Glorious Springs Destinations in the World With Gorgeous View And Water To Relax
Hot springs, where scalding water has bubbled up to the surface, are some of the most amazing natural wonders you can encounter. For centuries, these mineral-rich waters have either gathered naturally into pools or have been channeled into man-made spas, both options providing therapeutic and medicinal benefits—and some good old-fashioned relaxation. And while you may not be able to take a dip in some of these springs, they’re still photogenic enough to get you hundreds of likes on Instagram. Here, 15 of the best hot springs around the world.
The most beautiful places in the world include international destinations like Greece, Croatia, Chile, and Italy, as well as U.S. places such as Colorado, Washington, South Carolina, and many other states. Visitors get to choose among spectacular mountain ranges, sparkling emerald lakes, thundering waterfalls, dreamy ancient towns perched on high cliffs, and parks that attract millions of people from all over the world.
Pamukkale, Denizli, Turkey
The 17 tiered pools of Pamukkale (“cotton castle” in Turkish) are as beautiful as hot springs get. The still, 94-degree Fahrenheit waters, contained in milky white travertine (a form of limestone) formations, perfectly reflect the cerulean Aegean sky and overlook the southwestern city of Denizli, about a six-hour drive south of Istanbul. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby ancient spa town of Hierapolis, where various forms of hydrotherapy were once used in tandem with religious rituals. Take a dip in the nearby Cleopatra pool, also known as the Pamukkale Antique Pool; it’s said to have been a gift from Marc Antony to the pharaoh herself.
Kerosene Creek ( New Zealand )
Relax in the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek, Rotorua, where hot spring and freshwater streams meet. Thirty-five minutes south of Rotorua is Kerosene Creek, a geothermally heated stream where you can bathe and relax. Hot water from a natural spring under the earth bubbles up into the cool waters of the creek, creating pleasantly warm waters. Swimmers have piled up small smooth rocks to create little hot pools beside the 2m waterfall. Set amongst lush native bush, Kerosene Creek is popular among visitors and locals alike, offering a natural bathing experience like no other. There’s no admission charge, just be courteous to other bathers, and take any rubbish away with you.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs ( New Mexico )
Steeped in history and tradition, Ojo Caliente is one of the country’s oldest health spas. Tucked between the rugged desert cliffs and cottonwood-lined bosque, natural hot mineral waters await soakers seeking healing and respite. you’ll enjoy unfettered access to most pools each with its own healing properties and unique ambiance. Ojo is one of the oldest natural health resorts in the US and the only hot springs in the world with four different sulfur-free, healing mineral waters. The resort is historic and fresh with eclectic charm and modern amenities in a tranquil and relaxed environment.
Kraus Hot Springs (Canada)
Named after a couple that lived here during the mid-1900s, Kraus Hot Springs is bliss. One of Nahanni National Park Reserve’s numerous hot springs, this is one for those in search of a back-to-nature feel. After the 30-kilometre paddle through Nahanni’s stupendous, cliff-pinched First Canyon, you arrive here, at Kraus Hot Springs. Named after pioneers Gus and Mary Kraus, who lived here for nearly 30 years (lucky!), this sulfuric hot springs is an idyllic spa in the wilderness. It smells like rotten eggs but it feels like heaven. Bask as long as you’d like. You earned it.
Chena Hot Springs (Alaska)
Chena Hot Springs Resort operates a big indoor pool and handsome outdoor wading lake, all of it constantly replenished by pungent mineral spring water that rises from the earth at about 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility has authentic Gold Rush roots and was already a premier destination for It remains a remarkable place to visit—probably the most accessible and popular hot springs in the state—with a reputation for open-air aurora viewing during winter.
Chena Hot Springs is a hot spring, resort, and unincorporated community in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States, 56.5 miles northeast of Fairbanks near the Chena River State Recreation Area. The resort makes use of the first low-temperature binary geothermal power plant built in Alaska, and is working on several alternative energy projects, including the production and use of hydrogen and vegetable oil for fuel. The resort is conducting collaborative experiments in greenhouse production of vegetables with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
Uunartoq (Greenland)
Hot springs in Greenland are a common natural phenomenon, but the island of Uunartoq is home to the only place where the springs are warm enough to bathe. On the uninhabited island between Alluitsup Paa and Nanortalik in South Greenland, there are three naturally heated springs that run together to a small stone-dammed pool. Surrounded by mountain peaks and drifting icebergs, you can lie in the warm water and enjoy the almost surrealistically beautiful natural surroundings. It is a great experience for both body and the soul!
