Soaking in a naturally-occurring hot spring is a singular way to connect with a place. Beyond simply admiring a landscape, you’re directly immersing yourself within it. The planet is dotted with these enclaves carved into the earth by time and nature, that we humans have happened to stumble across for a dreamy soak.
We’re endlessly taking inspiration from the magic of soaking outdoors—this is what inspired our wood burning hot tub, which is possibly the closest thing you can get to a hot spring soak.
Here are a few hot springs around the world high on our list at GOODLAND, each worthy of its own pilgrimage. A reminder to be mindful about treading lightly and respecting the planet while visiting each one.
Colca Lodge, Arequipa, Peru
In Peru’s Colca Valley, natural waters feed into thermal hot springs. The Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons on the planet, and in its valley, the hot springs naturally flow. Abundant with iron and silica, Colca Lodge is the most known spot in the valley to soak, but you’ll find others dotted around the valley.
Saturnia, Italy
In Maremma in the southern part of Tuscany, the terraced pools are heated underground by the magma of Monte Amiata, a nearby (now dormant) volcano. Visit at nighttime—with a headlamp or flashlight—and soak in the mineral waters under a starry sky.
Mammoth Lakes, USA
In California’s Eastern Sierras, Mammoth Lakes is perched on a volcano caldera that’s hundreds of thousands of years old. Geothermal waters run underneath the surface of the ground, creating an abundance of natural hot springs. After a hike, there are perhaps few things more satisfying than dropping into soothing waters, with views of the expansive Sierras ahead.
Hakone, Japan
Hot springs—or onsen in Japanese—are a significant part of Japan’s culture, with thousands found across the country. In northern Japan, the onsen in the mountains of Hakone are warmed by the nearby Mount Fuji. A known destination for hot springs, many of Hakone’s inns or ryokans feature onsen, allowing you to build a soak into your stay. For a truly memorable hot springs experience, seek out an onsen with a view of Mount Fuji.
Taos, New Mexico
In New Mexico’s desert, spend your days exploring the architecture and galleries of Taos, and your evenings seeking out hot springs. One of the most well-known is Ojo Caliente, a natural health resort that first opened in 1868. Or venture into the wild and visit Black Rock Hot Springs or Manby Hot Springs. Soak in the evening sky, then spend the night at one of Taos’ Earthships (like this one).
Pammukale, Turkey
These terraced hot springs in western Turkey are known for bright aqua pools and white, limestone walls. It’s right near the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city. Soak in this otherworldly landscape, knowing that people enjoying these thermal waters for thousands of years. Visit in the early morning or evening to see the hot springs bathed in golden light—and for fewer crowds.
Liard River Hot Springs, Canada
In remote northern British Columbia, Liard River Hot Springs is home to warm thermal pools in the midst of a lush spruce forest. Along the drive to Alaska, Liard is a truly idyllic spot to take a break to stretch, soak, and bask in the serene beauty of the Canadian wilderness.
Each of these hot springs (and many, many more) are high on our travel list at GOODLAND. In the meantime, there are few things more restorative than a wood-fired soak in your own backyard—it’s not unlike having your very own personal hot spring. Stepping into a wood burning hot tub isn’t only deeply soothing, but it also can connect you with your surroundings, whether that’s gathering fallen branches for the fire or feeling the gentle breeze.
Charlotte Boates
Charlotte is a writer who heads up the Journal at GOODLAND. She’s written extensively for a range publications on slow living, design, architecture, and more. A frequent traveler, Charlotte is driven by sharing meaningful and impactful stories that encourage us to become more aware of the world around us.
