6 Natural Hot Spring Hot Spots

Peppered across the globe, volcanic landscapes are some of the most dramatic on the planet. Lava fields, calderas, geysers, colourful sulphur pools and towering peaks capture our imagination as they showcase the forces of nature. Yet with these strident land formations comes a softer, more inviting side in the form of mineral-rich hot springs. These blissfully warm thermal pools have been at the heart of societal wellbeing for thousands of years.

With well documented healing properties, hot springs are a gift of nature. Imagine sinking into these soothing warm waters, steam rising around you and tension melting away. Geothermal bathing makes the perfect footnote to a day’s busy adventuring. From Superjeep safaris in Iceland to jungle hikes in Costa Rica, adrenaline highs in New Zealand to parading with penguins in Antarctica take a look at our pick of adventurous ways to get into hot water.

There are an abundance of geothermal pools in Iceland, with the Blue Lagoon the country’s most famous. From stylish spas to mountain streams, hot water is everywhere.

The Atlantic Ocean sweeps inland into Hvalfjordur (whale fjord) in south west Iceland providing a classically Icelandic backdrop for Hvammsvik Hot Springs. This collection of eight pools varying in temperature from ocean cool to 41°C, sit right on edge of a sheltered bay on Hvalfjordur’s south shore. Channel your inner Wim Hof with a North Atlantic swim before hopping into the hot pools for a blissful soak. Some pools fluctuate in temperature with the lapping ocean, while others are consistently warm. Recharge gazing at the ocean and surrounding mountains.

Add a short oceanside dip at Hvammsvik Hot Springs into your touring itinerary, or for an immersive experience spend a night or two in one of the stylish, self-catering cottages at Hvammsvik Nature Resort. With hiking, kayaking and paddle-boarding opportunities, this is the ideal place to combine relaxation and adventure.

From the cool of Iceland to the colour of Costa Rica, hot springs experiences take on a tropical twist in this Central American gem. Iconic Arenal volcano is one of the country’s biggest draws delivering on scenery, wildlife and adventure. The conical peak dominates the landscape where a host of hot springs can be found.

The geothermal waters of Ecotermales Hot Springs at La Fortuna provide a therapeutic oasis in the heart of the rainforest. Combine with a hike around Arenal contrasting the rugged lava fields of the 1968 eruption with the serene tranquillity of this rainforest location.

A stay in one of the wooden casitas at Amor Arenal is sure to rejuvenate, with the chance to soak in your own private geothermal plunge pool. Stroll along the property’s meandering jungle trails on the lookout for wildlife before returning for a dip on your deck with a killer view.

The Thermal Explorer Highway literally takes centre stage on New Zealand’s North Island. This themed touring route showcases the volcanic heart of the country particularly around Rotorua where erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and the characteristic scent of sulphur are unmissable.

Rotorua sits within the Pacific Rim of Fire and boasts one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. It’s not hard to find somewhere to get into, or near to, hot water here. Get dirty with a soothing mud bath at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park or style it out at the newly opened Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Wholly owned by the local Ngāti Whakaue tribe, this new hot springs draws on Maori culture and healing traditions to offer a restorative experience. The Polynesian Spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua is perhaps the best known hot spring providing a therapeutic bathing experience from two natural springs with views overlooking the lake.

Central North Island is also a hub for adventure. Both blood-pumping and low key activities can be weaved into a self-drive itinerary. Jet boat through the powerful waters of Huka Falls, hike or bike lakeside trails and reach new heights on the Redwoods Treewalk – a series of 28 suspension bridges through the treetops of Rotorua’s famous redwood forest. This latter experience can be perfectly paired with a dip in Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Not only can you luxuriate in hot tubs heated from fresh spring water to a delightful 39.5 degrees but you can follow your dip with a drink and a bite in the unique café and bar whilst soaking your feet in a mini hot tub!

The rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar are the colourful jewel of the Icelandic Highlands. Part of Fjallabak Nature Reserve, a palette of red, yellows and grey blend to create a surreal and stunning landscape. This is a hikers paradise and forms the first leg of the world-famous Laugavegur multi-day trail. Geothermal rivers and hot springs providing the perfect respite for tired limbs.

Combine two of Iceland’s most iconic experiences in one thrilling day out. Superjeeps, Icelanders pumped-up off-roaders, offer the chance to experience the wonders of Landmannalaugar on a soft adventure. Join a guided day trip with a driver guide through the wild and beautiful highlands, where you can hike and bathe in the hot springs.

Back in New Zealand, this time South Island, the resort town of Hanmer Springs is nestled in a valley in the foothills of the Southern Alps, around 1.5 hours’ drive from Christchurch. As the name would suggest, the major feature of this charming alpine village are the natural hot pools making it one of best known thermal springs in New Zealand. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a sprawling complex housing 22 outdoor pools amid native gardens. There are even two giant waterslides to add to the thrills! Should a more low key experience be required, private thermal pools and saunas are also available.

This is New Zealand so not surprising that there’s a slew of action-packed activities available from Hanmer Springs. Rafting, jet-boating, hiking, biking and the Kiwi classic, bungy jumping all feature. Winter visitors can add skiing to the list. With no shortage of boutique shops and eateries, Hanmer Springs makes a pleasant day out in the mountains.

You’ll find no spas or treatment menus in this final entry. Deception Island in the sub-Antarctics is as rugged and remote as you get. This horseshoe-shaped island is the tip of a submerged volcanic caldera and was once the site of a whaling station, with remnants of this past scattered across the black sand beach. Now occupied by wandering penguins and the occasional hauled out seal, the beaches steam with heat from the still active volcano beneath. This is the warmest of spots on the continent for a polar plunge!

Deception Island is a regular landing site on cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula. The narrow entrance ensuring it is the preserve of small ships only.

Plan Your Holiday

If you’d like to get into hot water on a adventure holiday, get in touch with our experts on 01737 428 376 or send an enquiry and we’ll create your perfect holiday. Or browse our itineraries using our Holiday Finder.