Banjar Hot Springs (Indonesia)
Banjar Hot Springs are centuries-old springs have been upgraded with modern facilities over time. The hot water springs provide a recreational and therapeutic experience due to the water’s sulphur content. This can be seen from the yellowish-red sedimentation at several points of the spouts and pool walls. The complex is known to have been further developed during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during World War II. At the time, the waters of the hot springs were known to have cured various skin problems as well as rheumatic ailments.
Banjar Hot Springs continue to provide an enjoyable and health-benefiting retreat up in the hills of the north, for those seeking relaxation, fun, sightseeing, and a totally different experience. Those not willing to go for a swim can easily enjoy the lush tropical gardens, or the view from above at the Komala Tirta Restaurant, or shop for souvenirs at the rows of art shops just outside.
Cascate del Mulino (Italy)
The water leaves the spa complex and flows downstream, through a few fields and other rivers until it reaches a natural waterfall. This is the Cascate del Mulino. The water has carved natural pools here. You can also swim here. It’s the most scenic site and the one you see most commonly online.
This thermal spring is called Cascatelle or Cascate because the water has formed a waterfall that opens in many other smaller waterfalls that have carved the rock, forming natural pools on different levels. These pools are full of sulfurous water that comes out directly from the underground at a constant temperature of 37° C. Being soaked in it is good for the body, thanks to the beneficial properties, but also for the spirit. The waterfalls are surrounded by the beautiful nature of Tuscany. The green of the vegetation is mixed with the turquoise of the water and the white of the calcareous rock. An old building at the top of the falls stands still, as a reminder of a past time. Further away, beyond the trees, the delicate hills of Maremma disappear from view, hidden by curtains of steam.
Yangpachen Hot Springs (Tibet)
The famous Yangpachen Hot Spring lies on the southern slope of the Nyenchen Tangula Mountains some 90 km to the northwest of Lhasa. It is close to the Qinghai-Tibet Highway in Damxung County. Yangpachen is famous for its geothermal scenery. Every year, Yangpachen Hot Spring emits heat every equal to that 4.7 million tons of standard coal. Lying in a plateau basin, Yangpachen Hot Spring’s geothermal field covers 40 square km. Throughout the year, hot water at 70℃ boils and bubbles amid thick fog. The grandest sight appears when the throttle valve is turned on, boiling water and steam will burst straight into the sky. On the background of the great Nyenchen Tangula Mountains and the vast green pasture, the white steam dragon is clearly visible several kilometers away.
The area is the 1st geothermal spot developed in Tibet. It is the country’s largest high-temperature steam geothermal ground and one of the world’s major geothermal grounds already developed. Since preliminary experiments were carried out in the 1970s, great achievements have been made at the geothermal power station here. For many years before the Yamdroktso Hydropower Station was completed, the electricity generated from Yangpachen Hot Spring had been the major power source for Lhasa and nearby regions.
Takaragawa Onsen (Japan)
Takaragawa Onsen is located in the Minakami Onsen area, one of the four major hot springs in Gunma Prefecture. Refresh yourself in the largest open-air bath in Japan along the pristine stream of Takaragawa. The resort ranked as one of Japan’s 10 best hot springs in the travel guidebook with the largest share in English-speaking countries. Day-trip visitors are also welcome to enjoy the bath.
In the nature-surrounded Takaragawa Onsen, you can enjoy bathing while gazing at the beautiful foliage in the fall and the snow in winter. Since it is a snowy region with even a ski resort nearby, taking a hot open-air bath while viewing the scenic snow is highly recommended.
Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field near Grindavík and in front of Mount Þorbjörn on Reykjanes Peninsula, in a location favorable for geothermal power, and is supplied by water used in the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power station. From massages to cocktails, this lovely spa will provide you with the relaxation and rejuvenation that you deserve. The Blue Lagoon offers a variety of day visits, overnight accommodation, and dining options.
This hot spring was created with a little help from humans, but it is filled with many types of healing elements that occur naturally. From the mineral-rich brackish water to the exfoliating mud, this spa offers rejuvenating treatments in forms that you’d never imagine. The water of the spring naturally maintains a temperature of about 39C/102F all year round. With these consistent temperatures, the lagoon is as comfortable as a bathtub!
