5 Best Natural Hot Springs Around the World

After a year-plus of less travel and more time at home, you may be dreaming of your next great adventure. Whether you’re already booking your next travel destination or want to bring a luxe experience into your home, here are five of the world’s best natural hot springs to inspire you.

Italy

When you’re not gazing at the rolling hills landscape or outstretched vineyards in Italy’s Garden City, acquaint yourself with one of Tuscany’s hidden gems: Cascate del Mulino. A beautiful, cascading hot spring situated in the Italian Province of Grosseto on the grounds of an old mill, this scenic waterfall has attracted locals and visitors for centuries.

These outdoor thermal waters maintain a consistent temperature of 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, establishing the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the benefits of steam. The rich, warm steam circulates upwards into the cool air, a process that can open nasal passages and may help you breathe more freely. The steam can also open your pores and help your skin glow.

As steam warmly embraces your body, vibrant, clear waters and lush green foliage offer a scenic backdrop. Tuscany is known for many things, including its winding roads, hilltop towns and cypress trees that have become synonymous with the region’s moniker of the “Garden of Italy.” However, beauty and luxury are just one part of the story. If you’re curious about how to luxuriate in a natural spa experience at home, read more about steam bathing benefits.

Japan

While steam showers provide numerous wellness benefits today, steam has been used by many cultures around the world for health and vitality for millennia. In Japan, Kusatsu Onsen is a unique town graced with eight out of the country’s 3,000 “onsens” or natural hot springs.

A local and visitor headliner, Kusatsu possesses the largest water flow of all hot springs in Japan. Each minute, 32,000 liters of spring water (the equivalent of 23,000 barrels per day) stream out from an active volcano named Mt. Shirane. Yet, the hot spring’s impressive qualities don’t end there. The natural water feature is filled with rich minerals such as sulfur, which may help clear toxins from the body and fortify the skin.

Explore more ways to unwind with steam in Japan, and beyond, in this post about steaming around the world.

California

One of the best parts about hot springs is that they can be found in a variety of locations, including the United States. Trek to the west coast to discover the Travertine Hot Springs in Bridgeport, California. Whether you want to set up camp or simply enjoy the scenery, this hot spring boasts a striking view of the Sierras from nearly every angle.

Sometimes, the world can feel like one big pressure pool. If you’re looking to melt away some of life’s stress, Travertine Hot Springs house a group of geothermal mineral springs with a variety of temperatures. This means no matter what hot spring you choose to dip into, you’ll find just the right one to cool you down or warm you up.

But true relaxation starts with embracing wellness. It's easier than it sounds, but much like the soothing heat of a steam shower, hot springs can encourage relaxation — both mentally and physically. Research has shown that steam may release endorphins, our feel-good hormones, to encourage stress reduction. As the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff.

Wyoming

Need more places to add to your adventure checklist? The Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third-largest hot spring in the world. While not safe for swimming, this huge hot spring in Yellowstone National Park is best known for its vibrant rainbow colors that change along with the seasons, making it no surprise that it’s Yellowstone’s most photographed thermal feature.

Color has long been valued for its ability to influence our mood and make our spaces feel and look better. Like adding ChromaTherapy to your steam shower, the Grand Prismatic Spring’s colorful hues are a mainstay to the ultimate wellness experience. In the center of the pool, where boiling water surfaces from the ground up, temperatures can reach levels so hot the water becomes sterile. This makes for an inhospitable environment to take a swim, yet the deep, breathtaking blue color contributes to a stunning sight year-round.

Need inspiration for incorporating color and wellness in your home? Read how to elevate your wellness routine with color.

Iceland

If you’re looking for a next-level, aesthetically pleasing travel experience, you’ll find it in Iceland. This island country is home to many beautiful attractions including Blue Lagoon, which was named one of “The Top 25 Wonders of the World'' by National Geographic.

Most towns in Iceland have a geothermally heated, community-focused pool, where citizens come to unwind in the warm waters. Considered one of Iceland’s most treasured staples, Blue Lagoon contains blue, milky water that stands in beautiful contrast to the black lava stones surrounding the area. Settled in the southwest region, the lagoon’s soothing, mineral-rich waters offer excellent nourishment for the skin.

Interested in learning about Iceland’s historic steam bathing roots? Read more about this region’s steam bathing history in Steam Through the Centuries: Iceland.

Bring Hot Springs Home

Steam offers an all-natural way to elevate your daily wellness routine. Channel the relaxing hot spring experience and all the benefits steam has to offer by adding a steam shower to your home.

Luckily, creating your dream steam shower is more simple and affordable than you may think. Visit our Virtual Spa tool to make your vision a reality.