Y Travel’s Guide to Global Bathing Experiences

Y FACTORS: Nature & Sustainability, Culture & Community, Well-being

Arctic Bath Hotel

Dating back thousands of years to the innovative bathhouses of the Ancient Greeks, who used a combination of steam, cold, and hot water for therapeutic purposes as well as hygiene, bathing has been more than just a means of getting clean; it has been a cherished ritual steeped in tradition and culture.  From the bubbling hot springs of geothermal hotspots around the world, to the steamy hammams of the Ottoman empire, the invigorating sauna and cold plunge routines of Scandinavia, and the opulent grand European bathhouses, incorporating bathing experiences into your travels is a delightful way to immerse yourself in time-honoured practices that promote wellness and relaxation. Beyond established public bathhouses and hot springs, many hotels are now adding in-house aquatic therapies to their guest experiences, for an opulent and private take on local cultural bathing traditions. Join us as we share some of our favourite worldwide bathing experiences, guaranteed to leave you feeling invigorated and squeaky clean!

Delpar Farm, Iceland

POLAR OPPOSITES - STEAMY SAUNAS, ICY PLUNGES, & VOLCANIC SPRINGS

Polar bathing experiences are an exhilarating blend of tradition, wellness, and breathtaking landscapes. In Scandinavia, the practice of alternating between sauna and cold plunge is known for its numerous health benefits, such as improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mental clarity. Sweden's ‘floating’ Arctic Bath spa hotel, set in the icy waters of the Lule River, is a stunning architectural marvel, giving guests the chance to experience this invigorating ritual in style.

In Iceland, the volcanic geography of the island provides natural heat to the famous Blue Lagoon hot springs, attracting visitors from around the world to its warm, mineral-rich and incredibly photogenic pale blue waters. For a more exclusive experience, the lagoon’s adjacent Retreat Hotel, surrounded by a 'moat' of spring water, provides a luxurious private sanctuary. In the country’s far north Eleven Experience's cozy Deplar Farm, boasts a private indoor/outdoor geothermal pool, allowing guests to soak amongst the remote, wild Icelandic landscape. 

For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping cold plunge adventure at sea, Silversea’s Arctic and Antarctic expedition cruises offer passengers an optional thrilling cold plunge into the freezing polar waters. The onboard jacuzzi is the perfect final touch for polar divers needing to thaw out their chilly bones afterwards.

Dunton Hot Springs Resort

USA - WILD WESTERN WELLNESS

In the rugged 'Wild West' of the United States, around the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, natural geothermal hot springs have long been frequented by Native American tribes for their medical and spiritual significance. Today, the therapeutic benefits of the mineral rich hot springs is known as 'balneotherapy' with many hotels in the region embracing these natural wonders as a part of their guest wellness experience.

Arizona’s historic Castle Hot Springs Hotel, originally established in 1896 is an historic oasis once favoured by early 20th-century dignitaries, celebrities, and industry magnates such as the Rockerfellers and Vanderbilts. Today, after a full rebuild following two devastating fires in 1976 and 1996, the hotel once again offers discerning guests the chance to relax in beautiful accommodation, and unwind in its healing hot springs, all nestled within a lush desert landscape. Heading north across the border into Colorado, the tiny town of Dunton, with its romantic, 1800’s ghost town vibes, is home to the Relais & Chateaux property Dunton Hot Springs Resort, offering a unique blend of opulent rustic cabins as well as an extensive year-round range of indoor and outdoor balneotherapy experiences.

Six Senses Rome

EUROPEAN BATHHOUSES - A GRAND TRADITION

In Europe, the tradition of bathing dates back to ancient times, with grand bathhouses established near natural therapeutic hot springs across the continent. Historically, destinations such as Lourdes in France and Terme di Saturnia in Italy have also become renowned for their healing waters, attracting spiritual pilgrims seeking solace, rejuvenation, and in some cases hoping for a medical miracle. Modern travellers can experience the therapeutic benefits of hot springs in historic cities like Bath, UK, where the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa offers luxurious spa experiences centred around its natural thermal waters. Budapest, Hungary, boasts opulent public bathhouses such as the photogenic Gellért Baths (a picturesque 30 minute stroll along the river from Four Seasons Budapest), where visitors can soak in mineral-rich thermal pools while surrounded by stunning art nouveau architecture. Switzerland's Grand Resort Bad Ragaz provides a serene Alpine retreat with its own thermal spa village, offering a range of wellness treatments and hot spring baths. On the Italian island of Ischia, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa combines Mediterranean luxury with water therapies incorporating the natural thermal springs found on this formerly volcanic island. Of course it would be remiss of us to create a list of essential bathing experiences without including Rome itself, the ancient birthplace of the grand communal bathhouse. The Michelin-awarded Six Senses Rome has reinterpreted this ancient tradition in the most spectacular way, offering an architecturally stunning 21st-century, state-of-the-art take on the classic Roman bathhouse.

