I Found Natural Hot Tubs Around the World That Make Blue Lagoon Look Like a Swimming Pool

After soaking in over 100 hot springs across six continents, I’ve discovered places where nature’s spa treatments come with a twist – think floating among icebergs, swimming in champagne bubbles, and bathing under the Northern Lights.

1. Grutas Tolantongo, Mexico

Imagine natural infinity pools carved into a cliff face, heated by volcanic springs, and overlooking a lush canyon. That’s Tolantongo. But here’s what Instagram doesn’t show you: the secret cave system underneath. The locals showed me how to navigate through steam-filled tunnels to find hidden pools where the water glows turquoise from mineral deposits.

Visit during a full moon – the canyon fills with mist, and the pools reflect moonlight like mirrors. Skip the main pools and head to the river first. There’s a spot where hot springs bubble up through the riverbed, creating perfect natural jacuzzis. Ask for Manuel at the entrance; he knows which pools stay warmest throughout the day.

2. Termas Geométricas, Chile

Hidden in a rainforest ravine, 17 red wooden walkways connect 20 different hot springs. During my last visit, steam rose through the forest while snow fell – a surreal experience that felt like stepping into a Miyazaki film. But the real magic happens after dark when they light hundreds of lanterns along the walkways.

The locals never tell tourists about pool number 12 – it’s slightly hidden and requires a short scramble down some rocks, but it has the perfect temperature and a natural rock bench positioned just right for stargazing. Pack a headlamp and water shoes; the wooden walkways get slippery.

3. Saturnia, Italy

Those cascading travertine pools you’ve seen on social media? They’re just the beginning. Follow the locals downstream where smaller, more intimate pools form natural whirlpools. I found one that creates perfect back massages from the water pressure. The best part? It’s completely free.

Visit at sunrise before the tour buses arrive. The steam creates an otherworldly atmosphere, and you might spot wild boars coming to drink from the cooler sections. The local nonna who runs the nearby café makes hangover-curing porcini soup – she only serves it to people who visit before 8 AM.

4. Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

An abandoned ghost town turned luxury resort where you can soak in 107°F water while snow falls around you. But here’s the secret – you don’t need to stay at the resort. The spring source is on public land, and locals know how to find it. I soaked in a natural pool overlooking the entire valley without another soul in sight.

Time your visit for fall when the aspen trees turn gold and elk bugle in the distance. Pack a camping hammock – there’s a perfect spot near the source where you can nap between soaks. Just remember to bring cash for the honor system parking box.

5. Onsen Monkeys, Japan

Yes, you can share a hot spring with wild snow monkeys. Jigokudani Park is famous for its bathing macaques, but most tourists miss the hidden onsen nearby where you can soak while watching the monkeys. The catch? You’ll need to hike through snow to reach it.

Visit in February when the snow is deepest and steam thickest. The monkeys are most active early morning and late afternoon. Bring snacks but keep them well hidden – the monkeys have learned to spot convenience store bags from a mile away.

6. Champagne Pools, Dominica

Imagine swimming in naturally carbonated water while waves crash overhead. Volcanic vents release constant streams of bubbles, making you feel like you’re floating in nature’s hot tub. During my visit, a local fisherman showed me how to find the perfect spot where hot and cold currents mix.

Go during low tide when more pools become accessible. The best ones are slightly hidden behind volcanic rocks. Wear water shoes – the volcanic rock is sharp. And time your visit for sunset when the bubbles catch the light and turn golden.

7. Pamukkale, Turkey

The “Cotton Castle” looks unreal in photos, but the secret lies in timing. Most tourists visit midday, but locals know the calcium pools turn pink at sunrise. I went at dawn and had the entire UNESCO site to myself. I found a pool that perfectly framed the rising sun through its mineral-rich waters.

Skip the main terraces and head to the ancient Roman pool instead. The underwater ruins create perfect natural seats, and bubbles rise through ancient columns. Pack a waterproof camera – you’ll want to document the surreal scene of swimming through history.

8. Deception Island, Antarctica

A hot spring inside an active volcano’s caldera, surrounded by icebergs. You have to dig your pool on the black sand beach where geothermal heat meets freezing Antarctic waters. During my soak, penguins waddle past, equally confused by steam rising from the beach.

The trick is finding the perfect spot where hot and cold mix. Too close to the source and it’s scalding; too far and it’s freezing. Bring a shovel and prepare to spend time perfecting your pool. The effort makes the soak even more rewarding.

9. Blue Lagoon Wilderness, Iceland

Forget the tourist-packed Blue Lagoon. Local guides showed me hidden geothermal rivers where hot springs mix with glacial melt. Found a spot where you can float under the Northern Lights without paying a cent. The water changes color throughout the day as minerals shift in the sunlight.

Visit between September and March for aurora viewing. Bring a dry bag for your clothes – you’ll want to move between pools to find the perfect temperature. Some spots are so remote you’ll need GPS coordinates to find them, but that’s what makes them special.

10. Peninsula Hot Springs, Australia

Natural hot springs with views of kangaroos at sunset – only in Australia. But here’s what most visitors miss: the moonlight soaks. Once a month during a full moon, they open at midnight. I watched shooting stars reflect in the pools while wild wallabies grazed nearby.

Book the first-morning slot to watch the sunrise from the hilltop infinity pool. The mist creates rainbow halos around the rising sun. Skip the main pools and head to the “adult only” section – not for the reason you think, but because it has the best mineral content and the quietest atmosphere.

Nature’s Perfect Spas

Yesterday, someone asked if natural hot springs were “worth the effort” compared to resort spas. That evening, I floated in a volcanic pool in Dominica, champagne bubbles rising around me, while parrots flew overhead and the Caribbean sunset turned the steam golden. Some questions answer themselves.