18 Dazzling Hot Springs Around the World with Picturesque Views

Updated On: April 16, 2024 by   Miranne Khaled

The world is full of wonders that speak of the liveliness of the Earth. Besides all the magnificent snow-capped snows, caves, and waterfalls lie the glorious natural jacuzzis and the hot springs. These waters are quite scalding and form naturally. They also go by names like geothermal baths, mineral baths, and thermal springs. 

All around the world, tourists travel to experience the natural beauty of hot springs. In this article, we will explore how hot springs are created and 18 of the most scenic thermal pools around the globe. Scroll down to read through the blog, or click on one of the headings below to jump ahead!

What are Hot Springs?

Hot springs is the term used to refer to heated water, meaning that not every water body can be referred to as such. Although hot springs can vary in temperature and amount of water, they must feature a temperature hotter than their surroundings. Some hot springs have water with lukewarm temperatures, while others have scorching ones.

Magma is a geological element found below the Earth’s surface due to volcanic eruptions. When this substance ejects to the surface, it turns into what’s known as lava, heating everything around, including rocks and water. Hot springs occur when groundwater or rainwater accumulates, and magma heats it, turning it into a hot pool of water. 

The water of hot springs courses through rock layers and magma and scrapes the natural minerals found in them. Such minerals include potassium, iron, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, and more. That’s why you can reap tremendous health benefits from swimming in a hot spring. It has incredible healing properties for the skin, can relieve joint pain, and can even treat digestive disorders.

1. Banff Upper Hot Springs – Alberta, Canada

Banff National Park is a popular tourist destination in the Canadian town of Alberta that visitors and locals enjoy all year long. Interestingly, the Banff area isn’t just a great destination, encompassing nine natural hot springs; it’s also the first National Park in Canada.

Besides, it’s home to a huge part of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. Banff Upper is the most famous, located inside the Banff National Park. 

The park is located on a high elevation of Sulphur Mountain. So, besides relaxing in the hot pool and enjoying yourself, you’ll be rewarded with fascinating views. It overlooks lush trees and vast trails, hugging nature and perfectly blending with the scenic backgrounds of mountains reaching the sky. 

2. Deep Creek Hot Springs – Southern California, USA

Speaking of natural hot springs, the United States should take an award for being home to the world’s most geothermal baths. They’re scattered throughout the country, yet some are significantly more popular, especially among tourists. This time, we’re casting light over the Deep Creek Springs in Southern California. 

Usually abbreviated to DCHS, this natural wonder sits within the San Bernardino National Forest. This area offers excellent hiking spots where you can observe scenic landscapes and elements of nature before dipping into its renowned hot spring. It’s a perfect getaway outside Apple Valley City, allowing you to rewind and chill. 

3. Roystone Hot Springs – Idaho, USA

Another hot spring within the American borders is the renowned Roystone Hot Springs in Sweet, Idaho. It’s another fascinating spot to let your muscles rest and your racing thoughts calm down. Moreover, you can visit it at any time of the year, thanks to the water temperature that always stays warm. 

This area has been around for so long, offering unique amenities to ensure having a great time. There’s also a private patio, spaces for parties, and vast grounds for different sports. Thus, you can spend a whole day of recreation, making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

You can finalise your visit by dipping into the hot water and giving your body the relaxation it deserves.

4. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs – New Mexico, USA

Ojo Caliente is a secluded area in New Mexico suitable for getting away from the bustling noise of the cities. It’s a fascinating spot with different kinds of hot springs, each containing several natural minerals that are great for your overall health. People have always known this place as one with whimsical powers of healing and recharging your battery. 

Besides the relaxing hot springs, the area has a deep history in every corner of its grounds. Layers of rich history hang in the breeze, entertaining you with magnificent stories. Spa treatments are also abundant, helping you to relax even more. Honestly, it’s a place where you’ll feel one with nature and be able to disconnect from the heavy daily responsibilities. 

5. Pamukkale Thermal Pools – Denizli, Turkey

Turkey suffers no shortage of natural thermal pools. Despite the abundant hot springs in Turkey, Pamukkale Thermal Pools remains the most recognisable among tourists and locals. The thermal pools around this area are ancient ones with a long history, tracing back to the 2nd century BC. Thus, it is deemed a historical site in addition to being a popular destination. 

The natural pools sit in the Pamukkale/Denizli region, with appealing white limestone surrounding them, adding a scenic view. These vast lands of white limestone appear like a spacious snowy area, not to mention the lush trees covering parts of the land.

