. It is said that hot springs with high mineral content have been recommended for therapeutic purposes. Some of these minerals include sulfate, magnesium, zinc and calcium.

Although it is still being researched, they are known to relieve pain, increase circulation, decrease blood pressure, promote relaxation, and lower anxiety. (See: The World's Best Hotel Spas)

Continue reading for some of The Planet's Best Hot Springs.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Enjoy the ultimate relaxation and a complete spa experience at the Blue Lagoon Spa. Dip into their steamy hot springs and enjoy their luxurious amenities. Some of them include the Silica Mud Mask, the man-made waterfall, sauna, steam rooms, and their relaxation area with soothing music and comfortable seating.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

Hot Water Beach is a unique destination in New Zealand. Unlike many other hot springs, this beach allows you to dig your own hot pool right through the sand by the Pacific Ocean. Bonus: Hot Water Beach is also a great surfing destination.

Terme di Saturnia, Italy

Saturnia is a village in Tuscany, it attracts tourists because of its hot springs (thermal baths). The springs have been around for ages; the Romans realized their health benefits and then built a resting station in the village mainly because of the thermal baths (lifeinitaly.com). It is believed that the waters heal skin diseases.

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Chena Hot Springs was founded over 100 years ago. It is said to be the most developed springs destination in Alaska. Relax in the springs and enjoy the spectacular display of the northern lights.

Deception Island, Antarctica

Deception Island is known as one of the most incredible islands on the planet and for good reason. It's an active volcano with steaming beaches, glaciers and a flooded caldera. Imagine floating in a hot spring surrounded by a snowy, cold landscape. You can do this at in Deception Island.

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, England

An open-air rooftop pool, a Minerva bath, aroma steam rooms, spa treatments, packages, restaurants, and the cross bath are all for your own personal use at the Thermae Bath Spa in England. Relax in spectacular baths, fed by warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the view from the tranquil rooftop pool.

Yangpachen Hot Springs, Tibet

Yangpachen is famous for its unique hot springs. Tourists are in awe when they realize the neighboring areas are covered in ice. Choose from high-temperature hot springs, boiling hot springs, common hot springs and geysers. It is believed the Yangpachen hot springs are rich in minerals and have offered therapy to many chronic diseases.

Banff Upper Hot Springs, Canada

Banff Upper Hot Springs is located in Banff National Park. Before the 1880's first nation's people used the hot springs as their sacred places. In August 1996 the bathhouse opened with a new spa, restaurant, gift shop, and other added services. Bonus: Don't forget to enjoy Banff National Park. Go hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

Dunton Hot springs is a small exclusive resort famous for their pampering massages and sensuous hot springs. It's the perfect destination to get away with your significant other and enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Mountains, while staying in a luxurious tent and relaxing in the steamy hot springs.  They have been shown to promote healthy skin and improve circulation within the body. (Duntonhotsprings.com)

Arenal Hot Springs, Costa Rica

The Arenal Volcano's geothermal activity gave life to various natural hot springs in the area. There is a variety of hot springs to choose from. Some of these include Eco Termales Hot Springs, the smallest springs with four pools, each at a different temperature; the Titoku Hot Springs with eight pools that cascade down a hill and light up beautiful at night; the Baldi Hot Springs equipped with over 30 pools, three swim-up bars, two waterslides a restaurant, spa and changing rooms (arenal.net).

Ma’In Hot Springs, Jordan

The Ma'In hot springs are located near the Dead Sea. They are developed from winter rainfalls. Underground lava helps to heat them and infuses them with therapeutic minerals. Tip: Visit on a weekday; the springs tend to get very crowded on the weekends.

Puritama Hot Springs, Chile

Located at the bottom of the Atacama Desert in Chile is the Puritama hot springs. It consists of a series of eight large pools, waterfalls and changing rooms. For centuries the springs has been used for medicinal purposes by the locals. Some recommend it for healing arthritis, stress and physical fatigue.