The 17 Most Glamorous and Magical Hot Spring Resorts Around the World
*This article contains affiliate links. As a Hotels.com Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Photo courtesy of @sammcclendon , theblondescout.com
People have been traveling to natural hot springs for thousands of years to enjoy the benefits of hot springs. Today, many of these natural hot springs have been elevated by 5-star luxury resort experiences to provide nature’s liquid treasures alongside modern hotel amenities and spa treatments. Here is our list of the 17 most glamorous, magical, and all around bucket-list worthy hot spring resorts around the world. Where will you take your next plunge?
1. Austria – Aqua Dome
Photo courtesy of @annasitchyfeet
If the Jetsons were to go on a family vacation, they’d probably head to Aqua Dome in Austria. It features outdoor thermal pools with stunning mountain views, a vast spa area with various saunas and steam baths, and a futuristic design that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.
This resort is ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a unique combination of thermal water relaxation and alpine beauty. Every day, 80,000 liters of natural hot spring waters are pumped into the Aqua Dome’s 8 pools. Enjoy the mineral-rich thermal waters in the futuristic-looking levitating pools while taking in the breathtaking 360° views of the Ötztal valley.
2. Costa Rica – The Springs Resort & Spa
Photo courtesy of @caayen
At The Springs Resort & Spa in Costa Rica you’ll find 28 hot spring pools for your soaking pleasure as well as absolutely awe-inspiring views of the Arenal volcano. Does this 5-star resort look familiar to you? You may have seen it on an episode of The Bachelor!
The Springs Resort & Spa is renowned for its hot springs, stunning volcano views, and lush rainforest surroundings. The resort provides a range of activities such as wildlife tours, river rafting, and zip-lining for adventure enthusiasts.
3. Italy – Terme di Saturnia
Photo Courtesy of @donquiellumbera_
Italy’s most famous hot spring, the waters at Terme di Saturnia have been enjoyed for more than 3,000 years. The water’s of Saturnia begin their journey on the slopes of Mount Amiata, and flow underground for 40 years before re-emerging in the current day resort. Enjoy these legendary waters in travertine marble crafted Roman baths and swimming pools at this luxurious 5-star resort.
4. Jordan – Ma’in Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Photo courtesy of @jkennedy737
Herod the Great is said to have bathed at the Ma’in Hot Springs and surely these legendary healing waters have been enjoyed by many since the days of Rome. The Ma’in Hot Springs are located in Jordan, 64 miles south of the city of Amman and are 866 ft below sea level. The thermal waters flow off a hillside into various waterfalls and collect in multiple pools that are available for soaking. The waters are said to be rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Ma’in Hot Springs in Jordan. Photo courtesy of @wanderonworld. Check out her travel blog.
Photo courtesy of @seeusoontravel. Check out her travel blog seeyousoon.ca.
“After 10 minutes you forget time, after 20 minutes the world."
– Mark Twain’s remarks on Friedrichsbad
Located in Baden-Baden Germany, Friedrichsbad is an elegant and opulent Roman-Irish bathhouse. When it first opened in 1877 it was regarded as the one of the top bathing establishments in the whole of Europe. Today, at Friedrichsbad you can partake in the 17-step (nude!) bathing process that has been enjoyed by Mark Twain, European Royals, Aristocrats and many others. This process includes saunas, warm showers, pools with water from the famous healing hot springs of Baden-Baden as well as chilly cold plunges.
6. Iceland – Blue Lagoon Iceland
Photo courtesy of Jeff Sheldon
The milky blue waters and sharply contrasting black lava stones at Blue Lagoon create a surreal and beautiful sight, named by National Geographic to be one of the top 25 Wonders of the World. Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions with its incredible visuals and mineral rich healing waters. Why is Blue Lagoon so blue? The milky blue color comes from a type of algae in the lagoon.
7. Vietnam – Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion
Photo courtesy of @cmashup
Located 20 miles from Vietnam’s city of Hue, this wellness oriented resort is nestled on 2,000 m² of land in the tropical Alba Wellness valley. Enjoy incredible mountain views, tropical forests, streams and an eco-conscious luxury resort experience. Alba Wellness Valley is built upon the Thanh Tan hot spring, providing onsite mineral hot spring soaking opportunities. For the wellness-oriented eco-friendly traveler, this is a must-visit spot while traveling to Vietnam.
8. England – Thermae Bath Spa
Photo Courtesy of @onemoreweekendaway
The thermal waters at Thermae percolate through limestone 4,800 meters below the surface and have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years by Celts and Romans alike. Today, Thermae Bath Spa is Britain’s only and premiere hot springs resort, located in the beautiful World Heritage city of Bath (named after the baths that the Romans built in 60 AD). Take a dip in the rooftop mineral-rich pool while taking in stunning views of the Bath skyline and Bath abbey.
