Taking the waters - Soaking in Hot Springs around the World

It was perhaps Jane Austen that first introduced me to the therapeutic benefits of bathing in thermal waters—a concept which my teenaged self found archaic and strange. As I grew older (and travelled wider), I realised bathing in hot springs is fairly common the world over. The instant I stepped into my first hot spring, I understood why. The almost unbearably warm waters cocooned my body and I felt my muscles unwind. I closed my eyes. It was sublime.

I do not know whether the mineral-rich waters are actually beneficial for one's health, nor do I care, to be honest. It's the pure relaxation that I'm after. Here are five of my favourite hot spring soaks from around the globe.

Thermae Bath Spa - Bath, England

Best for: Reliving history

Bath, home to the only natural thermal springs in Britain, is where Austen would retire to take the waters. The Thermae Bath Spa is located right next to the Roman baths, where millennia before us wealthy Romans stretched out in communal baths, shrouded by the steam rising up from the water. Soaking in the warm waters of the rooftop Thermae Bath Spa, with the ochre spires of Bath Abbey as the backdrop, it is easy to imagine the sheer indulgence that has been enjoyed by generations.

Blue Lagoon – Grindavik, Iceland

Best for: Surreal scenery

The mere mention of thermal springs brings Iceland's Blue Lagoon to mind—its turquoise waters and rocky slopes making for an alien landscape.This famous hot spring is actually a run-off from the nearby Svartsengi geothermal power plant. This rather off-putting bit of information is easily forgotten upon entering the immaculate spa, and more so, because of the surroundings. It feels even more surreal when you are submerged in the heated pool, drink in hand, with only your head exposed to the freezing cold.. Spa-goers are encouraged to lather themselves with the silica mud and the vision of their white, mud-caked bodies add to the otherworldly experience.

Peninsula Hot Springs - Mornington, Australia

Best for: Stunning sunsets

Located 90 minutes from Melbourne, the Peninsula Hot Springs in Mornington is a nature lover's delight. Rocky pools of steaming spring water lie scattered amidst the Australian bush. Visitors are able to walk around in the bush, hopping from pool to pool, taking in the breathtaking surrounds, accompanied by nature's soundtrack of gurgling springs and birdsong. I highly recommend timing the visit for sunset. The hilltop rock pool affords a 360 degree view of the valley. Lulled by the warm spring water, watching the green pastures set aflame by the setting sun—the hot springs in Mornington will certainly tak your breath away!

Miyamaedaira Onsen -Kanagawa, Japan

Best for: Delicious local food

Food is perhaps not what comes to mind when thinking of hot springs or onsens (Japanese bath houses), but most of the decent onsens have some of the best local fare on offer. The Miyamaedaira Onsen, located about a 40-minute drive away from Shibuya, Tokyo, is a local favourite and unlikely to be found on tourism websites. I was introduced to this shrine for relaxation by my Couchsurfing host. The onsen has a number of bedrock pools and wooden tubs to soak in, some overlooking the hills beyond. As with most Japanese innovations, this onsen was beautifully designed and everything a visitor could need is provided for—from robes and towels to soap and food. It has a fully functioning restaurant serving up local favourites. They serve the most refreshing cold soba and the silkiest chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)— the perfect way to cap off a relaxing day.

Pemandian Air Panas Soa Mengeruda-Bajawa, Flores, Indonesia

Best for: A soak off the beaten path

Set amidst lush tropical brush on the Indonesian island of Flores, about 40 minutes away from the town of Bajawa, these hots springs are far from the beaten tourist trail. Local families can be seen picnicking under wide banyan trees, a handful venturing into the turbid waters cascading down rocky outcrops. The pool located under a canopy of trees, their roots forming the banks, has hot water bubbling straight from the ground. Once in the pool, surrounded by foliage, it feels a world away from civilisation.

Samai Haider is a writer, traveller, artist and economist. Read about the fables of her foibles here in Star Weekend.