Miranda Hot Springs – Thames, New Zealand

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Miranda Hot Springs is just over an hour’s drive from Auckland, making it a nice little getaway for the day. Multiple thermal pools sit on two acres of landscaped space with all the makings for family fun. In the distance, vibrant grassy hills, the pristine nature New Zealand is so famous for, line the horizon. …

Kuirau Park Footbaths – Rotorua, New Zealand

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Kuirau Park, the only free, geothermal public park in New Zealand, can be found near the city center of Rotoura. While not a traditional hot springs resort, it does boasts some foot baths guests can use. Other highlights include geothermal areas with boiling areas fenced off for safety, such as the famous mud pools. From …

Morere Hot Springs – Mōrere, New Zealand

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Morere Hot Springs is located on the beautiful central eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s a rare natural salt water hot spring set in a beautiful scenic reserve. Come for the hot springs; stay for the amazing paved walking paths through the 364 hectares of lush natural rainforest. History The thermal …

13 of the Best Hot Springs in the World

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Going about the mammoth task of listing some of the best hot springs in the world first requires a special set of criteria. Some of these thermal springs are spectacular spots (and spectacularly popular) because of their uniqueness. Others may have million-dollar views. There are primitive pools and others are resorts equipped with all the …

Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs – Djúpivogur, Iceland

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Djúpavogskörin Hot Springs is tucked away on the east coast of Iceland near the town of Djúpivogur. Sitting in this isolated tub without a house or building in sight can easily make you feel like the only person in the world. Between the Ring Road, the not-so-distant snowy peaks, and the North Atlantic Ocean, Djúpavogskörin …

Mývatn Nature Baths – Northeast Iceland

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The Mývatn Nature Baths, sometimes called the Blue Lagoon of Mývatn, are in the breathtaking Mývatn Geothermal Area. Set in the temperate climate of the northeastern part of Iceland, the weather is quite mild, despite being just 65 miles (105km) south of the Arctic Circle. With surrounding natural attractions like Hverir and Mt. Namafjall, it’s …

Snorralaug Hot Spring – Reykholt, Iceland

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Just 67 miles north of Reykjavik, Snorralaug Hot Spring is a historical and cultural landmark surrounded by bucolic grassy fields and a farm-like atmosphere. While swimming here has been banned since 1817, it’s a beautiful stop on any road trip or city escape to learn about the past. History This quaint little thermal pool first …

Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool – Westfjords Region, Iceland

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Reykjafjarðarlaug Hot Pool is set in the Westfjords region in the mystical island nation of Iceland. Even amongst the plethora of spectacular geothermal pools to choose from in the country, this is a gem. Secluded amongst the fjords, the multiple pools here are a hot spring enthusiast’s dream and are easily accessible from the road. …

10 Rules and Safety Tips for Hot Springs Use

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There’s nothing more relaxing than a soak in a hot spring on a cold winter day or cool summer night, especially if it has a view. While they’re not always articulated, there are a set of well-known rules and safety tips that will make the experience better for everyone and leave things nice for those …

Naegleria Fowleri: A Rare Brain–Eating Amoeba in Warm Water

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Naegleria fowleri is nicknamed the “brain-eating amoeba” despite its classification as an amoeboflagellate excavate. But that’s just semantics. The important thing to know about this microorganism is that it’s not something you want in your body. The brain-eating amoeba can be found worldwide but thrives in areas of warm or hot fresh water like lakes, …

12 Best Hot Springs in Mexico

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Rich in culture and natural landmarks, Mexico boasts a variety of top hot springs. From secluded primitive soaking pools to well-developed resorts complete with the finest facilities and overnight lodging, there’s a mineral hot spring for everybody. Take advantage of the United States’ proximity, and hop on a plane south of the border to visit …

12 Best Hot Springs in New Zealand

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Choosing the top hot springs in New Zealand is a tall order. Renowned for breathtaking mountains and bright blue bodies of water, everywhere you look is like a photograph. New Zealand is home to around 5.1 million people, many of which are concentrated in a few large cities. Citizens are known for their outdoorsmanship and …

12 Best Hot Springs in Australia

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The mineral hot springs in Australia rival the best of what any country has to offer, and most are set up for some wholesome family fun. Oz is rife with exotic wildlife and untouched nature, fantastic for relaxing away from the crowds. This giant island is full of thermal springs spread throughout the country. Stop …

12 Best Hot Springs in Colombia

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The best hot springs in Colombia, locally called “aguas termales”, are set amidst a background of some of the most biodiverse land in the world. Ten percent of the Amazon rests within this country’s boundaries, covering 35% of its total landmass. Colombia is a wonderful place to grab your swimsuit, and some exotic fruit and …

13 Famous Hot Springs in Iceland

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There’s no shortage of competition when it comes to picking the best hot springs in Iceland. This small Nordic country has around just 272,000 residents and over 45 hot springs with more than 200 pools, including one that formed in the wake of the Holuhraun volcano eruption as recently as 2014. After narrowing down the …

13 Best Hot Springs in East & Southeast Asia

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  For your next trip to eastern and southeastern Asia, be sure to relax and revive at one of its incredible hot springs. Not every country has geothermal activity, and experiencing the best of the ones that do is a lifelong challenge. While it’s purely subjective, this is a mix of natural springs and commercialized …

11 Famous Natural Hot Springs in Europe

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It’s a difficult and subjective task to make a list of the best hot springs in Europe. To some, a small natural pool surrounded by mountains and sheep is idyllic. To others, a historical bath around the amazing architecture is as good as it gets. This list is a mix of natural, primitive pools and …

16 Hot Springs near San Jose, Costa Rica

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The vibrant capital city of San Jose, Costa Rica is located in the middle of one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. There are more than a dozen hot springs nearby that make for a fun day or overnight trip. Next time you’re on your way to find a sloth or hike through …

7 Best Hot Springs by Park City, Utah

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Take a road trip from Park City, Utah to one of these hot springs for some après-ski fun or off-season bliss. Some are perfect day trips, while others are best suited for an overnight stay. Park City, home to some of the best skiing in the Rockies and the Sundance Film Festival, is a wonderful …

7 Natural Springs near Destin, Florida

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Destin is a popular Florida vacation destination known for its white, sandy beaches stretching miles down the coast. Unbeknownst to many tourists, some of the most exciting beaches aren’t on the Gulf but on one of the many natural springs just a short drive out of the city.If you have four wheels–or two, if you’re …