Experience the wonders of wellness-enhancing hot springs on your next vacation.
For centuries, hot springs have provided rest, rejuvenation, and social connections to cultures around the world.
More recently, studies have found real health benefits of soaking in waters naturally heated by the Earth’s interior, including reduced pain and blood pressure, increased blood circulation, and improved mental health. Beyond the physical benefits, hot springs provide a unique cultural and historical experience for those seeking travel centered around wellness.
“In every culture, there’s a tradition of soaking in natural hot springs,” adds Melissa Biggs Bradley, the founder of Indagare, an Equinox Circle partner and members-only, boutique travel-planning company. “I think we’re finally catching on and understanding there are real benefits to them.”
To experience the soothing, wellness-enhancing perks of hot springs yourself, book a stay at one of these five resorts around the world, curated by Indagare.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
Located at the crossroads of several tectonic plates that create geothermal energy and abundant with mountains that provide serendipitous spots where water meets heat sources, Switzerland is a haven for hot springs, which have been enjoyed here since Roman times. The Tamina Therme is the star of the show in the small municipality of Bad Ragaz in eastern Switzerland. Discovered by hunters from the Pfäfers monastery in 1242, the hot spring was not what you’d call easily accessible. It’s said that some people climbed down ladders to reach the gorge, while others were lowered to the water in baskets, blindfolded so they wouldn’t panic. Today, it’s a not-to-miss hot spring with a variety of thermal baths for the general public.
The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is full-on luxury with free access to the 97.7°F Tamina Therme, in addition to spa treatments and pools exclusive to the resort. Two historic buildings provide decadent accommodation while seven restaurants provide Michelin-starred culinary meals. Throughout your trip, relax and take in the surrounding natural landscapes. “I think it’s the best example of the European healthy lifestyle with this kind of grand culture around it,” says Biggs Bradley.
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The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
With its milky blue, mineral-rich water, the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most iconic attractions. Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, not far from Keflavik International Airport, the 98 to 104°F lagoon is nestled within a lava field and surrounded by moss and dramatic volcanic landscapes. “It’s an unbelievably cool experience,” says Biggs Bradley of soaking in the glowing blue water.
Skin-boosting silica mud masks are one of the signature experiences at the Blue Lagoon, which is open to the public. You can also take a guided hike in Iceland’s beautiful environment and, if you time it right, you can see the northern lights from November to March.
While you’re visiting, stay at The Retreat hotel, which offers a subterranean spa, Michelin-starred dining, morning yoga with views of the volcanic surroundings, and a private lagoon boasting the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon.
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Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, Italy
Book a stay at the Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa on the volcanic island town of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, and you’ll be met with stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The hotel is housed in an unfinished historic watchtower (“mezzatorre” means “half-tower”) that dates back to the 16th century. Though you won’t be relaxing in a hot spring itself, you can enjoy the thermal waters of Ischia in pools that reach 96 to 100°F, as well as Turkish baths, saunas, sensory showers, and mud therapy in Mezzatorre’s spa. “Like in Switzerland, this is less about activities but more about the soaking,” says Biggs Bradley.
When you’re craving some movement, swim across the hotel’s secluded bay, wander through its pine-wooded park, or play a few matches on its clay tennis courts. An on-site restaurant offers traditional Italian and regional cuisine with, of course, an extensive wine list.
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Gora Kadan, Japan
Known as onsen in Japan, geothermal springs have long been touted for their healing properties and viewed as sacred spaces connected to Buddhist beliefs. Located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (roughly 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo), the Gora Kadan inn and spa is situated around the Hakone Gora Hot Spring.
A former summer villa of a member of the Imperial family, Gora Kadan is a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with paper doors and tatami mats. Many suites have their own private soaking bath outdoors amidst the gorgeous and poetic natural environment. As per Japanese culture, nude is the dress code for the public bath, which is separated by gender, and you’ll need a scrub-down before entering any of the hot spring pools, says Biggs Bradley.
Shiatsu massages, meridian therapy treatments, and authentic kaiseki cuisine round out the serene experience.
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Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica
With its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, Costa Rica’s Nayara Tented Camp offers a glamping experience with an expansive view of the Arenal volcano. Each luxury tent in the heart of the rainforest comes with its own private outdoor pool fed by natural hot springs, and the spa offers a variety of treatments that incorporate locally grown organic coffee, chocolate, and volcanic mud. To top off the restorative experience, attend an instructor-led yoga session, attend a frog-watching night tour, stroll through the jungle, or look out for birds and sloths in the tree canopy.
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Through Equinox Circle, Equinox members have insider access to Indagare’s curated journeys, a 30-day complimentary trial of Self Planner membership, and $100 off annual subscription, plus access to VIP benefits including upgrades, complimentary breakfast, spa credit, and more.