![]() Enjoy a nightcap in ‘Jeff’s Cellar’, the resort’s otherworldly subterranean wine bar with mini hot spring features. Tips: For an experience which is, quite literally, breathtaking, plunge into the ice bath between thermal soaks – it’s meant to improve circulation. You can spend some time underground too, enjoying a natural sauna in the thermal steam cave, or pausing for meditation and reiki healing among the crystal rock formations. The geothermal dipping pools are positioned with striking views over the forest, and fill daily with fresh, hot water that bubbles up from deep underground. Why? One of Karl’s favourites, this distinctive resort has everything onsite for enjoying a few days of idyllic time out. What? A deluxe resort built around a variety of natural and curated hot springs, caves and jungle walkways. Add a little extra luxury to your hot spring indulgence with a traditional Lao sauna, where steam mixed with fragrant herbs helps relax body and mind. This resort is so much more than somewhere for a quick recharge-and-go, and you’ll be sad to leave too soon. The sublimely relaxing hot spring pools are open to locals as well as hotel guests and offer a moment to touch base with the traditions of rural Lao life away from the usually-inescapable tech distractions. Why? Muang La Lodge epitomises the ideal of ‘getting away from it all’ - somewhere to turn up, unplug and chill out - and gets a top recommendation from Selective Asia’s founder, Nick. What? A relatively off-trail resort, even for Laos, with natural hot springs by the riverside and luxurious naturally-heated hot tubs to soak in each evening. The water is hotter than you realise though, so don’t stay in too long! Muang La Lodge, Laos Tips: Visiting during the day rewards you with great views over the bay, but we love a dip after sunset when you can stargaze while enjoying a cosy bathe. It might seem a bit too hot at first, but your body soon acclimatises and you’ll feel the benefits of that uber-warmth long after you’ve finished your spa. Why? After a thigh-toning climb up Mount Tapyas to admire the view over Coron, there’s nothing quite as heavenly as a soak in these hot pools. What? Beautifully landscaped pools with curved edges that mirror the natural sweep of the surrounding jungle. Where? Just outside Coron town, Busuanga Island, Palawan Tips: It is perfectly acceptable to wander between your ryokan and the public onsen wearing just traditional spa attire of a yukata robe and geta sandals, which are both comfy and practical, adding an extra level to the laid-back and traditional vibe. Stay in a rural ryokan, enjoy guest-only access to the town’s public baths, and take a day-trip to watch nature’s hot-spring experts - Nagano's famous snow monkeys - showing how it’s done at Jigokudani National Park. Why? Though Hakone offers a wealth of hot spring options in undisputedly gorgeous surroundings, head to Shibu onsen for a more off-the-tourist-trail experience. What? A picturesque and historic spa town with a laid-back atmosphere, nine public bath houses and numerous small ryokans, including some that are over 400 years old. (pictured: the Reverie Siam boutique) Shibu onsen, Japan These larger thermal lagoons are just as nature formed them, have fewer crowds, and are a deliciously comfortable 34☌. Tips: Though the Tha Pai hot springs (8km south of Pai itself) are the area’s most famous, check out the ‘secret’ hot springs to the north at Sai Ngam. Find your perfect temperature and settle in for a soak. The pools vary in temperature with the top ones being the hottest (some hot enough to boil an egg, and you can buy eggs en route for just that purpose!), getting gradually cooler as they descend. Why? This is the epitome of what natural hot springs are all about: beautiful surroundings, organically-formed pools, and relaxing thermal waters just deep enough to lay back in. What? Shallow, naturally formed thermal pools, cascading downwards in gentle shelves shaded by trees. Where? In the countryside surrounding Pai, Mae Hong Son province Enjoy mentally unwinding as you imagine stepping into that warm, mineral-rich water. Our Destination Specialists enjoy visiting a hot spring (or ten!) on their travels, and have narrowed down eight of the best hot springs in Asia to help you choose yours. However dreamy our hotel hot tubs and jacuzzis may be, there’s nothing quite like a soak in one of nature’s own thermal spas. ![]()
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