Royal Mansour

THE OTTOMAN INFLUENCE - HAMMAMS & HEALING

With the expansion of the Ottoman Empire from its birthplace in Constantinople (now known as Istanbul), the traditional hammam bathing experience spread throughout many countries including Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, and most of the Middle East. Hammams hold deep significance as communal spaces for cleansing, relaxation, and social interaction. The hammam's architecture, with its domed roofs, small star-shaped skylights (allowing daylight to filter in, and steam to filter out), marble benches and central pedestal, symbolises the harmonious blend of spirituality and practicality - the blending of heaven and earth. 

Many high-end hotels and resorts offer exclusive hammam experiences in-house, providing a more intimate setting for guests to enjoy traditional treatments in their own private space. In Morocco, the Royal Mansour is renowned for its opulent suites, while Istanbul's Four Seasons Hotel, located steps away from the iconic Blue Mosque in the ‘old town’ area of Sultanahmet features rejuvenating hammam rituals for couples or individuals in their beautiful Kurna Spa.

The Dead Sea, accessible from Jordan and Israel, is celebrated for its buoyancy due to the uniquely high concentration (around 35%) of salt in its water. And while waters may not be habitable for marine life, the Dead Sea's mineral-rich mud and waters are believed to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin hydration, making it a popular destination for wellness tourism. Hotels and resorts along its shores often incorporate these natural resources into spa treatments, offering mud wraps and salt scrubs that harness the Dead Sea's healing potential.

Bhutan COMO

ASIA - BATHED IN TRADITION

In Asia, bathing experiences are also deeply rooted in cultural traditions and offer profound therapeutic benefits. Japanese 'onsens' - their natural hot springs, have been cherished for centuries for their healing properties and communal significance. Historically, onsens were places of rest and recuperation, where people could soak in mineral-rich waters that are believed to alleviate ailments and promote relaxation. Espacio The Hakone features exclusive onsen baths with panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji, and boasts exclusive access to the source of the Dogashima hot spring. The name Dogashima, or “magnificent island”, was chosen due to the unique topography of the area at the time, which resembled an island rising out of a steep valley. The unique geothermal power of Dogashima spring means that the hot spring water at Espacio is never diluted using a heat exchanger – it flows freely to the baths in each guest room in its purest state.  Numerous smaller traditional ryokans throughout Japan also provide authentic and intimate onsen experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this steamy time-honoured tradition.

In Bhutan, hot stone bathing is a unique and culturally significant practice, where river stones are heated and then added to wooden baths, releasing minerals into the water. This traditional therapy is believed to relieve muscle aches and improve circulation. Como Resorts offer refined interpretations of these baths in each of their Bhutanese properties, blending Bhutanese traditions with their hallmark dedication to wellness experiences. Guests can enjoy private hot stone baths in tranquil settings, often with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, providing a serene and rejuvenating experience.

Tierra Atacama

LATIN AMERICA - TROPICS, MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS

In Latin America, bathing experiences are also woven into the rich tapestry of history, culture, and geography, offering profound wellness benefits. Natural hot springs, nurtured by volcanic activity, have been utilised by indigenous peoples for centuries for their healing properties and communal significance. In Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, and Chile, these traditions continue, providing restorative retreats amid stunning natural landscapes.

In Costa Rica, the lush tropical surroundings enhance the experience at properties like Nayara Springs, and Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Nayara Gardens and Nayara Tented Camp offer luxurious thermal spring experiences within the pristine Arenal Volcano region, while Tabacón boasts extensive on-site thermal springs, renowned for their mineral-rich waters and tranquil jungle setting.

In Peru, Colca Lodge offers an exceptional hot spring experience in the heart of the Colca Valley. The lodge features natural thermal pools set alongside the Colca River, where guests can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters while taking in the breathtaking Andean scenery.

Chile’s remote Atacama Desert is home to several luxurious retreats that highlight the region’s unique geothermal features. Nayara Alto Atacama, Explora Atacama, and Tierra Atacama all provide exquisite hot spring experiences, blending seamlessly with the local environment, and offering thermal baths that promote relaxation and rejuvenation against the stark, beautiful backdrop of the Atacama Desert.