12 of the 'most Instagrammable' hot springs in the world
- UK holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts published a ranking of the "most Instagrammable" hot springs in the world.
- The prettiest springs range from Termas Geométricas in Chile's Villarrica National Park to Blue Lagoon in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula.
- Some of the hot springs feed luxurious spa baths, like the Szechenyi Spa Baths in Budapest, Hungary, or Aqua Dome in Tyrol, Austria.
Some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the world are steamy hot springs.
UK holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts recently published a ranking of the "most Instagrammable" hot springs around the globe to round up some of the prettiest falls and pools.
From Budapest's opulent spas to California's heart-shaped waters, read on for a deeper look at the 12 "most Instagrammable" hot springs, ranked in descending order.
12. Located in Villarrica National Park, Termas Geométricas is the largest complex of hot springs in Chile
Designed by architect Germán del Sol, Termas Geométricas is a hot-spring complex structured in the form of a maze.
Immersed deep within the Villarrica National Park near the city of Pucón in Chile, this architectural masterpiece is situated next to the Aihué stream.
Below the stream, healing thermal waters bubble at up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to their proximity to the magmatic layer of the Villarrica volcano.
The crimson walkways suspended over the stream lead to the spa's many pools
Each pool has a small, covered space next to it where people can sit or get changed. There's also grass planted on the huts' roofs, making them look as a natural continuation of the park's vegetation, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
11. Aqua Dome is a deluxe spa resort in Tyrol, Austria, that offers superb alpine views from the inside of a big thermal basin
At this futuristic thermal resort, visitors can float in a large brine basin filled with warm water just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit while gazing at the magnificent Alps.
Located in the heart of the scenic Ötztal valley, Aqua Dome brings together natural materials, like wood and stone, with modern ones, like glass and steel.
The outdoor basins overlooking the valley's peaks are the property's highlight
Visitors can soak in the outdoor thermal basins and pool or opt for various indoor wellness treatments involving alpine herbs, minerals, gemstones, ice, or thermal water.
Guests who stay at the Dome's hotel can also try the SPA3000. This premium service allows guests to view the Ötztal Alps through a panoramic glass panel while getting the royal treatment in one of the indoor mineral baths.
10. The grand decor of Budapest's Gellért Baths echoes Wes Anderson's dreamy movie sets
With more than 100 thermal springs, it's no wonder the city of Budapest in Hungary presents some of the world's most impressive medicinal baths and spas.
Located within the lavish Hotel Gellért, the Gellért Baths stand out for the grandiose Art Nouveau furnishings, stained-glass windows, and intricate mosaics, which could easily be part of a stylish Wes Anderson movie set.
The Gellért Thermal Bath and Hotel opened in 1918, but its springs go back even further
The water sources on the property go back centuries, and the hotel opened in 1918. The establishment was damaged in World War II but was fully refurbished decades later, attracting tourists from around the globe ever since.
Visitors can choose to soak in one of Gellért's two effervescent bath sections, three outdoor pools, and eight thermal bath departments, with water temperature going up to around 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Saunas and steam rooms are also available.
9. Peninsula Hot Springs in the Australian Mornington Peninsula is a geothermal spa oasis
Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria, Australia, fuses over 50 globally-inspired bathing experiences that are built around the Mornington Peninsula's geothermal mineral waters, which flow into indoor or outdoor pools and baths.
Some of the areas feature fun amenities like underwater speakers, hammocks, cafes, ice caves, and saunas.
Peninsula also offers spa treatments and glamping accommodations right next to the springs
Pass by the Spa Dreaming Centre for the cold plunge pool, massaging bamboo showers, hanging tree pods, poolside lounges, and fine dining.
Guests can also stay at Peninsula's luxurious tents for a glamping experience.
8. The town of Kinosaki in Japan brims with hot springs and bathhouses
This Japanese town is so dedicated to unwinding in hot springs that it has developed seven distinct bathhouses.
Built along a willow-lined river off the Sea of Japan's coast, the charming Kinosaki is a top onsen (hot spring) destination in the Kansai region.
The town's hot springs were discovered around the eighth century, and visiting the baths has become a common pastime for locals ever since.
Waterfalls, mist rooms, saunas, and outdoor baths are some of the area's many offerings
The spring water has a temperature of around 176 degrees Fahrenheit but is regulated at around 107 degrees in the bathhouses. It contains a wealth of minerals with healing properties said to cure fatigue, digestive issues, nerve and muscular pain, and bruising.
The bathhouses are free to access for those staying at a local ryokan, a type of Japanese inn. It is recommended that visitors bring their own towels.
7. Grutas Tolantongo is a natural hot-spring park in Hidalgo, Mexico, that has cliffside infinity pools, caves, and waterfalls
Located in Hidalgo, Mexico, Grutas Tolantongo is a park of hot springs surrounded by nature.
This geothermal paradise boasts an array of cliffside infinity pools filled with mineral-infused water that's heated by the surrounding volcanic mountains.
The pools are literally built into a cliff, straddling different levels, which makes for some mesmerizing views.