6. Trail Creek Hot Springs – Idaho, USA 

Another hot spring to visit and enjoy in the USA is the renowned Trail Creek Hot Springs in Idaho. This relaxing spot sits on the eastern side of Cascade Town, with a straightforward route to get to your destination. Although the region is available to visit all year round, it sometimes gets closed, depending on the road conditions and weather. 

Soaking in natural geothermal pools is a perfect way to escape your hectic chores, relax, and be present in the moment. Besides the relaxingly warm springs, you’ll be rewarded with mesmerising views. Pine trees stand tall along with rocky mountains surrounding the pools, not to mention the fascinating rock formations covering large hectares of land, further adding to the raw beauty of the region.

7. Kerosene Creek – Rotorua, New Zealand

New Zealand is another dazzling country blessed with a wide array of natural hot springs serving as tourist attractions. Kerosene Creek remains at the top of New Zealand’s famous natural geothermal pool list.

This spot is open to the public and a favourite among locals and visitors. The hot spring courses alongside banks, forming a hot river that runs through a forest in Rotorua. The scenery of the forest hugging the hot river within its green landscapes is one that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Not only will you get to spend a great time with your loved ones relaxing in a natural jacuzzi, but the surrounding views will also leave you in awe. However, it’s advisable not to dip your head under hot waters to avoid a rare disease known as Amoebic Meningitis caused by amoebas living in thermal waters.

8. Boiling Lake – Southern Dominica

The Caribbean is home to some of the world’s most fascinating natural wonders, and its hot springs are no exception. Boiling Lake is one of the renowned thermal pools in Central America, lying within the border of Dominica.

People commonly confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic. Although both Caribbean countries have almost similar names, they’re not the same.

Boiling Lake is deemed a World Heritage Site and is known for attracting people from all over the globe, given its whimsical vibes. The lake has lots of steam floating above, creating a scene that comes straight from a fantasy movie and explains the name.

Its location in Morne Trois Pitons National Park rewards visitors with breathtaking sights, including the Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge swimming lake.

9. Terme di Saturnia – Tuscany, Italy

Italy is home to some of the world’s most incredible hot springs, including Terme di Saturnia. It translates to “thermal baths of Saturnia,” given where this group of hot springs is situated, a few miles away from Saturnia village. The location of these thermal baths adds to their splendour, being secluded in southern Tuscany, away from city life. 

These natural hot pools are deemed historic since they were formed thousands of years ago. They sit in the middle of lush landscapes of nature with different levels, allowing the warm water to cascade in mini waterfalls into pools with mineral-laden white rocks.

All these wondrous elements come together, creating a whimsical destination where you can delve into its raw beauty.

10. Challis Hot Springs – Idaho, USA

It seems that we aren’t done with the geothermal baths of the United States just yet, for they’re pretty abundant and scattered across the vast American landscape. Challis is another renowned hot spring in Idaho. It spans along the Salmon River, creating the perfect elements for a relaxing escapade. 

The Challis hot springs are owned by a 5th-generation family, who managed to turn the site into a renowned tourist destination with lavish accommodations and other perfect facilities. The best part is that this location rewards you with incredible views of nature.

You can also enjoy more than a few outdoor activities here, another feature that makes this place hard to get enough of. 

11. Cleopatra’s Pool – Siwa, Egypt

Needless to say, Cleopatra was one of the most prominent rulers in Egypt and naming a hot spring after her must definitely have some deep significance. Cleopatra’s Pool is one of Egypt’s most famous natural hot pools. It’s located far away in the secluded region of Siwa Oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt.

Siwa is famous for holding several hot springs in the middle of its vast desert, decorated with sand dunes all around. However, this one remains the most popular and sometimes goes by Cleopatra’s Bath. It’s said that the natural pool got its name from the fact that Cleopatra herself used to dip in there every once in a while, yet there was never a piece of actual evidence supporting this claim.

12. Mataranka Thermal Pool – Australia

Australia’s most renowned thermal pool, located in the Northern Territory in Elsey National Park, is known as Mataranka Thermal Pool. This hot pool has become popular among locals and visitors alike, given its sandy bottom, not to mention the fascinating tall fringed palms erected around the bath. 

Being located within the border of Elsey National Park has made it a common stop among tourists. They stop by to take a quick dip to help them relax and enjoy some serene times in a region tucked away in the rural areas.

Nothing can ever beat the euphoria of shrugging your worries off your shoulders that comes with a relaxing hot dip and enjoying picturesque sceneries. 

13. Meadow Hot Springs – Utah, USA

Meadow, a town located south of Filmore, Utah, is home to some of America’s hottest and deepest geothermal pools. Being situated near the town of Meadow, the hot springs were named after it and became the most popular in Utah.

