Last updated February 5, 2026
Hot springs are hot spots for good reason. Wellness seekers the world over flock to these mineral-rich waters for their therapeutic and medicinal properties not to mention Instagram-worthy surroundings.
In the busy hustle of modern life, knowing when to slow down and take it easy is vital to maintaining wellness. Once you’ve decided to get away from it all, do you even know where to get away from it all?
Many destinations offer a peaceful, relaxing vacation experience, but a healing hot springs vacation can truly change your life. In addition to their calming effects, they are good for your body.
What Are Hot Springs?
Hot springs are naturally occurring springs of groundwater that are actively heated by geothermal energy. This energy comes from hot rocks deep within the Earth’s mantle. Mankind has been visiting hot springs for centuries and using them for therapeutic purposes and relaxation.
The temperatures vary by location, but the generally accepted definition says that the water must be hotter than 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Indeed, many hot springs are naturally too hot to be comfortable and are artificially cooled to create that perfect, soothing environment.
These naturally occurring spas form primarily as a result of geothermal activity. In some non-volcanic areas, temperature increases with depth in a phenomenon known as the Geothermal Gradient.
Hot springs are created when water from a naturally occurring spring circulates deep enough to be in contact with these hot rocks. This water is then carried back up to the surface and creates a warm pool of water.
Other hot springs in volcanic zones are heated by magma flowing underground. Many of these springs, however, are too hot to be enjoyed and must instead be viewed from a distance.
Healing Benefits of Hot Springs
Not only can hot springs be physically relaxing, but they are also often surrounded by beautiful scenery.
The geothermal waters are filled with rich, dissolving minerals that have a positive health impact. Since ancient times, people from all over the world have been visiting mineral-rich waters for their restorative effects.
Healing hot springs can be an excellent way to improve your health. The hot water and minerals commonly found in these pools can boost your blood circulation and oxygen flow. And they can provide pain relief from chronic conditions like arthritis, too.
Sulfate can help keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. Boron is also often present, which can strengthen bones and increase brain function.
All of these health benefits and the relaxing atmosphere make them a truly excellent way to alleviate the stressors of modern life. There’s nothing quite like sitting in water heated by rocks deep within the Earth while gazing up at a clear, starry night.
The Best Hot Springs in the World
Natural thermal pools may be found anywhere in the world and are actually far more common than many people think. Research shows that the United States alone is home to more than 1,100 geothermal springs.
Here is a list of some of the most beautiful hot springs in the world:
- Kerosene Creek | New Zealand
- Uunartoq Island | Greenland
- Kurokawa Onsen | Japan
- Air Panas Banjar | Bali
- Hammamat Ma’in | Jordan
- Pamukkale | Turkey
- Blue Lagoon | Iceland
- Cascate Del Mulino | Italy
- Ainsworth Hot Springs | Canada
- Castle Hot Springs | Arizona
- Hot Springs National Park | Arkansas
- Calistoga Spa | California
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs | Colorado
- Bozeman Hot Springs | Montana
- Hot Springs | North Carolina
Rules of a Good Soak
Enjoying your experience to the full means following a few basic principles of etiquette. The specific rules may vary from resort to resort and location to location. For example, in Japanese onsens, complete nudity is a mandatory requirement. Nonetheless, there are a few broad rules that apply. Following these four principles will make your experience a resounding success.
- Leave no trace—keep the space clean and pick up after yourself
- Be mindful of others—don’t wreck the peaceful experience by being rowdy
- Avoid bringing or using soaps or shampoos that could upset the balance of minerals in the water
- Use the toilet beforehand (no peeing in the water)
Snapshot
- Soak in hot springs heated by geothermal energy from deep underground rocks, with water temperatures above 98°F creating naturally therapeutic pools rich in healing minerals.
- Boost blood circulation, oxygen flow and pain relief from arthritis by bathing in mineral-rich waters containing sulfate for healthy skin and boron for stronger bones.
- Visit top hot springs destinations, including Blue Lagoon in Iceland, Kerosene Creek in New Zealand, Kurokawa Onsen in Japan, or Pamukkale in Turkey for restorative experiences.
- Follow basic etiquette by keeping the space clean, staying mindful of others’ peaceful experience, avoiding soaps that disrupt mineral balance and using toilets beforehand.
About Vacayou
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