Travel
13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World
Slide Nr 1Hot water, clouds of steam, healing and soothing minerals, inviting pools surrounded by either stunning architecture or breathtaking nature… hot springs offer a rewarding experience on multiple levels. The following thermal baths are well worth going out of your way for.
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 2Iceland – Yes, the Blue Lagoon is amazing, but it’s only the tip of the proverbial iceberg on the island of literal fire and ice. Thanks to the natural abundance of volcanic springs, you will find geothermically heated pools and baths everywhere you go, but for a jaw-dropping, muscle-soothing combination of scenic views and hot water – free of charge – head to Reykjadalur. The Smokey Valley with its hot river is a short drive and easy hike from the capital, Reykjavík. Although it lacks the luxurious facilities of the country’s popular spa-style springs, you’ll feel like you earned the hot dip that much more.
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 3Czech Republic – For centuries, the Czech Republic was known for its world-renowned spa resorts, where everyone from to artists searching for inspiration to ailing royalty came to take the healing waters. Today, most of these towns still cultivate the sophisticated and opulent air established during their heyday between the 17th and 19th centuries. However, you’ll also find evidence of the fact that the glory days are over, lending towns like Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) a somewhat melancholy air. Explore the quaint medieval town, established entirely around the hot springs that can be accessed via hundreds of private and public pools, fountains and taps all over town.
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 4Italy – Hot springs may not be at the top of your to-do list on a visit to Italy, but why not take a dip when you’re close by? Terme di Saturnia aren’t just the most famous thermal springs in the country, they’re also the ones most conveniently located, in proximity to countless popular cultural and historical sites. On the edge of Tuscany, in the seaside Maremma region, you can choose between the luxurious spa baths or the laid-back outdoor pools. The Gorello Falls are the prettiest of the lot. Be prepared for a serious sulphur smell and many bodies, or splurge on the thermal park – either way, your skin will thank you.
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 5Turkey – When speaking of natural spa baths in Turkey, Pamukkale immediately comes to mind. The stunning white travertine terraces filled with cascading sky-blue mineralised thermal water are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient Greeks and Romans already took the waters. Today, visitors are banned from bathing in the pools, so take in the views before heading for nearby Karahayit. The small spa town offers similarly therapeutic waters in natural terraced pools. The only difference is the iron level, which adds a rusty hue to the water. [Photo: Maarten Sepp/Wikimedia Commons]
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 7Tanzania – Although the drive to the Kikuletwa thermal baths may be adventurous, the hour-long journey on a dirt road is worth it once the turquoise waters of the serene oasis are revealed. If you’re recuperating after a Kilimanjaro climb, this will be the perfect antidote for sore muscles and a relief from the surrounding arid landscape. [Photo: Deborah/Flickr]
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 8India – Likewise, if you’ve made it to the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh in the Western Himalayas, there may have been some hiking involved – and you’ll be glad of a rejuvenating soak in warm waters. The most popular and accessible place to take a bath is in the town of Manikaran, but the more adventurous can trek to Kheer Ganga and be rewarded with a bath surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 10Japan – Nippon has a spa bathing culture second to none – and thanks to high thermal activity across the country’s many islands, you’ll find spa baths, or onsen, anywhere you go. Just hopped off a train in Tokyo? Take a dip in the train station onsen. Want to make a spa day of it? Visit the onsen theme park. Want to watch Macaques enjoy a soak? Head for the famous snow monkey onsen. As for the best? You’ll hear differing opinions, but Kusatsu is a name that is sure to come up. The mountain resort, an easy train journey from Tokyo, boasts the largest flowing water volume of all hot springs in Japan, as well as two unique local bathing styles dating back to the Edo Period. [Photo: Sei F/Flickr]
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 11New Zealand – Hot Water Beach is a unique DIY spa experience on New Zealand’s North Island. Two hours on either side of the low tide, hot underground water filters up through the sand. All you have to do is dig yourself a personal soaking pool to sit in, and enjoy the experience. Of course, a literal beachside outdoor spa overlooking the Pacific Ocean – free of charge – is a popular attraction, so if possible look for low tide early or late in the day, ideally outside peak season. [Photo: Simon Morris/Flickr]
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13 Irresistible Hot Springs Around The World.
Slide Nr 14Chile – Close to several important Chilean tourist attractions, including the famous Atacama Salt Flat, lies a natural thermal source that allows visitors to enjoy a hint of the country’s volcanic powers. Puritama Hot Springs, located in a canyon at an altitude of 3,400 metres, several pools are naturally heated to 25°C – 30°C year-round. The facilities, including changing rooms and walkways connecting the pools, are maintained by a local hotel that also offers a shuttle service. [Photo: Diego Maia/Flickr]
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