Thermae
Bath Spa, Bath, UK
Do as the Romans did and find yourself
bathing in the hot springs of Bath. The Somerset city is renowned for its spas which are fed
by 45C natural springs below the city. One of the best choices for UK spa breaks
is the new(ish) £45m Thermae Bath Spa where you can bathe in the natural
mineral-rich waters, indulge in spa treatments or just enjoy the views from the
open-air rooftop pool.
San
Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Thailand
The
North of Thailand is the best area for hot spring aficionados. Try the San
Kamphaeng district (located 36km from Chiang Mai) which is home to the popular
hot springs resort set in a 40 acre landscaped parkland. The restorative
springs come from a deep source, have a natural heat of over 100 degrees
centigrade and are high in sulfur. Here you can camp, dine, bath in the mineral
rich waters and even boil some eggs.
Sycamore
Springs, California, USA
For
a taste of early America, head for The Sycamore Resort which is a national
treasure resting atop hot mineral springs. The site spans more than 100 acres
of forest, hills and meadows – giving you plenty of opportunity to be at one
with nature. Also expect gourmet organic cuisine, a private balcony spa and
plenty of healing therapies to choose from.
Blue
Lagoon, Iceland
No
hot spring break list would be complete without a mention of Iceland. Icelanders
are evangelical about stewing in thermal springs and the Blue Lagoon is easily
the most famous. It’s actually located 47 km from Reykjavik although this
hardly puts people off – it’s one of the most visited attractions in Iceland.
The 40C waters are rich with minerals and are thought to be healing, although
the real reason to visit is the lagoon’s incredible other-worldly beauty.
Negombo,
Ischia, Italy
Ischia
is a volcanic island just off the coast of Naples. It’s known for its hot
springs and there are no shortage of hotels offering thermal bath spa breaks.
One of the best is Negombo which is a cosmopolitan resort overlooking the bay.
Visit for open air massages, medical grade treatments and the chance to bath in
hot springs surrounded by gorgeous botanical gardens.
Gellert
Baths, Budapest
It’s
fair to say the Hungarian capital has made the most of it’s geographical fault
line position. It’s a great choice for cheap spa days as the city has over a hundred hot
springs feed spas and baths across the city, all very reasonably priced. One of
the most attractive is the Gellert baths (in the Gellert Hotel) which is
surrounded by Art Nouveau mosaics, sculptures and towering marble columns. It’s
also one of the most popular baths in Budapest so make sure you book in early.
Istarske
Toplice, Croatia
Natural
hot springs can be found throughout the countryside of Croatia. One of the most popular resorts taking advantage of
the hot springs is the Istarske Toplice. The spa offers mineral rich waters as
well as mud therapy and plenty of beauty treatments options. Recent tests also
discovered it’s one of the purest springs in Croatia with a purity level
remaining unchanged since 1858.
Ikaria,
Greece
Radioactive
waters may not sound the most inviting but Ikaria’s abundant supply of
radioenergized springs are said to be the most healing natural waters in the
world. Bathing is taken very seriously on the island and doctors will only
approve therapy after a thorough medical examination. Conditions treated here
range from chronic rheumatism to endocrine disorders.
Arenal
Vista Lodge – Costa Rica
The
volcanic region of Costa Rica is awash with hot springs and a good choice for
making the most of them is The Arenal Vista Lodge. It’s gorgeously located spa
resort hotel which you’ll find perched on a vista adjacent to the active Arenal
Volcano. You can make use of the spa baths and other wellness facilities
and organic locally sourced food is served where possible.
Japan,
Kurokawa
You’ll find hot spring resorts in
every region of Japan but for a combination of an attractive town and
outstanding outdoor baths, Kurokawa would be your best bet. It’s a low key
resort which resembles a tiny forgotten village but it’s actually considered to
be one of the best ‘Onsen’ villages in the country. Highlights include the
atmospheric cave baths and picturesque traditional bathing Inns located right
next to the fast flowing river.
Source : globalgrasshopper.com
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