Soak Your Cares Away at These Sizzlingly Stylish Hot Spring Stays

In search of a little well-earned relaxation? Sometimes the most soothing remedy for a stressed-out mind and tense muscles is a good, long soak in a hot bath. And if it comes with a spectacular view, that’s even better! With 32% of global travelers thinking of taking a spa or wellness trip in 2019*, we delved into our more than 28 million listings in more 147,000 destinations around the globe to present seven truly outstanding getaways that feature their very own on-site hot springs, perfect for some truly restorative R&R. These unique escapes are exciting destinations in and of themselves. While you might not normally consider trekking all the way to the far corners of Chile or New Zealand just for the perfect, picturesque soak, these seven stays might just change your mind.

Yufuin, Japan

Hidden away in the forests of Ōita, the small town of Yufuin is famous for its scenic lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. There you can spend days on end relaxing in a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) meditating to magical views of the misty mountains in the distance. If you are looking for an authentic ryokan experience, then a night at the Yufuin-Sanso Waremokou will not let you down. Tucked away in the mountains, this beautiful, traditional Japanese inn has its own open-air cypress hot spring bath, which you can also reserve for private use.

Bormio, Italy

The alpine resort town of Bormio is home to some of Italy’s best hot springs. If you are looking for direct hot spring access from your room, QC Terme Hotel Bagni Vecchi is the spot for you. Built around nine natural hot springs that have been treasured by the locals for more than 2,000 years, this indulgent spa getaway provides free access to their outdoor thermal pools, as well as the facilities of the on-site spa Terme Bagni Vecchi. This peaceful property is perfect for an idyllic, calming getaway. As you soak your way across each of the secluded pools, make sure to pay a visit to the natural Turkish bath that’s carved right out of the side of the mountain.

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand 

Dream of relaxing in a DIY hot spring? In addition to being a popular surfing destination on the Coromandel Peninsula (just to the east of Auckland), at the aptly named Hot Water Beach, you can actually dig your own private hot tub in the sand. The water that’s bubbling just beneath the surface can be up to 64 °C (147 °F), perfect for a sizzling, albeit short soak. The best time to take advantage of this unique natural phenomenon is during low-tide, otherwise the hot springs are covered with ocean water. The nearby Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a variety of options to suit almost every taste, including villas, chalets, bungalows and tents. And it’s just a short walk away from the beach.

Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa has its own naturally flowing thermal mineral springs, just a short drive from Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you can relax surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and lounge away in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Arenal Mountain – an active volcano. The resort features five main springs heated underground by the volcano’s magma, as well as dozens of waterfalls and river pools with multiple flows and temperatures to choose from in order to suit your personal taste.

Puyuhuapi, Chile

Located in Puerto Puyuhuapi in south-central Chile, the Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa is only accessible by boat, which makes its outdoor thermal swimming pool and hot springs a truly remote location for a signature soak. Set in a truly tranquil environment overlooking a fjord, all the hot water and heat for the lodge’s rooms comes directly from the thermal springs themselves. Watch the sun set from one of the property’s three outdoor pools or simply marvel at the Milky Way overhead during a late night dip beneath the stars.

Sowayma, Jordan 

Surrounded by mountains and fed directly by a hot spring waterfall, Ma'In Hot Springs is a breathtaking oasis-style resort just a short drive from the Dead Sea. The springs are 264 metres (866 feet) below sea level and the water of the thermal waterfalls can reach up to 63°C (145 °F), due to underground lava which heats them. Imagine sitting in a pool carved right into the mountain, enjoying your own personal thermal massage from the waterfall above and marveling at the dramatic, craggy surrounding landscape, simply letting all your cares just float away. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience during your stay, make sure to try a traditional Zarb meal (cooked in the hot sand) in an authentic Bedouin tent.

Taipei, Taiwan

Located in Beitou’s hot springs area just to the north of Taipei City, the Grand View Resort Beitou was designed by the renowned architect Li Zuyuan, who also designed Taipei 101, once the tallest skyscraper in the world. As you slide into your own private tub, feast on the panoramic views of the area's lush, rolling hills, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows that have been designed to bring the tranquility of the forest into the relaxation ritual. To combine your soak with a little fresh air, spend some time in the outdoor spring, surrounded by cypress trees.

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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 21,500 respondents, across 29 different markets (including 1,000 respondents from Australia, Brazil, China, Columbia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the US, the UK, Russia, and 500 respondents from Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2018, be planning at least one trip for 2018 and either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in August 2018.