Although the hot pools lie within private property, the landowner made them open to the public. However, skinny dipping and nude bathing aren’t permitted here. 

The water has a perfect quality with a crystal blue eye-appealing colour. There are also a lot of natural rock and stone formations surrounding the pool, adding beauty to its authentic appearance. Besides this region’s splendour, many renovations have taken place to ensure the safety of the visitors.

These renovations include a rope stretching in the middle of the water for people to hold, a fence to protect from wildlife, and a trail to help guests ease their way into the hot waters. 

14. Alhama de Granada Springs – Granada, Spain

Spain is another European country blessed with natural hot pools in the middle of rich history and palatial culture. Alhama de Granada is one of Spain’s most famous hot springs. It is located between Granada and Malaga. However, it’s named after Granada for being nearer to that side. 

The springs’ name comes from “Al hammam,” which is the Arabic word for baths. This shows the influence of the surroundings that speak of ancient cultures.

The pools are close to Granada’s renowned Alhambra Palace, another tourist destination. Thus, visitors to this area tend to stop at the famous hot springs to soak in the hot waters before they continue on their journey around the Spanish lands.

15. Sky Lagoon – Grindavík, Iceland

Iceland is a country where a lot of wondrous elements come together, creating places that seem almost too good to be true, pieces of paradise. Its famous hot spring, the Sky Lagoon, is no exception; it has a whimsical effect that hypnotises visitors.

No matter how many times you’ve been there, you’ll always be awe-struck by its outstanding beauty.

The Sky Lagoon is a few minutes from the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík. Its name stems from the natural pool seemingly meeting the sky in an extraordinary scene. People enjoy the region’s views while dipping in the hot pools and enjoying its exceptional healing properties. 

16. Castle Hot Springs – Arizona, USA

The final thermal bath from the United States is Castle Hot Springs in Arizona. Castle Hot Springs is a heavenly spot where you’ll never feel like leaving once you visit, no matter how long you stay. Interestingly, these natural geothermal baths are tucked away in the Arizona desert, offering a serene spot to chill and have a good time.

Although it’s a historic site that was once a settlement for the native tribes of Arizona, it’s now a luxurious getaway with a lavish hotel. 

Moreover, the Hieroglyphic Mountains that encircle the hotel and the hot pools offer a breathtaking scene you can enjoy while swimming. Given the role this location played in shaping the history and culture of Arizona, it’s now been added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

17. Banjar Hot Springs – Bali, Indonesia

Asia has its fair share of natural geothermal baths, too. Indonesia is home to one of the world’s most heavenly islands, Bali. Bali is a place where several elements of nature come together, creating an outlandish view.

In addition to the island‘s unprecedented splendour, it suffers no shortage of unique hot springs, with Banjar Hot Spring being the most popular. 

Banjar Hot Springs lies close to the village of Banjar in the Singaraja area. The thermal springs are located in the middle of a lush jungle, with many fringed trees casting shadows over the region. It’s a perfect place to pamper yourself and take advantage of the beneficial minerals found in the sulphurous water.

18. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) – Beppu, Japan

Beppu is a region in Japan with eight hot springs that attract visitors from all over the globe every year. The thermal pools add to the area’s unbeatable fascination. Umi Jigoku is one of Beppu’s hot springs, famous for its vivid blue colour, resembling the ocean.

People often refer to this hot bath as Sea Hell for its exceptional blue colour and boiling temperature, which causes the pool to emit heavy steam.

“Onsen” is the term used in Japan to describe natural hot pools. If you pay attention, you’ll notice people referring to Umi Jigoku as the Blue Onsen. This hot spring is surrounded by green-covered mountains and vast landscapes, rewarding the visitors with tranquil moments among nature.

Hot Springs are Perfect Places for Relaxation and Reflection

If you’re planning for the perfect escapade, we’ve got your back with these unmissable hot spring destinations. No matter where you choose to go, don’t forget to stop and experience one of nature’s wonders and take advantage of its healing properties. 

The world is blessed with an abundance of serene and famous thermal baths that have captivated the hearts and minds of travellers for centuries. These natural wonders not only offer relaxation and rejuvenation but also serve as windows into the earth’s geothermal wonders and the cultures that have revered them.

From the tranquil Onsens of Japan to the mystical allure of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, each hot spring destination has its unique charm and character. They offer more than just a soak in warm water; they provide a chance to connect with nature, unwind from the stresses of modern life, and explore the diverse landscapes and cultures surrounding them.

If you’re interested in learning more about some of the most beautiful natural areas on Earth, check out these 13 Striking Facts About the Great Barrier Reef — One of the World’s Natural Wonders.