Hot springs are the ultimate relaxation experience, and we’ve rounded up the most beautiful thermal pools in the world that we desperately want to swim in.

This month at bb has been all about travel, and we have got total wanderlust! Vanessa and Emily were lucky enough to fly to Japan with Jetstar, and now we’re dreaming of all the other places we could visit. Top of our list? Anywhere that has a hot spring for us to relax in.

The benefits of bathing in a thermal pool can vary depending on the water, but generally you can expect softer skin, some relief for tired muscles and a feeling of total bliss and relaxation.

Here are six hot springs we'd love to jump into, in order of approximate distance from Australia.

Via peninsulahotsprings.com

Peninsula Hot Springs – Victoria, Australia

Here’s one you won’t have to travel overseas for. Australia has its own world class hot springs destination in Victoria’s Peninsula Hot Springs. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, I have actually been here and I can confirm it is an experience you need to try at least once in your life. There are so many different hot springs to choose from, including thermal mineral pools, a hilltop pool, a cave pool and a Turkish steam bath. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful, and you can hire white robes to wear for an added touch of luxury. The Peninsula Hot Springs is best on weekdays when it’s a little bit quieter – sneaky day off work!?

via Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa – Rotorua, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Rotorua is filled with hot springs and mud pools, but one venue stands out above the rest. The Polynesian Spa features 26 mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, using geothermic acidic and alkaline water from local springs. There are different temperature pools so you’re sure to find one you like. There’s also a Family Spa in case you want to bring the kids! It’s only a short trip across the Tasman with our friends at Jetstar, and Rotorua is a few hours’ drive from Auckland.

via visitgunma.jp

Takaragawa Onsen - Japan

Japan is the land of strange beauty treatments, which our own bb staffers got to experience this month! But for pure relaxation you can't go past the Takaragawa Onsen for the chance to bathe in a hot spring in the snow! Located on the Takaraga river, it includes the the largest open-air bath in Japan. There is mixed bathing plus men's and women's only pools, and according to their website the Kokodara spa can help with fertility!? We're not too sure about that, but the idea of bathing in hot water while it's snowing is pretty appealing. The Takaragawa Onsen is just a few hours from Tokyo and you can stay overnight.

via strawberryhotsprings.com

Strawberry Park Hot Springs - Colorado, USA

After something a little more untouched? Try the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Colorado, USA. These are definitely off the usual international tourist trail, but well worth a visit. Look at that scenery! There are hot and cold pools, and plenty of space to relax.  For the full American wilderness experience, you can also stay on site in log cabins and covered wagons. There are a lot of hot springs in America but we can't get this one off our minds!

via Carasana

Caracalla and Friedrichsbad - Baden Baden, Germany

The Caracalla Spa in Baden Baden, Germany offers pure enjoyment in healing thermal water for all those seeking relaxation. There are water falls, water domes, massage jets, whirlpools and a flow channel as well as hot and cold water grottos. Nearby is Friedrichsbad, a renaissance style bathing house built in 1877 where your body is scrubbed and washed before you bathe in a series of different pools.

via Blue Lagoon Facebook

Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa - Iceland

This is one for the bucket list. It's a long way from Australia - but definitely worth it. The Blue Lagoon was accidentally formed in 1976 during an operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. People began to bathe in the unique geothermal seawater and apply the silica mud to their skin. Now it's one of Iceland's biggest tourist attractions!

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