Adventurers will also love the park's caves, rivers, waterfalls, and thermal tunnel
The caves, rivers, and tunnel overflow with warm waters that produce steam that rises out of the trees in a dream-like manner.
The resort is accessible by car and by bus. It also has a restaurant and a hotel, if you're looking to stay.
6. Terme di Saturnia in Tuscany, Italy, offers visitors the chance to relax near majestic waterfalls
The thermal springs of Saturnia, an ancient village in Italy's Tuscany, are so beautiful that some believe they were created by the hands of a god.
According to legend, god of peace and abundance Saturn threw a thunderbolt into a volcano crater, causing a river of water to flow over plains and mountains, thus bringing peace and quiet.
All myths aside, the sulfurous Terme di Saturnia springs have been around for centuries and are said to benefit those with certain skin conditions and muscle ailments.
The sulfurous spring water feeds Saturnia's waterfalls and natural pools
The village is now known among visitors as a proper spa town, where 800 liters of water per second flow over the land and its various formations. The water is just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The town's most iconic spot is the Cascate del Mulino, a gorgeous setting where hot, white waters from the waterfalls continuously drop on limestone, forming a group of natural pools.
The adjacent old mill adds that extra Insta-worthy touch.
5. The natural thermal pools emerging from Hot Water Beach's sand in New Zealand resemble otherworldly moon craters
Visitors might have to dig a little deeper for this underground thermal wonder, but it's definitely worth the effort.
Hot Water Beach, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand, gets its name from the hot springs bubbling beneath the surface of the sand.
The water below can be as hot as 150 degrees Fahrenheit before it reaches the surface, naturally filtered, at low tide.
The best time to visit is within two hours on either side of low tide
Less than two hours before or after low tide is when locals and tourists tend to flock to this otherwise quiet beach.
Opposite the off-shore rocks, visitors dig large holes and create their own private pools of thermal water that resemble otherworldly moon craters.
To join in the fun, people can either bring a shovel along or rent one from the nearby surf shop. Swimming is also an option, but visitors are advised to be careful of the strong currents.
4. The thermal waters of Hanmer Springs in Canterbury, New Zealand, intertwine with the highland landscape
The small town of Hanmer Springs in Canterbury, New Zealand, is built around hot springs gushing from a fractured bedrock.
Although this alpine village is famous for its numerous mountain trails and ski slopes (ideal for some serious hiking), its natural hot springs turn it into an Instagrammable delight.
The springs can be seen flowing in a lush forest surrounded by mountains or feeding a spa's outdoor pool
It's also worth visiting the popular Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. Guests can relax in one of its 22 outdoor thermal mineral, sulfuric, and freshwater pools with a range of temperatures.
Guess can also check out hydroslides like the Conical Thrill, New Zealand's largest aquatic thrill ride. Private thermal pools, sauna, and steam rooms are also available.
3. Visitors can soak inside a secluded, heart-shaped hot tub in Mammoth Lakes, California
Situated on the edge of an ancient volcanic caldera in Mono County, California, the town of Mammoth Lakes and its surrounding area boast a number of marvelous hot springs.
Among the most popular springs in Mammoth Lakes are Wild Willy's Hot Springs, The Crab Cooker Hot Springs, and the Whitmore Hot Springs.
Wild Willy's may be the most picture-perfect of the three, as it is shaped like a heart
Taking a selfie in Wild Willy's warm, aquatic heart is an Instagrammer's dream come true. Most of the area's hot springs are secluded, so guests are advised to organize their visit in advance if they want to experience as many as possible.
2. Housed in a sumptuous Neo-baroque palace, the Szechenyi Spa Baths in Budapest are a popular spot
One of the largest medicinal baths in Europe, the Szechenyi Spa Baths in Budapest, Hungary, remain one of the city's most visited sites.
The baths were built between 1909 and 1913 in the City Park and designed by architect Győző Czigler in Neo-baroque and Neo-Renaissance styles that make them extra photogenic.
Aside from attracting visitors from all over the world, this marvel also serves as many Hungarians' go-to meeting point
With 15 indoor baths, three outdoor pools, 10 saunas, and services like massage therapies, facial treatments, and aqua fitness, it makes sense that Szechenyi is one of the city's most frequented hubs for romantic and business meetings alike.
The water temperature here reaches around 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. With its milky-blue waters contrasting a black lava field, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a man-made geothermal paradise
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland, a region known for its barren soil and cone-shaped volcanoes, Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason.
Its hot waters' milky-blue shade contrasts the surrounding black lava field, composing one of the most mind-blowing views.
Formed in 1976, the lagoon is supplied with water from a nearby geothermal power plant
The Blue Lagoon is man-made and dates back to 1976. The water, which is supplied from a nearby geothermal power plant, renews itself every 48 hours and sits at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
The Blue Lagoon spa will let visitors swim in it for a fee and, due to the popularity, pre-booking is absolutely required.
To make the most of the magical landscape, be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon in the evening to see the midnight sun or the glorious Northern Lights, depending on the season.
Visit Parkdean Resorts' site for the complete list of the most Instagrammable hot springs.
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