9. United States (Alaska) – Chena Hot Springs Resort
Photo courtesy of @_amandaduart
Soaking in a natural hot spring pool, surrounded by snow covered mountains, gazing into the a night sky displaying the sublime beauty of the northern lights… all this is possible at Chena Hot Springs Resort. The hot springs here were first discovered in 1905 and became a legendary place for healing the aches and pains of weary Alaskan pioneers and gold miners. Today, you can visit this world-class resort to enjoy the waters, surrounding nature, and even visit the hotel’s onsite ice museum.
10. New Zealand – Polynesian Spa
Photo Courtesy of @milkrice0303
Located alongside the scenic shores of Lake Rotura, the world-famous Polynesian Spa provides New Zealand’s premiere hot spring resort experience. Choose from 28 mineral hot spring pools on site. The acidic waters of the “Priest Spring” are believed to help relieve tired muscles, aches and pains, while the alkaline waters of the “Rachel Spring” are said to provide benefits for the skin
11. United States – Dunton Hot Springs
Photo Courtesy of @duntonhotsprings
Located deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, you’ll find the 1800’s ghost town of Dunton Hot Springs and a rustic yet luxurious hot springs experience. The hot spring waters at Dunton were first enjoyed by the Ute Indians and later by miners, who dynamited the hot springs to direct them towards a bath house they built. The Dunton Hot Springs resort provides log cabin lodging, a chef-driven saloon dining experience, and full spa treatments.
12. Chile – Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa
Photo courtesy of @nataliabrunvi. Check out her Mexico based casual wear brand PALMABENA.
The Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa is nestled in a fjord of the Chilean Patagonia. Relax in the resorts outdoor hot spring pools while looking out at the beautiful waters of Dorita bay and the nearby snow-capped mountains. Puyuhuapi is truly a remote place to escape from the stress of modern life and can only be accessed by boat. In addition to relaxing in the mineral rich waters, you’ll have the option to explore tropical rainforests, kayak on Dorita bay, or go for a wine-tasting excursion.
Photo courtesy of @caritomolinas
13. Japan – Zaborin Ryokan
Photo courtesy of @cecilia_vvvv
Located in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido you’ll find the tranquil and sophisticated hot spring resort known as Zaborin Ryokan. While other resorts often provide communal soaking opportunities, Zaborin is unique in that it focuses on privacy. Each room includes two hot springs baths. Soak, breathe, reflect, and look out at the scenic Hanazono woods of Hokkaido.
14. Hungary – Gellért Baths
Photo Courtesy of @artnouveaukathi
The thermal waters of Gellért Baths have been enjoyed from at least the middle ages when they were the site of a hospital and used for their healing properties. In 1918 the Gellért Baths were constructed in the Art Nouveau style and are world famous for their architectural beauty. The waters at Gellért contain a variety of minerals including magnesium, calcium, chloride, alkalis and sulfate. Tradition holds that they can help provide relief to those with various health conditions from degenerative joint illnesses, to spine problems and neuralgia.
15. Switzerland – 7132 Thermal Baths
The 7132 Thermal Baths are internationally renowned for their architectural style, designed by Peter Zumthor and uniquely constructed from 60,000 slabs of Vals Quartzite. The waters at 7132 come from the St. Peter spring at a balmy 30ºC and are highly mineralized. 7 different pools are available for bathing as you relax in this architectural masterpiece.
16. Australia – Peninsula Hot Springs
Photo Courtesy of @wanderwithshelly
Located 90 minutes outside of Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, Peninsula Hot Springs provide an award-winning natural hot springs resort experience. Peninsula excels in the area of variety, providing 50 unique and globally inspired bathing experiences. These experiences include Turkish hamam, a hilltop pool with 360-degree views, a reflexology walk, a cave pool, infrared sauna, cold plunge pools, massaging bamboo showers, and more.
17. Canada – Harrison Hot Springs Resort
Located in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., a 90-minute drive from Vancouver, you’ll find this lakefront hot spring resort. Harrison Hot Springs resort provides 5 hot spring mineral pools and even 2 waterfalls. Nestled in tranquil gardens on the shoreline of Harrison Lake, you’ll be sure to find the relaxation you’re looking for in the mineral rich waters and modern resort amenities.
The Best Hot Spring Resorts in the World Are Waiting…
Why keep putting off that trip you've been dreaming about? Book your hot springs vacation on Expedia and when you stay 10 nights, earn 1 night free with over 100,000 eligible hotels worldwide! Plus, unlock secret members-only prices. Sign up for free and get instant access to exclusive discounts.
*affiliate commissions earned